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| Cover image provided by Ryan Welch Photography, www.ryan-welch.co.uk |
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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
| Beauty buzz
All the latest for the bride-to-be
| Grooms' news
All the latest launches for men
| Your day, your way
From popping the question to tying the knot, our stats reveal what makes your marriage perfect to you...
| Spring essentials
We lead the way with a fresh and inspiring colour palette suited to your nuptials
| 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
| La dolce vita
We've got the best rides to suit all your loved ones throughout your big day
| Here's looking at you, kid!
Matt and Loy's Moroccan-themed big day perfectly reflected the bride's vibrant personality
| Beachside bliss
The pretty island of Anguilla is one of the Caribbean's hidden gems, making it an idyllic honeymoon hideaway
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 29th April, 2016 |
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| Here's looking at you, kid! |
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| Image provided by Owen Mathias Photography |
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Loy and Matt’s Moroccan-themed wedding perfectly reflected the bride’s vibrant personality
It was punctuality that first drew Loy and Matt together – or, rather, lack of it, as they’d both turned up late to the start of teacher training. Things started to flow after their first date, when Matt took Loy on a tour of Eton and they relaxed at the riverside with a coffee. “We laughed and it felt like the most natural thing in the world,” says Loy.
Timing was nearly an issue again when Matt proposed to Loy in Switzerland on her birthday. He’d spent the day trying to find the right opportunity and finally found it at five minutes to midnight, outside a cocktail bar. By the time Loy phoned her family, they’d already anticipated her happy news and were well into a celebratory dinner at the local Chinese restaurant back home.
Loy didn’t want a classical wedding, and finally decided on a bohemian theme. Whether it was luck or fate, the first dress she saw turned out to be the one, and with that, their dream started to turn into reality.
On page 43 of the current issue, the bride shares the details of their day.
www.owenmathias.com |
| In and around Swansea |
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Craig Y Nos Castle
Set at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, the exclusive-use Craig Y Nos Castle provides tremendous big-day photo opportunities, from the backdrop of rolling hills, river and acres of pretty gardens, to the Gothic castle itself. Set in private grounds with a clock tower and a fountain at the front overlooking large terraces, you can really make a dramatic entrance – and that’s before you get to tie the knot in an actual theatre. The Grade I listed Adelina Patti Theatre makes for a truly memorable ceremony for you and up to 120 of your loved ones.
The conservatory also holds up to 120 of your friends and family for the wedding breakfast (or 160 for a standing buffet) and there’s also a private bar and function room, as well as ample rooms with charm and character, and full use of the castle. Be careful, though – the Gothic atmosphere could lead to the dancing of jigs and quadrilles before you know it.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01639 730 725
www.craigynoscastle.com
Did you know? In rough translation, the name of the castle means ‘Rock of the night.’ Check out more local venues on page 21 of the current issue. |
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| And relax… |
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Here at County Weddings, we firmly believe you should be in control of your own special day. And for more inspiration on that front, turn to the real weddings, featuring our cover stars Danielle and Ryan’s Italian-styled affair on page 36, and, on page 43, Matt and Loy’s colourful Moroccan-themed nuptials. Two quite different days, but what the couples have in common is their belief in doing things their own way. And on that front, we’ve got incredibly exciting venues features (from page 21) and honeymoon destinations (from page 124), freebies and offers, and even another competition to win W-day photography worth over £600 (page 111). You can thank us later!
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| Tim Nelson, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yoursouthwaleswedding.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 |
| Q&A: Beauty & fashion |
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| Image provided by www.lauramaybridal.co.uk |
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Accidents will happen
Q I can’t stop worrying about getting make-up stains on my dress on the morning of the wedding. What could I do if that happens?
A Boutique owner Laura Lee Cable says: We’d advise trying the following solutions. Depending on the material of the dress you could use delicate hand wash. Get a cotton bud, dip it in the liquid and gently rub the stain, leaving it to dry naturally. Baby wipes are also good for tackling last minute emergencies if something like this should ever happen.
However, some bridal dresses, such as pure silk gowns always need to be professionally dry cleaned, as using wet wipes or hand wash can leave water stains that won’t disappear. For delicate dresses, we know of brides that have used chalk on the day to successfully hide any make-up marks that have appeared and none of their guest realised there was a problem. To avoid the risk, we’d advise wearing cotton gloves when getting ready and for anyone who is touching the dress to use them too.
www.lauramaybridal.co.uk
Experts answer more questions on page 100 of the current issue. |
| 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. | | | | Cwtchfest | | Glanusk Estate, Glanusk Park, A40, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1LP | | Web: cwtchthebride.com/cwtchfest/ | | Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2016 | | Time: 11am - 8pm | | |
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| 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
Aimee by Indiebrides www.indiebrides.co.uk
“This hippy-chic number would make a great statement for a summer festival vibe. The lace gives a delicate, feminine feel, while the sleeves add to its cute, gamine appeal. It would look great with minimal jewellery and either killer heels for a chic, modern wedding or paired with comfy flats for a chilled out, al fresco celebration. Hair could be worn either in loose boho curls with a flower crown or in a sleek Mary Quant-style bob.” – Sarah Reeve, editor
On page 79 of the current issue , real brides, readers and the County Weddings team give their verdict on more of the most popular LWD trends. |
| Carry me away |
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| Image provided by www.celticaperture.co.uk |
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We’ve got the best rides to suit all your loved ones during your big day
You’ve booked the venue, hired the caterers and survived your hen party. Now all that’s left to do is attend the big day itself. And it’s only right that you arrive at your dream venue in style. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry; we’ve done all the legwork for you and put together a convoy of some of the best local transport providers. They’ll not only suit your dress but your theme and your venue too, so you’re ready to ride off into the sunset. So buckle up and follow our no-nonsense guide to the road.
Transport for… a boho wedding
Do you dream of having a wedding that’s a little bit different? Do you and your partner love a relaxed, laid-back pace of life? Then start with an amazing arrival at your ceremony with a classic vehicle that will turn heads and everyone will love – a VW Split-Screen Campervan. It’s iconic, it’s fun and it’s something everyone knows for its spirited and bohemian identity.
LoveDub Weddings is one of the longest established and most experienced suppliers in Wales of vintage VW Campervans for weddings, offering a range of packages and also the opportunity for customisation – of the packages, that is!
Pictured above is Frankie, one of the rare 23-window ‘Samba’ models; Frankie was found in the Arizona desert – Breaking Bad was not available for comment.
Check out more transport inspiration on page 57 of the current issue. |
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