Table of contents for July - August 2016 in You and Your Wedding

I was one of those kids who could never sleep the night before school photo day. I’d lie awake, pondering outfit, accessories and hairstyle (cue unfortunate perm-plus-headband combo, aged 10, and let’s not discuss the year of the crimper), camera-shy nerves mixing with a sense of excitement. Thinking back, this cocktail of emotions was not too dissimilar to what I felt the night before my wedding, anticipating the morning alarm, the trip to the salon with my best friends and the unforgettable day that would follow. And like my old school days, it’s the resulting photos that help me conjure up the magic of the day. In case you hadn’t noticed, we adore great photography at You & Your Wedding and consistently feature the form at its very finest, from…

TELL US, FACEBOOK BRIDES! How will you combat the post-party blues the day after your wedding? Emma L We’ll have breakfast with our guests, then relax in our room and take a walk around the hotel. Hannah-Louise We’re having a weekend wedding where our guests are with us for the duration. We don’t get to see some of them very often, so we wanted to make it feel a little longer. Kelly S We’re booking a honeymoon suite for two nights, with Jacuzzi bath or hot tub, room service and films… just to enjoy and relax after the wedding. STEAL THESE DETAILS Check out a new real wedding on Twitter, Instagram and the website every week Mood Board of the month “Team a silver palette with textured details and sparkly…

MAKING OUT Try out Gilda & Pearl’s bespoke lingerie service at its Mayfair atelier – perfect for one-off pieces for the big day or on your honeymoon. Prices (incl. sketches and fittings) start from £100 for knickers, £400 for slips and £650 for a short kimono. 3 BAGS FULL Just big enough for the big day GO toe to toe You choose: wedding-day pedicure under wraps or on display? IN Kurt Geiger, £180 OUT Rupert Sanderson, £845 State of LACE New twists to modernise the classic fabric Love LETTERS Spell out your love to show you care with these sweet pins from Astley Clarke, £35 each One stop shop IN A RUSH? HEAD TO JOHN LEWIS TO GET EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF…

THE BRIEF MOOD A flight of fancy with delicate butterfly-inspired details, hand-painted touches and just-picked meadow flowers PALETTE Barely there shades of dusty pink, pistachio and vintage peach with contrasting hits of grey and black to catch the eye VENUE Voewood, a unique, butterfly-shaped Arts and Crafts mansion on the North Norfolk coast Choosing a venue is one of the biggest wedmin decisions you’ll make. It’s so much more than just picking a party location, and can shape the entire look and feel of your day. So when your venue is as wonderfully quirky as Voewood, it’s a no-brainer to use it as the inspiration for everything from your dress and flowers to the colour scheme and cake. This pretty shoot, which drew on the stately exterior and sumptuous interiors…

“WHEN THE SUN WENT DOWN AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME TO LIFE, IT WAS LIKE BEING BACK IN A BEACH BAR IN THAILAND” THE COUPLE Gemma & Gary Gemma Knichel, 29, and Gary Schillaci, 29, celebrated their ceremony and reception at Devonshire Terrace, London “We’re known for our parties, so people’s expectations were very high,” says Gemma of her city wedding to her teenage sweetheart, Gary. “We wanted to give our guests a day they would never forget by surprising them at every opportunity with something different, exciting, entertaining and fun.” Luckily, Gemma’s insider knowledge as a wedding photographer meant she was well placed to plan a unique day. Gary and Gemma began a London venue hunt, with Devonshire Terrace coming out on top – the covered courtyard in the…

THE COUPLE Gemma & Nick Gemma Goodall, 27, and Nick Mulley, 31, held their ceremony and reception at The Bell Inn, Ticehurst, East Sussex It’s that age-old story: boy meets girl; boy and girl fall in love; boy and girl decide to get married in a 16th-century pub and fill it with bright blooms in beer bottles, love-heart-shaped sweets and confetti cannons. “We wanted the day to feel like a big party to celebrate such a big moment in our lives, and hopefully have a bit of fun with it,” explains Gemma. Their decor starting point was the venue. “We loved The Bell Inn’s rich reds against the warmth of all the wood, so we decided on a matching colour scheme – red is the colour of love, after all!…

Wainhouse barn at Dewsall Court After a total renovation, the Wainhouse barn at this elegant Herefordshire country house has just been relaunched. It looks like a real beauty – ideal for that indoor-outdoor vibe. dewsall.com Wormsley Estate Glastonbury’s most glam off-site camping experience Camp Kerala has teamed up with the Wormsley Estate, Buckinghamshire, to offer an all-new wedding experience. Choose from different locations around the estate, including a glass island pavilion and intimate library. wormsleyestate.com One Warwick Park Coming in June to Tunbridge Wells, a new hotel with a contemporary aesthetic. We don’t have the images yet, but this artist’s impression looks rather promising. onewarwickpark.co.uk…

DON’T UPSTAGE THE BRIDE Traditionally, we don’t always have a say when we get engaged, but we do have a say when we get married. Think carefully before setting the date before a friend who got there first. It’ll look like you’re trying to steal her thunder. AVOID THE CHECKLIST CHAT There’ll always be one friend who is a heck of a lot more organised than you, and you’ll be sent into a panic if you start comparing your time frame with hers. Create a checklist that is achievable for you and your h2b. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK We all have opinions about weddings, but avoid spouting off about what you don’t like. That harmless, “A wedding just isn’t a wedding without a band,” could offend your friend if she's…

• Fine art Romantic and dreamy imagery, using natural light and interesting camera techniques for that soft and beautiful finish. • Reportage This style is all about capturing the day in a relaxed, informal way, rather than having lots of posed shots. Basically, your wedding day exactly as it unfolds. • Vintage A style in which the photographer will use various filters to produce a retro-inspired, old-time feel. • Film Believe it or not, film photography is enjoying a renaissance, with a number of pros now offering a mix of digital and film, or film only. It’s unparalleled for capturing the nuance of light, shadows and colours, and the lab can scan them so you still get digital copies. • Drone Put an eye in the sky with a flying…

There’s another kind of pre-wedding shoot to consider: boudoir. Traditionally, this is a professional photo shoot of the bride in her scanties (or tastefully nude, if she so desires); she gives the results in an album to her groom as a surprise gift on the wedding morning. However, boudoir has undergone a revolution, with high-end photographers offering a take on the service that’s more style than sauce. “Boudoir had a pretty ropy reputation, to be honest. Some of it could be a bit ‘lads’ mag’,” says photographer Cat Hepple, whose Sweet Reveal photo shoots showcase a more artistic approach to boudoir. “Most of the brides who contact me for a fine-art boudoir shoot want something softer and more romantic. Half the battle is letting women know that boudoir doesn’t have…

There are many different types of wedding album. Photographers usually offer those that work best with their style. “When you buy an album through your photographer you can see samples in person, and decide what is right for you,” says Fiona. Here are the main kinds: • STORYBOOK “Images are printed directly onto the paper. Standout shots can be printed to run across the full width of the paper, which is thick but flexible. They often have an invisible seam, so photos sit over the middle fold of the album.” • MATTED “This is a classic style. Images are mounted under ‘matts’ with apertures cut out that frame the picture. The matts add depth, making these albums thicker.” • FLUSHMOUNT “Similar to storybook, but the pages are mounted on thick…

   STYLING TIP When you have a detailed dress such as this lacy number, the only accessory you need is a classic necklace. Long and dangly is simple yet statement at the same time     STYLING TIP Even if you’re not getting married on a beach, this relaxed two-piece could work for the rehearsal dinner or evening party …

STYLING TIP Big gowns demand simple statement earrings. Let your showstopping dress do the talking! STYLING TIP Throw a jacket over a ballgown to give you a really modern silhouette and save the dramatic reveal for after the ceremony  …

Austen says... If the day is to be very formal, morning dress code should be followed carefully – your tailor can help guide you. But (thank goodness!) modern weddings are becoming less stuffy and a lounge suit is perfectly acceptable in many cases. Dinner suits and tuxedos are also very much in favour. SAY NO TO HIGH FASHION Avoid anything too trendy – you’re going to want to look at these photos for years to come. Current trends like super-slim lapels and extra-short cutaway jackets should be avoided at all costs. USE YOUR BRAIN Make sure the fabric complements the bridal/wedding theme – don’t wear brown if the palette is blue. CONSIDER THE FABRIC Warm reception halls, speech making and dancing all encourage overheating. Choose a medium-weight suit to keep…

For touch-ups on the day, keep this kit close. Just add your favourite lippie, blush and mirror, then fill with a few extras in case of emergencies: makeup removing cotton buds, a nail file, a mini hairspray, blotting papers, loose powder and a brush. Also, keep some hairpins handy – you never know when you might need one!…

TREAT YOUR… FACE SkinCeuticals Repair Restore Hydrate, £250 for 60 mins, Omniya Health and Beauty Mediclinic This treatment is the perfect blend of relaxing facial and intensive skin enhancer. It focuses on creating kissable lips with the SkinCeuticals AOX Lip Complex, while the advanced LED phototherapy, which promises hydrated, firm and lifted skin, certainly delivers. There’s also a light gel peel, which is perfect for peel novices and leads to lasting glowing skin that will ensure you’re camera-ready. USE AT HOME: SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair, £35 TREAT YOUR… MIND Ushvani Restoration Ritual, £200 for 90 minutes If you’re seeking inner peace, you’ll find it by the end of this treatment. Combining three stages to restore health and hydration to skin and hair, the ritual begins with a…

“We took a holistic approach to Superstart to address each role the stratum corneum plays – and, more importantly, to help improve the overall effectiveness of the entire skincare routine.”Art Pellegrino, vice president of research and development at Elizabeth Arden A flawless complexion is one of your most covetable assets on your wedding day. Clear, glowing skin means your make-up will glide on seamlessly and look lit from within. Get your skincare right and you’ll radiate serene, confident, natural beauty (a must for your wedding photos). As experts in reparative skincare, Elizabeth Arden has introduced a brand new philosophy – Arden Active Skincare – which targets skin health. What sets it apart from other products on the shelves is its focus. Directional technology and ingredients work on the skin’s outer…

WESTHOUSE HOTEL NEW YORK LOCATION: The WestHouse Hotel New York, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is one for culture vultures, with Lincoln Center and Broadway right on the doorstep and Central Park mere moments away. VIBE: The streets outside this Prohibition-style hotel may be buzzing with activity, but step across the threshold into the marble-floored lobby and you enter an oasis of calm. There are plenty of gorgeous spaces to put your feet up beyond the lobby, too. Head downstairs to speakeasy-style bar The Den for a signature Oldie But Goodie cocktail, while upstairs there’s The Terrace, an elegant place to watch the world go by at a frenetic pace below. BEST FOR: The rooms with a view. At the higher end of the suite…

You’ve booked the venue, chosen your dress and decided on the theme. Now comes the all-important question of your honeymoon wardrobe. Whether you’re jetting off to Barbados or the Balearics, you’ll want to pack the best in beachwear. Which is where Seaspray comes in. Designing beautiful swimwear for nearly 20 years, the company specialises in creating flattering styles, using advanced Lycra yarn and power mesh support, that contour, conceal and enhance, and fit superbly. With its emphasis on longer body lengths, Seaspray swimwear stays supremely comfortable whatever you do, while its tummy control features ensure a sleek silhouette, and many designs combine both elements. Seaspray’s spring/summer 2016 swim and beach collection takes its inspiration from both the catwalk and famous artists and their muses, with a range of floral designs,…

SALLY DIXON Pilates instructor, fashion stylist and creative director of activewear brand Every Second Counts, Sally designed The Wedding Dress Workout (p12) Killer move you swear by: The burpee – it works the entire body Ultimate gym fuel? I can’t get enough of the Pulsin Vanilla Choc Chip Protein Bar! Words of wisdom: Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live in EVERYSECONDCOUNTS. CO.UK VICTORIA JOY Wellness journalist and contributor to magazines such as Women’s Health and Cosmopolitan, Victoria helps you to find your ultimate gym buddy (p28) Killer move you swear by: Barre changements. These are killer for your abs! Ultimate gym fuel? Coconut yoghurt with banana and honey Words of wisdom: Anything is better than nothing VICTORIALINJOY.COM NATHALIE LEES A London-based illustrator who…

Meet the trainer Pilates instructor and fit-kit designer Sally Dixon knows a thing or two about shaping up and looking hot while doing it. She is the founder and creative director of activewear brand Every Second Counts and trains clients in Mat, Reformer and Apparatus Pilates via Power-Up Pilates (poweruppilates.com). Aisle-ready ARMS Equipment: Swiss ball and hand weights (optional) BACK-OF-THE-ARMS BLASTER Sit on the floor. Engage the core muscles and extend arms and the Swiss ball over your head. Slowly bend at the elbows, take the ball behind the head then return it overhead. Keep the back upright, not arched, elbows pointed up to the ceiling. Do three sets of 10. TOTAL ARM TONER Sit on the floor with knees bent, feet flat and legs wider apart than shoulders. Hold…

In an ideal world, you’d start your fitness plan with plenty of time to go before W-day. Ideal world, meet reality. We’ve all been there: you make a firm resolution, stick to your plan for, oh, a week, and then somehow work and family life – not to mention the small matter of organising a wedding – get in the way. That’s why we asked Ruben Tabares, strength and conditioning coach at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, to create a one-month training programme just for Y&YW. Previously an elite athlete (his Team GB room-mate was none other than Mo Farah), Ruben has trained everyone from sports stars such as Amir Khan to A-listers like Naomi Watts. As with any fitness plan, exercise alone won’t give you the best results, so…

SHOULDER PRESS Holding dumbbells, bring your hands to shoulder height, palms facing outwards. Extend your arms above your head. Return hands to shoulder height. SQUAT Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip distance apart, toes turned out to 20°, arms extended. Push your hips backwards. Bend your knees, in line with your toes. Return to standing. SQUAT JUMP Jump up from a squatting position, keeping your arms by your sides. Go back into a squat as you land. SQUAT AND PUSH PRESS Perform a squat while holding dumbells; as you stand up, lift your arms over your head. BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUAT Stand in front of a bench. Rest one foot on it, then lower yourself towards the floor by bending both knees. Only bend the leg on the floor…

SUSIE YOUNG Susie was the brains behind our stunning butterfly shoot. She heads up Knot & Pop, award-winning UK wedding planners whose creativity and expert organisation lead to memorable weddings. They’re all about fun, for couples who dare to be different. See page 67 KELLY HOPPEN Taste-making designer and Dragons’ Den star Kelly Hoppen shares her interiors expertise, picking products for your gift list to turn your home into a chic style haven that shows off your personalities. Just wait until you see what she’s chosen! See page 141 MARTHA HAYES Bride-to-be Martha wrote From Best Friend to Bridal Rival, which explores how planning your wedding can turn besties into the best of frenemies. A contributing editor at Marie Claire, she also writes for Stylist, Guardian Weekend and…

There’s a new floral accessory in town, giving the humble buttonhole a run for its money. Meet the mini-wreath, where petals and foliage are intricately woven and wired together to create a very wearable piece of floral art. Here, luxury florist Wildabout expertly showcases inspiring styles for both men and women.…

What’s the philosophy behind your bridal collection? I firmly believe that all women deserve to experience a moment of heart-pounding, high-voltage glamour in a dress that makes them feel the most confident on their big day. How does the collection fit with your work as a red-carpet designer? My aesthetic is all about the celebration of femininity and sensuality and there is also a focus on impeccable fit. It was important to translate those aspects into a more affordable price range as I wanted to cater to a larger audience through the bridal market lens. What inspired your leap into bridal? I have been designing one-of-a-kind custom wedding dresses and outfits since 2002 for clients and friends including Bijou Phillips, Ellen DeGeneres, Josephine de la Baume and…

1 Insure it. You’ve insured your laptop – so don’t skip the protection on this most important of accessories. Some home contents policies will include it, while others require you to add it as an extra, so make sure you have adequate cover. 2 Size it. A correctly adjusted ring will go on easily but is a touch more difficult to take off, and will initially feel a teensy bit tighter than you think it should. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the feel; let your jeweller know if it’s still uncomfortable. 3 Match it. Or at least start thinking about what you’ll want for your wedding bands. Will you and your other half wear the same metal? If your engagement ring has pavé diamonds on the band,…

Floral design has never been more creative. From eye-catching arches outside the church and frothy flower walls to beautiful blooms suspended above tables at the reception, we’re seeing more and more couples adding some serious petal power to their big-day looks. And now there’s another weapon in your floral armoury: a new generation of perfectly crafted faux flowers are changing the game. They let you add impact while saving on setup costs. We spoke to leading florist Amy Bowley of Bo Boutique, who’s responsible for some of our favourite floral looks, to discover how fake can still be fabulous. Can artificial blooms really look realistic? “There’s still a stigma about artificial flowers – everybody thinks in terms of those hideous ’80s-style chrysanthemums. However, over the last year or two I’ve…

“EACH CUPCAKE HAD INDIVIDUAL STYLE DETAILS, SUCH AS FONDANT BROOCHES AND WAS PLACED IN A VINTAGE TEACUP” THE COUPLE Katie & Adam Katie Clegg, 25, and Adam Newman, 28, held their ceremony at St Botolph’s Church, Barton Seagrave, and reception at Barton Hall Hotel Past and present combined to glorious effect at Katie and Adam’s celebration. “My family has a connection of over 100 years to St Botolph’s Church and Barton Hall,” says Katie. “We had a traditional village ceremony with the church choir, and placed photos of our grandparents along the altar rail.” She accessorised her lace fishtail gown with earrings and a bracelet created from her grandmothers’ pearls. In keeping with this emphasis on nostalgia and family history, the day was realised in soft, romantic tones and lots…

DON’ T BOTTLE IT 35% HAVE ATTENDED A WEDDING THAT WAS SPOILED BY ALCOHOL-FUELLED SPEECHES... HIC SIMPLY THE BEST Unsurprisingly, 43% of UK men would consider saying no to being best man because they are too nervous about making a speech.Aww Make yourself heard Almost 60%** think it should be normal for women to make speeches WORDS OF WISDOM 74% of respondents said that a good speech can make or break a wedding #nopressure Who runs the world? GIRLS 53%*** believe women’s wedding speeches are better than men’s. Obviously *NATIONWIDE SURVEY BY POPULUS, MARCH 2016, WEDDINGSPEECHGURU.CO.UK **IN THE 18-24 AGE GROUP ***IN THE 24-34 AGE GROUP…

Watch out, pineapple, there’s a new fruit decor trend in town. According to the style experts at gift-list company The Wedding Shop, the mighty pear is set to be big news, appearing on prints, home accessories – and even as wedding details. SIGNATURE SCENT Cotswolds country house Ellenborough Park has launched perfume-making classes, so you and your h2b can create his-and-hers bespoke fragrances for the big day. A perfect pre-wedding getaway. From £739 per couple, incl. accommodation and dinner, ellenboroughpark.com…

From a distance Am I crazy to try to organise a destination wedding without a planner? We’re getting married in Santorini in 2017 and have confirmed our venue. I like researching things and I’m a bit of a control freak, so I’m struggling with the idea of paying someone else to arrange my wedding. Mrs..C..2be Y&YW says: What a lovely choice, Santorini is beautiful! It is possible to organise from afar. However, having some local assistance doesn’t mean you’ll lose control. A good planner will take away the stress – particularly any language barrier issues – and will have a range of tried-and-tested suppliers for you to choose from. He or she should also be able to negotiate the best prices. You’ll still make all the decisions, and you’ll be…

We all know the traditional “must-have” wedding pictures: the first kiss; posing with the parents; cutting the cake; the first dance. But are these really the essential shots? Increasingly, couples are getting creative when it comes to their photography and looking to record all kinds of different moments. We asked some of our photographer friends for their favourite break-from-the-norm shots. Fun with friends For your posed pics, think props, unusual set-ups and quirky backdrops. Photograph by Helen Russell The decor details “Ask your photographer to take some shots of the set-up before the guests go in.” Eddie Judd Through the window “I always look out for the bride approaching in her wedding car.” Lee Scullion Getting ready “I take my time capturing my brides on the wedding morning.” Anneli Marinovich…

Penny Travers IS Y&YW’S DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA WRITER. SHE SAYS: “You know that scene in Mean Girls where the badly dressed Regina George tries to eat lunch at the cool-girl table but is swiftly stopped in her tracks with a cutting ‘You can’t sit with us’? To me, that’s the equivalent of being invited to an evening do. It’s a slightly more subtle way of saying you’re a nice enough friend/acquaintance, but you’re not quite important enough to be invited to the main event. I’m getting married this summer and we decided from the get-go that evening guests just weren’t an option. In fact, when I mentioned the mere possibility to my French parents, they visibly recoiled, protesting it was too much of a snub (apparently evening guests just…

    STYLING TIP FOR A ’60S FEEL, USE LIGHT EYESHADOW FOR THE LIDS AND DARK FOR THE SOCKETS – NO BLENDING NEEDED!…

Your lingerie is just as important as your dress when it comes to big-day styling. Boux Avenue’s beautiful bridal collection features gorgeous lingerie to complement your wedding dress – from exquisite, embroidered, longline bras and delicate matching sets to luxurious silk and satin nightwear and glamorous embellished kimonos, as well as confetti, bridal garters and little gifts for the bride and her maids. With a range of multiway styles, Boux Avenue has the answer to your bridal lingerie dilemmas. Whether padded or plunge, backless or strapless, with a wide selection of lingerie solutions, you’re sure to find the perfect style to suit your shape and dress. And take a look at the sizzling swimwear collection for the perfect honeymoon bikini. High-waisted sets that exude Hollywood glamour, tie-side sets in colours…

WHITE HOT Spotted at Marchesa: the humble feline flick just got a bride-friendly makeover. Swap your trusty black eyeliner for a white liquid liner to create a look that’s stunning, striking and oh so modern. Try it yourself with NYX White Liquid Liner, £5.50, Boots On the lash If you’re as bored as we are of finding clumps of mascara even after you thought you’d got it all, you’ll jump for joy over Too Faced’s latest launch. The Mascara Melt Off, £13, coats lashes with a conditioning oil-based formula to gently remove the most stubborn of mascaras, including waterproof. Simply sweep on and wipe with a facial wipe or damp cloth after 30 seconds. Get that GLOW For a subtle shimmer for your summer wedding or honeymoon, spritz on Estée…

Hair and make-up artists are big-day beauty wizards, working their magic to make brides look their very best. But how do they translate a loose brief into photo-ready reality? We asked styling duo Zara and Nadia from Portraits (portraitsbridal.com) to give us the inside story behind the beauty journey of three of their stunning real brides. Read on and be inspired… The trial checklist How to prep for your hair and make-up test run You don’t need to know exactly what you want – that’s what a trial is for! • Send your artist a link to your Pinterest board, so that they can get a feel for the whole day, from the venue to your dress, and discover any celeb hair and beauty crushes. • Use the trial as…

Glass act Kingston Treehouse, Lion Sands Game Reserve, South Africa Raise me up Panorama Suite, The Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland Hit the deck Plunge Pool Suite – East, Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji Take the plunge Villa 11, North Island, Seychelles Light my fire The Bacchus Suite, The Yeatman, Porto, Portugal Lagoon life Ocean Suite with Pool, Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives…

No passport control queues, no embarrassing language barriers (“Excuse my French, I meant canard, not connard!”), no itsy-bitsy 100ml shampoo bottles to stuff into a sandwich bag, and very little chance of getting sunburntÉ honeymooning at home has many positives. Britain certainly knows how to do charming and romantic hotels, too, and from the remotest countryside locations to culture-filled cities, there’s always a newlywed love nest to be found. Don’t just take our word for it though; holidaying in Old Blighty is becoming a trendy choice, with 36% of minimooners saying they’d choose a UK coastal or countryside break* . So chuck your wellies and picnic hamper in the car, and join the staycation nation at our pick of the UK’s most heavenly hotels. The East You don’t need mountains…

THESE STREETS WERE MADE FOR WALKING With more iconic sights, incredible museums and must-see neighbourhoods than pretty much any other city in the world, chances are you’ll be hitting New York’s streets hard. Invest in some chic-yet-comfy flats to get you from A to B. Our pick? These Gucci horsebit-detailed leather loafers, £405, Net-a-Porter…

…your first dance song turns out to be wildly unsuitable “For our first dance, the DJ played Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon from Pulp Fiction instead of Something Changed by Pulp. Most inappropriate first dance song ever.” Amanda …your cake is outed as a fake “The wedding cake on display was made of dummy tiers, while the real one was in the kitchen being plated for our guests. My favourite photo is of my husband and me laughing hysterically when we realised we were trying to cut an iced-cardboard cake.” Amy …your MIL goes rogue “My stepdad was running late to give me away, but my MIL, who was walking first in the procession didn’t realise. When the priest asked if we were ready, she just walked down the…

Let’s face it, dining al desko can be tricky when you’re trying to get trim. It’s all too easy to fall into the takeaway trap of carb-loaded sandwiches and dressing-laden salads; friends to neither wallet nor waistline. So we turned to Sophie Michell, who has acted as private chef to Leonardo DiCaprio and Claudia Schiffer, for luscious lunch ideas you can prepare at home, from make-ahead soups to salad and wraps that are simple to put together from last night’s leftovers – all of which pack a serious wellness punch. “I looked back to the time when I was healthier and lighter, and it came back to having a lower carbohydrate and lower sugar diet,” she says. “This doesn’t mean cutting out carbs, but it does mean focusing on vegetables,…

THE KIT: Dumbbells, a resistance band, a skipping rope, a medicine ball. THE WARM UP: Always begin with a five-minute brisk walk followed by a dynamic warm-up, including stretches. YOUR WEEKLY HIIT **  HIT: On a Spinning bike: 30 secs sprint, 60 secs recovery. Repeat eight times. If you don’t have a Spinning bike, sprint on the grass or at the track: four 60m sprints back to back with no rest (at 75% of your maximum capability), followed by 90 secs rest. Repeat four times. WEEK ONE: Your journey starts here MONDAY: Strength day TUESDAY: Strength day WEDNESDAY: ** High-intensity interval training day THURSDAY: Strength day FRIDAY: Strength day SATURDAY: 30-45 minute brisk walk in the park SUNDAY: 30-45 minute brisk walk in the park STRENGTH DAY At the…

Meditation is having a moment. Once something you did for five minutes at the end of a yoga class, now there are all kinds of apps and classes dedicated to helping you find your inner chill. Mindfulness practitioners have long talked about the emotional upside of taking time to meditate and, increasingly, this is backed by research: a recent study* found that six weeks of regular meditation reduced stress and anxiety. And it’s not just about relaxing your brain – athletes who regularly practise mindful meditation are more motivated to exercise regularly and feel more satisfied with their workouts, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. Superstar health coach Madeleine Shaw is so convinced of the benefits of a holistic approach to wellness that she includes…

“This gown is perfect for savvy brides – at night you can party in just the slip dress” PETA HUNT, EDITOR-AT-LARGE ON THE COVER DRESS, APPROX. £1725, JUSTIN ALEXANDER. HAIR PINS, £48, BRITTEN. EARRINGS, FROM A SELECTION, JON RICHARD. NECKLACE, £85, PANDORA. RING, FROM A SELECTION, RICHARD OGDEN. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON MOORE. STYLING BY PETA HUNT, ASSISTED BY ALISON YAU. HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY SALLY KVALHEIM USING KÉRASTASE AND CLINIQUE. THE TEAM SHOT AND STAYED ON LOCATION AT VELASSARU MALDIVES (VELASSARU.COM)…

Pear A fuller, A-line skirt will skim curves and accentuate a pronounced waist. Embellishment and details from the waist up will draw attention upwards. A short style will show off slim ankles. Rectangle Emphasise a long and lean silhouette with a flowing, goddess-style maxi dress. Create shape and drama with unique detailing like a jewelled waistband, asymmetric styling or a pleated skirt. Hourglass Curvy figures, with bust and hips proportionate to each other, suit fitted pencil styles with a peplum to show off the waist. As a bonus, the fabric will conceal any areas of concern around the middle. Midi styles and an open neck or strapless gown look great. Apple Draw the eye to the upper body with a gorgeous off-the-shoulder or strapless dress. All-over pattern and embellishments add…

PLAN YOUR DAY WITH EASE Every love story is beautiful but yours is our favourite – that’s why we want to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible. Our free planning tools can help you at every step, from creating your budget to seating your guests. FIND BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING IDEAS We share our own tips, tricks and advice as well as bringing you all the latest wedding trends and ideas from industry experts. Team this with emotional support and plenty of photos of dogs at weddings and you have everything you need! CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VENUE The moment you book your wedding venue your vision really starts to come to life. Our venue finder features thousands of wedding venues from across the UK and your dream venue…

THE DREAM TEAM Styling knotandpop.com Photography marionhphotography.com Venue voewood.com Flowers joflowers.co.uk Hair & make-up gemmasutton.com Stationery lamplighterlondon.com Cake neviepiecakes.com Cookies wildflowercakes.co.uk Ribbon silkandwillow.com Dresses Anna Kara at plumeparis.fr; maleneoddershedebach.com; halfpennylondon.com Candleholders & glasses helenemillot.com Cutlery Cox & Cox at prezola.com Cake stand Tom Dixon at prezola.com Vases westelm.co.uk Shoes asos.com Catering purpleplumcatering.co.uk…

“I love patterns and colour, and the Find My Style quiz confirmed I fall into the ‘Bold Boho’ interior design tribe. With tinted glassware, pretty florals and a mix of prints, this look feels like home to me – cosy, cheerful and cool.” Julia Scirrotto, Editor of You & Your Wedding Creating your wedding gift list is the most fun you’ll have before the big day itself. It’s your chance to put together your ultimate wish list of things you desire, need and know you will cherish forever in your home. With award-winning Prezola, the leading online independent gift list provider, you’ll have a huge choice of over 30,000 gifts from a wide range of 300 high-street, heritage, boutique and quirky brands. You can also enjoy the flexibility of combining…

“WE HAD A TABLE OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF ALL OF OUR CLOSEST RELATIVES WHO WERE UNABLE TO BE WITH US” THE COUPLE Charlotte & Nick Charlotte Maddrell, 34, and Nick Morley, 41, held their ceremony at St Mary’s Church and reception at Niarbyl Bay, Isle of Man “Niarbyl Bay has always been one of my favourite places, but I didn’t know you could have a wedding there,” says Charlotte. “After Nick and I got engaged, my parents were driving past one day and spotted a huge marquee. We couldn’t believe our luck.” Venue chosen, the couple set about crafting their perfect celebration. “We were inspired by the island’s heyday in the late ’50s and early ’60s,” says Charlotte. This infused every element of the day, from the journey to the church…

THE COUPLE Cara & Mark Cara Bray, 27, and Mark Parry, 27, held their ceremony and reception at Northbrook Park, Surrey When it came to venue choice, groom-to-be Mark knew exactly what he wanted – but his bride needed some convincing. “Mark really wanted to get married outside, but I was worried about the weather,” says Cara. Luckily, a friend pointed them in the direction of Northbrook Park. The light-filled Vine Room was ideal for their “I do”, and the plant-covered walls of The Orangery brought the outdoors in for their reception. The couple chose an elegant palette of white and green with touches of metallic and lavender. Gypsophila and wildflowers lined the aisle and fireplace in the ceremony room, while reception tables were laden with lanterns and jars of…

SO HOT! 3D THANK-YOUS Show your maids some love with a Cardology card that unfolds into a stunning paper artwork. CROWD-SOURCED WEDDINGS Genius idea from Patchwork: ask loved ones to give you their skills instead of gifts, from making the cake to DJing. patchworkit.com BRUNCH WITH ANNA & KARL Consept’s fashion tableware features Mr Lagerfeld and Ms Wintour. So gift list-able. INNER BEAUTY Aura photography apparently displays your personality through colour. Trippy fun for a hen party. To find out more, check out @we_are_prismatic on Instagram. SO NOT! US EXCLUSIVES You used to have to live in the US to buy Paperless Post’s super-cool invites. Not any more! paperlesspost.co COFFEE Serve white, green or oolong tea after your wedding breakfast for a caffeine hit with a twist, eicfinefoods.com TOASTERS Luxe…

We get it: you’re going to have plenty of snaps taken when you say “I do”; why would you want to add more photo sessions to the mix? But you may be surprised by the benefits of having some official pre-wedding pictures taken – generally known as an engagement shoot – and we’ve yet to meet a couple who are anything other than delighted with their decision. On the purely practical side, an engagement session is the ideal opportunity to ensure you look your best in your wedding pictures. Apart from the obligatory school photos, most of us won’t have had much, if any, experience of being photographed by a pro. “If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera on the big day, having an engagement shoot is…

“The small touches in a room are just as important as the big features – think about colours, textures and fabrics, as well as the artwork, photographs, accessories and lighting” “A GOOD WEDDING GIFT IS… …something luxurious and special that the couple wouldn’t buy for themselves, but that is still an essential for building a home” A special edit of the Kelly Hoppen London collection is now available at Prezola, the online wedding gift-list company. “I have fallen in love with the clean lines, neutral colours and tactile opulence of the collection,” says Ali Beaven, chief creative officer and co-founder of Prezola. “Every couple should have some of Kelly’s award-winning style in their home.” ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM PREZOLA…

      STYLING TIP Sequinned dresses are perfect for weddings abroad as they’re easy to pack and need no ironing  STYLING TIP Don’t be afraid to include sunglasses in your big-day outfit. Better to look enigmatic than to squint in the sunlight all day! …

You can’t go wrong with florals at a wedding and luckily, there are plenty to choose from. Whatever your colour scheme, there’s a dress to fit the day. A range of shapes will please maids, too, from flattering 1950s styles to flowing maxi dresses. Complete the look with either subtle floral finishing touches or big blowsy blooms, and of course, a bouquet! TOP TIP For full-on flower power, team a floral dress with floral-print heels LITTLE MAIDS FLOWER CHILD Little ones will love dressing up in floral-detailed dresses and headbands. CATWALK INSPIRATION…

Q Tell us, what’s hot for weddings this year? A Florals! We’ve seen floral prints incorporated into dresses on the bridal catwalks, and they work for jewellery, too. Our spring/summer 2016 collection is very floral focused, with delicate stacking rings and fine chains – all perfect for the big day. Q So Pandora isn’t just for the bridal party – brides can wear it, too? A Absolutely. One of the unique things about us as a brand is that you can easily mix and match the pieces to suit your individual style, Your bridal jewellery is another amazing place to bring your personality into your aisle look. Q We love stacking rings. Can brides work this look on their left hand alongside a wedding band? A Definitely – the ethos…

Kiss the Moon Calm After Dark Balm, £16 THE USP: A soporific shea butter balm applied to pulse points THE RESULT: Sweeter dreams and deeper slumber thanks to the lavender, bergamot and chamomile scents This Works Sleep Plus Hair Elixir, £25 THE USP: A multitasking spray to ease you into sleep while helping to keep your hair in tip-top condition THE RESULT: The relaxing fragrance was a real bedtime treat, plus it left hair noticeably softer Spa Magik Organiks 7 Days To Relaxation Easy Duo, £22 THE USP: Bathtime extras that pay off at bedtime THE RESULT: The bath salts made for the perfect relaxing soak while the 6-Oil Super Serum nourished skin and ensured sleep was easy Innerscents Sleepwell Organic Pillow Spray, £15.95 THE USP: Quicker, deeper sleep thanks…

Ring selfies bouquet pics, Instagram snaps of your toes in the sand on honeymoon – who knew a wedding could create so many photo ops for your mani-pedi? To help you prep, we’ve dedicated this issue’s Beauty Box to TLC for your hands and feet, with a cuticle treatment to get your nails fighting fit by W-day, balms and creams for baby-soft skin, and (of course!) four to-die-for polish colours to finish the job. You’ll get more than £85 worth of pampering products for just £19.99, so go on, nail it! NAILS INC BASE COAT WITH KENSINGTON CAVIAR 10ML RRP £12 Enriched with caviar extract to help nourish nails and provide a longer-lasting manicure, this base coat helps to prevent chipping. Apply one coat to clean, dry nails, followed by…

When it comes to fitness motivation, there’s nothing quite like a looming wedding to catapult those abandoned resolutions back onto the to-do list. Trouble is, that to-do list is already pretty daunting. Just where, exactly, is wholesome meal planning and a strength-training regimen meant to fit in when there are invitations to address, suppliers to wrangle and a relationship to maintain? It’s precisely that juggle that the Y&YW team kept in mind when putting together this supplement – our very first dedicated to pre-wedding health and fitness. From quick but wholesome recipes (don’t miss the easy lunches by chef Sophie Michell, p16) to workout circuits targeted to your wedding-dress style (p12) and meditation secrets that banish wedmin stress (p31), we’ve tried to simplify the process by bringing everything you need…

DANCE GYM MAT OUTDOOR…