ABSOLUTE
BRIDALWINTERAUTUMN 20 201817 FREE COVERING THE SOUTH EAST How do
IDress look? shopping TIPS from the EXPERTS
THE ESSEX YOUR WEDDING TYPE AWA R DS ON Meet the winners PAPER WEDDING STATIONERY AISLE INSPIRATION STYLE The 2018 bridal trends you NEED to know
Honeymoons | Show Dates | Venues | Real Weddings and more! Untitled-2 1 09/12/2017 17:21
Please visit our website for up-to-date information on upcoming shows at www.mainweddingsandevents.co.uk 14
ContentsWinter 2017 108
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130 96 6 WEDDING SHOWS – Catch the best 118 COMMITTING TO MEMORY – Marc 70 LOVE GROWS – Oaks Pavilion at wedding suppliers at a venue near you Godfree Photography Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre 10 INTRO AND NEWS – Stats, facts and 120 ADDICTED TO LOVE – Amanda Karen 72 A WORLD OF YOUR OWN – Prested Hall breaking news you don’t want to miss! Photography 74 A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN – Ivy Hill 98 ESSEX WEDDING AWARDS – 124 MIRROR, MIRROR AT THE BALL – 78 IT’S ALL YOURS – One Warwick Park meet the winners Spotlight Star Booths 82 THE EDGE OF GLORY – Cliffs Pavilion 132 ALL TAKEN CARE OF – A look at 86 ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN – FASHION toastmasters with Peter Minney Salomons Estate 12 MATERIAL GIRL – Dorothy Perkins’ 88 SPOILT FOR CHOICE – Colchester bridal launch REAL WEDDINGS Events Company 14 THE FUTURE LOOKS WHITE – 2018’s key 36 NATALIE & CHRISTOPHER SAID “I DO” wedding dresses – at Hintlesham Hall TRAVEL 24 MUM’S THE WORD – Christine’s mother- 62 KELLY & KEVIN SAID “I DO” – 130 TREASURE ISLAND – St Lucia’s of-the-bride advice at Orsett Hall Rendezvous resort 32 BEST DRESSED – Peaches Wedding Shop 126 KELLY & PAUL SAID “I DO” – 40 10 OF THE BEST… – Hair accessories at Ye Olde Plough House 44 COSTUME DRAMA – Period-inspired gowns BEAUTY 92 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD – 52 WE CAN WORK IT OUT – Butterfly Fit’s Published by Main Event Wedding Shows Ltd Bridal party accessories exercise tips No.1 & 2, Old Park Farm Business Centre, 58 LET IT GLOW – Winter pampering Ford End, Chelmsford CM3 1LN FEATURES 96 THE BEAUTY BOUTIQUE – Essential Tel: 01245 895470 Web: www.mainweddingsandevents.co.uk 26 MARRY WITH MARTELS – Martels beauty products and treatments Email: [email protected] Wedding & Events Village All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be 30 PURPLE MIST – Styling inspiration GROOMS reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. 48 JUST YOUR TYPE – Wedding stationery 111 THIS CHARMING MAN – Grooms’ suits We have taken care to attribute all work whether written or photography to its rightful owner and we 50 LA VIE EN ROSES – Sarah Diamant Florist therefore cannot take responsibility for any errors and/ 108 FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD – VENUES or omissions throughout the publication. Price details Roamers Catering 66 A WHOLE LOT OF HISTORY – were correct at the time of going to press and are subject to change. 114 ROLL WITH IT – Wedding Cars of Herts Hanbury Manor Absolute Bridal is online. Please visit our website for 116 IT’S A KINDA MAGIC – 68 JUST LIKE A DREAM – Pontlands Park up-to-date information on upcoming shows at Luke Clough Magic www.mainweddingsandevents.co.uk
4 ABSOLUTE BRIDAL Andrew & Natalie’s Wedding - 5th October 2017 Spring shows 2018
Sponsored by
Entertainment - lighting - decor www.spjuk.com www.paul-hubbard.co.uk www.coojewellers.com
ESSEX
CROWNE PLAZA COLCHESTER THE RAYLEIGH CLUB FIVE LAKES 28TH JANUARY 7TH JANUARY Hullbridge Road, Hullbridge, Colchester Road, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex SS6 9QS Essex CM9 8HX OAKS PAVILION AT RIVENHALL HOUCHINS OAKS GOLF CENTRE 7TH JANUARY 28TH JANUARY Houchins Farm, Coggeshall, Forest Road, Witham, Colchester, Essex CO6 1RT Essex CM8 2PS
VAULTY MANOR COLCHESTER TOWN HALL 14TH JANUARY 28TH JANUARY Goldhanger Road, Heybridge, High Street, Colchester, Maldon, Essex CM9 8BQ Essex CO1 1PJ
PRESTED HALL CHELMSFORD CITY 21ST JANUARY RACECOURSE (12 PM - 4.00 PM) 3RD & 4TH FEB (11 AM - 3.30 PM) Feering, Colchester, Essex CO5 9EE Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, ORSETT HALL Essex CM3 1QP 21ST JANUARY Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, HUTTON HALL Essex RM16 3HS 11TH FEBRUARY Hutton Village, Brentwood, Essex CM13 1RX
Pre-register online to receive free entry and your copy of absolute bridal magazine If you are a supplier and are interested in exhibiting please contact our office for availability on 01245 895470 ALL SHOWS RUN FROM 11AM - 3.00 PM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
6 ABSOLUTE BRIDAL Shows
Spring shows 2018
ESSEX HYLANDS HOUSE PONTLANDS PARK 18TH FEBRUARY 13TH MAY Hylands Park, London Road, West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8WQ Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8HR COLVILLE HALL 25TH FEBRUARY Chelmsford Road, White Roding, HERTFORDSHIRE Essex CM6 1RQ TEWIN BURY FARM HOTEL THE REID ROOMS 14TH JANUARY 4TH MARCH Hertford Road, Tewin, Marks Hall Lane, Welwyn, Herts Margaret Roding, Chelmsford, AL6 0JB Essex CM6 1QT HANBURY MANOR - CHANNELS ESTATE GARDEN COURT 18TH MARCH 21ST JANUARY Pratts Farm Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Lane East, Little Waltham, Ware, Herts SG12 0SD Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3PT FASHION SHOW AT 12PM & 2PM HANBURY MANOR THAT AMAZING PLACE 8TH APRIL 8TH APRIL (12 PM - 4.00 PM) Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Hubbards Hall Drive, off Ware, Herts SG12 0SD Churchgate Street, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0NH HATFIELD HOUSE 22ND APRIL HYLANDS HOUSE Hatfield Park, Hatfield, 22ND APRIL Herts AL9 5HX Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8WQ
CHELMSFORD CITY RACECOURSE 28TH & 29TH APRIL (11 AM - 3.30 PM) Chelmsford City Racecourse, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1QP
ALL SHOWS RUN FROM 11AM - 3.00 PM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
WINTER 2018 7 Shows SAVE THE DATE... ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS IN ESSEX
www.simplyphotographic.co.ukAaron Crowe Wedding Photography www.aaroncrowe.co.uk Spring shows 2018 BEDFORDSHIRE NORFOLK THE HOUSE, SHUTTLEWORTH SPROWSTON MANOR 14TH JANUARY 14TH JANUARY The House, Old Warden Park, Wroxham Road, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EA Norwich, Norfolk 2 dates for Spring 2018 NR7 8RP SPROWSTON MANOR rd TH CAMBRIDGESHIRE 20TH MAY Wroxham Road, Norwich, 3 & 4 february Norfolk NR7 8RP SWYNFORD MANOR th TH 25TH FEBRUARY 28 & 29 april London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket, Cambs CB8 9EP SUFFOLK 11am-3.30pm HINTLESHAM HALL 21ST JANUARY KENT (12 PM - 4.00 PM) FREE ENTRY Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NS BRANDS HATCH OVER 150 STANDS 11TH FEBRUARY Fawkham, Longfield, INCLUDING VENUES Kent DA3 8NG
TUDOR PARK FASHION SHOWS 25TH FEBRUARY 12PM & 2PM Ashford Road, Bearsted, Kent ME14 4NQ O R EVENT CHAMPAGNE BAR SPONSORS SALOMONS ESTATE 4TH MARCH • Coo Jewellery LIVE MUSIC Salomons Estate, Broomhill • SPJ Event Road, Southborough, specialist Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TG FIRST 50 BRIDES THROUGH THE ONE WARWICK PARK DOOR ON BOTH DAYS 25TH MARCH 1 Warwick Park, Tunbridge FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE SHOWS, WILL RECEIVE A Wells, Kent TN2 5TA PLEASE CONTACT US: FREE WEDDING PLANNING DIARY! T: 01245 895470 E: [email protected] W: WWW.MAINWEDDINGSANDEVENTS.CO.UK PRE-REGISTER TO SAVE TIME ON THE DAY WWW.MAINWEDDINGSANDEVENTS.CO.UK LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @THEMAINEVENTUK MAIN EVENT WEDDINGS SHOWS LTD TELEPHONE: 01245 895470
8 ABSOLUTE BRIDAL @THEMAINEVENTUK MAIN EVENT WEDDINGS SHOWS LTD SAVE THE DATE... ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS IN ESSEX www.simplyphotographic.co.ukAaron Crowe Wedding Photography www.aaroncrowe.co.uk
2 dates for Spring 2018 3rd & 4TH february 28th & 29TH april 11am-3.30pm
FREE ENTRY
OVER 150 STANDS INCLUDING VENUES
FASHION SHOWS 12PM & 2PM
O R EVENT CHAMPAGNE BAR SPONSORS • Coo Jewellery LIVE MUSIC • SPJ Event specialist FIRST 50 BRIDES THROUGH THE DOOR ON BOTH DAYS WILL RECEIVE A FREE WEDDING PLANNING DIARY!
PRE-REGISTER TO SAVE TIME ON THE DAY WWW.MAINWEDDINGSANDEVENTS.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01245 895470 @THEMAINEVENTUK MAIN EVENT WEDDINGS SHOWS LTD News From the Editor on’t you just love winter? The frosty nip in the air, cosy knitwear, crackling fires, mulled wine Meet the team – and of course, weddings! Whether you go for a subtle theme with rich shades and earthy floral arrangements or decide to deck your reception hall in candy-cane brights and campy ChristmasD cheer, it’s impossible to go wrong with festive nuptials. However, if you’re a little stuck, we suggest you read on for supplier inspo. Florist Sarah Diamant is on hand to offer some sophisticated foliage tips for this season and beyond, while Butterfly Fit’s personal trainer has exercises to ensure that your seasonal carb-loading doesn’t impact on your wedding-day wellness. Alongside all of this, there are bridal trends, grooms’ style, venue insight, beauty pampering and – for those who are feeling the January blues – a trio of exotic honeymoon destinations to put the spring back in your step.
Wishing you all the very best, Vanessa Challis Director - Absolute Bridal & Main Event from the Editor Wedding Shows Ltd [email protected] To keep up to date with all things wedding-related, connect with us on Twitter at @TheMainEvent, and join us on Facebook via the Main Event Wedding Shows page.
LOVE ZAPP-TUALLY With everything from romances, world travels, wedding plans and new babies all shared with loved ones via WhatsApp, innovative technology from zapptales ensures Linda Grant these exciting life memories are saved from disappearing into the digital ether. Director - Absolute Using unique technology, zapptales brings Bridal & Main Event the messages, photos and group chats shared Wedding Shows Ltd on WhatsApp to life by uploading them into a fully illustrated, physical and customisable book which can be treasured forever. Lydia Adams You’ve got to fight for this love Founder Daniel Vicen Renner said, We realised that we wanted a way to capture and Office Manager British adults have revealed the qualities they believe make keep these conversations, but there wasn’t up a successful 21st-century marriage, and there are some Advertising and a way to do it. So, we created zapptales surprising results. wedding show sales to provide an original and simple way for A survey of 2,000 UK men and women carried out Tanaka Kadete anyone to save their digital memories in the by One4all, the Post Office gift card, found that 76% believe real world.” Advertising and it is healthy for happily married couples to argue. In fact, zapptales books are easy to create via the wedding show sales an average of 3.9 arguments per month are thought to brand-new app (available on iOS & Android) contribute to a “happy ever after.” That along with going on Penny-Anne Freeman or via the website. You simply export 3.8 dates and having sex 8.35 times per month, are key to a your chat (including all your pictures and Advertising and harmonious marriage, Brits believe. messages) directly from your smartphone to wedding show sales Those surveyed would also expect spouses to pay one zapptales, and this is converted into a book, Lena Chakir another compliments, on average, 14.98 times per month and which you can then customise. There are to go the extra mile by giving one another presents twice in Administrative Executive options for soft- or hard-back versions and the same time period. there’s no page limit to the books – in fact the Rachel Bray Couples who want to abide by their ‘until death do us part’ longest one produced so far was 4,000 pages! vows should enjoy meaningful conversations with each other Accounts Executive The zapptales book retails in the UK from 16.64 times per month according to respondents, and flirt £22.99 (excluding postage and packaging) with each other 13.51 times monthly. from www.zapptales.com/en and additional The research also found that Brits are most likely (64%) to copies of the book are half price – perfect look to their parents as an example of what a successful if you want a copy for yourself or for your marriage looks like, followed by grandparents (22%). whole family or friendship group. See Aoife Davey, Group Marketing Manager at One4all Gift zapptales.com/en for more information. Cards commented, “It’s healthier to discuss upsets and concerns than to bottle them up. Traditionally, arguing may have been considered unhealthy but many people now recognise the essential role of expressing your feelings – both positive and negative – in relationships. Just make sure that tempers are kept in check, you’re respectful and that you’re COVER PHOTO achieving the more positive essential components regularly.” PAUL HUBBARD The One4all Gift Card is available to buy from Post Offices PHOTO & VIDEO nationwide and online at www.one4allgiftcard.co.uk, and can www.paul-hubbard.co.uk be spent in more than 50,000 outlets across the UK.
10 ABSOLUTE BRIDAL News
THE 10 BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS ACCORDING TO EXPLORING THIS ROCK ❊ Bora Bora ❊ Paris, France THE REST IS HISTORY ❊ Venice, Italy Coming soon to The Farmhouse at Redcoats is a stunning 15th-century barn conversion ❊ Seychelles that’s soon to become a venue of heritage and distinction. ❊ The British Virgin Islands Set in the grounds and beautiful gardens of this recently renovated venue, the new ❊ The Maldives barn will have capacity for 120 guests. Alongside this development, there’ll also be 30 country-chic rooms for your nearest and dearest to sleep over after a day of revelry ❊ Lapland, Finland including food and drink from a farm-to-table, award-winning catering team. The existing ❊ Dubrovnik, Croatia Grade II-listed barns are also undergoing a refurbishment. ❊ Tatai, Cambodia If you’re tying the knot this summer or later, check out www.farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk or call 01438 7295 00 to find out more. ❊ Selva Negra, Nicaragua For more honeymoon and mini-moon inspiration, visit www.exploringthisrock.com SIMPLY THE BEST Sean Keenan from Stokeinteignhead in Devon has been crowned Britain’s Best Best Man, following a nationwide search by leading stag and hen experts, Red7. The competition was created by Red7 to celebrate its 20th anniversary, and the changing role of the best man over that time, but it was the story of Sean’s first- class efforts in June this year that really blew the judges away. Despite being a first-timer, Sean went above and beyond from the get-go to ensure that his mate had the perfect wedding experience. Sean organised a long weekend in Amsterdam for the stag do, including a private booth for boxing-mad Thom to watch the Joshua v Klitschko fight… and when one of the party missed his flight home, it was Sean who organised, and paid for his safe return. When the suit hire firm ‘lost’ the bridal party’s suits, less than 24 hours before the wedding, Sean saved the day for a second time. Stepping up in the groom’s time of need, Sean drove the two-hour round trip to the tailor multiple times in a day to find a solution, securing upgraded replacement suits for the entire party. Sean’s efforts are even outstanding considering that he was training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity MDUK at the same time. In fact, Sean was unable to attend the official Britain’s Best Best Man announcement in person, as he was Three’s a charm on his way to Kilimanjaro base camp ready to begin his charity climb, instead, Kentish couples can now marry in the glorious Sean joined the event via FaceTime. surroundings of Bewl Water, the new sister venue Thom says, “Sean made sure our day went exactly as planned, whilst injecting of fellow Tunbridge Wells-wedding favourites One humour into the entire event. His dedication to us on the day and in preceding Warwick Park and Salomons Estate. All three event weeks was miraculous for someone with so much going on. He even took time out spaces are operated by Tunbridge Wells-based of his training for climbing Kilimanjaro to help make our wedding perfect. Markerstudy Leisure. He really does deserve this award and being able to put him forward has allowed Ceremonies at Bewl Water are held in the Boat House me to give back a tiny amount of Bistro, which has spectacular views over the lake, what he gave us on our special day.” while the shoreline provides so many options for those The winner was announced at a romantic wedding album pictures. “Whatever style of lavish event in Brighton hosted by ceremony you want, whatever your budget, we have Ian Lucas, Founder of Red7. We a venue and a plan that can work for you and our wish Sean all the very best for his dedicated event managers will work with you to make Kilimanjaro climb!” your dream day a reality,” said Andrew Daniells of For more information on Markerstudy Leisure. Red7, visit the website For more information on the new wedding venue, visit www.redsevenleisure.co.uk www.bewlwater.co.uk WINTER 2018 11 Fashion Scarlett Heart ♥ Boho WEDDINGS & EVENTS chic
Vintage Material glamour GIRL
Evangeline Juliet £150 £85
Iris £85 Isabelle £175 L R L G Our unique, bespoke package that includes all of the following: ♥ Table Centre Pieces & Decorations Rosaline ONLY ♥ Top Table Curtain. LED’s & Drapes £95 £2,395 ♥ Wedding Cake or Cupcakes I L R ♥ Live Music All Day I ♥ R DJ With State of the Art Light & Sound ♥ White LED Starlite Dancefl oor Shop Dorothy Perkins’ first bridal collection Midi length ♥ Room Uplighting for affordable luxe ♥ 3 Hour Photo Booth inc. Images on USB f you’re a style-conscious bride-to-be with a high street budget that doesn’t match ♥ Giant LED ‘LOVE’ Letters CHAIR COVERS your haute-couture aspirations, you might find that Dorothy Perkins’ debut ♥ ‘MR & MRS’ Cakepop Wedding Favours & SASHES OF bridal collection is the perfect fit. From full, flowing skirts to fabulous fishtails YOUR CHOICE ♥ Table Plan and Guest Place Cards Iand short, retro hemlines to vintage showstoppers, there’s a stunning wedding dress FREE for every woman. ♥ Chocolate Fountain inc. 8 Dips WITH THE FULL Tabitha Clara Luxurious fabrics such as lace, tulle, satin and chiffon – combined with lashings of ♥ Vintage Sweet Cart Loaded with Candy PACKAGE beading and embroidery – elevates this range of dreamy gowns above its price tags, £150 £150 ♥ which range from £85 to £185. And with bridesmaid dresses to flatter every shape, Vintage Wishing Well or Post Box Dorothy Perkins could even have your whole wedding party covered. WWW.SCARLETTHEARTWEDDINGS.COM MOB: 07445 690079 OFFICE: 01702 876 090 ABSOLUTE BRIDAL 12 [email protected] Scarlett Heart WEDDINGS & EVENTS ♥