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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by Ryan Welch Photography, www.ryan-welch.co.uk |
| |  | 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
| Wedding wellness
Tips and tricks for feeling your big-day best
| Preppy prince
How to rock the geek-chic look
| In and around Swansea
We showcase stylish spots to tie the knot
| 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
| Carry me away
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
| 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 |
| La dolce vita |
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| Image provided by Ryan Welch Photography |
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Danielle and Emyr’s wedding was a rustic Italian affair with lots of personal touches
Danielle and Emyr met in the Cardiff University student union bar, after Emyr had played in the Varsity rugby match. “He came over and asked if I wanted a drink, and that’s how it all started,” says Danielle. She liked Emyr’s confidence, eyes and smile, while he was attracted to her sense of humour and honesty, and not only her beauty, but how unaware of it she was.
Seven years later, Danielle was taken by surprise when, after a couple’s treatment at St David’s Spa, Cardiff, on Christmas Eve 2013, Emyr got down on one knee and popped the question – and, as soon as Danielle had replied yes, the champagne.
Read all the details of their big day on page 36 of the current issue.
www.ryan-welch.co.uk |
| Walk in, float out |
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How to plan your pre-wedding regime, spa-style
When it comes to weddings, you’ve probably been dreaming about your big day since you were little. From the towering cake and the cute wedding favours, to Etta James belting out At Last as your new husband sweeps you elegantly around the dancefloor, you’ve had it sorted! Alas, in reality, organising your nuptials can bring on the tears, tantrums and a serious ice cream addiction. What you need is a plan, but one with plenty of rewards in it – how about a spot of pampering in the spa of your choice to ease the stress in the lead-up to your big day? We’ve searched for some of South Wales’ most relaxing spots in order to get you to your bridal best.
12 months to go
You should start off by thinking of things you want to do before the wedding: a relaxing massage or getting your skin perfect. This will help you to see what you should be concentrating on, and there’s always an abundance of local suppliers on hand to help you. Why not book in for a spa day? An aromatherapy massage followed by afternoon tea should help with the planning.
10 months to go
Afraid of becoming Bridezilla? Look to spiritual or holistic treatments, research wellness and mindfulness and see if they help – there’s never any harm in trying, plus, you could actually really enjoy yourself. If you want to improve the appearance of your skin, talk to a beauty therapist and get a routine underway. Alex Heavens, salon manager of the Sun Lounge Beauty Centre, says, “We like to think that every bride has their own style. We offer a large range of treatments to refresh and enhance the natural beauty of our clients.” And for those concerned with aging skin or similar problems, centres like this also offer a full range of aesthetic treatments.
Visit www.swanseasunlounge.co.uk
We continue through the count down on page 69 of the current issue. |
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| And relax… |
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Hello! I'm very excited to be starting my new role here at Your South Wales Wedding, as Rosie moves up to higher things. In particular, I'm really excited to be able to share with you all the local details that make getting married in South Wales such a delight.
This issue we've got a plethora of features to help you boost your joie de vivre, from planning your pre-wedding regime with plenty of spa breaks (page 69) to ensuring your transport suits your big day (page 57) and making sure the little ones get a look-in instead of a lock-out (page 108) – unless, of course, that's what you want; because here at County Weddings, we firmly believe you should be in control of your own special day.
Happy planning!
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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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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 |
| Take my breath away |
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Caer Llan, NP25 4JS
Caer Llan is an 18th-century stone-built country house that you might find hard to focus on, but only because of the wonderful grounds and open countryside all around. The Wedding Room holds up to 88 of your loved ones for the ceremony and reception; you can exchange vows under an arch with spectacular views of the distant mountains. Enjoy the tranquillity of the grounds for the first moments of your married life, as well as for perfect photo opportunities.
This venue is not only lovely; following a recent refurbishment it’s also practical and accommodating. You can start your drinks reception while the team transform the wedding room, and the lounge area and bar are only ever a few steps from the idyllic patios and terraces.
Then, when you’re finally ready to retire, along with the bridal suite, there are15 en suite bedrooms included with the exclusive hire, for up to 50 of your friends and family to stay overnight. And there are family rooms as well as the adjoining Berm house, one of the UK’s original eco houses.
We love… the warm family welcome, all year round.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01600 860 359
www.caerllan.co.uk
Turn to page 27 of the current issue for more themed venues. |
| It's a girl thing |
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Achieve your ultimate squad goals by picking bridesmaid dresses that’ll keep the whole gang happy
The one for girls who mix and match
Phase Eight offers a number of bridesmaid styles to suit all tastes. With an array of dress shapes within chic complementary pastel and earthy tonal palettes, the high street label offers brides and their best friends the opportunity to find silhouettes which suit each individual, and then identify shades that will complement one another. Your willowy pals may opt for the elegant full-length gowns, while your voluptuous mates will prefer to enhance their curves with fit and flare frocks that fall to the knees.
Prices start at £130. View the full collection online at www.phase-eight.com
Check out more inspirational bridesmaids dresses on page 85 of the current issue.
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| Hot topic: Wedding worries |
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Have your cake and eat it
Q My mother-in-law keeps insisting that she will make the wedding cake, but she’s not exactly Bake-Off material. How can I make sure I have the cake of my dreams?
A Master baker Lesley Caviel says: We come across this problem with many brides, as the cake they want takes much more skill than the amateur baker has, but the bride doesn’t know how to tell them without causing upset. To avoid this, make a wedding cake appointment and make sure they’re involved; often there’s a dedicated wedding room with examples and pictures.
Once you start to go through these and show them the type of decoration you want, the complex details will put off most amateurs. Many bakers, like us, offer a service where you provide the cake and we decorate it for you, or alternatively provide a plain cake in the size you require, covered in smooth icing ready to be decorated.
www.cakeforalloccasions.com
Experts answer more questions on page 103 of the current issue. |
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