Your London Wedding magazine - Latest News

From favours to thank yous with the Royal Opera House

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Bring your taste buds alive with Love Cocoa's delicious range of luxury chocolate and truffles, available from Royal Opera House shop - a perfect gift for wedding guests and the bridal party!

From fresh cream ganache, oozing with champagne and raspberry puree, to rich coffee beans, and the silkiest milk chocolate offset with a sharp, salty tang, each chocolate is made with unique, exquisite and delicate ingredients.

Guests can bite into the depth of magnificent flavours at the wedding breakfast or take home with them after the big day - either way, they are definitely too good to share!

Reinventing chocolaty classics with a contemporary touch, Love Cocoa was set up by James Cadbury, the great-great-great grandson of the founder of Cadburys, aiming to make chocolate great again, and as a committed philanthropist, to continue as an ethical business, which was at the very core of what Cadbury represented.

Love Cocoa produces delectable chocolate which you can savour with a clear conscience - no palm oil or gluten included!

• Raspberry Champagne Truffles - £15
• Early Grey Milk Chocolate Bar - £4
• Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bar - £4
• Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar - £4
• Prosecco Milk Chocolate Bar - £4
• Rose White Chocolate Bar - £4
• English Mint Dark Chocolate Bar - £4
• London Coffee Chocolate Bar - £4
• Salted Caramel Truffles - £15

Available from Royal Opera House shop - www.shop.roh.org.uk

If music be the food of love... play on!

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Lauren and Rob embraced the 'urban green' throughout their London big day which you can see in the April May issue out now!

Lauren Grew, 32, married Robin Lewis, 31, at St Stephen's Church followed by a reception at Clapton Country Club on 19th May, 2018.

Robin admits that his first date with Lauren could have been better. “I forgot that Lauren had a shellfish allergy and we went to a great Japanese restaurant but there was a lot of prawn and raw fish on the menu. I managed not to poison her though, which is probably the bare minimum that could be expected of a date,” he laughs. And when it came to the proposal, Rob isn't sure that he did much better. “I could lie and say it was really smooth but it was more garbled and clumsy,” he admits. At least there was no shellfish involved, although he did ask Lauren to marry him as she was finishing the washing up. “I thought he was joking and hit him with a tea towel,” Lauren remembers. “He then produced the ring and I knew he was serious.”
The couple planned their wedding over 15 months, although they were simultaneously renovating their house, so after booking the venue, band and catering they took a hiatus before regrouping for the details. And given Robin's record, it's probably just as well that Lauren took on the lion's share of the organising – although Lauren points out that Rob gets the credit for finding their ceremony venue – the very first thing they booked.

When it came to the couple's wedding music choice they added, "We hired a seven-piece band for the reception – they were amazing and came down off the stage to join the party."

We chat to Tim Sentence, of All Town Music, the company that provided the music for Rob and Lauren's wedding. "It was a fantastic wedding, and we had a wonderful testimonial from Lauren:

"Thanks so much for performing at the wedding. You guys were brilliant and were exactly the thing we were looking for. Having been to a number of weddings over the last couple of years the bands have been hit or miss and you guys were certainly a hit! I think that everyone really enjoyed the way that you were interacting with everyone and coming down on the dancefloor to sing or play sax was great. It was really a great night.

"You were great at setting up and sound checking whilst everyone was still enjoying a few drinks. You got everyone up and dancing and your energy was constant throughout the night which was clear with everyone dancing til the end.

"I have actually just recommended you guys to a colleague who has just got engaged and one of his jobs is to find the band! I think that I have saved him some time! Thanks again and please pass on our sentiments to the rest of the band!”"

Tim adds, "This wonderful image is of our vocalist Lizzie from the band Uptown Showdown dancing with the bride! This was taken by the official photographer, Fiona Kelly."

For more information on entertainment options call 020 7043 2343, email enquiries@alltownmusic.com or visit www.alltownmusic.com/weddings

Check out the All Town Music social media handles:
- www.facebook.com/alltownmusic
- www.instagram.com/alltownmusic
- www.youtube.com/alltownmusic
- www.twitter.com/alltownmusic

Image credit: www.fionakellyphotography.com

Eight grooming tips for men on their wedding day

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Experts at men's grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge have released a guide to big-day grooming. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, or it is to your partner at least!
Either way, you have a responsibility to make sure you look your best. It's only for a day, so make the effort. Then you can slide back into your comfy jeans and hide under your favourite cap. It doesn't have to be a drag, either.

Below, experts at men's grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge have put together some simple – but effective – styling tips to get you through the big day.

Don't leave your haircut too late
It doesn't matter if you're drastically changing your style (not recommended!) or just keeping things tidy; make sure you book in to see your barber a week before your wedding. Giving yourself a solid seven days means your new haircut can settle in, making it look more natural. Go for a timeless style as well – that way your wedding photos will never look too dated.

Wash your hair properly
Men often neglect shampoo and conditioner, but they are essential grooming products for balancing the production of sebum oil, which causes greasy hair. Every man needs a bespoke regime when it comes to shampoos and conditioners, as sebum oil is produced at different speeds depending on the person. Washing your hair with each product on a daily basis should be sufficient. You don't want greasy hair on your wedding day, do you?

Book yourself in for a wet shave
Head down to your barbershop with your groomsmen for a traditional wet shave before your wedding day: the hot towels will help your complexion, while a traditional cut-throat razor promises to offer a close shave that's very hard to achieve with cartridge razors at home. Make sure your barber uses a post-shave balm to soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation too.

Deal with excess hairs
No, not down there – although that might need a little manscaping as well! Go the extra mile and ask your barber to trim your nose hair, pluck or thread your eyebrows, and sort out your sprouting ears. These grooming procedures are common practice for barbers now, so there's no shame in asking.

Show your beard some love
If you're a man with a beard, make sure you trim the unruly fuzz before the big day. Beards can get messy quickly, so do this right up until the big day. Use a beard oil and comb as well to soften your facial hair and leave it smelling irresistible.

Pay attention to your skin
Your skin is your largest organ and deserves to be pampered. Drink plenty of water in the build up to your wedding to keep your skin hydrated. It's also worth using a face scrub to remove dirt and oil from deep inside the skin's pores for a complexion that glows with confidence. Finish with a moisturiser to lock in all that goodness.

Clean and clip your nails
Lots of men get so caught up thinking about their suit, shoes and tie that they forget to sort the simple things. It takes no time at all to cut and clean your nails, but it'll make all the difference.

Apply cologne properly
Whether it's sweet or musky, make sure you wear cologne on your wedding day. Applying your favourite fragrance is an art: regulate the number of spritzes to just one or two and dip your finger into the cologne to evenly distribute the scent. Consider the wrists, neck, chest and underarms as grooming hotspots.

For more tips, tricks, and wedding day essentials, visit www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk.

Museum of London Docklands gains a ceremony licence

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The award-winning Museum of London Docklands, located on the banks of the River Thames in Canary Wharf, has announced that the venue is now licensed to host weddings and civil partnerships. The converted Georgian sugar warehouse will host ceremonies for the first time in its 200-year history.

The museum is licensed for evening weddings of up to 250 guests and offers a range of distinctive spaces. From the exposed brick walls and original pitch pine columns of the Muscovado Hall, to the sun-drenched Quayside Room with its panoramic views of West India Quay, each space provides a stunning setting for your 'I dos'.

Couples looking for the added wow factor can request exclusive use of the museum's inspiring galleries. Each gallery offers an ideal setting for pre-dinner drinks and photography, allowing guests to take an atmospheric stroll through the mysterious winding streets of the museum's recreation of Victorian Wapping, or to explore the museum's fascinating objects, which date from the 1600s to the present day.

Sarah McQueen, venues and hospitality manager at the Museum of London commented, “We're delighted to be able to offer couples the ultimate setting in which to exchange their vows. We can't wait to host our first ceremony for what will truly be another historic moment for the museum.” Room hire for weddings at the Museum of London Docklands starts from £3,500 plus VAT. For more information about hosting your wedding ceremony at the Museum of London Docklands, please get in touch with the team on 020 7814 5789 or visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk

EXCLUSIVE giveaway - Stay healthy with Nutravita

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

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The Nutravita range essentially consists of supplements that contain certain herbs and natural ingredients that either increase energy, detoxify, stimulate metabolism, and/or suppress appetite. Since its launched in 2014, Nutravita has helped thousands of people achieve their desired goals.

We're delighted to have teamed up with Nutravita for our March Facebook competition, giving our lovely audience the chance to win the Perflexion Skin Supplements and Hairfluence Biotin Hair Growth Tablets:

Perflexion® Skin Supplement: Powerful Formulation contains 25 active high strength ingredients, scientifically selected to revitalise skin, 60 Vegetarian Capsules, 30 day supply.

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For your chance to win, head over to our Facebook page to find out all the details on how to enter: www.facebook.com/CountyWeddingMagazines

Giveaway ends March 31st, 2019 . T&Cs apply!*

Check out, www.nutravita.co.uk/collections

It's official - we're a nation of romantics

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Traditional ideas of love are alive and well in the UK, as three out of four people are self-confessed 'romantics'.

Millennials are the most loved-up, with over half of young people agreeing that social media can help their romantic relationships.

Revealed: Britain's most romantic places

When it comes to matters of the heart, romance is very much alive and kicking in the UK, with three quarters of Brits admitting to being self-confessed 'romantics'.

Research by Norma & Dorothy has found that no matter how old we are, romance still plays a key part in Brits' lives, with 74% of all people describing themselves or their partner as being 'romantic'- and it seems we still value the simple, traditional ways to show our love. A romantic meal out together is our favourite way to celebrate love.

Three out of four people across all age groups would think it romantic for their partner to take them out to a restaurant, with 67% of people finding a candlelit dinner at home just as charming.
Saying it with flowers is a tried and tested hit - 70% of women and 61% of men feel this is a great way to display your desire.
Going to the cinema is a turn-off as you get older: over half of 16-24 year olds would happily canoodle over the popcorn, but only 15% of over-55s think this is a romantic thing to do.

But for millennials, the digital space offers even greater opportunities to set the romantic mood: Over 80% of people between 16-34 consider themselves to be romantic. Almost half (49%) of under-25s would describe an evening in front of Netflix with their partner as romantic. A third of young people would demonstrate their love by creating a Spotify playlist for their other half.
And, of course, social media is a route to romance with younger people. Nearly 60% of young people agree that social media helps them to improve their relationships - with a fifth of respondents agreeing that it's romantic to update your relationship status on Facebook or tag you in a photo on Instagram.

People over the age of 55 are much less convinced, though: only 2% would read anything romantic into a tagged photo.

Although we are unquestionably a nation of romantics, our attitudes to love vary around the country:

If you live in Yorkshire and the Humber, you're most likely to consider yourself to be. A staggering 84% of people in Leeds are self-confessed romantics, and 80% of people in Sheffield think that their partner is romantic!
Brighton comes bottom of the love list - only 57% of people surveyed would label themselves as romantic.
People in Nottingham are most likely to treat their significant other to a meal out in a restaurant, whereas people in Plymouth are the ones who are most likely to be wooed by a surprise bunch of flowers.
A quarter of people in Leeds, Liverpool, Cardiff and Bristol think it's romantic if their partner makes them a mix tape. And in Glasgow, 45% of people say that social media helps their relationship.

But a word of caution to inspired lovebirds - if you're planning to head out and surprise your other half at work, you may want to think again – only 1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women would think it's romantic for their partner to pop up out of the blue, even if it is with a bunch of flowers!

Grace Sherriff, founder of Norma & Dorothy, said: “It's great to see that romance is alive and well in the UK. We want to celebrate romance in whatever form it comes, so whether you're a fan of flowers or getting ready to update your relationship status on Facebook, we're keen for everyone to show their romantic side.”

Check out www.normadorothy.com

Check out Emmy London's Corinthia collection

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Bridal shoe designer Emmy London has launched a collection inspired by one of the capital's iconic hotels. The Corinthia Collection draws inspiration from the Bacarrat crystal chandelier fondly referred to as the 'heart of the hotel' it is named for. The collection embraces circle and loop formations, incorporating ornate glass beadwork, delicate stitching and crystal sequins alongside bugle beads, crystal discs and metallic edging. From sleek slingbacks to stiletto courts adorned with statement sparkle, the collection is delicate, feminine and timeless, drawing upon the signature attention to detail the brand is known for.

Emmy Scarterfield, creative director says, “I adore the Corinthia, it is such a beautiful luxurious space to spend time in. Within the architecture and styling, the hotel has created a perfect balance of historical references with modern touches. Previous collections have been inspired by destinations and architecture around the world so it was great to gain inspiration closer to home and celebrate the brand's London heritage.” Each piece is hand finished with a red crystal on the sole – a nod to the hidden ruby within the hotel's chandelier. For more information, visit www.emmylondon.com

Make-up to go

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Team have just launched these gorgeous make-up pouches, available in a 'Bride-to-be' and 'Bridesmaid' design!

The perfect gifts for the Bride-to-be and her Bridesmaids on her hen party, these faux suede vanity pouches are just the right size for all those make-up essentials, and also looks great as a clutch bag for the big night out!

The glittery decal adds a touch of luxe to the pouch, and the pink lining also contains a zip pocket.

The Bride-to-be design comes in a beautiful cream faux suede, and the Bridesmaid design is in a cool light grey with pink trimming.

Available to buy from www.teamhen.co.uk, £9.99 each.

Garden of Eden Flowers opens store in London's Wentworth Street

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Garden of Eden Flowers has opened a new central London shop. Located close to the bustling Petticoat Lane market and handy for Liverpool Street station, the new Wentworth Street store blends vintage style with contemporary cool, selling a wide range of flowers and plants, vases and ceramic pots as well as offering a comprehensive collection of accessories for weddings and events. Handy for both Tower Hamlets and the City's venues, the shop will offer a wide range of wedding services from hand-tied bouquets to centrepieces and stand-out arrangements. Oh, and brides who stop by the store, prepare to fall in love with the owner's Samoyede puppy. For more information, visit www.edenfloraldesigns.co.uk or call 020 7247 4549.

The greatest show

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday 17th February, the County Weddings Events team held its first Signature Event at The Brentwood Centre Essex and it was, quite frankly, a huge success!

At 11am excited couples and their entourages, nearly 1,000 of them, from across Essex were queuing to enter the doors to the exhibition area.
As the gates opened and the eager crowds flowed in, the room filled with chatter and 'oohs and ahhs' – the main hall was bustling with suppliers, blossom trees, floral arches and an imposing fashion runway taking centre stage, it was a sight to behold.

The atmosphere was electric, grooms were talking to entertainment suppliers while brides swooned over gorgeous gowns on offer from bridalwear retailers; mother-of-the-brides were checking out the florists while best men queued at the pop-up bars and sampled goodies from the food stalls. There wasn't a supplier that wasn't spending times with couples planning their special day!

At 12pm the first of two fashion shows kicked off. With mass crowds gathering around the catwalk, everyone was keen for the show to begin.
First, amazing singing waiters warmed up the crowd with a faultless performance, courtesy of Encore Entertainment (www.encoremanagement.co.uk), followed by a toe-tapping body-popping rendition of Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk, performed by Arran of Scarlett Heart Weddings and Events (www.scarlettheartweddings.com) who was also our on-the-day compère and styled the catwalk.
With the party in full swing, it was on to the fashion show. Showcasing its popular Disney range, Serenity Brides (www.serenitybrides.com) provided a selection of gorgeous gowns so stunning it was hard to pick a favourite – although I adored the blush design and I'm sure the audience did too! These were complemented by dapper suits from Olivers Formalwear (www.oliversformalwear.com) – there was even a black dress and tie combo perfect for formal themes.

For the rest of the afternoon, I couldn't help but indulge in an ice cream from Frew & Co (www.frewandco.com), and enjoy a drink from Tipple on Tow (www.tippleontow.com). I loved chatting to new companies such as Adventure Tails (www.adventuretails.co.uk) and meeting the couples and suppliers who love An Essex Wedding magazine as much as we all do here at County Wedding Magazines HQ.

This wasn't just any old wedding show, this was an event, a day to remember as part of our couples' wedding planning journeys! Overhearing a group of brides claim, “This is the best wedding show we've been too, it's better than the national shows in London!” well, this clearly says it all.

We hope you can join us at our Autumn Signature Show at The Brentwood Centre on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, 2019 – and set over two days, it's going to be bigger and better than ever!

See you there

Danielle
x
Managing editor

Check out: www.countyweddingevents.com/signature-events.cfm

To exhibit at one of our shows head to: www.countyweddingevents.com/exhibitors.cfm

To pre-register and attend one of our shows: www.countyweddingevents.com/registration.cfm

Image courtesy of: www.tinawingphotography.co.uk

Your London Wedding magazine - Latest News

From favours to thank yous with the Royal Opera House

If music be the food of love... play on!

Eight grooming tips for men on their wedding day

Museum of London Docklands gains a ceremony licence

***EXCLUSIVE*** giveaway - Stay healthy with Nutravita

It's official - we're a nation of romantics

Check out Emmy London's Corinthia collection

Make-up to go

Garden of Eden Flowers opens store in London's Wentworth Street

The greatest show

EXCLUSIVE giveaway - Stay healthy with Nutravita