Honeymoon watch- where’s good to go in December

Well our Christmas festivities are now in full swing and thoughts of planning honeymoons have taken a bit of a back seat for the time being.  However, I do hope you will still find it an interesting read to know where the best places are to honeymoon around the world if you are planning a December wedding!

 For an amazing beach honeymoon in December, head for Jamaica in the Caribbean for beaches, mountains and waterfalls!  For a stay in a 4 star boutique style hotel, all inclusive basis for 7 nights from only £1310.00 per person including flights and transfer to the resort.

Honeymoon Jamaica

To go somewhere completely different, then give Mexico a thought.  Explore the ancient sites of temples and pyramids that date back over 2000 years, as well as soaking up the sun on Mexico’s Caribbean beaches.  Stay at a 3.5 star resort on an all inclusive basis for 7 nights from only £1317.00 per person including flights and transfers.

 

Honeymoon Mexico

For an exciting city break honeymoon for December, then visit the many markets, temples and royal palaces of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.  Here you can stay at a 5 star hotel on a bed & breakfast basis for 7 nights from only £1600.00 per person including all flights and transfers.

Honeymoon Cambodia

Please note:  All offers shown are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until time of booking.

 And it doesn’t stop there with honeymoons!  I also organise weddings abroad as well as planning Stag and Hen trips away!  For the girls, there are some great Spa weekend offers from just £96.50 per person including room and breakfast, a 30min treatment and use of the hotel’s leisure facilities.

 Looking after all your travel needs and specialising in designing honeymoons around your budget, please get in touch – Suzanne Asbury, Designer Travel Ltd, Chapel House, New Mills, Ladock on 01726 883868 or email me at suzanne@designertravel.co.uk.  Also follow me on Twitter @SuzanneAsbury.

Wedding theme: Winter Wonderland

I recently designed and styled a Winter Wonderland wedding theme and pulled together an amazing team of suppliers to assist me. The result was simply gorgeous!  There are some key elements in achieving this look which I wanted to share with you for inspiration and ideas for your own Winter wedding.  Keep the theme wintery and not too Christmassy.

Wall and ceiling drapings and effective lighting will transform your venue into a world of wonderous enchantment.  Richard from Your Top Table, set to work in draping the marquee and lining it with fairy lights, uplighters and spot lights.  This step is essential in creating a soft, layered look and the lighting is the most crucial part of this theme.

www.yourtoptable.co.uk

Phillip from Phillip Taylor Corps floristy  used exotic orchids, dusty hydrangeas, dramatic foliage like silver eucalyptus together with painted and natural twigs in tall conical vases to create a winter woodland effect.

www.taylorcorps.com

The name place cards, designed by Ananya cards, were snowflake shaped and handfinished with glitter and diamonte rhinestones.  They were cut to sit on the wine glasses which created a floating effect.

www.ananyacards.com

Last, but not least, I added the Louis Ghost chairs, which can be hired from Elle at Inspire Hire.  They chairs look like they’re made out of ice and finished the look off perfectly.

www.inspire-hire.co.uk

The result,  a romantic, sophisticated Winter Wonderland look with lots of shimmer and sparkle, soft colours, exotic flowers and strategically placed lighting to give a dramatic effect – an escape into fantasy land!

an enchanted place setting

Winter wedding Wonderland

 We can design, create and style any theme for your wedding so get in touch to see what we can do for you. www.aliberryweddings.co.uk

Photography: all gorgeous images taken by leading photographer Sarah of www.greenphotographic.com

Venue: www.the-olive-grove.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter wedding warmers

When it’s cold outside, it’s nice to offer your guests warm comforting drinks.  There is nothing better than coming in from the crisp cool air and being greeted with a blazing fire and a warm drink.  Autumn/Winter weddings can be truly atmospheric and cosy and, because they are often cheaper, are becoming more and more popular with couples.

My summer is not complete without a glass (or two) of refreshing Pimms so imagine my sheer delight when I recently discovered Pimms No 3 Winter.  A warm, brandy based version of the favourite summer cocktail, made with apple juice, cinnamon & orange zest.  Yum!

Nobody can resist a Bailey’s or Tia Maria Coffee. Warm, comforting and moreish! Espresso, Baileys and frothy milk is all you need.

What would winter be without hot chocolate? Jazz up with cream, marshmallows or cinammon sticks.  A shot of Baileys won’t cause any harm

Mulled wine is an aromatic winter classic. Red Wine, cinnamon, star anise, orange zest, sugar and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Enjoy!

Honeymoon watch – where’s good to go in November?

Great to see that we are easing into the winter months nice and gently with the mild weather we are having.  Still can’t quite believe next month is Christmas and Santa will be popping down our chimneys for a visit!

I’ve been looking at honeymoon destinations for the month of November to help give ideas as to where the best places are to go around the world and they are as follows:

 For a beach honeymoon – Barbados.  Barbados has a wonderful climate, great beaches and quality restaurants, as well as lively nightlife in the south of the island. The palm-fringed white sand beaches provide a relaxing environment to enjoy spending time together.

Recommendation: Stay 14 nights at the Mango Bay Resort on an all inclusive basis in a superior room.  Prices from £2377.00 per person.

For a city based honeymoon – New York.  Delve into New York’s energy, from theatres and shopping to the famous sights – Fifth Avenue, Broadway, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Wall Street. You’ll soon fall in love with the Big Apple.

Recommendation: Stay 7 nights at the Waldorf Astoria on a room only basis in a deluxe double room.  Prices from £1164.00 per person.

 

For something a bit different- Canadian Rockies.  The Canadian Rockies are legendary for their towering mountains, majestic glaciers, raging rivers and turquoise lakes – all ready to leave you breathless. You can also spend time doing exhilarating activities, from hiking to skiing.

Recommendation:  Take memorable journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, possibly one of the world’s most spectacular rail adventures.  Tour duration is 6 nights departing Calgary with prices from £1255.00 per person.

 Looking after all your travel needs and specialising in designing honeymoons around your budget, please get in touch – Suzanne Asbury, 01726 883868 or email me at suzanne@designertravel.co.uk.  Also follow me on Twitter @SuzanneAsbury.

 

Autumn wedding inspiration

Autumn is by far my favourite season for weddings.  I love the warm colours, wonderful textures, and cosy fires which greet you after walking in the crisp air.  Here are some design boards to inspire you…

Autumn colour scheme

 

Image Credits: Style me pretty, Rock my wedding

Meet Elaine of County Cream,Cornwalls luxury Bridal house…

I recently met up with Elaine Rawlings, owner of Cornwalls luxury Bridal house, County Cream.  Elaine stocks some of the best dress designers in the bridal industry including Jenny Packham (my favourite!), of which they are the exclusive stockist in Cornwall.

Elaine is sincere, warm and welcoming and you get a sense that she is genuinely enthusiastic about every single Bride who walks through her doors. Her bridal house exudes style and elegance, with great attention to detail, and I highly recommend that you make County Cream your first point of call when selecting a wedding dress.  You will not be disappointed!

How did you end up owning County Cream Bridal House?
I was an advertising consultant working for Brides in Cornwall magazine and looked after County Cream’s advertising. It came up in conversation that Carol was thinking to retire. I felt the time was right personally for a new challenge! Carol and I had long chats and got on really well. Carol encouraged me that I had what it took to take over and so I did!

 What motivates you the most?
I’m quite ambitious and my motivation is to strive to be the best in the industry in Cornwall. I am motivated  by the brides who walk away feeling inspired by their experience and pass their experience on to new potential brides.

Trend prediction for wedding dresses in 2012?
Having visited the British Bridal Exhibition at Harrogate in September key looks coming through are big skirts, organza overlays, more straps, sleeves and lace.

Which 2012 collections are you loving?
Romantica of Devon. Looking for a new stockist at Harrogate Romantica ticked all the boxes. Their collection  was a real mix of all the key looks. Some designers collections can look very samey but Romantica produced a collection of dresses that all differed in style from dress to dress. The quality in the material is there and the price point that Brides are requesting is perfect. I’m looking forward to 11 of their dresses arriving in November.

How would you advise a Bride to personalise her wedding day look?
I would advise a bride to pick a dress that reflects their personality as opposed to personalising the actual dress. So if they like lots of sparkle and bling go for that in your dress choice, if you like plain and simple look for that in the design. Any personal touches could come through in accessories such as a quirky pair of shoes.

Which iconic bride would you love to dress?
Grace Kelly. She was so effortlessly stylish and her wedding dress emulated everything about her. Classy tasteful and elegant. Not surprisingly there were similarities between Grace’s dress and Kate Middleton’s earlier this year.

What do you love about working within the wedding industry?
No two days are the same here as the industry is ever changing.  As styles change it brings diversity with it. This keeps the boutique fresh and keeps you motivated.  Also the relationships you develop with the bride. You get to know a bride sometimes over an 18 month period and you really feel a big part of their special day.

Essential item for a Bride on her wedding day?
Tissues and perfume!

Favourite cocktail?
I’m more of a champagne girl!

Favourite Venue?
Boconnoc House Lostwithiel Its stunning grandeur, the sprawling grounds, its own church and warm welcome from the Fortesques would make any bride feel like a real princess.

Favourite designer and why?
I love Madeline Isaac James the silks she uses, the boned corset tops and full skirts.

Favourite look for Bridesmaids?
A simple dress to not distract from the bride, but to complement. You want all the bridesmaids to feel comfortable. We have a new range by twobirds bridesmaids which allows you to buy one dress but create 15 different looks. www.twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk They are really innovative.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
County Cream’s opening night it was such a proud moment being surrounded by friends and family and others in the bridal industry who had all helped to create what will be our new future.

Veil or no veil…
Veil it completes the look for me and if anyone is going to get emotional it’s when the veil goes on!

What can’t you live without?
A cup of tea, friends and family.

What can we expect from County Cream in the future….
We intend to grow and grow add new names to the boutique and build on our reputation for offering gorgeous dresses for all brides to be and to make each and every girl feel special.

To book an appointment, please contact Elaine on

info@countycreambridalhouse.co.uk; Tel: 01872262271; www.countycreambridalhouse.co.uk

 

My top 5 tips on choosing your wedding dress

Budget – sit down and work out how much you can afford to spend on a dress.  Include costs for underwear, shoes and accessories.  When you’re in a bridal store, don’t look at dresses out of your budget.  You will either be disappointed when you find a dress that you can’t afford or you’ll end up  compromising on other important areas of your wedding.

Oscar De La Renta

Style – Choose a style that works best for your body type and which hides or improves your defects.  You want a style which is flattering, complimentary and non-fuss (you do not want to be pulling your dress up all day). Stay open-minded and try on as many different styles for your body type as you can.  Think about length, colour and the right fabric for the time of season.  The 5 most popular styles are:

• A-Line or Princess: Fitted in the body, then flows out toward the ground
• Ball Gown: Fitted in the body with a full skirt
• Mermaid: Contours the body from the chest to knee, then flows to hem.
• Sheath or Column: Straight, form-fitted from the shoulders to the hem,
• Empire: Raised waist line sits below the bust. Dress flows down to hem
• 

Appointments – Take your Mum or bridesmaid along with you for second opinions but make sure that they will be objective. Don’t go to more than 3 or 4 shops or confusion and indecision sets in.  Research the Bridal stores that you will be visiting to make sure that they have a variety styles and designers in your budget.  Saturday is the most popular day for appointments so if you are able, book one during the week as you won’t feel rushed or pressured.

Jenny Packham

Take your time – Don’t rush.  This is one of the most important dresses that you will be purchasing.  You will be the focal point of your Wedding and you want your dress to be perfect.  If you think that you’ve found the perfect dress, take time to try on shoes, veils, tiaras, accessories and always go back for a second and third fitting.  Think about your hair style, bridesmaids dresses, colour schemes, underwear, jewellery and grooms wear and make sure that all of these compliment your dress.

Jasper Conran

Extra costs – Find out the cost of alterations. You might need to have the hem taken up or the dress taken in slightly if you lose weight.  Get quotes for alterations beforehand so that you can budget for them.  Ask about costs for cleaning, mending and storing the dress after the Wedding. 

Bruce Oldfield