Weddings

Weddings without the hitch

Ever since she was a little girl, Jane Dayus-Hinch has been obsessed with weddings.

So it is little surprise that she should become one of the country’s top wedding planners, helping brides-to-be and their grooms to organise their perfect day.

Her love of weddings stemmed from the disappointment of realising that real princesses didn’t wear ballgowns, sashes or diamonds during the day. It was when she was four and was asked to present Princess Margaret with a bouquet when the Queen’s sister visited Rubery Owen – a manufacturing company in the Black Country – that it all began.

Jane’s mother was PA to the managing director and was thrilled that her young daughter had been given the honour.

But things did not go quite as planned.

“We were all waiting for the cortege and I was excited to see the princess,” Jane recalls. “I was desperately looking around the room for the ‘princess’ – but there was just a lady wearing a hat and coat.

“There was no tiara, no ballgown with a sash, no sparkles or diamonds. My mother realised that to a four-year-old this was not the princess I had imagined and she promised me that she would show me one very soon if I would just hand over the flowers.”

Luckily, a wedding took place at the church opposite her home in Wednesbury, West Midlands, soon afterwards and her mother took her to see the bride in all her finery.

“From then on I was captivated. I read books, drew pictures of brides and I wanted to know everything about weddings,” says the wedding etiquette expert.

It wasn’t until 1985 that Jane finally realised her dream career and trained as a wedding planner in the USA. She started her own business two years later after marrying in Lichfield Cathedral, a day shared with 250 guests.

“It was only on the wedding day that I realised that you can be the best wedding planner in the world, but on the day you are the bride and can do nothing else but socialise, relax and enjoy,” she says. “That’s when you need someone to be able to direct, instruct and check.”

Since those early beginnings, Jane, who also trained as a Toastmaster, has planned countless weddings for between 12 and 1,800 guests, including high security celebrity nuptials.

But it was an interview on breakfast television that saw Jane’s fortunes rapidly change. She was talent-spotted for a television show pilot called Wedding SOS and was then asked to film 13 episodes in New York and Toronto with couples whose wedding plans were in serious trouble.

“I had no idea what I was taking on,” she admits, “but it was a huge challenge and it was doing what I love most, so I went.”

Jane spent six months in Canada, which meant leaving behind her family behind.

Six years on, a further four series have been aired and Jane’s reputation continues to grow at home and in Canada, so much so that she was a commentator for Canadian TV company Global at the royal wedding of William and Kate.

Despite her growing profile abroad, her wedding planning business in the UK continues to thrive and Jane also runs workshops regularly so that brides-to-be can plan their wedding.

“The bride has probably never organised anything on this scale before, and it is such an expensive day, it has to be right – and you only get one opportunity to make it all come together,” says Jane, whose hobby is riding her Heritage Softail Classic Harley Davidson. (“Never judge a book by its cover,” she giggles.)

She has also developed an app – The Number 1 Wedding Planning app – and has designed a wedding wall planner that can be bought from her website.

If you would like more details about Jane Dayus-Hinch wedding planning, visit www.janedayus-hinch.com or email her at janedh@hotmail.co.uk

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The wedding of phil & kelly at Hampton Manor, Hampton in Arden

Kelly: We got engaged on my birthday in New York in central park and it was really romantic. It started to snow just as I said yes.

We first experienced Hampton Manor on Valentine’s Day in Peels Restaurant before we got engaged, on a recommendation of a friend. We immediately thought that if we were ever to get married, this was to be it. It was the mix of old and new....and pink is my favourite colour! We didn’t even want to look at any other venues. As soon as we came back from New York, we picked up the phone to Hampton Manor.

What made it really special was the fact we had the whole place to ourselves. It was a quite a surreal feeling waking up on the wedding morning and feeling like the whole place was ours.

For Kelly, the most memorable part of the day was the feeling of walking down the aisle. I was nervous but excited and happy. I can still remember the same feeling thinking about it now. As soon as I walked in the room, I saw Phil and I just wanted to cry because he looked so handsome.

Phil: I was looking forward to seeing the dress! I knew it was going to be bold and make a statement but I wasn’t sure how bold! Someone said I wasn’t allowed to look around until she was near me but I absolutely ignored them. I was like, wow cliché maybe, but she really just took my breath away.

Kelly had a distinct vision in her head of the Mawson suite for the ceremony. Kelly bought a white carpet for the aisle despite Phil’s protests at her being crazy. But it completed the look and was a luxury touch which contrasted well with pink petals scattered down the aisle by their little flower girl.  The Mawson looked just how we imagined it - perfect. I remember looking up when I was signing the register and I saw my uncle crying, there were quite a few tears around the room.

After the ceremony, the guests spilled out onto the terrace to enjoy the May sunshine, whilst the couple went for photos with Fjona Wei-ling. Then it was onto Peel’s Restaurant for a very stylish wedding breakfast. I knew right from the start exactly what I wanted. Because of the engagement (and watching too much Sex in the City!), I wanted a New York inspired wedding, something with a modern edge. We loved all the glass in Peel’s and being able to look up to the sky

For Peel’s Restaurant, the couple hired in pink champagne glasses for their pink champagne, pink being Kelly’s favourite colour. The favours were a mixture of chilli, forget me not and sunflower seeds and lottery tickets. The table names were identified by classy black and white photos of places in New York.  And the cake!!! Definitely one to remember. Ben the Cakeman was fantastic, I gave him a picture of this dress and we basically said, do what you want but that is your inspiration. He didn’t disappoint!

We wanted to keep the whole day moving and it flowed really well. So in the evening, we had fire breathers followed by fireworks and then a disco, BBQ and chocolate fountain. We wanted it to feel like a celebration, just like a huge party

Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton in Arden, Solihull, West Midlands B92 0EN

Tel:01675 446080

www. hamptonmanor.eu

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The National Wedding Show 2013

We have three pairs of tickets to give away

To win a pair of tickets to the National Wedding Show 2013 please send you name and address in an email headed ‘WEDDING SHOW’ to editor@touchbasemagazine.com

If successful you will be notified by 22nd February and your tickets will be sent by post.

You must be over 18, only one  pair of tickets can be won  by each entrant, no cash  alternative will be given,  editors decision is final

The UK’s largest wedding spectacular The National Wedding Show is already gearing up for the Spring shows, taking place on 22nd-24th February at London Olympia and on 1st-3rd March at Birmingham NEC, providing the ultimate inspiration for engaged couples nationwide planning their perfect day.

For those dreaming of a traditional fairytale wedding, seeking more of a cutting edge and contemporary affair, or even planning a destination wedding, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate shopping destination, with 250 wedding experts from stunning wedding gowns to show stopping flowers, leading photographers to bespoke accessories, delicious cakes to dream honeymoons and groomswear to mother of the bride.

The National Wedding Show’s glamorous Catwalk Show showcases the latest trends from the hottest designers, boutiques and high street brands including Suzanne Neville; Ian Stuart; Jenny Packham; Lusan Mandongus; Jesus Peiro; Justin Alexander, Ronald Joyce; Berketex Brides;  Butterfly Vintage Brides; My Eden & Debenhams*,

Once brides-to-be have chosen their dream dresses on the catwalk, they can try them on in the Bridal**, Boutique and Designer areas. The show features the largest collection of wedding gowns, giving brides the opportunity to browse and choose from more styles than they could possibly imagine – from mainstream brands to couture designers there is something for every style, shape and budget.

With essential top tips, pamper treatments, live demonstrations, Inspiration Sessions for the bride and groom and even The Champagne Bar to toast to future happiness, there’s nothing quite like The National Wedding Show to capture the excitement of the big day and help make planning a wedding as straight forward and fun as possible.

*seen on the Autumn 2012 catwalk **Birmingham only

Spring 2013  Dates for Diary:

London Olympia: 22-24th Feb

NEC: 1st-3rd March

For more information visit the  National Wedding Show website  www.nationalwedding show.co.uk

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The wedding of the year at Wroxall Abbey Erin Garton & James Gaitskell

On the 12th May 2012 James Gaitskell and Erin Garton married on their 9 year anniversary, in front of 90 of their closest friends and family at Wroxall Abbey estate in Warwickshire. They exchanged their vows within the walls of the onsite Wrens Cathedral, before heading over to the exclusively hired out mansion to carry on with their celebrations, starting with a champagne and canapé reception, followed by a delicious 3 course meal, amusing speeches and a live band.

Scores of homemade personal touches enhanced the event; including rose petal and lavender confetti with music sheet cones, vintage floral napkins and sloe gin for wedding favours, they even created their own flower arrangements. But most amazing was the extravagantly designed silk wedding dress made by Erin, it was stunning with vintage inspired lace and a modern twist to the skirt that transformed itself into a party dress at night, enabling this ex-professional dancer to dance the night away.

James’ individual style was reflected in his exquisite three piece suit, made by exclusive gentlemen’s outfitters, Clements and Church of Leamington Spa. The fine brown and grey tweed, trimmed with suede, teamed up well his Beatrix Ong vintage inspired shoes.

The piece de resistance though, was in the thoughtful surprise gifts they both exchanged, which included James’ dream guitar - a stunning white Falcon Gretsch, a boudoir photo album of the bride and, a Gibson blues acoustic guitar. Whilst Erin, having recently passed her driving test, was presented, with the keys to her first ever car, gift wrapped and waiting.

The three Best men, eight Ushers and seven Bridesmaids, together with close friends and family contributed to its success. For them, it was the wedding of the year.

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The perfect location for your perfect day...

As your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, we at the Arden Hotel and Leisure are here to make your day as special and memorable as possible.

We believe your wedding day should be as individual as you are.  With all inclusive wedding packages starting at £2,200 up to fully bespoke luxury days, we have the perfect package for all tastes and budgets.  All wedding packages include, amongst other things, room hire, three course wedding breakfast, drinks package and evening reception.

When creating your perfect day we use our stylish wedding packages as our starting point. You will then be invited to sit down with your dedicated wedding co-ordinator and carefully plan your day to your exact requirements.   No matter what you desire, we have the most fabulous choice of rooms and options to ideally suit your special day.  We are able to cater for up to 180 guests.

We are fully licensed to conduct civil weddings so you can exchange your vows as well as have your reception with us.

A bridal suite is also included in all packages and your guests are eligible for special rates should they wish to stay the night.

To see what we can offer, why not come and visit us at our Wedding Fayre on Sunday 7th October 2012 from 10.30am – 3.00pm;

Free admission and parking

Over 60 top class local suppliers

Hog roast

Guided tours of the venue

For further information please contact us 01675 443221

enquiries@ardenhotel.co.uk

www.ardenhotel.co.uk

Arden Hotel, Coventry Road  Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EH Tel: 01675 443 221

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The wedding of Maddie & Guy

Madi and Guy chose Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden, for their autumn wedding after falling in love with the seasonal deep red trees at the venue.

Madi handmade 1,000 paper cranes from old wedding magazines, a Japanese tradition for brides-to-be and was thrilled when she discovered, as she walked down to the ceremony, that the staff had hung them from staircases.

The creative bride also insisted on unusual centrepieces that would not be just be thrown away at the end of the day and chose pumpkins from a local farm that guests took home to eat.

Her sister handmade the menus and orders of the day, while Madi had two handcrafted bouquets - one from felt flowers that were made in USA and a brooch bouquet that her friend‘s boyfriend made as a surprise.

“I’d always wanted a brooch bouquet but couldn’t afford one,” she says. “They’d both been collecting brooches from charity shops and I’d been completely oblivious.“

Madi’s mum gave her away and the couple, who have a daughter, Tilly, chose the song “Feels like Home” by Chantel Kreviazux for the ceremony.

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Fabulous Makeover for Medieval gem

Set in 10 acres of beautifully mature walled gardens, Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel is a unique Grade I star listed country house hotel that combines understated luxury with an impeccable client-focused service.

Long priding itself on effortlessly combining high quality hospitality with faultless attention to detail, this 14th century jewel has recently undergone a £4 million restoration, putting it firmly in the luxury category of hotels in the region. Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel offers guests everything they need in delightfully rural and peaceful surroundings.

Close to the city centre, but a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham, it will transport you back to a time of sophistication and elegance.

Indulge in the surroundings, take in the ambience and enjoy the many remaining original features, including exposed wooden floors, intricate stone carvings and roaring log fires.

These medieval features are sympathetically complemented with stylish modern furnishings, fabrics and finishes, giving Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel the chance to relish in the old and the new.

The perfect retreat for a business conference, a family occasion or celebration meal, a stay at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel guarantees you an unforgettable time with the finest care.

It’s simply perfect for weddings, too, and our wedding planner Jane Dayus Hinch, of global TV hit Wedding SOS, will do her utmost to ensure that every details is covered for your special day.

We offer a range of beautiful and unique rooms, while our award-winning culinary team provide fine dining options for all occasions. Whatever your reason for coming to Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel, you can be sure that your guests or delegates will be impressed.

Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel, Chester Road, Birmingham, B36 9DE      t: 0121 748 0030     f: 0121 748 0031     e: info@cbhh.co.uk

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Would you like longer or thicker hair?

Lisa Shepherd salons has the perfect solution: Racoon hair extensions.

Suitable for any length of hair and ideal for everyday use or for that special occasion, they provide an instant, glamorous A-list look.

Made from natural hair, they are also popular for brides who want to create volume on their special day, whether they are wearing their hair up or down. These premium extensions are easy to wash and condition and are especially formulated to maintain natural looking, salon fabulous hair.

With several different types of hair to choose from, including bonded, weft and clip-ins, salon customers can find the perfect match for their needs, use and price bracket.

Racoon International’s multi-award-winning bonded system allows the natural hair to be blended and lengthened easily and safely and is scientifically proven not to damage hair thanks to its unique inert polymer bond – non-allergy synthetic – which leaves no trace or residue. The bonding material containing natural products, such as pine kernel and orange peel extract, and is translucent, about the size of a grain of rice. As it takes on the colour of your own hair, the bonds are virtually invisible. It takes just three to four hours to apply, but can last up to six months with regular maintenance appointments.

It has never been easier to get the fabulous head of hair that you have always dreamed about.

Lisa Shepherd Birmingham, 5 - 7 Temple Row, Birmingham B2 5NY

London: 0207 467 9560  london@lisashepherd.co.uk

Kidderminster: 01562 748 833  kidderminster@lisashepherd.co.uk

Birmingham: 0121 236 6981  birmingham@lisashepherd.co.uk

Wombourne: 01902 324 060  wombourne@lisashepherd.co.uk

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Inspirational cakes by Sarah Edwards

From a two inch mini heart cake to a nine-tier extravaganza, anything is possible at Sarah Edwards Cakes.

The award-winning premier cake maker from Leamington Spa is the ideal choice when it comes to choosing your wedding cake.

Sarah works closely with each bride and groom to ensure that the design and colours of their hand-made confections perfectly complement the day’s theme.

Her cake decorating studio is now based at Blueberry Hill Patisserie, in Chandos Street, Leamington Spa, so you can see for yourself Sarah’s fabulous individually-made cakes, plus the exquisite sculpted flowers and models.

Sarah has been baking and decorating cakes since the age of 18, but only launched her own bakery and cake-making business in 2005.

“It was what I always wanted to do, so I started off baking from home and selling cakes at the Warwickshire farmers’ markets so I could promote the wedding cakes,” she says. “It just escalated from there and before I knew it I had a bakery and was making all kinds of celebration cakes.”

Within a few months of the former TV programme development producer launching her business, she scooped two gold awards at the prestigious Great Taste Awards, known as the Oscars of the food industry, and has gone to secure three more. Her eye-catching designs have also featured in bridal magazines.

Her passion for design and quality means brides-to-be and their grooms can be assured that whatever cake they choose - from the most popular, Victoria sponge, to lemon drizzle, chocolate or carrot cake - it will be sublime.

Sarah and the team are not fazed by outlandish flavours or designs, either. Their expert hands have created a phenomenal lime cake with lime and tarragon cream, as well as incredible solid chocolate cherubs, exquisite flowers, hand painted prints, intricate piping and models of the bride and groom.

Today’s happy couples really are spoiled for choice, says Sarah.

Most want to make their wedding cake truly individual - and Sarah works with them to ensure they get the cake of their dreams, whether it’s a traditional tiered, romantic cake or individual cupcakes and desserts.

And after a detailed consultation, the clients can then enjoy a well-deserved tasting session of cakes or fine desserts, made by her business partner Nina Evans and her team of pastry chefs, in the café below. All the cakes, desserts and patisserie are baked at their bakery at Chesterton Fields Farm, just south of Leamington.

“Wedding cake design follows fashion quite closely, so at the moment the trend is for beautiful romantic and vintage-inspired cakes in both colour and design,” she says. “But this year’s orders feature lots of requests for florals and bunting.

“We keep a close eye on trends and are constantly looking at new ingredients, techniques and equipment so we can offer our clients exciting new innovations.

“The moment we stop wanting to provide the best or stop looking for new challenges is the time to quit, but that won’t happen because we love what we do too much,” laughs Sarah.

For more details about Sarah Edwards Cakes, visit www.sarahedwardscakes.co.uk  or pop into the patisserie at 32, Chandos Street, Leamington Spa.

Sarah Edwards Cakes now at BLUEBERRY HILL PATISSERIE

32 Chandos Street, Leamington Spa, Warks CV32 4RL Tel: 01926 430444

Email: enquiries@sarahedwardscakes.co.uk   Web:  www.sarahedwardscakes.co.uk

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by Jane Dayus Hinch

Flowers have been linked with romance and fertility since time immemorial.

They lend a natural elegance to any setting and are especially important for weddings, where up to 20 per cent of the total budget is spent.

But where do you start?

First, make an appointment with your florist because he or she can help you decide which style and colour scheme will complement the bridal gown and chosen colour palette.

After this initial meeting, the florist should prepare a quotation or proposal, which gives descriptions and prices of each chosen floral element. This will also include options to tailor it to suit your requirements and your budget.

Once this has all be accepted, the florist should create a sample centerpiece and sketch out any other elements, free of charge.

This is now the time to discuss any changes you would like to make, if you decide against a particular flower or you decide that the table needs pillar candles mixed in with the tealights/votives.

Take your camera and photograph the samples, you can use the images to help co-ordinate other visual elements.

The style of your wedding is echoed throughout the day, from bride’s dress to groom’s suit, venue and location, and table settings.

Tuscan

If you are thinking of an autumn theme, Tuscan works very well with its warmer tones of yellow, orange, deep reds. Fill terracotta containers with dahlias, oncidium orchids and hypericum berries for a warm and earthy style.

Architectural

This clean, modern look makes use of sculptural flowers, such as tulips and calla lilies. Flowers are typically white or green and the style can also be achieved with foliage or grasses.

Clear glass vessels with a single type of flower in each vessel looks minimalist and can be budget-friendly because you can get away with using just a few stems.

Romantic

Used most often in formal arrangements, using silver containers and accented with candles, these fluffy arrangements usually comprise roses, peonies and hydrangeas in white, pinks and creams.

English Garden

Fluffy and full, but using far more colour than the Romantic style, this traditional style uses a variety of flowers, such as roses, hyacinths, poppies, and jasmine. Colours tend to be combinations of pink, white, lavender, periwinkle and green.

What about the bridal bouquet? There are different styles of bouquet to choose from:

Hand-tied: Stems are arranged in the palm of the florist’s hand and tied together using ribbon, fabric, or leaves.

Dome or Nosegay: Round, dome shaped, possibly trailing ribbons. It can be tightly packed or loose, and stems are typically hand-tied into a cuff.

Presentation: Long-stemmed flowers carried in the crook of the arm. Brides choosing this style usually select calla lilies.

Sheath: A handful of the same type of flowers tied together with ribbon, leaving much of the stem exposed. This style works well with tulips or miniature calla lilies and complements a simple dress.

Tussie Mussie: Dating back to the Victorian days, it is a tiny nosegay of flowers arranged to fit into a conical silver holder on a chain. Considered too small for brides, but charming when carried by bridesmaids.

Wired bouquets: Individual wires are inserted into stems or taped to flowers in order to create a particular silhouette or to make the flower work in an arrangement.

Biedermeier: A rarely seen bouquet, made up of concentric circles of flowers with each circle composed of a single flower type and colour. It is a tight, extremely tailored arrangement.

Cascade: A much longer and looser bouquet. The flowers are wired into place to create the shape, and the stems are wrapped in ribbon to form a handle. A short cascade is called a teardrop.

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