VENUE Regency Style

Cheryl I'Anson - Thu 20 Nov 2008

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With its handsome Regency architecture and stunning views, Fishmore Hall makes a perfect wedding location all year round. This boutique country house hotel overlooking the charming town of Ludlow offers unrivalled views over the pretty Shropshire countryside.

Inside the beautifully restored Regency house, there are 15 luxurious contemporary bedrooms that can sleep up to 30 guests, giving you exclusive use of the hotel for your wedding weekend. And if you hire the Restaurant on an exclusive basis, the hotel will offer a complimentary bridal suite for you both.

There are two rooms which are licensed for civil ceremonies. The Lounge is ideally suited for smaller intimate ceremonies, while the Restaurant with its views overlooking Clee Hill can seat up to 60 guests. And if you’re planning a larger reception, a marquee can be erected on the lawn.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinator will help you with all your plans, from the menus to the flowers, and decorations to the photographer. The hotel also offers a selection of wedding packages to suit all budgets, which include a glass of prosecco or champagne on arrival; canapés including caramelised anchovy and onion pastry, chicken satay and dim sum; a choice of menus of dishes such as Cornish mackerel, pan fried salmon, and white chocolate crème brulee; coffee and petit fours; half a bottle of wine per person and a glass of fizz for the toasts.

To make a booking or for more information, call 01584 875148 or visit the website.

Posted in category: Venues

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WEDDING GOSSIP Girl In A White Dress 31

Cheryl I'Anson - Wed 19 Nov 2008

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Our resident bride and wedding expert, Cheryl, is back from her big day and floating on a wedding-induced cloud of loveliness, and will be talking weddings with you every week...

Beat those nerves

Everyone’s suffered from the odd bout of nerves in their time, but nothing is more likely to set off a swarm of butterflies in your tummy than the thought of walking down the aisle in sky-scraper heels in front of a crowd of your closest friends and rellies.

Even if you’ve imagined that moment a trillion times in your head, when it comes to it it can still seem a bit daunting. So here are some tips to help you beat the nerves and stay calm and focused for your big entrance…

1. Cut out the junk
In the weeks before the big day, try to cut out or cut down the amount of salt, refined sugar, tea, coffee and alcohol as these are all stimulants that will have your heart fluttering – and not in a loved-up way sadly. Instead pack your diet full with bananas, green leafy veg, fish and oats, which are all natural stress-busters.

2. Work it out
You might already be tackling your new pre-wedding exercise regime like an Olympic champion, but if you’re not it’s time to get on your bike. Frequent aerobic activity raises your fitness and energy levels, which releases ‘feelgood’ endorphins and helps relax tense muscles.

3. Sleep it off
Sleep is the best relaxer of all, so get plenty in the lead-up to your wedding. A poor sleep pattern is a strong stress trigger, leading to irritability and nerves so aim to be in bed before midnight and/or to get eight hours of ZZZs a night.

4. Deep breaths
If you’re feeling nervous, stop and take a long deep breath, breathing in for four then out for five, relaxing your shoulders as you breathe out. And try visualising what it is that’s making you nervous, such as aisle moment or the first dance and picture yourself smiling and enjoying it and you’ll start to associate those things with feeling happy.

5. Don’t sweat it
There are many little things that might go wrong on the day but chances are you won’t even notice so try not to focus on the small things as they'll only make you more nervous, and think about the reason you’re wearing that lovely white dress – you’re about to marry the man of your dreams and it doesn’t get more wonderful than that! Good luck!

Photos © iStockPhotos

Posted in category: Wedding Gossip

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REAL WEDDING Seaside Romance

Amanda Hinton - Tue 18 Nov 2008

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Ruth & Colin
16 February 2008

They Met Ruth and Colin first set eyes on each other at university - Ruth was the first girl that Colin talked to! Love bloomed and one birthday, after a day of kitesurfing lessons, they took a stroll along the beach and Colin popped the question. Meanwhile, Colin’s mum had arranged for an overnight bag to be delivered to a nearby hotel for a surprise night away as well as a big celebration party the next day with family.

Wedding Venue The couple began looking for venues a year before the wedding, looking on the internet and driving around the New Forest. Finally, they fell in love with The Haven Hotel in Poole. It fitted all of their criteria as well as it having beautiful beach views, a reception room with an open fire and a piano - and a reputation for good food.

The Theme The couple chose a theme of roses with a colour scheme of chocolate brown and gold for their big day. The theme was kept throughout the day, with the reception tables decorated with dried rose petals (from Colin’s grandmother’s garden in San Francisco), as well as a single white rose with gold sprayed beargrass as a table centre, and tea lights. The top table was decorated with silver mirrored vases with red roses as the table centres. The tables were named after places special to the couple and their family. And as a special touch, guests took a Polaroid photo of themselves with a message to stick into a keepsake book.

What They Wore Ruth looked gorgeous in a strapless champagne-coloured gown with diamante and pearl detailing and a rose detail at the hip, keeping with the theme. The bride accessorized with ivory satin shoes from Rainbow as well as a floor length, champagne-gold veil and an ivory rose clip in her hair, with a gold ribbon as a tiara. The final touches were pearl jewellery borrowed from a friend.

The groom wore black tails, a cream waistcoat with gold detailing and a mocha-coloured cravat.

The bride had two bridesmaids who wore floor length, chocolate brown taffeta dresses teamed with champagne coloured fur shrugs from Luella’s Boudoir in London. The best men and ushers wore black tails with cream waistcoats and gold cravats.

The Cake Colin’s family made wedding cupcakes as the main cake, with moist and gooey chocolate and almond cake topped with mascarpone icing and mini sugar roses.

The Flowers Ruth carried a bouquet of cream roses with eucalyptus foliage tied with a VV Rouleaux ribbon to match her wedding dress. The bridesmaids carried smaller versions of the bouquet tied with chocolate brown ribbon. The church and reception were decorated with cream roses along with green foliage at the altar. All the flowers were arranged by a clever friend.

First Dance The couple danced for the first time to ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder with a simple, choreographed dance after taking lessons. The music continued into the evening with light jazz for the wedding breakfast followed by a DJ.

A Moment To Remember Ruth’s most memorable moment was when she walked down the aisle and saw all of her friends and family in the church, as well as when she and Colin had photos taken on the beach.

Honeymoon After spending the night at the Honeymoon suite in the hotel, the newlyweds jetted off for a mini honeymoon to the spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany. Later, they saved up for a three week summer road trip around the USA and Canada.

Any Advice Ruth suggests, ‘Delegate tasks at the beginning to family and friends’ as well as ‘Don’t get too obsessive over tiny details as it may ruin your day and the build-up to the wedding.’ Whilst Colin advises, ‘Write your speech in advance of the day before!’

Ruth & Colin’s Contact Book:
Venue: The Haven Hotel
fjbhotels.co.uk/Haven
Photographer: David Brown Photography
dbrownphotography.com
Dress: Abbey Brides in Sherbourne
abbeybrides.co.uk
Groomswear: Chas Baker
chashbaker.biz

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Posted in category: Real Weddings

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