www.spunsilk.co.uk

ContentsIssue 1 May 2009

42 ~ Cakes We delve into a world of cakes

22 ~ Moviestar Make-upResident make-up artist Maria Procopi shows us how to create the 1950’s Hollywood glamour

18 ~ Top 10 Wedding TipsFrom celebrity Wedding Planner and top selling ‘Wedding Bible’ author Sarah Haywood

27 ~ Hassle free guest listWedding planner and designer Zoe Lingard shares her tips for creating a hassle free guest list

29 ~ Photography AdviceExpert photographer Pete Norton shares hints & tips

Lush would like to thank all the people who con-tributed to getting this magazine up and running and all the feature editors who kindly submitted great articles and images.

ON THE COVER

Image courtesy of Alan Hannah

Visit us atwww.LushWeddings.co.uk

05 ~ Moviestar Dresses Alan Hannah’s amazing new collection{ }

Editor’s letter{hello}A huge hello and welcome to your fresh and fabulous new wedding magazine.

We like to think we’re a little different here at Lush Weddings. We want to inspire, inform and entertain you budding brides and grooms-to-be.

Each month our resident experts will guide you through the complexity of organising your dream wedding.

This month we kick off with a movie star feel with beautiful dresses from designer Alan Hannah. Maria our resident make-up expert reveals how to achieve Hollywood movie glamour and we delve into the world of Maisie Fantaisie cakes, warning, if you are on a pre-wedding diet you might want to grab an apple first!

If you’ve got any suggestions, views or comments or just want to have a chat, feel free to send us an email. We love nothing better than receiving emails!

Sit down, put your feet up, relax and enjoy!

Linsey RobinsonEditor

We love getting emails! Email: info@lushweddings.co.uk

Website: www.lushweddings.co.uk

NEXT ISSUE OUT JUNE 2009

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Lush Weddings is published 12 x per annum.This magazine can be recycled. Please log on to www.recyclenow.com to find out more.Copyright © Lush Weddings 2009 All prices in this publication were correct at the time of going to press. All material is copyright to Lush Weddings and may not be reproduced in any form without obtaining prior permission.

EVERY bride should look and feel like a million dollars on their wed-ding day-it is one of the only times in your life when you don’t need an excuse to TRULY indulge! Chances are that you have been taking extra special care of yourself, and you look fabulous and feel confident about

your appearance. A perfect gift to yourself and your groom is a For Your Eyes Only portrait-this way you can capture the true beauty of a Bride to be, forever! FYEO Portraits create modern photo portraits for women in a cutting-edge style that previously has only been available in commercial fashion studios. Thanks to the unique work of innovative photographer Alexandra Burns, Director and cre-ator of FYEO Portraits, an all female company offering sexy,

modern, creative photography for women, brides to be have the chance to have fabulous photos taken before their big day. For Your Eyes Only Portraits is the market leader in its field, and the ONLY photographic studio that can use an exclusive house style to create stunning pictures for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

For Your Eyes Only Portraits08700 801790www.fyeoportraits.com

For Your Eyes Only Portraits

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Marguerite Hannah has been the designer for the Alan Hannah label since 1990. After training as a couturier in Cyprus, she moved to London in 1985 working in Bridal and then producing a collection of couture eve-ning wear for private clients.

By 1990 Marguerite had teamed up with future husband Alan who was already in the Bridal industry. Marguerite produced a new collection of bridal gowns for the Alan Hannah label which were exhibited at the British Bridal Exhibition. The collection quickly gained a loyal following amongst discerning upmarket retailers keen to stock the collection.

In 1995, Marguerite won the first of eight British Bridal Awards presented by Condé Nast Brides in the UK. By this time Alan Hannah was represented not only in the UK but USA, Japan, Europe and Australia. In 2000 Marguerite began experimenting with hand painted fabric and produced the dress Madrid with painted stargazer lilies which became an in stant icon and modern classic. Jewellery design was always one of Marguerite’s passions and in 2002 she teamed up with one of the UK’s most successful bridal jewellery design-ers to pioneer specially designed pieces to use on her gowns.2002 saw Marguerite winning the Retail Bridal As-sociation’s designer of the year award, which she also won in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, and in 2007 she was the BBA designer of the year. Marguerite has always resisted the temptation to produce the gowns in the Far East, and today, production is still based in London and overseen at all stages by the designer herself. All of the dresses are produced to order and can be made to measure.

This season Alan Hannah are launching the collection with a new photo shoot and campaign which uses an amazing set reproducing the backdrop of a Hollywood studio set with dramatic lighting and an edgy feel which is a complete departure from traditional bridal photography.

To view the collection visit www.alanhannah.co.uk

Alan Hannah Designer Profile

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Sarah Haywood is the ‘Wedding Doctor’ and author of the UK’s best selling bridal books the Wed-ding Bible and Wedding Bible Planner. She regularly appears on TV and radio in the UK and abroad and her weddings are featured in bridal and celebrity magazines. Sarah’s clients range from high spend celebrities and aristocrats to those looking for glamour and style on a limited budget.

MONEY MANAGEMENT Plan only for the type of wedding you can afford. Accept what you’ve got to spend and always shop with this in mind.  Create your perfect wedding, not Posh Spice’s.

BE ORGANIZED It’s the key to successful and stress free wedding planning.  

PRIORITIZE Don’t waste time getting carried away with the detail of your day until you have put in place the key elements: where and when you’ll be married and how much you can spend.

PRESENT A UNITED FRONT Create your day together and present a united front to your families. Leave some room for family input – espe-cially if they are contributing finan-cially.

RESPECT & COMPROMISE When drawing up your guest list, be sensitive to the desires and expectations of each other and your families. Respect the point of view of others and listen, even if you eventually reject their ideas. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise.

Lush Planning

10 Top Wedding Planning Tips

From celebrity Wedding Planner and top-selling ‘Wedding Bible’ author Sarah Haywood

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DELEGATE Behind every blooming bride and gorgeous groom is a fabulous and efficient team, so delegate what you can to friends and family who have skills in areas you need help with.

BRIDESMAIDS & BEST MAN Have a reliable best man and chief bridesmaid.  If your closest friends are not reliable and/or competent, give them something else to do!

HIRING & FIRING Do not hire anyone or anything until you have seen or sampled their wares.  Get every detail in writing.  Before signing a contract ask: “is this your best price?”

KEEP COOL, CALM & COLLECTED - especially with your nearest and dearest.  Don’t alienate anyone you’ll need later on. 

WEDDING FREE ZONES Have wedding free zones in your home(s) and wedding free evenings with your intended. Then you’ll remember why you are doing this!

Visit Sarah’s websites for more help and advice on wedding planning

www.sarahhaywood.co.uk www.weddingbible.co.uk www.sposiintoscana.com

WINA SIGNED COPY OF THE WEDDING BIBLEWe have a signed copy of the UK’s best selling bridal book the Wedding Bible up for grabs

Celebrity wedding planner and TV’s “Wedding Doctor” Sarah Haywood’s best-selling guide to planning the perfect day with style, sophistication and panache - whatever your budget and however large or small your celebration. Presented alongside inspirational photography, much of it from real weddings, together with interviews from fifty of the best known names in the business. A sumptu-ous book for the modern bride.

“”All you need to get married is a groom, a dress and the Wedding Bible!”” Kate Garraway GMTV

WANT TO WIN?

Email your name to win@lushweddings.co.uk

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DestinationHoneymoon

WEDDINGS, ROMANCE &RELAXATION IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

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CH I LL O U T I N T H ECAYMAN ISLANDS

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The Cayman Islands have everything loved-up newlyweds need

Lush Travel

The Cayman Islands are the essence of carefree Caribbean style, and are the perfect choice for a romantic retreat

for any couple, whether they are seeking an idyllic spot for a tropical wedding, a honey-moon, an anniversary celebration or just an exotic break away together.

The pristine white sand, warm turquoise waters and stunning natural backdrop of the Cayman Islands provide a setting fit for any bride, whether her dream is for a flower-decked white wedding ceremony on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, surrounded by friends and family, or an intimate barefoot marriage on Little Cayman.

With the Cayman Islands being justly regarded as among the friendliest and most welcoming of any Caribbean destination, couples planning a wedding can rest assured

that they will have little to worry about other than last minute nerves. Grand Cayman and its Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, all have wedding planners at hand from the outset to ensure that the big day runs without a hitch. For those who would like to inject a little Caymanian culture into their wedding, couples are able to marry at many of the islands heritage spots including the peaceful and colourful Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park, or the national historic site of Pedro St. James, with superb views over the Caribbean sea. The more traditionally-hearted can choose from a quaint church wedding, a secluded beach ceremony or the luxurious surroundings of a five star resort. For a wedding with a twist, and for those who are a little more adventurous, the bride and groom can wed aboard a catamaran or even underwater, while diving among the islands’ pristine coral reefs.

CH I LL O U T I N T H ECAYMAN ISLANDSThe Cayman Islands have everything loved-up newlyweds need

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With the wedding ceremony itself over, an escape to some-where luxurious and secluded is of paramount importance, the Cayman Islands’ sun-bleached white beaches, warm sunshine and turquoise sea make it the perfect exotic retreat. The islands are somewhere to both relax and explore together, whether it be on a beach enjoy-ing the beautiful and tranquil surroundings or discovering the Caribbean Sea’s underwater paradise. The surrounding sea averages a warm 26 degrees centigrade and the Cayman Is-lands offer some of the best div-ing and snorkeling in the world. Couples can learn to dive together, explore the infamous Stingray City (unique to the Cayman Islands), or discover one of the shipwrecks that are dotted around the coastline.

Newlyweds have plenty of ac-commodation options on the three islands, from luxurious hotels to beach hideaways. The Ritz-Carlton on Grand Cay-

man’s Seven Mile Beach comes complete with the first ever La Prairie Spa in the Caribbean, two restaurants, a tennis centre by Nick Bollettieri and a Greg Norman designed nine-hole golf course. For couples that prefer somewhere more seclud-ed and intimate, the Southern Cross Club is located right on the beach on the southern shore of Little Cayman, 40 minutes from Grand Cayman by plane; yet a world away in every other respect. The resort has just eight individual bungalows on the beach as well as a tradi-tional Caymanian restaurant serving an abundance of the island’s freshest fish. World-class diving, luxury resorts, candle lit restaurants, sun-drenched beaches and a year round tropical climate, it is hard to beat the Cayman Islands for a romantic escape for any couple yearning to step away from daily life and spend a little quality time together.

LocationIn the Caribbean, 150 miles south of Cuba, 480 miles south of Miami and 180 miles to the north west of Jamaica. There are three islands in total, each quite different in character. Of the three islands, Grand Cayman is the largest, measur-ing 8 miles across at its widest, and 22 miles long, and has the most developed infrastructure of all three. Rugged Cayman Brac is the second largest, and Little Cayman is a small, sleepy paradise island, and the least developed of all three.

Good buysSince the islands are duty-free, items, which normally carry duty, are an excellent buy, such as cosmetics, perfume, jewel-lery and watches. Local art and crafts are of a very high standard; locally produced rum cake, Hell sauce and tropical fruit preserves are typical sou-venirs. Alcohol, which carries duty on-island, is particularly

Lush Travel

Currency:

CI$ (Cayman Is-

lands Dollar) which

is on a fixed rate of

exchange to the US$

(US$1=CI$0.80). US$

are accepted every-

where and visitors are

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Enjoyable year round,

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cheap (US$7-12 for litres of premium-brand spirits) at Grand Cayman’s international airport. Attractions, Activities & Events

ActivitiesAll three islands have a range of activities and attractions. On Grand Cayman – helicopter tours/ Atlantis submarine / Butterfly Farm / Boatswain’s Beach (incorporating the Cay-man Turtle Farm) / Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park / Cayman Kayak tours / Pedro St. James / Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and Stingray City are all a must.

Families are well provided for with attractions and activities for pre-school age children right up to late teens. Several properties have kids clubs and special weekend and family weeks throughout the year.

The Cayman Islands have a wide range of annual events with international appeal such as the colourful ‘Pirates Week’, Jazzfest and the Rugby Sevens Tournament.

On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – nature experiences abound; the Bluff on the Brac is great for bird watching and on Little Cayman, the Little Cay-man Marine Research Centre offers divers the chance to learn more about the reefs surround-ing the islands.

The islands are considered to be among the friendliest and most welcoming of any Caribbean destination with a high quality of life and excellent infrastruc-ture. Visitors can explore the island freely during the day and dine out in the evening, with no fear of harassment or hassle.

Getting thereBritish Airways flies from Heathrow to Grand Cayman via Nassau four times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) and returns on the same days (passengers do not deplane). Most ma-jor carriers fly into the USA from which Cayman Airways, Continental, Delta, Northwest Airlines (seasonal), USAir and American Airlines, amongst others, offer frequent connect-ing flights to Grand Cayman (70 minute flight). Major connection points are Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Tampa, Or-lando, and Kingston ( Jamaica). There are also services to Grand Cayman with Cayman Airways (from Havana) and Air Jamaica (from Montego Bay). Cayman Airways flies between all three islands.

Bobbi’s Bridal Beauty Tips“On your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful.”

Bobbi Brown’s Inspiration

Flash photography emphasizes pink tones, so be sure to even out skin with a yellow-toned foundation. Start around the nose and mouth where there’s redness, then blend out to the rest of the face.

Set concealer and foundation with Sheer Finish Loose Powder to make them longelasting and to ensure that skin looks Matte in pictures.

If your dress has an open neckline, be sure to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of Bronzing Powder.

Use a water resistant liner that can with-stand tears; try Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner applied

with Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush. If you prefer to line shadow, make it long lasting by applying it with a slightly damp Eye Liner Brush. Finish with Water-resistant mascara like Lash Glamour or No Smudge.

After applying makeup, finish with a highlighter Shade on the brow bone to make eyes pop. Rub your finger in a light matte shade and pat lightly on the outer corner of the brow bone.

For a pretty flush that lasts, use two shades of Blush. First, apply a neutral shade on the apples of cheeks, Blending up into the hairline, then downwards to soften. Then apply a brighter shade just on the apples of cheeks.

Neutral and pale lip colours look washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one to shades brighter than what you normally wear. Pink’s roses, and plums are great choices for brides.

To make Lip Colour last longer, line and fill in lips with Lip Pencil before Applying your Lipstick.

Carry a touch-up kit with concealer, pressed powder, lipstick or gloss, lip liner. Tissues, mints, and a mini sewing kit (for emergency clothing fixes like a dropped hem or popped button).

Most importantly … have fun!

Lush Promotion

Bobbi’s Favourite Tips:‘If you’re a bride-to-be, my biggest advice is to go for a makeup look that enhances your features so you look like yourself at your most radiant. Your wedding day is not the time to experiment with makeup! You’ll be showing off your wedding album for the rest of your life so keep your look timeless. Stay away from anything trendy or complicated and stick to classic shades.’

‘This is not the moment to try anything ex-perimental or novel, nor is it a time to experi-ment with the make-up look of the moment. Do your make-up as if you were going to a black tie event. Everything should be stronger and pretty, even if it’s a day wedding.’

‘If you decide to do your own makeup - like me - visit a local makeup counter before the wedding to ask for help designing a look. And don’t for-get, prac-tice makes perfect!’

Concealer and foun-dation are the key to smooth, even skin. Choose a shade of concealer that is not too white or too light since it can wash out your face, especially when wearing a white dress. For natural warmth, choose a yellow-toned foundation and face powder that comple-ment your skin tone. If you are wearing a low neckline, remember to apply powder and blush lightly on your neck.

Choose a pretty, healthy-looking shade of blush – pink if you are fair and rose if you are dark. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow. For a pop of color, use a brighter shade just on the apples of your cheeks.

Eyebrows should be softly defined, but not overpowering. For a natural look, choose an eyeshadow that complements your haircolor and apply with an eye brow brush. If you’re go-ing to pluck or wax your brows, be sure to do it at least a few days before the wedding to avoid redness the day of.

The key to tear-proof makeup is waterproof and long-wearing formulas. Water-proof mascara like No-Smudge Mascara and Long Wear Gel Eyeliner can stand up to a lot of tears and will last all night.

Face powder is a must. Set concealer and foundation with a powder puff. And don’t forget to bring pressed powder in your eve-ning bag for touch-ups throughout the day.

To make your eye makeup last, use an eye pencil to line eyes and then apply shadow in the same color on top with an eye liner brush. For more staying power, dampen eye liner brush and apply shadow as liner.

Avoid frosted makeup; it’s too reflective and can make you look shiny in photographs.

Visit www.bobbiebrown.co.uk for more bridal advice and make-up

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ResidentMake-up Artist

Maria Procopi

I was born, raised and trained in London. After successfully completing a course in beauty therapy and taking extra courses in advanced make-up, I went on to study at the prestigious Delamar Academy.

I have been a Make-Up Artist for over 7 years now. I especially love doing bridal make-up as I love the confidence that it gives brides which they need on their big day. I also love making people feel beautiful special. Over the years I have worked with a number of well established photographers and models which has enabled to me to gain an insight to the world of media and develop on my style. I enjoy meeting and working with a variety of different people and I spe-cialise in bridal, glamour, photographic and editorial make-up.

TrialsI would always advise that prospective brides have a make-up trial before their big day. This helps me to understand what a bride is seeking to achieve and what products are best suited to her skin type and tone. It

also helps the bride work around her look in choosing items such as her veil, tiara and other accessories.

Trials usually take place a few months before the big day, some brides even like to have a trial a year in advance so that they don’t have the stress near the time of the wedding and can utilise their time elsewhere!

Another important thing to remember is that a trial is used to try and achieve a certain look. However, it is a common mis-conception that a certain style of make-up suits everybody. We are all different in our skin tones and colourings and therefore what suits you may not suit the next person – a trial will most certainly establish this! On the day of the trial I discuss with the bride the colour of her dress and what co-lours she would prefer to use. Again this is entirely the choice of the client. Some brides prefer their make-up to be very natural look-ing whilst others opt to be more daring with the smoky eye, glamour look.

A trial costs £40.00 (a travel fee may apply

Meet our new resident make-up artist

About Me.......

Lush Makeup

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depending on the location) and lasts around 1 hour. It may be a good idea to have the hair trial done on the same day to see the finished look and have an overall idea of the look you will have on the day itself.

The Big DayOn the wedding day I will recreate the look that was achieved in the trial with the same products and this should last anywhere be-tween 45minutes to one hour. I suggest that brides use the same moisturisers they usually wear so that their skin has no reaction to products they may not be familiar with. It is important that their skin is not dry but instead refreshed and glowing or even an oily face as this is a fantastic canvas for me to work on – of course no bride wants a flaky face on their wedding day! In any event, I use primers underneath as a base for that extra glow but it is imperative that the bride keeps moisturising up until the big day.

I also suggest that brides drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day so that their skin is clear and this reduces breakouts. It is also vital that as part of their daily skin care rou-tine that they cleanse, tone and moisturise.

I generally start the wedding day off by do-ing the mother of the bride’s make-up followed by maid of honour and then the bridesmaids so that they can run around making sure everything is perfect for the bride and the guests at the house. Whilst I am doing the ‘entourage’ the bride will usually be having her hair styled, which means that by the time I have

finished with everyone else I can do her make-up. The bride can then sit back, relax and enjoy the biggest day of her life!

Popular StylesNeutral creams with gold shimmer are very popular amongst brides opting for the more natural look followed by light pink and girly tones. For brides that want to recreate a look of a famous celebrity or style icon a darker brown or black smoky eye is created with more nude pale pink/cream lips with the emphasis being the eyes. Any look can be achieved or recreated!

View Maria’s website for further information, portfolio and prices

www.starmakeup.co.uk

07950 649 848

maria@starmakeup.co.uk

www.amandawya t t . com

Amanda Wyattclassical elegance

Phone: 44 (0) 1625 522344Fax: 44 (0) 1625 526700

Email: fashion@amandawyatt.com

Cute Ideas

The ‘Book of the Big Day’A practical planner for a marriage made in heaven

If the sound of wedding bells is driving you batty, then this indispensable gilt-edged organiser will save any and everyone’s Big Day from descending into a farce of cantilevered wedding cakes, cantan-kerous in-laws and cack-handed vicars.

The Dodo Book of the Big Day is available from nationwide stockists retailing @ £19.95 or from www.dodopad.com or by phone from the mail order hotline 0845 053 1166 @ £23.49 (P&P inclusive).

} We bring you our pick of cute and novel gifts

Personalised Door MatEnsure all visitors are given a warm welcome with this fantastic personalised door matAvailable from www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

“Delivered With Love”The invitations are out, so what are you go-ing to do with all those reply cards to your wedding? That’s right ... be organised and file them in this gorgeous reponse box. Available from www.bitsnstuff.co.uk

}What are the key questions you and the groom need to ask each other when drawing up yourwedding guest list?

As with all aspects of wedding planning, your total budget is one of the most impor-tant things to consider when drawing up your guest list. Catering costs are typically the most expensive component of a wedding and it’s incredible how food and drink for an extra 10 – 20 guests can impact your overall budget.

It’s important to consider the style of catering you want to provide. If itʼs important to serve a formal three-course meal over something more relaxed such as a barbeque, you might need to reduce guest numbers to stay within budget. Guest numbers will influence the venue options that are open to you. If you have fallen in love with a venue or always dreamed of having your wedding some-where, check out its capacity before making any guest list decisions.

Who is paying for your wed-ding will also influence the who’s who of your guest list. If your parents arecontributing,

you might find that they insist on inviting certain friends and family members. Make sure you talk about who is a ‘must invite’ before making any big deci-sions.

How do you go about mar-rying your budget with your guest list: which should come first?

Before making too many deci-sions regarding your budget and guest list, visit a small number of venues in varying price brackets. This will give you an idea of the standard of differ-ently priced venues and you can then make an informed deci-sion about how many guests you can afford to accommodate.

What are the best ways of dealing with the following guest list ‘problems’:- that you want to marry abroad

If you decide on destination nuptials, holding an ‘after party’ once you return is a great way of not onlyextending your celebrations but also making sure everyone feels involved. The great thing about thiskind of reception is that there are no expectations so you can do things your way without disap-pointing anyone or the pressure

of a ‘normal’ wedding.

- that you have to invite some people as evening guests only

If you’re having separate guest lists, avoid any confusion or embarrassment by ensuring your invitations are really clear and give a specific time for evening guests to arrive.

Stagger your invitations by sending your evening invita-tions after you day ones, this way if some all day guests can’t attend you’ll be able to invite some of your evening guests to the whole day.

When compiling your evening guest list, take into account how far guests will need to travel. If guests need to travel hundreds of miles, they’ll need to book at least one night of ac-commodation and this can be a lot to ask of guests invited to an evening reception only.

Plan in some buffer time be-tween the end of your wedding breakfast and the arrival of any evening guests. That way, if things over run evening guests won’t arrive in the middle of speeches.

Wedding planner and designer Zoe Lingard shares her tips forcreating a hassle free guest list

Lush Wedding Tips

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Any other top guest list tips?

Don’t make any promises about who will and won’t be invited to your wed-ding before distributing your invitations. You might find that you loose touch with some people over the course of your planning (e.g. colleagues who move on) but feel obliged to invite them because you mentioned they’d get an invite at the outset.

If you are having evening guests, it’s nice to make an event of their arrival. Keep the cutting of your cake and the throwing of your bouquet until after they have arrived and even consider keeping some favours aside to distribute amongst evening guests. This way they will still feel like they have been an important part of the celebrations.

- that you can’t afford/don’t want to invite every long lost relative

Family politics can be a nightmare when it comes to planning a wedding. At the end of the day it’s important to remember that you don’t want the memories of your day to be spoilt because Aunty Hilda wasn’t invited. If inviting such guests to an evening reception isn’t workable, consider an informal verbalinvite just to the ceremony.

What are polite ways of stating your preferences to people e.g. no children.... is there a trick insaying something contentious in a very polite way?

If you’re not inviting children again, it’s really important to be clear on your invitations. Write the names of those invited rather than just the family name and if you’re still concerned guests might not get themessage include “Regrettably, due to venue restrictions we are unable to accommodate children” in your invitations. This politely covers all manner of circumstances including limited budget and capacity.

“Hi there, my name is Zoë and I’m the managing director of Weddings by Zoë Lingard, a London based wedding plan-ning company. Weddings by Zoë Lingard was born from a passion for beautiful, seamless weddings. Having attended countless celebrations that didn’t quite fulfil their potential and whose bride and groom arrived at the alter stressed out and tired, we knew that a new approach was long overdue.At Weddings by Zoë Lingard, we believe that a wedding should always be per-sonalised and never generic. We believe guests should never be hungry, transitions should always be smooth and evening entertainment so good, guests simply can’t stop dancing. We believe the details really do matter and that above all, guests should leave your wedding feeling like they know you that little bit better.”

Zoë Lingard

Weddings by Zoë Lingard‘Expert wedding planning & design’

Tel: 0845 474 2817Web: www.zoelingard.co.uk

Visit us at www.LushWeddings.co.uk

A few words from Zoë

Lush Grooms Only

Lush GROOMS’

CLEAN SHAVESkin Supplies for Men Home & Away Shave Set

This handy shave set contains three of Clinique for Men’s top selling shaving products that will ensure the groom gets a comfortable and clean shave every time, whether at home or on the honeymoon.RRP £34.26

MAKE SURE HE’S ON TIMEThese cute and practical alarm clock cuflink will make sure he’s on time for once! £9.88. Available fromwww.cufflinkman.co.uk

GROOM ON A BUDGETLets face it, we are all on a tight budget these days and sometimes the grooms suit has to one of the things that gets the least amount of cash. However have no fear as the groom can still look fashionable with Next’s range of occassion wear.Pictured is Black Occasionwear Tailored Fit Suit. £112. View more suits at www.next.co.uk

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A few words from Zoë

Lush Photography

Wedding PhotographyHints & Tips

Isn’t it a great feeling knowing that you’re soon

going to be married? I bet you couldn’t wait to tell all your friends and relations. So what comes next? Well now there’s all the planning to do, lists to be made and people to organise, invitations to design etc, etc.It can be such a fun journey going through all those bridal magazines, travelling to bridal fairs and of course the internet is a great place to search for everything wed-ding. As a pro photographer I meet so many re-ally excited brides who tell me that they’ve found a dress they absolutely love and are travelling miles away just to check it out and then it’s on to another far away town to get those sexy shoes. Even Mum and Dad are getting in on the hunt for this and that and Dad’s says he’s happy to be pay-ing even though Mum’s not told him how much!But it can also be a minefield though, trying to find the right people to supply all the different services you are going to need and with so many businesses offering you all the different colours of the rainbow how can you be sure that you are choosing the right ones to make your special day run like clockwork? Very kindly I’ve been asked by Lush

Weddings magazine to help you guys out when it comes to choosing your wedding photography and wedding photographer. Well as much as I can anyway!The way I see it as someone who has been photographing weddings since the nineteen eighties is that your photographer is probably the most important service pro-vider you will hire. Apart from the person holding the ceremony that is.The photographers job is to record your wedding day in such a way that you can look back at your images for years to come and still be reminded of all the emotions you felt on the day.. They have an immense responsibility to make sure that you get all the images that really matter to you and your intended and that is why you should always check out several photographers and not just the one your friend thinks will be OK. (Unless it’s me of course!). Price is definitely not the best way to choose your photographer either. In photography you get what you pay for. Photography is not cheap and people just don’t realise how much work professional photographers have to put into a wedding

Photographer Pete Norton offers expert advice on all things photography

but there is always going to be those newcomers to the industry who think that they can cover a wedding for a couple of hundred pounds and give the clients their images on a CD. They are normally part time photographers who have a full time job through the week. Unfortunately there are many couples that see this as quick way of cutting down there wedding day costs. Oh what a mistake! It’s all very well and good cutting back wherever you can but your photography? Surely your wedding photos have to be so much more important to you than the few extra pounds you may need to invest? And that is the key word. You are investing in your photographer. You are paying for years of skill and training that any professional photographers go through. Paying cheap will do you no favours at all and you seriously run the risk of getting poorly exposed images with all sorts of bad composition and lighting problems and probably none of the important images you so wanted to get. I am certainly not saying go out and find the most expensive snapper you can find as this has the same pitfalls. Anyone can call them self a photographer and charge huge amounts but can they deliver the quality and service you would expect with a high cost package?They should at least be able to show that they have proved themselves by belonging to some kind of recognised body such as the (SWPP) So-ciety of Wedding and Portrait Photographers or the Master Photographers Association or if you are looking at getting married abroad and want to hire a UK photographer then are they a member of (WPPI) Wedding and Portrait Photographers International? Draw up a list of potential photographers and run a google check using their names to see if they have a website. They should have some of their best work on show here and this will give you an idea as to the quality of their work and whether their style meets with your requirements. When contacting any photographer have a list of questions to hand so you don’t get tongue tied.No photographer has a ‘one price fits all’ package so it is totally pointless to ring the poor man or woman and say “How much do you charge for a wedding?” They need to know what your want from them first.

Sensibly, your first question should be are they available on the date you intend to hold your wedding?It’s pointless going any further if they are already booked up.They will then need to know where you intend to get married and also the location of the reception. Or it may be the case that your wedding and reception are at the same venue which will make a difference to their prices.Let them know if you require them to cover the whole day from the bride getting ready to the first dance or just the ceremony at the church, registry office or hotel? What type of photography do they carry out? Can they combine contemporary with traditional or reportage? Are they using film or digital as you may want some kind of computer effects put into your images? You should also ask if they have a starting price for their services. Normally you can expect to invest from about £500/600 for a basic church or registry office wedding. Ask how much experience they have, but don’t dismiss them if they have only

been

photographing weddings for a short time. We all had to start somewhere! Instead ask if is it possible to make an appoint-ment to meet with them to talk over their pack-

ages and to view some of their work? They could be the next David Bailey. If so do they have a complete wedding they have photographed that you could view? All wedding photographers normally offer this as a basic part of the introduction to there business and are happy to undertake at no charge. If not then don’t go any further as they could be trying to hide something. With these few basic questions in mind you will give yourself a starting point for you to decide if they might be the photographer that fits in with your requirements and is it worth booking an appointment to see them.Look out for more tips and suggestions from me in the next issue.

If you wish to view any of Pete’s work then visit www.nortonphotography.co.uk

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WEDDINGSLUSH

In the next issue

Don’t miss the next issue Out June

We go all fairytailesque

Sarah Houston’s latestgorgeous dresses

Tea party cakes & favours

Jewels fit for a princess

WEDDINGS

PRONOVIASTHE FLAGSHIP STORE

94 NEW BOND STREET LONDON W1

Personal appointments Tel 0207 518 8470

New 2010 preview collection now available to view at:

www.pronovias.co.uk

The advent of the colour motion pictures was responsible for the explosion in 1950’s make-up. Suddenly, average women wanted to look like the style icons that were dominating the big screens from Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn to Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly. But how were these average women to mirror this image without the use of lights, camera and action? Answer – good quality make-up! Fortunately for them in 1947 the artist Max Factor developed his range of Pan Stick make-up leading to their famous product ‘Pan Cake’ – a thick foundation used to hide any imper-fections thereby making tired, dull skin look absolutely flawless.

In the early 50’s bright red lipsticks, ultra-shine lipgloss and liquid eyeliner predominately dominated the market alongside blue and green eyeshadows and rosy blushers. A very thick layer of liquid eyeliner was applied to the top eye lid with a slight flick at the end accompa-nied with two coats of black mascara to add thickness to the lashes. The main emphasis at that time was to the eyes and lips. However, towards the late 1950’s/early 1960’s the pigment titanium dioxide was added to make-up to tone down the harsh colouring and effectively turn primary into secondary colours i.e. less brighter than they were. This resulted

in, for example, the creation of pale pink lip-sticks with a touch of shimmer to them. The use of liquid liner to the eyes continued and still does to this day.

Naturally, many brides want to recreate the starlet look of the 1950’s drawing inspiration from the ‘Big Screen’ and those famous Hol-lywood actresses as this reflects their femininity, beauty and independence.

1950’s Make-Up inspiration

Maria’sOld Hollywood Glamour

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Lush Makeup

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1950’s Make-Up kit MUst Haves

Estee Lauder Ideal Light (£21.50) - This brush on illuminator pen is a perfect eraser helping to erase dark circles whilst acting as an undereye brightener.

Mac Studio Sculpt SPF15 Foundation (£22.02) - This long wearing, gel based foun-dation provides a natural satin finish with a medium build up coverage.

Lancome Liner Design (£17.50) - A special sponge tipped pen for the creation of fine lines or thick, sultry flicks just like Marilyn Monroe!

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder (£20.55) - A loose powder that creates a flawless, matte effect on your skin. It is 100% oil free and oil absorbing and comfortable to wear!

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara (£13.21) - This rich and thick mascara lasts 24 hours, is smear-resistant and curls your lashes to a high definition.

Mac Ladybug Lipstick (£11.26) - A sultry glossy dark red lipstick that goes hand in hand with Redd Mac Lip pencil (£8.81)

To recreate this look on your wedding day incorporate the following ‘make-up must haves’ in your make-up kit!

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Visit us at www.LushWeddings.co.uk

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Wedding CakesGorgeous cakes from ‘Maisie Fantaisie’

Paris Chic ~ £785 + Fresh Flowers

Brooch ~ £785Blue Butterfly ~ £805

Ivory Swag ~ £1085Bright Square Polka Dot Mini Cakes ~£9.50 per mini cake Top tier cutting cake £150

Polka Pink ~ £1025Audrey ~ £1025

Sweet Dreams ~ £550 Silk Butterfly ~ £525

The Birdcage ~ £700

For more beautiful wedding cakes visitwww.maisiefantaisie.co.uk