HOT TOPIC Our experts answer your big-day questions THE GREAT OUTDOORS Meet the expert: Colette Ashby is a wedding celebrant who has won awards for her services. She creates and performs bespoke ceremonies in Berks, Bucks, Oxon, Hants and the South East. What are the benefits of having an outdoor celebrant-led ceremony? Colette says: Over the past few years, more and more couples are opting for celebrant-led ceremonies. They are fast becoming the go-to choice for today’s couples who want the freedom to pick where, when and how they marry. One of the main benefits of having a celebrant officiate at your wedding ceremony is that you can tie the knot almost anywhere – you have complete freedom of choice over your venue, time and ceremony content. Outdoor ceremonies are a growing trend amongst couples wanting to say ‘I do’ in a beautiful and natural setting. So what are your options for an outdoor ceremony? The only limit is your imagination! Most traditional wedding venues have gorgeous gardens that can be transformed into a stunning ceremony space and, of course, you have nature as your backdrop. When deciding on your venue for a celebrant-led wedding, you have more choice than you may realise, as you don’t have to get married in a licensed venue. Imagine exchanging vows on a beautiful beach or in a wild woodland glade. You can even hold your ceremony in your back garden as many people choose to do. What could be more special? How about a super-relaxed ceremony in a field with a marquee or tipi for the reception, mobile catering and chilled-out guests? Nothing formal, just friends, family, fun and the beautiful English countryside. Outdoor ceremonies can be lavish – think fabulous flower arches and an aisle created from rose petals, or maybe simple and rustic is more your style. Of course, there are factors to consider with an outdoor ceremony, (not least the weather) and this is where your celebrant will guide and advise you every step of the way. Wherever you decide to marry, choose a celebrant to create and conduct a bespoke outdoor ceremony with a touch of sparkle. 07774 780 072, https://coletteashby.com; www.facebook.com/colette.ashby.77; www.instagram.com/coletteashbycelebrant BRING ME SUNSHINE Meet the expert: The Turquoise Holiday Company is an upmarket travel company with a focus on luxurious honeymoons, family holidays and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. We’re planning our honeymoon and need some inspiration – which far-flung island destinations are looking popular for this year and next? Jackie Leather, senior marketing manager tells us: There’s something wonderfully romantic about palm-fringed islands and untouched beaches. The magical images conjured at the thought of escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, that invigorating sense of remoteness, of being anchored away from the mainland – these feelings alone are enough to inspire our honeymooning couples to go in search of their very own desert island. Popular destinations for newlyweds include the Maldives, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Seychelles, The Islands of Tahiti and the Greek islands. Turquoise Holidays can offer first-hand advice and a friendly helping hand when planning your perfect island honeymoon in 2023 and 2024. 01494 678 400, www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk/honeymoons; www.facebook.com/turquoiseholidays; www.instagram.com/turquoiseholidays SNAP HAPPY Meet the expert: Chris Goodchild is the founder of The Best Photobooths, #makingmemories based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. They offer a bespoke design service as well as a range of photo booths including The Best Vintage Booth and The Best Love Heart Booth. The company won Best Photobooth Hire service in Buckinghamshire from LuxLife Global Wedding awards. We want to surprise our guests with some wow-factor wedding entertainment that they haven’t seen at previous weddings. What do you suggest? Chris says: We have two new products that are proving to be super popular this year. Firstly, there’s the “PUT A RING ON IT” audio guestbook that’s perfect for weddings, parties, and other special events. Brilliant in its simplicity, it offers a fun way for guests to leave voicemail messages on your special day or occasion. They simply pick up the phone, leave a message after the tone, then hang up and keep on dancing! This is the perfect alternative guest book, providing unforgettable, lifelong memories. The second new launch that we’re offering for weddings this year is the BOHO Magic Mirror Frame that’s perfect for any boho-inspired ceremony. It has recently been super popular for barn settings. 07966 053 439, www.thebestphotobooths.co.uk; www.facebook.com/TheBestPhotobooths www.instagram.com/thebestphotobooths Scan to view video 59 EXPERT ADVICE
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