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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by Iris & Ivy Photography, www.irisandivyphotography.com |
| |  | Chalkboard chic
Black and white weddings are bigger than ever
| In her shoes
Couture footwear designer Freya Rose offers her advice on finding the perfect W-day shoes
| Highlight the positive
We shine a light on the latest beauty trend: strobing
| Preppy prince
How to rock the geek-chic look
| Sweet vs Savoury
Fancy serving up something that little bit different? Find quirky ideas for your starters, mains and desserts
| A midsummer night's dream
Spring romance is epitomised in this stunning whimsical shoot from Jo Ager, owner of Iris & Ivy Photography
| 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
| A million love songs
Sophie and Daniel enjoyed their dream wedding at Warwick House
| Raise a glass
The drinks reception is currently enjoying a modern transformation
| Honeymoon news
From Antigua to Devon, we reveal the hottest new openings around the world for a memorable post-wedding getaway
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 3rd June, 2016 |
 | | | 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 West Midlands Wedding on your Smartphone or Tablet
you can order a complete eMagazine for just £1.49.
To order, please visit our website at www.yourwestmidlandswedding.com or call us on 01376 514 000. |
| All the fun of the fair |
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| Image provided by Neil Bowler Photography |
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Verity and Warren’s celebration sent guests of all ages into a spin of excitement
Verity’s time on dating website eHarmony was short lived as she stumbled across the one immediately. “I paid for a three-month membership back in 2012 but didn’t use most of it as Warren was the first person I met,” she recalls.
A month later, the pair enjoyed a fun first date at the fair; little did they know that in three years time they’d be tying the knot with a fairground theme as a throwback to this very day. Post-waltzers, Warren took Verity for an all-you-can-eat Chinese meal. “I knew then he was the man for me – what more could a girl ask for?”
Their romance continued to blossom and on 1st November, 2014 the pair got engaged while staying at the five-star Hayfield Manor on a surprise trip to Cork, where Verity’s grandparents were from. “I put together a photo album charting our time together, and finished it off with a picture of the engagement ring and a special message asking Verity to marry me,” says Warren. “I popped the question at the top of the sweeping staircase at the hotel, before we went to dinner.”
Read all the details of their big day on page 30 of the current issue.
www.neilbowler.com |
| Spotlight on Bromsgrove, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Worcester |
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Ingon Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon
This elegant 14th century country house hotel is set in more than 130 acres of glorious countryside situated in the heart of William Shakespeare’s famous birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
History-loving couples can marry in the converted 16th century barn known as the Elizabethan Suite, which seats wedding parties of up to 120 (with extra space for 50 guests in the Minstrels Gallery upstairs). This suite hosts 165 in total for an evening reception. It’s a magical spot with fairylights and chandeliers hanging from the exposed beams in the vaulted ceiling and has its own private terrace set against a fountain backdrop, ideal for summer celebrations. There are romantic views across the 18-hole golf course at the back of the barn where couples can be taken by buggy to pose for their pictures.
We love… the fact you can stay on with your guests to make a weekend of it!
Ceremony licence? Yes
Contact: 01789 731 857
www.ingonmanor.co.uk
Check out more regional venues on page 17 of the current issue. |
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| New beginnings |
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I absolutely love spring! Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of nice things to say about winter too, but once the sun starts shining and the warm coats get packed away – it's all about the new beginnings. As always, we've got an issue that's jam packed with ideas to create your dream big day, including a stunning whimsical wedding styled shoot from Iris & Ivy Photography – check it out on page 49.
If you've not yet found the perfect venue then we've got some fantastic advice for those of you looking for nuptials with a twist. Turn to page 23 to have a look at a few West Midlands hot spots that are just a little bit different! Perhaps you're starting to think about looking your big-day best? We've got a round up of the top trending bridal styles for you to feast your eyes on – flick to page 57 for more.
Enjoy!
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| Liz McIntyre, Editor |
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Make sure you email editor@yourwestmidlands
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 |
| Beauty buzz |
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Ivana Sidey reveals all the latest news and products for the bride-to-be English rose
If, like me, you’re a mineral make-up fan you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a new face in the market. The English Mineral Makeup Company is 100 per cent natural, mineral based, vegan friendly and cruelty free. My top picks are its amazing blush in Bubblegum and The Fairygodmother primer that really work its magic on your skin.
www.englishmineralmakeup.co.uk
Ivana reveals more of the latest news and products on page 86 of the current issue. |
| A mid-summer night's dream |
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| Image provided by Iris & Ivy Photography |
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Think enchanted forests and fairytale romance and you won’t be too far from the vision that Jo aspired to for this shoot. “I wanted to create something magical that captured springtime in full bloom,” says Jo, who chose the charming Hogarths Hotel in Solihull as the perfect venue. “It’s a beautiful place with stunning gardens and grounds and was an ideal complement to the look we were trying to achieve.”
Make-up artist Abbi Owen says, “I’d wanted to create beautiful bridal-inspired images for some time and when Jo told me about the bluebell fields and blossom trees that were close to the hotel, I just had this ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ vision in my head. I wanted the images to have an ethereal beauty and to really capture the colours of spring and summer.”
www.irisandivyphotography.com
Turn to page 49 of the current issue for more from this inspirational shoot |
| Win your wedding wish list |
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Jam Jar Weddings & Events has teamed up with local wedding businesses including Daniel McClane Photography, Funkmania, Buffet Girls and Fabulous Extras to offer one lucky local couple the chance to win their wedding wish list worth over £5,000! The prize includes many things including decorative props, a vintage sweet cart and chocolate fountain, evening buffet, photo booth, photography package, DJ, a wedding film plus £500 towards your dress and accessories.
For full details about their competition and to enter before the closing date of Sunday 1st May, 2016, visit www.jamjarweddingsandevents.co.uk |
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| Wedding of the Year winners 2015 |
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| Image provided by Highfields Photography |
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Thanks to your votes, Beth and Phil Cooke won the final of our Wedding of the Year 2015 competition.
Our title winners first met in Stourbridge when a close friend introduced them beneath the town’s famous landmark clock one lunch break. “From then on, we started doing things together and enjoyed each other’s company,” remembers Beth. Love struck their relationship blossomed from there…
On Mother’s Day, 2014, the pair were driving to Beth’s mother’s when Phil took her on a diversion for a walk up on the Clent Hills. “I thought it was a bit strange,” she recalls, but Phil had a good reason for this. While they were strolling to the top viewpoint, he asked Beth to marry him! “It was a complete surprise; he didn’t even wait until we’d reached the top, he proposed on the pathway as he couldn’t wait a minute longer!”
Just over a year later, the pair tied the knot with purple and green styled nuptials at St James Church, Wollaston, followed by a reception at Rock Village Hall; and the venues were the easiest thing for the couple to choose. “It’s true that when you know somewhere is right, you know it’s right,” says Beth. “They were both exactly what we wanted.”
On page 44 of the current issue, Beth shares all the details of their award-winning big day that earned them the title.
www.highfieldsphotography.com
If you'd like to take part in our Wedding of the Year competition 2016 to be in with a chance of winning a romantic two night stay at Woodside in Warwickshire, then it couldn't be easier... www.yourwestmidlandswedding.com/
woty1_entries.cfm |
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| 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. | | | | Aspire Wedding Fair at The Chateau Impney | | The Chateau Impney, Broadway Suite, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0BN | | Web: www.aspire-events.net | | Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | | | Munstone House Hotel Wedding Fayre | | Munstone, Hereford, HR1 3AH | | Web: www.divaweddingfayres.com | | Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | | | Tied with a Bow Wedding Fayres at The Baron's Court Hotel | | The Baron's Court Hotel, Walsall WS9 9AH | | Web: www.tiedwithabowweddingfayres.co.uk | | Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | | | The Worcester Luxury Wedding Show | | Worcester Racecourse, Grand Stand Road, Worcester WR1 3EJ | | Web: www.divaweddingfayres.com/ | | Date: Sun, 15 May 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | | | Birmingham Hyatt Regency Wedding Show | | 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2JZ | | Web: www.divaweddingfayres.com | | Date: Sun, 22 May 2016 | | Time: 10am - 4pm | | |
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