Your Herts and Beds Wedding - December/January 2023/2024 (Issue 101)

CAPTURING MEMORIES We’re on the hunt for our dream photographer; what should we keep in mind? If you have a few photographers in mind, don’t make a decision purely on the shots you see on their website. Ask to see a full wedding gallery from start to finish. You’ll want to see images of all the special moments throughout the day, like the couple getting ready, the ceremony, the first dance, the reception and detail shots. Photographers cover several events throughout the day in different lighting, so decide how well they cover all of these key moments, not just the couples’ photos. A good photographer will always be happy to show you this and answer any other questions; you only have to ask. Natalie Martinez | Natalie Martinez Photography www.nataliemartinezphotography.com BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE We’re getting married this winter and want to transform our venue into a winter wonderland. Do you have any suggestions? Creating a winter wonderland wedding in the UK can be a magical and memorable experience. Choose a property with large windows to capture the beauty of the winter landscape. An estate, barn, or a cosy historic building with fire places can provide the perfect backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, an outdoor ceremony with a snow-covered landscape can be stunning – weather permitting. Embrace a colour palette of icy blues, silvers, and whites. Use snowflake motifs in your invitations, table settings, and centrepieces to capture the time of year. Incorporate twinkling fairylights, candles and faux snow to create a wintry ambience around your venue. Create a cosy atmosphere with soft, warm lighting and choose music that resonates with the season. Serve hot mulled wine and hearty comfort foods for guests to enjoy followed by a winter-themed wedding cake adorned with snowflakes or edible silver accents. Send guests home with winter-themed favours such as custom-made snow globes or personalised ornaments so they can look back and remember the special day. Tichea Brade | Carmela Weddings and Events www.carmelaweddings.co.uk BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL Why choose faux flowers over fresh flowers for your wedding or special occasion? We create beautiful floral displays at Sarah Stuart Flowers using luxury faux flowers. While we also love working with fresh flowers, these are a great alternative as the blooms are incredibly long-lasting and won’t wilt, whatever the weather. Why have your bridal bouquet for a couple of days when you can enjoy it for many years? In 2023, 80 per cent of our weddings used faux flowers in some form. Table centrepieces can be created with fresh greenery and incorporate faux flowers; we offer this on a rental basis, reducing wedding flower costs without compromising style or elegance for your event. The blooms require no maintenance or pruning. It also offers a perfect solution for anyone who struggles with allergies. Many faux stems are now made with recycled plastics or fabrics, therefore kinder to the environment. These florals are incredibly versatile and can be used in various settings and occasions. Plus, it’s cost-effective in the long run. While the initial outlay may be more expensive, they’ll last many years. Can you believe scented faux flowers will soon be a thing? Sarah Stuart | Sarah Stuart Flowers www.sarahstuartflowers.com www.gettyimages.co.uk www.nataliemartinezphotography.com 72

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