Sommaire pour January 2016 de Perfect Wedding

It’s all about the romance! So... you’ve got your theme sorted... you’ve chosen the dress... the save the dates are in the post... and oooooo... just one teeeeny tiny little thing – have you forgotten to spend time thinking about the romantic side of things due to the whole build-up/planning/crafting/ list-making and budgeting? It’s far too easy to do, so this month we’re here to help – a whole issue dedicated to (what it’s really all about) – Romance. From writing your own vows (come on, there won’t be a dry eye in the house) to learning about the secrets of the happiest marriages out there, you’re bound to get some inspiration to incorporate into your day. Just make sure you have some tissues handy... Out & about... From GC…

Star mail Let’s get planning I got engaged a few months ago and, to be honest, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the wedding talk at first. But, I picked up your November issue and to my delight it came with a free book that was packed full of ideas. This inspirational book proved to be very useful to kick-start my planning. Now I’m armed with lots of great ideas, I’m ready to get stuck in properly! Helen Wright, by email FACEBOOK FRIENDS New puppy and wedding planning... Nina Adele My final Perfect Wedding magazine! Corinne Loris TOP TWEETS! @MelisaMeakin Some important reading while travelling for work @sophiel bradley Hoping to ease the boredom of a four hour journey that’s turning into a six hour one with PW! @kyliefairhead…

MICHAEL & JULIE Julie and Michael Russell first met when they sat down on the same sofa at a party at Staffordshire University in 1975. They said ‘I do’ on 6th August 1983. ““The secret to a happy marriage is being supportive and understanding, and sometimes putting yourself second. Having shared interests and values is key, as well as taking time out together.” MR & MRS SMITH Mr and Mrs Smith met through a friend and got married on March 24th 1962 – 54 years ago! “A good relationship is all about having respect for each other – appreciating the other person’s foibles and laughing as much as possible!” Steve & Chris Chris was working in a bar when RAF member Steve Gilroy started chatting to her. They started dating…

GUIPURE LACE Listen up ladies, there’s a new way to work lace... Guipure lace has large motifs with no net underlayer so the crisp outline creates a unique, statement style. Now we love lace more than ever! TACTILE TEXTURE Fur, feathers and show-stopping sequins – this trend embraces luxurious, touchable fabrics. If you’re feeling fashion-forward you can always try clashing your textures, too. KEYHOLE FRONTS So, keyhole fronts have been around for a while now, but this season is all about those sexy, peek-a-boo fronts. Go understated with a simple split or brave a bold sweetheart cut-out to truly wow. PRAIRIE CHIC Inspired by the iconic show, Little House on the Prairie, this whimsical style involves delicate lace and flowing chiffon. Just steer clear of those frilly bonnets! For more…

HOW DID YOU MEET EACH OTHER? We met in college at the Parsons School of Design. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? It changes season to season, but in general, everyday life in New York inspires us. You never know who, or what, you are going to see around the next corner – beauty and inspiration is everywhere you look. WHAT’S AN AVERAGE DAY IN THE STUDIO LIKE FOR YOU? One word; busy! We did a count recently and we are currently designing 180 collections per year, with all of our product categories. WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO DRESS? That’s easy; Meryl Streep in couture. WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A FILM OF YOUR LIFE? Hmm.. we think Mark would be played by Cary Grant and James by Michael York. HOW WOULD YOU…

FASHION Q With a mortgage and two children, we’re trying to keep the costs of our wedding down, but I still want a traditional wedding dress. Where can I find an affordable one? Lisa, 41 SHELLEY: Who says you have to blow a tonne of cash to look a million dollars on your big day? The high street has a lot to offer a bride on a budget – for example, Monsoon and Karen Millen do some amazing pieces. There’s no compromise on style with our Countess Carmel dress that comes in at under £400. The fishtail style with puddle train is the perfect balance of traditional elegance and girly glamour. Also, the corset fit and lace-up back will show off your figure perfectly! FASHION Q Can you…

The first thing to do is sit down with your fiancé and talk openly about the kind of day you want. The main ceremony options are: 1 CHURCH OF ENGLAND You may have to attend a number of Sunday services beforehand. The marriage can be authorised by calling banns on three consecutive Sundays three months before the day, or by obtaining a common licence. Church fees are from £415, with extra costs for choir, organ, etc. In Scotland, banns aren’t necessary, but 15 days’ notice must be given at a register office. 2 ROMAN CATHOLIC Take your baptism and confirmation certificates to your priest at least six months before — if one of you is unbaptised then the priest needs to give permission. You may have to attend marriage preparation…

…VENUE Are you available on our date? Are you licensed for civil ceremonies? How many guests can we have to each part of our day? Exactly what’s in our package? What’s the cancellation policy? Will we have exclusive use? Is there guest accommodation, and is it discounted? Do you have mandatory suppliers? …CATERERS Do you provide glassware, crockery and silverwear? Is there an extra cost for serving staff? Do you have a separate menu for photographers/suppliers? How many weddings are you catering for on the day? Have you worked here before? Will you handle the table names and place setting? Can we have a menu tasting? Can you cater for vegetarians/ guests with food allergies? … BOUTIQUE Will I need to book an appointment? How long is the appointment? Who…

“We paid attention to the little details, rather than having a theme” Samantha Gilbert and Nathan Faulconbridge held their day at Norwood Park, Nottinghamshire on 30th May 2015 “I tried on about a million dresses before finding ‘The One’ – they all looked lovely but I just didn’t feel special in them. The lady at the boutique I bought my dress from, Brides & Gowns in Derby, made me try on a Maggie Sottero style that I’d tried once before, but as soon as I put it on again I fell in love. I felt like a Hollywood star at the Oscars! My shoes were less difficult to find, as Nathan bought me an incredible pair of Louboutins for Christmas. They were the perfect finishing touch to my look. We…

“Seeing the whole room full of people there to celebrate with us was amazing!” Sarahjane Funnell and Nathan Kemp held their elegant wedding at Langdon Court in Devon on 28th March 2015 “Nathan and I wanted our day to combine our love of the sea and beautiful gardens. Our ceremony was held at Wembury Church on the Devon coast, which overlooks the beach, then we had our reception at Langdon Court. It’s a fairytale manor house complete with a magical secret garden – for us it was the perfect place and it has historic connections with Wembury. Our colour scheme was a collection of blush hues with accents of white and gold. My bridesmaids wore peach dresses from Missguided (a sale bargain at just £22.50 each!), and the groomsmen wore…

Wow factor doesn’t have to mean blowing the budget. Turn your venue into a natural wonderland with full-on foliage, potted trees and overhead branches. Plain wooden tables can be transformed with leaves and moss, punctuated with glass candlesticks and tiny flowers. For your stationery, choose a rustic, kraft paper design or luxe it up with a touch of gold. Style tip CREATE A NATURAL, AND INEXPENSIVE, TABLE RUNNER WITH OFF-CUTS OF FOLIAGE AND LOTS OF WILD FERN…

DREAM VENUES LONDON LOOK Situated in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge area, Jumeirah Carlton If you’ve always dreamt of a Tower is guaranteed to provide a fairytale wedding, then look stunning setting for your day. A no further than The Walled dedicated team of event planners Garden at Orchardleigh, will help to organise every detail of a private 500 acre estate your day, ensuring everything is just situated in the heart of as you envisioned – you can even Somerset. Boasting a light-work with the award-winning chef to filled Orangery, beautiful create a bespoke menu for you and water features and tucked your guests! With unrivalled views of away to ensure complete the city and a luxurious spa for a pre-privacy, the Walled Garden wedding pamper, your every need will…

FORTER CASTLE SCOTLAND Situated in the stunning area of East Perthshire, just one hour north of Edinburgh, Forter Castle was built in 1560 and is now a luxurious Highland retreat. It is perfectly suited for intimate wedding parties and has its own beautiful chapel on site. The interiors have been renovated to the highest possible standards, blending tradition with modern comfort. Guests at Forter Castle will experience the ultimate, authentic Scottish wedding experience. Kirkton of Glenisla, Perthshire PH11 8QW 020 7584 3223 | enquiries@fortercastle.co.uk fortercastle.co.uk AUGILL CASTLE NORTH WEST Winner of a Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award 2016, Augill Castle is the ultimate exclusive-hire wedding venue – grand yet intimate, quirky and full of fun. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and with 15 sumptuous bedrooms and suites, it is ideal for…

AMP UP THE VOLUME Soft and flowing doesn’t have to mean flat... Opt for a big and beautiful updo but keep the finish relaxed MINIMAL EFFORT A little bit of texture will transform your bridal style. Apply your fave mousse and scrunch away... ROUGHED UP Fully embrace laid-back luxe by working a loose fishtail plait CALLING HALF TIME Update the classic half up, half down look by texturising your roots and ends GOT TO LET LOOSE Don’t fret about pulling those wispy strands into your bun – keep them down to soften your face TOP IT OFF! Finish off your flowing mermaid waves with a dainty, handmade halo Go online for more hair ideas: planyourperfectwedding.com…

AQUARIUS JAN 20–FEB 18 As 2016 begins, Mercury helps you to plan ahead, both in business and in your personal life. It’s a strategic, forward-thinking vibe; once the sun arrives in Aquarius in late January, you’ll find that you can take great leaps forward. PISCES FEB 19–MAR 20 Time to step out of your comfort zone! Mars pushes you into the wider world early in 2016; you’ll be glad that you’ve broadened your horizons. It’s an active and hectic January, with a more spiritual and meditative tinge in the final week. ARIES MAR 21–APR 19 You begin 2016 in a determined frame of mind Aries and your career gets a big boost following the new moon early in January. Mars starts to recharge your personal power this month so get…

How does seven nights in the idyllic haven of Barbados sound? Yes – we thought this dreamy beach honeymoon might take your fancy. The brand new Sugar Bay Barbados is a gorgeous four-star resort situated along a pristine stretch of white sand. With over five acres of parkland surrounding the resort and a spectacular view across the Caribbean Sea, to say the views were stunning would be a massive understatement. The winning couple will spend seven nights at this incredible all-inclusive resort. With a choice of five restaurants, a luxurious spa, a range of complimentary water sports and two swimming pools – you’ll have plenty to do during your stay. Plus, the free Wi–Fi means you can brag about your amazing stay while sipping cocktails on the beach – sounds…

Maid of honour: TAYLOR SWIFT Guaranteed to make sure our lipstick is on point all day, plus that’s the evening entertainment sorted! Flower girl : HARPER BECKHAM She’s our tiny style icon (and maybe her dad will come along to chaperone…?) Bridesmaids: THE CAST OF BRIDESMAIDS Dysfunctional but excellent – love them all! Best man: RYAN GOSLING All round good guy and fills out a suit rather nicely. Ushers: ONE DIRECTION Sure to be a hit with everyone from your great-aunt (“such nice boys”), to your niece (“SCREEAAAAM!”) Mother of the bride: HELEN MIRREN Will rock a fabulous hat and be the last one standing on the dance floor. Father of the bride: STEVE MARTIN Who doesn’t love George Banks in Father of the Bride? Best dad ever. Mother of…

Stylist CHARLOTTE ELLIS “I adore this structured Tara Keely dress. It’s sexy, super feminine and the perfect structured fit – very Marilyn Monroe! It’s bound to have you feeling absolutely fabulous and will accentuate an hourglass figure to perfection. This dress works beautifully with loose curls and a glam lip colour. Keep the details really simple and let the dress do the talking.” Make-up NIGEL BARNES “This version of the ‘smoky eye’ look is ideal for brides as it’s light reflective and isn’t too dark. Teamed with a glowing complexion and rosy cheeks, the look is completed with a moisture-rich lip colour. It’s the perfect way to evoke understated glamour.” “Use tongs to create super-soft, glamorous curls” Hair KARINE JACKSON “For this super-soft, glamorous look, it’s important to prep the…

The ultimate HEN DO! If we could invent our dream hen party, a wine tasting weekend at a Spanish vineyard would so be up there. Thank you gohen.com for making this dream a reality! Be a free spirit Oh Indiebride, how much do we love you? This amazing new bridal label, from the people behind Minna, is perfect for girls who want to stay true to their cool, laid-back everyday style on their wedding day. The collection features affordable, limited edition designs you’ll want to wear well after the wedding. JUMP AROUND Ladies, meet House of Ollichon, your new label crush. Their awesome dress-less bridal collection proves that W-day jumpsuits, playsuits and separates can work, whatever your style. houseofollichon.co.uk We LOVE NY BRIDAL BEAUTY INSPO New York Bridal Fashion Week…

If you’re planning a civil ceremony, one of the best ways to make it personal is to write your own vows. It’s the perfect opportunity to share how you feel about the person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with, but finding the right words to express something so huge can be hard. “Your vows are the most important part of your ceremony,” says celebrant Christina Walker (surreycelebrant.co.uk). “Writing your own means you can make promises that mean something to you both and reflect your wishes for the years to come in your relationship.” Phew – we did it! Now show us the way to the champague... # 1 FROM THE HEART It’s hard to get into the mushy stuff without falling into clichés. Christina suggests covering…

NAKEDNESS THE LOOK! If you like to stand out from the crowd (and show some serious skin) there were plenty of options – plunging necklines, keyhole details and low, low backs! CROSS SPARKLE THE LOOK! From Inbal Dror to Alfred Angelo, beautiful rows of cross-hatched sparkle and sequins dazzled on gowns. A gorgeous, modern take on traditional guilding. DROP SHOULDER THE LOOK! Our love affair with the bare shoulder continues apace. From Reem Acra to Berta, Inbal Dror to Romona Keveza, sexy off-the-shoulder looks were teamed with lace, sparkle and beading. This trend is going nowhere! XL RUFFLES THE LOOK! Utterly romantic and most definitely for the princess bride, immense ruffles were part of almost every show. Teamed with fitted bodices, sparkle, beading and pearls, this look will certainly turn…

Emma Elizabeth Bridal Stunning bridal collections from Watters, Wtoo, Willowby by Watters, La Sposa, MiaMia, Le Papillon by Modeca and Phil Collins. Bridesmaids from Watters. By Appointment. 020 8894 7550 emmaelizabethbridal.co.uk Bijoutique at Botleys Mansion A luxury and exclusive boutique set in glorious Surrey parkland offers the latest collections from world-leading designers. A unique and unforgettable experience for the discerning bride. By appointment. 0800 130 3119 bespokebybijou.co.uk Hannah Elizabeth Bridal A luxurious feminine bridal boutique offering designs by Lusan Mandongus, La Sposa, Hayley Paige ‘Blush, Tara Keely, Watters WTOO and LouLou Bridal. Bridesmaids by Jim Hjlem ‘Occasions’and vintage inspired accessories. 02381 781911 hannahelizabethbridal.com Lily Lou Lou Designers Ian Stuart, Charlotte Balbier, Ti Adora by JLM, LM by Lusan Mandongus, Lou Lou, Louise Bently, Lily Bella, Eliza Jane Howell and La…

SHELLEY CARTER-BRIGHT As Director of Kitty & Dulcie, Shelley has a passion for all things fashion. She can help with any dress issues. LINDSEY HUNTER Owner of Get Knotted, a wedding planning and styling company, Lindsey is here to answer all your tricky W-day queries. JULIE MICHAELSEN As a wedding and portrait photographer, Julie absolutely loves capturing life’s big moments on camera. GEMMA CONROY Bravissimo’s Digital Marketing Manager, Gemma has a wealth of lingerie expertise to help you find the perfect underwear.…

You and your fiancé must be at least 16 to be legally married. In England and Wales, if either of you is under 18 years of age, then you must have your parent or guardian’s permission. In Scotland you don’t need parental permission if you are over 18. You must not be closely related to each other and you must both be free to marry. The marriage must take place in legal premises, such as a register office, religious venue or a licensed venue. The marriage must take place in the presence of a registrar or official. Two witnesses must be present who are old enough to understand the ceremony.…

Charlotte Williams and Adam Howitt held their beautiful beach wedding at Elixir Shore Club in Ibiza on 16th August 2015 “Adam and I wanted to get married in Ibiza as it’s such a special place to us. We got engaged there in 2014 and loved the idea of getting married by the sea. We wanted simple, vintage colours but with a modern feel, so opted for white and blush pink. The magnificent view did most of the decorating for us, so we didn’t want to detract from it with fussy details. My bouquet was vintage white and blush roses, chosen to complement the laser-cut flowers on the corset of my Kobus Dippenaar dress. In all honesty, I hadn’t expected to choose anything so bridal. I thought I’d buy something quite…

“It felt so personal to write our own ceremony exactly how we wanted it” Perfect Wedding’s very own Clemmie Robinson married Adam Millbank at Woodford Farm, Somerset on 18th July 2015 “Adam and I both grew up in Somerset and loved the idea of theming our day around West Country cider and cheese! We wanted a relaxed, festival-inspired wedding full of good local food and drink, right in the heart of the Somerset countryside. Our venue, Woodford Farm, was a bit of a blank canvas. We hired tipis for the reception and crossed our fingers that we’d get nice weather for our outdoor ceremony! We filled the space with lots of DIY details, making everything from elderflower fizz to bunting from fabric scraps, lots of pom poms and 1,000 origami…

For a more sultry take on the on-trend pink and gold theme, tone in dusky shades of teal, silver and grey. Don’t hold back with the details – think blowsy flowers, coloured candles and table linens with luxe textures like tulle, velvet or silk. Glass goblets and candelabras add to the decadence, while vintage birdcages with trailing foliage look über-romantic. Style tip CANDLES ARE A CHEAP AND REALLY EASY WAY TO ADD A SUBTLE TOUCH OF COLOUR TO YOUR TABLESCAPES…

I CAN SEE A RAINBOW Can’t decide on colours? Opt for a whole array of beautiful, summer brights THE PERFECT MIX Spiky protea, quirky craspedia and seasonal berries make this bunch a real show-stopper THE DREAM TEAM Have some fun by pairing up contrasting colours. This fresh lemon and rich purple combo is our new fave! DARE TO BE DIFFERENT Make an entrance with unusual flowers like this orange pincushion protea THINK PINK Create floral magic with statement magenta hues! LET THE SUN SHINE Sunflowers make a great bouquet staple – style them up with hot pink buds to create a colour sensation…

Brew your own beer! If you’re up for the challenge of DIYing everything for your day, why not create your own signature big-day beer? Hillside Brewery at Holly Bush Farm in The Cotswolds offers ‘brew your own’ days throughout the year – visit hillsidebrewery.com to find the next available date (£100 per person, including breakfast, lunch and a tasting session). FROM SMALL SEEDS Whether you’re a Monty Don in the making or not, what could be lovelier than growing your own wedding flowers? Common Farm Flowers in Gloucestershire run workshops for £135 (dates from March 2016, commonfarmflowers.com) or grab a copy of their new book Grow Your Own Wedding flowers (£24.99, Amazon) and do it all from home! BRIDES’ BOOKSHOP If you liked the edible flower lollipops on p216, The…

HENGRAVE HALL, SUFFOLK A fascinating history, idyllic chapel and 35 luxurious bedrooms… just some of the charms of this magnificent Tudor mansion. hengravehall.com FROYLE PARK, HAMPSHIRE From the stunning Grand Ballroom to the dramatic Great Hall, Froyle Park would definitely be Crawley-worthy. froylepark.co.uk BLAIRQUHAN CASTLE, AYRSHIRE Be a Lady for the day with exclusive use of this magnificent 19th-century baronial castle. cocoweddingvenues. co.uk/coco_listing/ blairquhan-castle KEDLESTON HALL, KEDLESTON With its magnificent architecture, elegant interiors and breathtaking grounds, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting for your day. cocoweddingvenues. co.uk/coco_listing/ kedleston-hall EYNSHAM HALL, OXFORDSHIRE A gorgeous Grade II listed, Jacobean-style mansion house boasting 3,000 acres. cocoweddingvenues.co.uk/coco_listing/eynsham-hall COMPTON VERNEY, WARWICKSHIRE Sip champagne and mingle with your guests in the galleries of this lavish mansion house. Now, even the Dowager wouldn’t turn her…

THE PANEL EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Rachel Avery “I’m obsessed with strobing – I can’t wait to get testing!” READER Lauren Baird “It will be nice to have a healthy glow on my big day” WE TEST HIGHLIGHTER STICKS WONDER WAND, BAGSY £18 Rachel says “I found the dual end pen very handy and the silky-smooth formula blended in really nicely.” Lauren says “This one is without a doubt my fave! It works as a lovely highlighter and a handy concealer.” RADIANT ROD HIGHLIGHTER, BARRY M £3.99 Rachel says “Ideal for a bride on a budget. I found the shimmering finish really nice, but it did go a little bit cakey after a while.” Lauren says “I found the product really crumbly, which made it tricky to use. However, it is a…

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH START ON ALL FOURS WITH A FLAT BACK. LIFT YOUR LEFT LEG AND EXTEND RIGHT ARM, REACHING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. HOLD FOR 30 SECONDS. REPEAT ON OTHER SIDE. Shake up your workout with the launch of six new session offerings from Speedflex. If you’re looking for a way to accelerate fat loss, improve muscle tone and increase your strength, head to speedflex.com to find your nearest class. DON’T SWEAT IT Give your gym kit an upgrade with Proskins SLIM high-performance leggings. The fabric contains caffeine to promote fat destruction and improve circulation. Sorry ladies, just wearing them isn’t enough; you still have to put in the hard work to achieve results! BE GOOD TO YOURSELF Our favourite health guru has done it again! The Deliciously Ella…

BEACHSIDE ROMANCE SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA RESORT AND SPA, DICKENSON BAY, ANTIGUA Renowned for picture-postcard white sand and swaying green palm trees, Antigua is honeymoon heaven. Even by Caribbean standards, Dickenson Bay’s seemingly never-ending sand and crystal clear water is a winner. Add to its tropical location a choice of luxury suites, eleven restaurants and a spa to die for, and Sandals Grande Antigua Resort is up there as the ultimate go-to for beach-loving true romantics! BOOK IT: Seven nights all-inclusive starts at £1,655 per person, including flights and transfers. sandals.co.uk SPECTACULAR ROMANCE CAPE VIEW CLIFTON, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA As impressive views go, the ones from Cape View Clifton are hard to beat. All seven of this luxury guesthouse’s suites, as well as the awesome outdoor pool, are treated to…

ACCESSORIES Accessorize accessorize.com Alex Monroe alexmonroe.com ASOS asos.com Aye Do ayedo.co.uk Benjamin Adams benjaminadamslondon.com Bond & Ceremony bondandceremony.com Charlotte Mills charlottemillsbridal.co.uk Chelsea Paris chelseaparis.com Chez Bec chezbec.com Chupi chupi.ie Debbie Carlisle dcbouquets.co.uk Diamonfire diamonfire.co.uk Dower & Hall dowerandhall.com Dune dunelondon.com Feather and Coal feather-and-coal.myshopify.com Folli Follie follifollie.co.uk Forever 21 forever21.com Glitzy Secrets glitzysecrets.com H.Samuel hsamuel.co.uk Hugo Boss hugoboss.com Hush Puppies hushpuppies.com Jaeger jaeger.co.uk Jon Richard jonrichard.com Julieann Beads julieannbeads.co.uk L.K.Bennett lkbennett.com Love Art Wear Art loveartwearart.com Love Umbrellas loveumbrellas.co.uk Monnier Freres monnierfreres.co.uk Net-a-Porter net-a-porter.com Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com Olivier Laudus olivierlaudus.com Phase Eight phase-eight.com Rachel Simpson rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk Rainbow Club rainbowclub.co.uk Rock N Rose rocknrose.co.uk Ted Baker tedbaker.com T.H. Baker thbaker.co.uk T.M. Lewin tmlewin.co.uk Very very.co.uk Yvonne Henderson Jewellery yvonnehendersonjewellery.co.uk BEAUTY American Crew americancrew.com Ariane Poole arianepoole.com Avery Perfume Gallery averyperfumegallery.com Bagsy…

CHRISTINA WALKER Who? Surrey based Celebrant Christina helps couples to make their day special. Her favourite wedding favours? “A note that says the couple have chosen to donate to charity, or a packet of wildflowers to plant in the garden.” Christina gives her expert tips on how to write your own vows on p69 . LINDSEY HUNTER Who? Lindsey runs her own wedding-planning business, Get Knotted. Her favourite fashion era is “the end of the Downton Abbey era, when women started to express themselves with the new elegant fashions of that time.” Get some expert W-day advice from Lindsey on p143 . LIA GRIFFITH Who? Designer, maker and handcrafted lifestyle expert Lia inspires millions to reconnect with their creativity. Best canapé food? “A fresh, deviled egg filled with homemade garlic…

The proposal TIM DALEY PROPOSED TO HIS GIRLFRIEND LEAH ATTHE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO. THEY GOT MARRIED IN SEPTEMBER 2014 “I had no idea I was going to propose that day. We’d been touring California and were on a long drive from LA to San Francisco; Leah was asleep in the car. In those moments of peace and quiet, as we drove closer to the Golden Gate Bridge on a crisp December afternoon, I just knew it had to be there and then. I always knew I was going to marry Leah, but I’d never planned a big proposal – it was only going to be spontaneous. I wanted it to be a personal moment between the two of us, so I was worried about the crowds…

FOREVER STYLE Upgrade your engagement ring with a Beaverbrook’s silhouette ring. Designed to ‘hug’ the engagement ring, these beauties add another level of sparkle! Natural beauty Gorgeously girlie and with a flirty sense of fun, Sweetheart by Justin Alexander is the go-to label for brides wanting to work a cute, youthful and fashionable look for their big day. The 2016 collection ticks all of our favourite trends with big ruffles, delicate beading and the prettiest lace. Looking for big-day jewellery on a budget? We love these glamorous earrings from a high street fave... TRUE ROMANCE Jannie Baltzer’s dreamy designs are everything! KEEP IT CLASSIC Flatter your figure with a gorgeous gown from Dutch bridal label, Ladybird. Whether you’re all about long sleeves or crazy for an illusion back, you’ll find…

18 MONTHS Announce your engagement! Talk with your fiancé about the kind of day you’d like Choose the type of ceremony you’d like Set your wedding budget (and start saving!) Look at venue ideas Set a goal and make a start on your fitness and diet plan 12 MONTHS Start thinking about dates Choose bridesmaids and then ask them Compile a guest list Arrange the wedding licence with the registrar Book the registrar and the time of the ceremony Start a scrapbook Book a photographer Start looking for your wedding dress 9 MONTHS Visit possible venues and then book your date! Book the caterer Order your dress Book the florist Order your cake Buy your stationery 6 MONTHS Book transport Choose your bridesmaid dresses and accessories Choose groomsmen’s outfits and…

Q What is the difference between civil partnership and marriage? A: Apart from the wording and process of the actual ceremonies, the main differences come down to legalities. For example, civil partners do not have the same pension rights as married couples. Visit gov.uk for a detailed guide to the comparisons. Q Can I convert my civil partnership to a marriage? A: Yes – you can visit your local register office for a straightforward conversion or have a ceremony at an approved venue with a registrar. You’ll both need to be present and bring proof of ID and of your civil partnership – you’ll then be issued with a marriage certificate. For more info, visit thegayweddingguide.co.uk Q Can same-sex couples have a church wedding? A: Yes, but only if the…

“Our venue had a gorgeous outdoor courtyard with lovely olive trees” Emily Stanley and Christopher Brooks tied the knot at Shustoke Farm Barns, Warwickshire, on 4th July 2015 “Before I walked down the aisle, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the realisation that I was actually getting married. I was incredibly excited, but petrified that I was going to cry and ruin my make-up! We held our ceremony at The Birmingham Oratory before transporting our guests to the reception venue, Shustoke Farm Barns, in a vintage Routemaster bus. Everybody loved it and it was one of our best wedding decisions. It was a dreary January day when we first viewed our venue, but it still managed to bowl us over. We fell in love with the high ceilings, diamond brickwork, beautiful…

“I had to share this fabulous beauty offer happening with our sister title, You & Your Wedding. The chosen products are perfect for achieving your party look this season – and they are all full-sized products – amazing!” BUY NOW! AT ALLBOXEDUP.CO/YOUANDYOURWEDDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS Offer ends 11.59pm on 7 January 2016. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions visit allboxedup.co/youandyourwedding. Promoter: All Boxed Up Media Ltd…

Calling all spring brides – we’ve got your big-day inspiration right here! We’re obsessed with this gorgeous styled shoot from Mr and Mrs Unique. Erica Willoughby-Smith, the creative mind behind the shoot explains, “Spring is my favourite time of year, so I was keen to create a seasonal shoot based around flora and fauna – but with a fashion edge.” The result? Beautiful wild flowers, whimsical table settings, the prettiest sweet treats and dresses that embrace 2016’s 3D floral trend. Want. It. All! CONTRIBUTORS Art direction and styling Erica Willoughby-Smith from Mr & Mrs Unique (mrandmrsunique.co.uk) Photographer Alexa Loy (alexa-loy.com) Venue and food Dewsall Court (dewsall.com) Gold dress Wilden Bride (wildenbridelondon.com) Bridal separates Lorie X (loriex.co.uk) 3D floral dress and ears Ears & Whiskers (eandwcouture.co.uk) Gold crown and bow headband…

Channel the romance of this classic fairytale with elegant white and silver details, accented with black for a dramatic twist. Twinkling fairylights draped from the ceiling set the stage for your own love story (awww!), while mirrored table details give the illusion of water and light. Finish the look with tiny swan ornaments as favours and cupcakes covered with edible silver glitter. Style tip ADD SOME DRAMA TO YOUR TABLES WITH TALL FLORAL CENTREPIECES, SURROUNDED BY CANDLES…

Whether it’s for your big day or even your hen do, this one-of-a-kind car will give you the ride of a lifetime! The purple Rolls-Royce Ghost was donated by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to the Together for Short Lives charity and now we’re giving you the chance to cruise around in it for the day. Just imagine the look on your guests’ faces when you show up in this eye-catching carriage. You and three friends will be able to ride around in style all day long with your very own chauffeur who will conveniently pick you up from your doorstep and take you to the destination of your choice. For more information, head to readytoroll.org.uk THE PRIZE: A chauffeur-driven, purple Rolls-Royce for four people, for up to eight hours – with…

IN THE COUNTRY If you’re looking for the perfect country-house setting for an elegant affair, then look no further than Braxted Park in Essex. Stunning both day and night, the Georgian mansion surrounds you with intricate gardening, cascading water features and specialised mood lighting to create a picture-perfect setting for your big day. braxtedpark.co.uk SEE YOU IN ROME Situated near the infamous Spanish Steps, Residenza di Ripetta is a stunning hotel in Rome’s historic quarter. Think breathtaking fine art, gorgeous marble floors, natural light streaming through wide French doors and pretty, private courtyards. Watch the sun set over the city on the breathtaking rooftop terrace. Now, if that’s not romantic… niquesahotels.com/residenza-di-ripetta SHORE THING Ocean Kave is a unique coastal venue situated in 60 acres of private grounds within an ‘Area…