Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 88)

NEW BEGINNINGS Can you show me some ideas for wedding dress styles that will suit a low-key, late- summer wedding? Meet the expert: Rhian Jenkins is the director and consultant at New Beginnings Bridal Boutique based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, which has just undergone extensive remodelling with marble flooring and underfloor heating, and ornate leaner mirrors. Rhian says: We’re seeing an increase in requests for laid-back, bohemian styles in soft floaty fabrics and fine lace for weddings this summer. Easy-to-wear is a great way to describe this style! Sparkle was a big trend for weddings in 2019 and 2020 but plain A-line and sheath silhouettes are popular in the 2021 collections and are incredibly flattering on most body shapes and sizes. The beauty of these simplistic styles is that they work well with any type of wedding - they can be dressed up or down. We have a large collection of new gowns in stock from designers including w.too, Willowby and Enzoani. We’re also offering our brides- to-be luxury gift bags with a value of more than £600 when they purchase their dream dress at New Beginnings! 07496 631 318 www.newbeginningsmk.co.uk www.facebook.com/newbeginningsmk www.instagram.com/newbeginningsmk BEAUTY FROM WITHIN How can I take care of my wellbeing ahead of my wedding and not feel overwhelmed with the planning? Meet the expert: Mia Towndrow is a qualified massage therapist, reflexologist and reiki specialist and the owner of Pure Wellbeing Therapy based in Crowthorne. She offers a mobile service throughout Wokingham, Ascot, Reading and surrounding areas. Mia says: It’s essential to take care of your wellbeing in the lead- up to your wedding by investing in some me-time. Pre-wedding pampering and self-care are vital to helping us not only look, but also feel, amazing from the inside. Too often, brides-to-be are focusing on finding their dress, choosing make-up and hairstyles and worrying about the guest list. But by the time the wedding approaches, they can be left feeling physically and mentally drained before a day that’s meant to be a happy occasion. It’s worth investing in some pampering treatments at least a few weeks, or months, before your wedding. Some of my best-selling holistic treatments are bespoke packages which include Indian head massage, holistic facials, Swedish or aromatherapy massage, reflexology and reiki. Indian head massage can deeply relax the mind and body and has many benefits. Based on Ayurvedic techniques, I massage the scalp, neck and back using acupressure techniques on the face to help release and drain toxins naturally. The treatment helps to release muscular tension around the scalp and upper body and provide natural pain relief for headaches and migraines. It also improves sleep and increases mental clarity, and also stimulates hair growth. Aromatherapy massage combines the use of essential oils and therapeutic massage. It’s deeply beneficial for a bride who is feeling overwhelmed. Essential oils are wonderful at healing the body naturally. An oil blend, for example, clary sage and ylang-ylang, will provide uplifting, relaxing and anti-viral properties that benefit the nervous and immune system. It helps promote good skin and ease any inflammation, muscular aches and pains, cramps, and fluid retention, and can also aid digestion. Combining treatments with therapy such as reiki, which originates from Japan, is also healing for the body and mind. It can help the bride feel balanced, release tension, improve focus, and promote good health. 07549 076 255 | www.facebook.com/purewellbeingtherapy www.instagram.com/purewellbeingtherapy 52