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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by Jon & Michaela Wedding Photography, www.jonandmichaela.co.uk |
| |  | Chalkboard chic
Black and white weddings are bigger than ever
| It's a girl thing
Achieve your ultimate squad goals by picking bridesmaid dresses that'll keep the whole gang happy
| Wedding wellness
Tips and tricks for feeling your big-day best
| Hair & beauty Q&A
Local experts on spring/summer trends
| Chatty man
Essex's Gregg Whyman gives his top tips for the ultimate best man speech
| Aylesbury & The Chilterns
We showcase stylish spots to tie the knot
| A piece of cake
Our experts reveal the latest trends in big day bakes
| The 'K' Factor
When you're planning your big day, don't forget about the kids – here's how to involve the little ones and keep them entertained
| Fabulous at 50
Demelza Rayner and her husband head to Hampshire where one of the UK's top spa hotels – Chewton Glen – is celebrating a very special occasion
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 27th May, 2016 |
 | | | Buy a copy for just £3.45 POST FREE
A subscription for 6 issues will cost even less at just £17.60!
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you can order a complete eMagazine for just £1.49
To order, please visit our website at www.yourberksbucksoxonwedding.com or call us on 01376 514000 |
| That little white dress |
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With so many shapes, lengths and styling options to choose from this season, brides-to-be are realising that short wedding dresses aren’t just for showing off expensive big-day heels.
A shifty look
Ideal for perfect pins, the ’60s-inspired mini is sure to be a summer wedding favourite
Style 08-3635-CR-34 from Diamonds by Lilly www.lilly.eu
“I love the chic retro style of this dress. The length keeps it flirty without revealing too much, while the lace is a definite nod to tradition that should feel timeless. I’d style this with a simple, elegant up do and delicate, fresh make-up. A little highlighter on the cheeks, rosy lips and carefully lined eyes with a touch of mascara is all this dress needs.” – Ivana Sidey, beauty editor
On page 83 of the current issue, real brides, readers and the County Weddings team give their verdict on more of the most popular LWD trends. |
| All abroad |
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| Image provided by Jon & Michaela Wedding Photography |
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This railway-themed shoot added contemporary highlights to a 1950s style.
“The inspiration for this shoot began with the continuing trend for the vintage look and a spotty, giant windmill,” says designer Serena Honke. “A ‘bubblicious’ hot pink and lime colour scheme completed the concept, and coloured gel beads and floral accents were added to tie the whole look together.”
www.jonandmichaela.co.uk
See more from this inspirational shoot on page 69 of the current issue. |
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| Congratulations! |
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One of the great things about this time of year is how it gets lighter and brighter every day. If you're making wedding plans you might be ticking off items triumphantly but it's also important to stop and enjoy the blossom. Take stock, and don't forget to congratulate yourself on everything you've done so far. After all, you've already made what might be the most important decision of your life!
We've got some real wedding stories that will help to remind you of what this is all about, with Brian and Camilla's magnificent day featured on page 36 and Marie and Paul's happy nuptials on page 43. And if you think you might want your own wedding featured here, go to the 'Get Involved' section of out website to find out more...
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| Tim Nelson, Editor |
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Make sure you email editor@yourberksbucksoxon
wedding.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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| Image provided by © 2016 Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
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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 |
| To have and to honour |
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| Image provided by David Bostock Photography |
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Camilla and Brian had a military wedding at a magnificent hall with an RAF blue theme
Camilla and Brian first met through friends at an RAF summer ball in Benson, Oxfordshire, in July 2009. Camilla’s friend, Andrea’s husband James was a helicopter pilot and Brian was one of his colleagues and best friend. Both Brian and Camilla had had long days at work, and it was either that mutual understanding of demanding jobs that first brought them together, or the jug of cocktail and plate of barbecue food each were holding. “We shared our food and drink and we took it from there,” says Camilla.
Six years later, and on the eve of a work journey to Scotland, Brian popped the question, and everything quickly came together. They’d been to Eynsham Hall for an RAF Christmas dinner and knew it was a great venue, and the fact that it was also near where they’d first met, at RAF Benson, made it extra special.
Read all the details of their big day on page 36 of the current issue.
www.davidbostockphotography.co.uk |
| 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 | | | | Latimer Place Wedding Fayre | | Latimer Place, Latimer, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG | | Web: www.deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/latimer-place/ | | Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2016 | | Time: 12.30pm - 3.30pm | | | | The Oakley Court Wedding Fair | | The Oakley Court, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5UR | | Web: www.berkshireweddingfairs.co.uk | | Date: Sun, 15 May 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | |
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| Pure shores |
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Bearwood Lakes, RG41 4SJ
Along with a deer or two bounding about, the view from Bearwood Lakes is of perfectly maintained greens and romantic panoramas. Dramatic trees line the driveway as you approach and there are three lakes making a wonderful backdrop for the big-day snaps. The Clubhouse provides a warm welcome while the dining and reception area offer a flexible layout to suit individual needs with an abundance of natural daylight, also aided by the contemporary pointed glass roof. The room will comfortably seat up to 110, or 150 of your loved ones, buffet style. There’s a private bar too, perfect for an evening reception of up to 200 friends and family.
Ceremony licence: No
Contact: 0118 979 7900
www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk
We love… that the staff will provide transportation down to the lakes.
Check out more local venues on page 25 of the current issue. |
| Hot topic: Breaking tradition |
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Love fest
Q I’m planning an alternative, festival-themed wedding but don’t really know where to begin with the venue styling – any suggestions?
A Venue Designer Linda Brooker says: A tipi or marquee are the best backdrops to create a relaxed festival vibe. Create a magical look with lots of fairylights, candles and lanterns inside and funky festoon lighting outside. Add colour with bright bunting or pompoms. Centrepieces should have a ‘just-picked’ feel with unstructured clusters of bright pasture-style flowers displayed in glass bottles and jars. Large floor-standing vintage crates filled with wild flowers are great scene-setters.
Create informal and relaxed dining with long wooden tables and benches. Treat your guests to a delicious barbecue followed by a treat table filled with assorted cakes and desserts, with champagne served from vintage tea cups.
Hay bales dotted around outside act as great seating, and you could add a fire pit where you can toast marshmallows. For entertainment, try lawn games like skittles and croquet. Add inflatables, a bouncy castle and fire dancers, and, for the ultimate finishing touch, give your guests personalised festival-style lanyards. Glow stick bracelets and glasses also look fab and bring a real fun factor for the evening party.
www.seventh-heaven-events.co.uk
Experts answer more questions on page 108 of the current issue. |
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