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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by Natalie J Weddings, www.nataliejweddings.com |
| |  | Chalkboard chic
Black and white weddings are bigger than ever
| That little white dress
Real brides, readers and the County Weddings team give their verdict on the most popular short wedding dresses
| Highlight the positive
We shine a light on the latest beauty trend: strobing
| Chatty man
Essex's Gregg Whyman gives his top tips for the ultimate best man speech
| Confessions of a... Bride(zilla)
Brides show their sassy sides and share secrets they've bottled up since the big day
| East is East
Tie the knot in Waltham Forest or Newham
| Ealing & Brent
Get a load of these local lovelies
| Head, shoulders, knees and toes
So the dress is in the bag, but have you thought about your overall bridal look? Read on for top-to-toe styling tips from our local experts…
| Togs for my #squad
Find the perfect fit for your entire bridal party with our guide to London's hottest occasionwear designers…
| Totes Bordelais
Offering cuisine, culture and a scenic journey through French history, Laura Sutherland reveals why Bordeaux is much more than a 'mini-Paris'
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 29th April, 2016 |
 | | | Buy a copy for just £3.45 POST FREE
A subscription for 6 issues will cost even less at just £17.60!
Alternatively, if you want to read Your London Wedding on your Smartphone or Tablet
you can order a complete eMagazine for just £1.49
To order, please visit our website at www.yourlondonweddingmagazine.com or call us on 01376 514000 |
| East is east |
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William Morris Gallery
Set in the picturesque surroundings of Lloyd Park, William Morris Gallery’s double-fronted Georgian exterior is as classic as it is elegant. This Grade II* listed building is a Walthamstow treasure, mixing old and new with aplomb thanks to its abundant original features and modern, yet sympathetic extension.
For ceremonies, choose from the bright top-floor Acanthus room – named for one of William Morris’ most famous patterns – which boasts walls lined with painted wooden panelling and can seat 36 of your nearest and dearest. The Story Lounge, meanwhile, is accessed by the grand 18th-century staircase and has room for 50 of your friends and family.
Retire to the Tea Room for your reception drinks, where 50 people can join you to toast your union, or 30 loved ones can share your first meal as man and wife as they look out over the stunning gardens. Larger celebrations for 120 guests can be hosted in the Main Galleries, where guests will be treated to an exclusive view of the permanent displays.
Ceremony licence? Yes
Contact: 020 8496 4292
www.forestvenues.london
Check out more local venues on page 28 of the current issue. |
| Wedding of the Year 2016 |
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Nearly-weds and newlyweds, our oh-so popular competition is back and you can enter – here’s how…
1 Couples who have tied the knot at a local venue between 1st October, 2015 and 30th September, 2016 and have had their day caught on camera by a local photographer can enter.
2 Keep your fingers crossed that you’re selected, and keep your eyes open for an email from us if you’ve been successful!
3 Four lucky couples are entered into each round – there are four rounds in total – and each issue readers vote for their favourite newlyweds on our website.
4 The winning duo from each round are entered into the grand final next spring, when online voting opens again and readers choose who should scoop the overall title.
5 Our lucky winners will receive a fabulous mini-break at St Ermin’s Hotel, worth £1,000. The prize includes a two-night stay in one of the hotel’s sumptuous suites, including breakfast on both mornings, plus an afternoon tea for two. This recently renovated, four-star gem in St James’ Park is one of London’s most elegant venues thanks to its lush tree-lined courtyard, sweeping staircase, dramatic Crystal Ballroom and Baroque Cloisters Suite. Licensed for ceremonies for up to 150 guests, the hotel offers a range of spaces for parties large and small. For more information, visit www.sterminshotel.co.uk
What are you waiting for? To find out more and enter, visit www.yourlondonweddingmagazine.com/woty_form.cfm – good luck! |
| City of old |
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| Image provided by www.whitestagweddings.com |
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A capital location provided the perfect backdrop for Rachael and Jack’s vintage London-themed big day
Initially colleagues, Rachael and Jack quickly became friends, then housemates before becoming a couple some eight months after they first met. “We went bowling in Hull (very romantic) for our first official date,” recalls Rachael. “We had a lot of fun and I beat Jack in both games. In an attempt to redeem himself, Jack challenged me to a game of pool, followed by basketball hoops – I won both of those too. Jack says it wasn’t the best start to the relationship.”
Luckily it didn’t deter him from proposing to Rachael, albeit seven years later. “Jack’s gift for my 30th birthday was a long weekend away in France. He’d planned out the whole evening, pre-warning the restaurant and requesting the best seat in the house, followed by a romantic walk down the promenade, champagne – the works!
Then he lost his nerve in the hotel room and dropped to one knee while uttering the words ‘fancy marriage?’” laughs Rachael. The couple had to pretend it hadn’t happened while they enjoyed their meal, hiding the ring until half-way through when Jack seized his opportunity for the second time.
Read all the details of their big day on page 44 of the current issue.
www.whitestagweddings.com |
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| A spring in our step |
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Ah spring; the welcome foil to that post-Christmas come down. It's impossible not to be joyful with all the bulbs a-bursting and lambs a-leaping. Well, okay, I may have used my poetic licence on that last one as there ain't many lambs in Leytonstone – but we've got daffodils a-plenty.
Talking of which, this issue we've put together a dedicated feature on the borough I call home, Waltham Forest and Newham. Turn to 27 to read all about the fabulous venues you'll find in my hood. We also hop to the polar opposite side of London to explore Ealing and Brent (page 19) and, since the weather has taken a turn for the better, we've taken a trip down the Thames for good measure to bring you a special on the River's best boats (page 33). #HardLife
And this issue we've got not one, not two but three real weddings for your perusal, not to mention a feature on the couple you've crowned London's Wedding of the Year 2015. If you fancy that title for yourself, not to mention scooping a fabulous mini break for two, then turn to page 65 now or enter online via our website.
Happy planning!
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| Georgina Cassels, Editor |
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Make sure you email editor@yourlondon
weddingmagazine.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a honeymoon in the Seychelles, worth more than £3,000 |
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Enter now for your chance to honeymoon at not one but two Hilton spa resorts in the Seychelles
If jetting off to the Seychelles 'just married' doesn't sound dreamy enough, how about a twin-centre honeymoon where you'll experience two award-winning hotels in one trip?
The first is the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa – the only resort on the third largest island in the Seychelles, Silhouette, which boasts its own tropical forest and skyscraping mountains, and sits along a 1.5km stretch of powder-soft beach. A short 20-minute helicopter ride from Seychelles International Airport in Mahé, or a 45-minute boat trip via Bel Ombre Jetty, it's a relaxing retreat.
The villas, of which there are five types, all have a tropical-chic vibe and offer a luxurious back-to-nature experience.
As well as an infinity pool, the resort boasts the Silhouette Spa, complete with couples' therapy suites – with unrivalled views no less – and an impressive treatment menu.
Foodie couples can indulge at its excellent selection of bars and dining venues, and adventure-seekers can trek through one of the Seychelles' largest National Parks.
Mid-way through your stay, you'll swan from one beachside hideaway to another, the second being the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, situated among the coves of Beau Vallon Bay on Mahé. With a rich history as one of the Seychelles' first hotels, and with no guests under the age of 13, this resort is a haven for couples seeking luxury comfort.
Located 25 minutes from the airport, it offers a choice of three modern villa categories, including its 16 new, breathtaking Grand Oceanview Pool Villas.
Like Labriz, this resort also boasts a crystal-clear Marine Reserve, a fresh water infinity pool and a wellness spa. The Spa features a relaxation area, steam room and a whole host of holistic treatments.
Not only will this haven provide a serene spot to reflect on tying the knot but its stunning setting is known to inspire – James Bond creator Ian Fleming wrote one of his most famous 007 stories For Your Eyes Only here.
Dining at this resort is described as an epicurean experience – from pre- and post-dinner cocktails under starry skies to international fare and flavoursome grills. After a honeymoon at these two hotspots, you won't be able to imagine life anywhere else!
The prize - Three nights in a Garden Villa at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis
- Three nights in a King Hillside Villa at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis
- Boat and airport transfers included
*(Flights and UK transfers not included) |
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| Enter here |
| The hot ticket |
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| Image provided by www.louisebjorling.com |
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The Wedding Fair at ExCeL, London is the ultimate day out for wedding inspiration, where you can try, buy, book and hire everything for your perfect day. Showcasing more than 150 of the finest wedding suppliers from the South East including London, Essex, Kent and Herts & Beds, everything is covered from venues to favours, transport to catering, stationery to cakes, and much more. There’ll also be eight beautiful catwalk shows throughout the two-day show with stunning gowns for every bride, as well as menswear, bridesmaids’ dresses and occasionwear, The Essential Bridalwear Collection where you can try on your favourites, free expert workshops and live entertainment too!
Don’t miss… - Creative Brides Craft Corner – Handy tips and live demonstrations to help you create a totally unique and memorable wedding.
- Prosecco Bar with bubbly aplenty!
- Plus, live entertainment stage to preview the best wedding entertainment acts.
Taking place at ExCeL, London on 16th – 17th April, 2016. Use code MEY36 to save 1/3rd off on standard tickets - www.theweddingfairs.com |
| Hot topic: Spring style |
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Easter treat
Q I love the sound of a spring wedding and am obsessed with the idea of staging an Easter egg hunt for our guests but I’m worried about the practicalities. How can I realise my dream without causing chaos?
A Event manager Louise Warren says: Everyone loves chocolate so what a great and original way to engage guests. As you say, it’s important not to make it too complicated.
Keeping it simple will allow all your guests to get involved and enjoy the experience. It will also mean you don’t have to worry about logistics, which is the last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day. Why not let your bridesmaids or someone from your wedding party plan it all? They can hide the eggs, provide a few simple clues to each guest and keep plenty of spares handy for those guests who are unable to join in.
Obviously, whether there are any suitable hiding places depends on your venue choice. This kind of event works best outside, on a terrace or in a garden setting. You could conceal the eggs in plant pots and trees.
www.4hp.org.uk
Experts answer more questions on page 123 of the current issue. |
| A river runs by it |
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The Mermaid conference centre has launched a new events brand, the River Rooms. Named for the versatile blank-canvas space that sits alongside the conference centre, the River Rooms grant spectacular views across the Thames to the Southbank.
“The River Rooms are a contemporary, multi-purpose space with the ability to transform the needs of every client,” said general manager Alicia Duncan. The space is licenced for ceremonies and boasts three rooms spread across two floors.
For more information, visit www.riverrooms.co.uk |
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| Forthcoming Events | | | | Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. | | | | To view more events, please visit the events page on our website. | | | | The Wedding Fair at ExCeL | | ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL | | Web: theweddingfairs.com/excel-london/ | | Dates: Sat, 16 Apr 2016 - Sun, 17 Apr 2016 | | Time: 10am - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday | | | | Oatlands Park Hotel Spring Wedding Show | | 146 Oatlands Dr, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9HB | | Web: www.crystalblushevents.co.uk | | Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | | | Kings Place Wedding Fair | | Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG | | Web: kingsplaceweddings.co.uk/ | | Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2016 | | Time: 10am - 4pm | | |
| Q&A: Fashion and beauty |
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| Image provided by www.maryjuliet.co.uk |
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Lace to make your heart race
Q I’m considering commissioning something for my husband’s eyes only. Is it possible to include the traditional something old, new, borrowed and blue in a garter?
A Accessories designer Mary Juliet says: I love your idea of combining these old bridal traditions – it will make such an original and enduring keepsake. I agree it can be tricky to have old, new, borrowed and blue on show, without compromising your personal style.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. For the something old, you could commission a garter made from something handed down from your family or friends. I think the garter itself would count as the something new – and you could always include some of the lace from your new wedding dress or veil. I have to say that something borrowed had me thinking a while! As you wouldn’t want to include something permanent in the design if you have to give it back, how about borrowing a sister or friend’s perfume and spraying it on (just be wary of spraying directly onto silk), or if you’re taking your husband’s name you could have your new initials embroidered onto it (they’re a lifetime’s worth of borrowing). Or ask to have a pocket sewn inside the garter and borrow something of your husband’s and give it back to him when he sees your garter.
Finally, the something blue could be a blue ribbon or delicate blue crystals. I suggest that you ask your photographer to take a photo of your garter, and I wish you and your husband a very happy wedding day.
www.maryjuliet.co.uk
Experts answer more questions on page 108 of the current issue. |
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