BEAUTY Spa Treats 2

New health and wellness site, Wahanda is a great one-stop shop for everything 'spa'. With a huge network of spas, salons, fitness centres and independent therapists, you can share experiences and keep up with latest information. This week, Wahanda gives us the low down on mud treatments.

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Washed Away...

Getting mucky in the mud might not sound appealing but a Rasul Mud Treatment is the treatment to try if you’re with your hens. Mother Nature’s very own rescue remedy, smearing yourself in mineral-rich mud can work miracles on your skin. Carried out in a Rasul steam room normally decorated with pearlescent mosaic tiles and fairy lights, these little pods of peace are where you and your hens douse yourself in various mud types (the therapist will give you instructions as to what goes where). Perching on heated seats facing your fellow hens, covered from head to toe in various mud mixtures, your muscles will soon start to relax and before you know it, the sprinklers will be turned on and the mud washed away, leaving your skin feeling smooth and sparkly.

Best for: A must-have treatment before you slip into your wedding dress, it’s also perfect pre-honeymoon if you’re planning to hit the beach.

To find out more about spas and those offering Rasul Mud Treatments near you, go to wahanda.com.

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Photo © iStockphoto

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FASHION Style Guru

Summer’s here, bringing with it the usual bikini panic, accessory envy and makeup meltdown. Don’t get left behind with these fantastic on-trend wardrobe, beauty and accessory tips from 10 Years Younger presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones - just in time for the honeymoon.

Maire Bonheim chats to style guru Nicky Hambleton-Jones about the hottest statement accessories to update your summer look, the best summer beauty products and the best way to ban muffin tops.
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What are your essential summer wardrobe must-haves?

"If you want to invest in just a few things to spruce up last year’s wardrobe for the honeymoon, I would say one of the key pieces is an oversized clutch handbag – it’s the must-have accessory. It’s definitely worth investing in something patent, mock crock or a bright colour that will set off any outfit. Platform wedge heels – we get wedge heels every year but this year particularly we’ve got stacked wooden platform heels that are very popular, but also interesting wedge heels, so cut out wedges, narrow wedges and anything that’s a wedge heel is going to update your look. Gladiator sandals, for those with very slim calves and elegant feet – they’re not for everyone but again are a very on trend accessory. Waisted belts, and also stars, spots, stripes are a very key look – and that can be anything from tops to belts to shoes to bags, a necklace, anything that’s got the element of stars, stripes and spots."

What summer fashion disasters should women avoid at all costs?

"Don’t flash too much flesh. We’ll get a hot summer day and next thing you know the strappy tops come out and we get muffin tops, love handles the whole lot on show. Think about your body shape when it comes to summer. Yes, it might be hot, but you can still wear something that’s fitted without being too clingy or too short or just too revealing".

What’s your one essential style tip for women of different shapes?

"Whatever body shape you are, always try and create a waist, whether it’s with a tailored jacket or a waisted belt. The minute you’ve got a waist, the rest of you will look in proportion and you look curvy, which creates a much slimmer physique".

What are some of your favourite summer beauty products?

"I love Clinique’s Superdefense moisturiser – which has SPF protection but is still quite light, so it’s perfect for summer. Johnson’s Holiday Skin all over glow is great on the body, and Avon have got a fantastic new dual eye cream that’s got sun protection 30 in it for the day, which is great because I think people put SPF in their moisturiser but forget about protecting themselves around the eye area, so I love that. And then don’t forget it’s important to exfoliate your skin regularly. I’m all over Dr Sebagh’s Deep Exfoliating Mask once a week. It gives me a much more youthful glow".

Photos © TK Maxx, Country Casuals, L.K. Bennett

For more diet, fashion and beauty news, tips, advice and videos, visit keepthedoctoraway.co.uk.

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Weddings in space

If you are absolutely loaded and really want the ultimate wedding experience, then perhaps the Japanese company First Advantage has the answer. For around $2.3 million you can marry your loved one kilometres above the Earth’s surface - you even get to bring two guests (and a minister).

The premium plan includes an ‘original’ wedding dress, a wedding party on the ground, accommodation, transportation and a live web broadcast. The flight will be about one-hour long, and a four-day training period will be necessary.

The service will be offered from 2011 on “Rocket Plane XP” developed by America’s Rocketplane Inc., but First Experience are taking bookings now.

I wonder whether or not you get any privacy on the flight so you can join the 'Zero G Club' (the 'Mile High' club is so old hat these days).

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RECEPTION All White

White blooms are the perfect choice for any style wedding. New designer flower website specialises in white blooms and has a customised floral service especially for weddings.

The White Flower Company is a new designer flower website that might just come in handy for the big day. Specialising in UK grown flowers available online, you will find every type of white flower imaginable and fab luxury floral services.

Owned by Christopher Wood, a freelance floral designer and the design force behind Waitrose Flowers, Plants and Gifts. The White Flower Company exclusively uses white flowers including luscious long stem roses, scented long stem lilies and sculptural orchids such as the British grown white Phalaenopsis Orchid. Alongside an extensive gift list, Wood offers his clients a customised floral service - perfect for weddings.

The all white displays are accessorised with beautiful foliages in fresh green or silvery grey, with a creative emphasis on simplicity, purity and elegance. All flowers are carefully wrapped in layers of white paper, environmentally friendly low gauge cellophane and finished off with a stylish white signature satin ribbon - just right as a thank you to your mum or a special guest. Prices start at £39.

Who is Christopher Wood? As the Founder and Creative Director of The White Flower Company, he is originally from Manchester. Always passionate about horticulture, after leaving college, Chris worked at Clifton Nurseries in London where he was responsible for some of the most stylish horticultural floral interior landscapes in London. For the past 14 years, he has been the design force behind Waitrose horticulture, most recently introducing a new concept floral brand for Waitrose, Blossom & Bloom.

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REAL WEDDING Cornish Dream

Claire & Marcus
24 May 2008
They Met Claire and Marcus met on an internet dating site in 2006. After travelling around the world, Claire had decided that it was time to settle down. They were soon smitten and Claire romantically proposed to Marcus. After breakfast in bed one morning, she presented Marcus with a poem, which had a line of proposal at the end.

Wedding Venue Deciding to settle down in Cornwall, they began looking for a local venue nearby, just over a year before their wedding. They fell in love with The Alverton Manor in Truro with its beautiful old chapel as well as a free night’s stay in the Honeymoon suite. It was also convenient as it meant that the guests could stay there overnight and it was right next to the bride’s mother and father’s house!
The Theme The couple chose a colour theme of black, pink and silver with a dash of sparkle. All the details reflected the theme colours including pebbles with diamante used as name places as well as pink and black trim on most things. The reception was decorated with table centres of white twig arrangements with sparkles and fairy lights, decorated with flowers, placed on round mirrors. Crystals and tea lights also adorned the tables along with favours of Thornton’s truffles in handmade boxes and a heart-shaped indoor sparkler for each guest. The couple named the tables after their favourite places in Cornwall with the top table called ‘Mevagissey’ where they went on their first date.

What They Wore The bride wore an off white, strapless, layered dress by Essense Bridal with lace up detail at the back and a large ruched train. The bodice also had crystal and sequin detailing, fitting in with their theme. The bride accessorized with diamante kitten heeled shoes from Faith as well as an unusual hair slide and her mother’s wedding veil. Marcus surprised Claire on the day with diamond stud earrings and a diamond pendant necklace.
The groom wore a classic morning suit with a silver waistcoat, silver cravat and handkerchief, hired from Moss Bros in Truro. He wore his own smart black shoes with a buttonhole of a single pink rose and a lily with diamante detailing.

The bride had one bridesmaid who wore a mauve strapless, floor-length dress with a ruched skirt and a pink sash from Bliss Bridal Gowns in Truro. The bridesmaid carried a simple posy of Serena Gerberas and pink roses with bear grass and diamante pins.

The Cake The couple selected a two-tiered square cake with alternating white and milk chocolate cigarillo swirls decorating the edges, made by Marks and Spencer’s. They also decorated the top layers of the cake with Viennese truffles from Thornton’s.

The Flowers
Claire carried a bouquet called ‘Cornucopia’ with a long conical handle covered in pink sisal. The bouquet was made up of Serena Gerberas, pink Calla lilies, Dolce Vita roses and cascading Gloriosa lilies, arranged in a tear-drop shape. It was finished off with green fern, bear grass and crystals and diamante. The registrar table arrangement was made up of the same flowers with extra greenery while the buttonholes were a mixture of pink Coolwater roses and Dolce Vita roses.

First Dance The couple danced for the first time as husband and wife to Rule The World by Take That followed by the DJ playing their favourites and later an entertainer who provided a mixture of stand up comedy and live singing.

A Moment To Remember The couple loved the ceremony when it felt like it was only them and the registrar in the room and the fact that they blocked out everything else apart from their vows. They also enjoyed their time afterwards as Claire organised a hired Austin Healey 3000 for Marcus. They drove around after the ceremony for an hour, by the river with the roof down and Claire’s veil trailing in the wind.

Honeymoon The newlyweds travelled to Tenerife for a luxurious honeymoon, staying in the Vincci Plantacion Del Sur Hotel. They had their own beautiful villa apartment with a private outdoor Jacuzzi and magnificent views to the island of La Gomera.

Any Advice Claire advises to, ‘Get married early in the day so that you can spend the rest of it enjoying all the effort and planning that you have put into the day!’ As well as Claire commenting that she couldn’t live without her ‘little pink book’ which contained important phone numbers, timings, payments made and due and other useful wedding stuff. And of course the Real Weddings section of WeddingPath for loads of great ideas and details.’

Claire & Marcus’ Contact Book:
Venue: The Alverton Manor
Photographer: Dave Mann Photography
Dress: Vu’s Bridal
Groomswear: Moss Bros
Cake: Marks & Spencer
Flowers: Wedding Flowers in Cornwall
Car Hire: Cornwall Classic Car Hire
Entertainment: Johnny Cowling

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Posted in category: Real Weddings

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GROOMS Now Listen!

Indigo Sky Events have just launched the ultimate online guide for grooms, packed with hints and tips on getting it right on the day. Just click the link below to watch the Webinar.

Harassed bridegrooms-to-be can call on web savvy wedding planner, Trisha Dash-O’Toole at Indigo Sky Events, to soothe their pre-nuptial nerves. The screening of a new advisory webinar has been especially designed with grooms in mind - offering helpful hints and tips - so they know what’s expected of them on their big day.

Indigo Sky’s ‘Groom’s Guide’ webinar features helpful advice on how to choose the very best Best Man and highlights what to bear in mind whilst planning and preparing the perfect speech. Other topics include surviving the stag do, choosing and briefing the ushers, selecting witnesses and choosing the ideal outfit – not forgetting the Groom’s own grooming ritual, so he’s looking good, on top form for the special day that lies ahead!

Grooms are reminded that traditionally the planning of the honeymoon is their concern – although nowadays couples tend to plan their honeymoon together – and they’re supplied with a guide on the logistics involved. They’re taken through the dos and don’ts of remembering the rings and choosing an appropriate gift for the bride-to-be to cherish, as a lasting memento of the big day.

As Indigo Sky founder, Trisha Dash-O’Toole observed, the groom has a vital role to play on the big day, but often feels just a little left out as he plays second fiddle to his bride-to-be.

"All-to-often, the groom feels like he’s playing something of a supporting role as the focus of attention is undoubtedly upon the bride-to-be. However, there’s so much for him to remember in order to ensure that he plays his part perfectly and in line with the bigger picture".

“For example, the groom needs to plan his speech, decide on his gift for the bride and he also needs to know that it’s perfectly OK for him to allocate special time for himself and his bride on the big day. However, this won’t happen by accident and he needs to make a special effort to ensure it’s factored in to the day’s itinerary!”

The advisory webinars are proving convenient for time-poor brides and grooms-to-be: ‘’Feedback has been excellent and visitors have really enjoyed the immediacy, accessibility and personalised approach of the webinar format.”

For regularly updated details of future Indigo Sky webinar screening dates, visit indigoskyevents.com

To view the webinar click the YouTube links:

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Photo © Moss Bros, iStockphoto

Posted in category: Grooms

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PLANNING Looking Good

Everyone wants to look their fabulous best at your wedding, not least the mums. New book, Colour me Younger is packed with tips and advice the mums - and anyone feeling their years - will love.

There are lots of clever alternative and natural ways of achieving a younger face without having to go under the knife. Colour Me Younger, published by Hamlyn in July 2008, is the latest book from image experts, colour me beautiful.

Did you know, carefully applied make-up is one of the easiest ways of achieving a more youthful appearance. Or that one of the easiest ways of taking years off your appearance is a good hair cut? Perfect for mums choosing their wedding accessories, Colour Me Younger has helpful hints on which shoes should be worn with what outfit. When it comes to finding the perfect bag, remember that matching your handbag to your shoes can be very ageing. Make sure that the size and shape of your bag balances your figure and don’t forget to de-clutter so you’re not carrying everything but the kitchen sink in it.

• Colour Me Younger is published by Hamlyn in July, priced £14.99, ISBN 978-0-600-60313-9
• The colour me beautiful website can be found at colourmebeautiful.co.uk.

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FASHION Let's Fly Away

WeddingPath brides will love the dresses in this week's gallery, perfect for a wedding abroad or a sizzling hot summer celebration.

→Milano (from £975) is a princess line gown lined in silk satin with an assymetric bodice and pretty applique work with embroidered flowers and orchids scattered all over.
Joyce Young Collections (0141 946 0660 joyceyoungcollections.com).

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←Style 1010 (from £120) is ideal for long-haul packing. One of the new Sandals Destination Wedding Gowns, it features cotton lace over a strapless dress with a trumpet skirt, sweep train and renaissance sash. Dessy Collection (sandalsdresses.com).

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→Valetta (£1300) is a romantic strapless empire lace gown with a beaded bodice and delicate floral detailing (01903 813382
augustajones.com).

Click to read what our WP brides are saying about getting married abroad.

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Your Week 07/07

Welcome to another summery week at WeddingPath! This week is hot, hot, hot with ideas on weddings abroad, fun in the sun in Cornwall and great tips on getting your honeymoon wardrobe sorted.

We are starting the week with a look at dresses designed for weddings abroad in cool, floaty fabrics. As the wedding season is here, the chances are your mum will enjoy our book review today on styling. WeddingPath bride, Claire is the focus of our Real Wedding this week, taking place in sunny Cornwall. Getting ready for your big day, you'll want to look your best on honeymoon, so we have chatted to Nicky Hambleton-Jones on summer fashion. If you still haven't managed to drop a dress size, then you might want to consider a week of bridal boot camp - we review a fab Devon retreat on Friday. Spa experts at Wahanda have come up with an alternative to boot camp - it is all about mud! With carbon footprint being the buzzword, we have checked out some eco bunting for your reception and go short-haul on honeymoon to beautiful Siena. Our venue find this week was showcased on The Apprentice - a fabulous estate with some great wedding packages. Finally, grooms wanting a few consoling words should check out Tuesday's webinar with Trisha - no reading involved, just click on the YouTube link.

If you are getting married this weekend, the WeddingPath team wish you a hugely successful and fun day. Remember to email your photos afterwards so that we can feature you as one of our Real Weddings.

Enjoy!

Amanda Hinton,
Editor-in-chief, WeddingPath
amanda@weddingpath.com

Monday 07/07
10am Let's Fly Away... cool dresses
2pm Looking Good... style tips

Tuesday 08/07
6am Now Listen!... groom's webinar
11am Cornish Dream... WeddingPath bride
2pm All White... new online florist

Wednesday 09/07
6am Style Guru... tips from the top
11am Spa Treats 2... mud treatments
2pm California Bride 4... if the ring fits...

Thursday 10/07
6am Stately Affair... Wiltshire grandees
11am So Siena... romance in Italy
2pm Celebrity Snippets... vote on Jennifer A & John

Friday 11/07
6am Three Classics... timeless gifts
11am Summer Bunting... all organic
2pm Happy Hens 5... bridal bootcamp

Saturday 12/07
6am Wedding Week Notes... highlights of the week

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Wedding Week Notes 30/06

Catch up with this week on WeddingPath and click on the links to some of our favourite reads and top highlights. Can't find what you're looking for? Go to News Categories on the home page.

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30/06 FASHION Frills Fancy... flounce like Coleen

01/07 GROOMS What a Job... a bartered wedding
01/07 REAL WEDDING Vintage Rose... Newby bride

02/07 FASHION Little Maids... finest frocks
02/07 WEDDING GOSSIP California Bride 3...

03/07 VENUE Ballroom Best... river views
03/07 HONEYMOON Green Dream... eco!

04/07 GIFTS Cushion Cosy... comfort gift
04/07 RECEPTIONS Paper Petals... favours

Have a great weekend!

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