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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by Martin Phillips Studio, www.martinphillipsstudio.com |
| |  | Wonderful world of weddings
Nationwide news that's not to be missed
| Club tropicana
Add a splash of colour and an exotic twist to your celebration
| Photo finish
We turn to radiant real brides for the key accessories trends
| Grooms' news
All the latest launches and products for the man of the moment
| The last word
Stags on a hen do – what's the worst that could happen?
| Around Pontypridd and Caerphilly
Tie the knot in a local spot
| Behind the lens
Get to know the region’s photographers
| Teenage sweethearts
The sun shone on Lindsey and James' rustic celebration at The Corran Resort & Spa
| Mission: marriage
Emily and Kris tied the knot in a traditional yet trendy fashion surrounded by loved ones at the seaside
| A sensual spa-cation
Rosie Orgles discovers a luxury Asian-themed resort that's closer than you might think
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 28th August, 2015 |
 | | | 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 South Wales Wedding on your Smartphone or Tablet
you can order a complete eMagazine for just £1.49
To order, please visit our website at www.yoursouthwaleswedding.com or call us on 01376 514000 |
| Vote for us! |
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Our Best Wedding Magazine 2014 award is currently sitting pretty at County Wedding Magazines HQ and we’d love to retain our title at this year’s Welsh National Wedding Awards. To do that, we’ve continued to produce issues packed with fabulous wedding inspiration, all championing the amazing local venues and suppliers we’re so spoilt with. All that’s left to do now is ask you, our lovely readers, to vote for us.
If you think we deserve to be crowned Best Wedding Magazine again in 2015, please visit the website www.welshnationalweddingawards.co.uk
Voting is open until early September and your support would be very welcome. We’ve got our fingers and toes crossed! |
| New look un-vale-d |
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To the delight of brides- and grooms-to-be, the 17th-century Grade I listed Hensol Castle, within the grounds of the Vale Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan, has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment to restore it to its former glory. As part of the first phase of a £10million refurbishment programme, the castle’s function rooms have been upgraded and a new Courtyard Hall has been built, which can host 320 guests in a theatre-style layout or 200 loved ones for a banquet. In addition, there are now five new rooms that have space for up to 100 people each. Plus, 20 bedrooms and a high-end restaurant are also in the pipeline and are both due to be open by the end of next year – watch this space.
“We’re really excited about the investment in Hensol Castle,” says managing director of the Vale Resort Stephen Leeke. “The real selling point is that it can be hired exclusively, which makes it highly attractive for brides and grooms who’d like an intimate celebration just for them and their guests.”
Also in line to be given a £1million makeover are the Vale Resort’s 143 bedrooms; they’ll be getting new bathrooms and furnishings – guaranteed to ensure your guests get a luxurious night’s sleep.
www.vale-hotel.com |
| Te amo |
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| Image provided by Martin Phillips Studio |
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Sinead and Sean tied the knot with three days of fun for all
After working together and being friends for years, it was a Spanish-themed meal Sean cooked for Sinead in 2007 that changed everything. “He’d been learning Spanish, so he themed the meal around the country, accompanied by a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a menu he’d written in the language,” explains Sinead. “It went really well. I was super impressed that he’d made such an effort and although it was a little weird having him cook in my house while I wasn’t allowed to help or see what he was doing, it was really romantic and showed how much he cared.”
From then on, their relationship went from strength to strength – Sean even visited Sinead in Thailand while she was travelling for five months – and on Boxing Day in 2012, Sean popped the question with Sinead’s dream vintage-style ring. “He’d originally planned it to be on New Year’s Eve; however he discovered that my best friend Nicola’s boyfriend had the same plan after he asked me to help pick a ring for her,” remembers Sinead. “Sean wanted his children and my parents to be there, as it meant a lot to both of us to share the moment with them too. His son Finnley was ready with a bottle of champagne to pop and his daughter Charlie-Ann handed me a card to open from Sean. It was a Christmas card, but when I got to the back page it said ‘will you marry me?’ Sean got down on one knee, opened the ring box and asked me himself. I burst into tears and said ‘yes’.”
Newly engaged, the excited pair began searching for the perfect venue at the start of the new year and wanting to get married as soon as possible; their summer wedding planning started from there. “We fell in love with Oldwalls right away. We wanted somewhere near the beach, with high quality accommodation and food, and that was dog-friendly so we could have our beloved Sammy with us – it ticked all the boxes,” says Sinead.
On page 41 of the current issue, the bride shares the details of their day.
www.martinphillipsstudio.com
www.oldwallsgower.com |
| 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. | | | | Eternity With Love - Vale Resort Exhibition | | The Vale Resort Hensol Park, Hensol Vale of Glamorgan CF72 8JY | | Web: www.eternitywithlove.co.uk | | Date: Sun, 6 Sep 2015 | | Time: 11am - 4pm | | |
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| The question was popped |
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Come 2017 I'll be walking down the aisle – as a bridesmaid! It went a bit like this – my best friend asked, I excitedly squealed 'yes', and girls being girls, dress discussions began immediately – fuelled by fizz, of course. We all know that finding a wedding-worthy outfit requires time and planning even when you're not in the bridal party, so shopping for dresses for a bunch of your best girls who'll be strolling ahead of you on the big day can be even more challenging – not forgetting styling the groom and his groomsmen, and the mothers-of-the- bride and
-groom too.
Wish you had a personal shopper? Step up our amazing local suppliers. As always, they're on hand to help, and this time they're ready to dress your bridal party. To ensure you're all picture perfect for your nuptials, read their expert advice from page 75 – as well as fashion designers' top picks on page 83 and grooms' summer style on 110.
Happy planning!
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| Rosie Orgles, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yoursouthwaleswedding.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
Win! A hen weekend for six,
worth £750 |
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Enter now for your chance to win a Love Hen Weekend Package for six people at Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa
Fancy seeing off your single days from a Jacuzzi? Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa know that brides-to-be have very busy big-day planning schedules and deserve a spot of pre-wedding pampering, so what better than a hen do where you and your best girls can indulge in a little TLC together?
Situated in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, this luxury hotel and wedding venue has so much to offer. The Fusion Spa is the perfect hideaway for the ladies, while the championship golf courses are ideal for the groom and his friends. Leave the lads to do their thing and check yourselves in for some 'me time'. The Love Hen Weekend Package is everything you need to relax and rejuvenate ahead of your nuptials. With full use of the Fusion Spa leisure facilities, complimentary use of robes, towels and slippers, and a choice of a one-hour or two 30-minute treatments included – bliss – you're sure to feel like new women.
After kicking back until your heart's content, you'll enjoy a three-course dinner together before retreating to your rooms for an overnight stay, complete with full Welsh breakfast the following morning – all for £125pp. For more information call 01495 225 590 or visit www.brynmeadows.co.uk
The prize
A Love Hen Weekend Package for six people, including the following per person:
- Full use of the Fusion Spa leisure facilities
- Complimentary use of a robe, towel and slippers
- Choice of a one-hour or two 30-minute treatments
- Three-course dinner
- Accommodation in a standard bedroom
- Full Welsh breakfast
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| Enter here |
| Win a honeymoon in the Azores, worth £4,000 |
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A stunning archipelago of nine islands, the Azores are set in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America. Formed by volcanic activity, they're full of natural beauty, from vast craters holding deep blue lakes to mineral springs and geysers.
Sao Miguel, known as the green island, is the largest and most populated island of the Azores, with diverse scenery, sandy beaches and high mountains, while the cosmopolitan town of Ponta Delgeda offers pretty turn-of-the-century architecture, cobbled streets, restaurants and nightlife. You'll never be bored here; activities include whale watching, swimming with dolphins, walking and trekking, diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing and golf.
Terceira, or the lilac island, is the second most populated island. The beautiful town of Angra features colourful chapels, castle walls and one of the best public libraries and archives in Portugal.
Faial has been christened the blue island, because of its blue-decorated houses and the copious hydrangeas. The main town of Horta has been a crucial sea port since the 19th century and sailing boats from all over the world still stop here.
Find out more at www.sata.pt and www.azoreschoice.com
The prize
- Two return flights from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel with SATA International
- Two inter-island flights from Sao Miguel to Terceira with SATA International, including taxes
- Two inter-island flights from Terceira to Faial with SATA International, including taxes
- Two inter-island flights from Faial to Sao Miguel with SATA International, including taxes
- Accommodation for two for 14 nights on a B&B basis in four selected independent hotels
- Airport transfers
- Four days car hire
- One three-hour whale watching trip for two in San Miguel
- One three-hour swimming with dolphins excursion for two in Faial
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| Enter here |
| Around Pontypridd and Caerphilly |
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Caerphilly Castle
If it’s a fairytale wedding you dream of, Caerphilly Castle is just the setting for you. Steeped in history, it’s the second largest castle in Britain and provides a stunning and traditional spot in which to tie the knot. Play princess for the day and walk down the aisle to your prince in the castle’s 14th-century Great Hall, accompanied by up to 200 guests for your ceremony.
Post-vows, you and your loved ones can mix and mingle in the castle’s grounds, complete with an impressive moat. There are photo opportunities aplenty in and around the castle, so your wedding album is sure to wow generations for years to come. While you’re basking in the just-wed congratulations, staff will transform the picturesque Great Hall ready for your reception – let the celebrations begin!
Ceremony licence? Yes
Contact: 01443 336 034
www.cadw.gov.wales
We love... the castle’s leaning tower – a great backdrop for a big-day shot with your new husband!
Check out more local venues on page 19 of the current issue. |
| Q&A: Fashion and beauty |
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Perfect pins
Q I’ll be sunning myself ahead of my wedding and plan to have a wax the week before, but I don’t want this to ruin my tan. How can I achieve perfectly smooth and sunkissed legs?
A Salon owner Leah Blanc says: It’s all about preparation. Here are my top three tips for brides-to-be: - Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate – you should do this two to three times a week, for three months before your big day. This will allow the skin to shed its dull, lifeless layer and allow new healthy, radiant skin to develop.
- If you’re going down the fake tan route to achieve your bronzed look, you’ll need to book your wax prior to the spray tan. Any waxing done after will result in a zebra effect.
- If you’re tanning naturally or using a sunbed, waxing won’t harm your tan, though I’d strongly advise a 24-hour respite after your waxing treatment. A day later, the skin will be in a better condition to be exposed to UVA and UVB rays.
For help and advice in relation to any pre- or post-wedding treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your salon.
www.simplybare.co.uk
More fashion and beauty questions are answered on page 98 of the current issue. |
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| Wedding of the Year |
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| Image provided by Maria Farrelly Photography |
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Congratulations Nia & Kerry
Nia and Kerry were crowned winners of the first round of our Wedding of the Year competition.
On page 53 of the current issue Nia tells us more about their big day at The Cawdor. We also have four new weddings, but which one takes your fancy? Take a look and cast your vote.
www.mariafarrelly.co.uk
www.thecawdor.com |
| Behind the lens |
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| Image provided by Nick Murray Photography |
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To help you get to know some of the region’s most fabulous photographers, we caught up with them to talk photo styles, wedding shots and big-day albums…
Nick Murray Photography
Photographer’s name: Nick Murray
Photography style? A mix of modern documentary, fine art and fairytale.
What do you love most about your job? I get to create art every single day with amazing people on the happiest day of their lives. What’s not to love?
How do you ensure your couples are relaxed in front of the camera? I’m just myself and my clients tend to see me as a friend with a camera. I’m not keen on posing so I just let them enjoy their wedding day. It should be as effortless and relaxed as it can be.
Wedding album must-have? Anything that involves the bride and groom in each other’s arms, lost in one another, away from the excitement of the wedding party.
Favourite wedding shot? I’m in love with this image of Carly – the joy on her face never left, it was a beautiful day and the light hit her perfectly.
www.nickmurrayphotography.co.uk |
| Playing favourites |
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| Image provided by Charlotte Balbier |
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As the new bridal collections for 2016 are unveiled at London Bridal Fashion and White Gallery. We ask four designers to pick their top three dresses of the moment, including one of their own showstoppers
Turn to page 83 of the current issue to discover their top picks. |
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