About Time – Sneak Preview

15 May, 2013

We were asked whether our readers would be interested in seeing the first trailer for Richard Curtis’s new film, due to be launched 6th September. Having looked at it we suspected it would interest many of you – it did us – so here’s a quick look see…..

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 Love doesn’t always go to plan, but imagine you had a way to redo all your mistakes? A new comedy written and directed by Richard Curtis, ABOUT TIME is released on September 6th and stars Domhnall Gleeson (Anna Karenina), Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) and Bill Nighy (Love Actually).

http://movies.uk.msn.com/trailers-and-clips?videoid=2tix4nar

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Member Focus – Lindy Dowling Wedding & Event Planners

13 May, 2013

Today we would like to introduce you to one of our newer Associate Members, the lovely Lindy from Lindy Dowling Wedding & Event Planners ……

Lindy-Headshot2

How did it all start?

After many years working in the City I decided it was time for a change and launched my floristry business. After years in this profession, meeting key suppliers and being involved in the set up and design of many beautiful weddings, a natural progression due to my love of weddings was to begin planning them…I’ve never looked back.

Do you have a favourite venue?

My all time favorite has to be Claridge’s, closely followed by a very cute barn in the Kent countryside which, has a vintage fairground and many props available to the Bride & Groom.

How would clients describe you?

Approachable, calm and kind natured with a keen eye for perfection. I am always at hand to offer a warm reassuring smile, yet very committed to carrying out my duties as planned, and on time.

Wedding planner/s you admire?

Mark Niemierko. He has built up a prestigious business in a relatively short space of time and is now the preferred planner of celebrities. I admire all of the UKAWP members, particularly for their passion for success and the supportive network that they offer.

How do you unwind?

By watching a movie at home with a glass of wine..and a cheeky Thai takeaway would round off an evening for me perfectly.

What themes are you working on for 2013/14?

The two most prominent themes are ‘Garden’ style, where my Bride wants to bring the beauty and ambiance of the garden within her venue. The second being a very bright and bold wedding with a ‘Circus’ theme.

What trends are you seeing?

Food carts, cake pops, hand painted stationery and very bright and bold daring colours, as opposed to the vintage style of late. Also Brides are favouring very classic, elegant designs with simple classy styling.

What is your signature dish?

Scallop linguine, simply delicious!

Whose celebrity wedding (dead or alive) would you love to design?

Marilyn Monroe, imagine the glamour, diamonds and flowers! Every girl’s dream.

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

I had no illusions; I never expected to be the next J-Lo that’s for sure! I enjoy the hard work, it is definitely worthwhile when I see the happiness on my clients faces on their big day…for me that moment is unbeatable.

What is your vice?

That’s easy, Pralines and Cream ice cream, it’s the devil in disguise.

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Choosing Diamonds

10 May, 2013

When buying any form of jewellery it is important that you do your research to make sure that you are getting the best quality for your money.This is even more important when investing in an engagement or wedding ring. Diamond expert and founder of Diamond Manufacturers, Vashi Dominguez, offers his top tips for choosing the perfect diamond for your ring.

Diamond Wedding Ring in 18k White Gold e

Shape:

The shape of the diamond will determine the look of the ring. If the diamond is for an engagement ring, the diamond will be prominent; if opting for a diamond wedding band then you need to decide whether you want round or square diamonds set in the band.

The Cut:

The cut is the most important factor when determining value of the diamond. A good cut lets a diamond handle light well and emit sparkle. Grades of cut range from ‘Super Ideal’ to ‘Good’, ‘Super Ideal’ being the highest cut grade.

In a well cut diamond the light enters the diamond and is reflected from one side of the diamond to the other and back into the viewer’s eye.  This light is called the ‘brilliance’. In a poorly cut diamond the light ‘leaks’ out the sides or bottom of the diamond, rather than being reflected.

Milgrain Diamond Wedding Ring in Platinum

The Carat:

The Carat is the weight of the diamond. The higher the carat the higher the value and size.

Colour:

The colour of a diamond is graded by how ‘white’ the stone is. Grade D is colourless and Z has a yellow tint. The whiter the diamond the greater its value.

Clarity:

Clarity is affected by flaws known as ‘inclusions’ on or in the stone. Grades of clarity range from FL (flawless) to i3 (visible inclusions). The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is.

Wedding Rings 1

Budget:

Define your budget and only spend an amount that you are comfortable with when buying your ring. There are great tricks to saving money when buying diamonds, for example if you buy a stone that’s slightly under-size to the nearest round carat weighting, e.g. 0.9 of a carat, you’ll save up to 30%.

Ring Size:

Remember that smaller diamonds will look bigger on slender fingers, so make sure that the ring is right for the wearer.

Thank you Vashi for your insight – here’s hoping it helps many couples and planners when choosing rings this Summer.

 

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Member Focus – Vanilla Rose Weddings

6 May, 2013

This morning we would like to introduce you to Jeni, who runs Vanilla Rose Weddings …..

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How did it all start?

I’ve always worked in the 5* boutique hotel industry in London, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, and also worked for a number of years planning high profile events for the Film and TV industry and thoroughly enjoyed the planning and co-ordination aspects whilst working with people. I’ve always loved weddings, and after completing my professional training with the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) I decided to set up my own company – Vanilla Rose Weddings & Events.

Do you have a favourite venue?

We’re really lucky to have so many gorgeous venues throughout Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, so it’s difficult to pick just one! However, the team at Sheepdrove Organic near Lambourn are just fantastic and the venue has so many unusual features that can lend themselves to a variety of themes and uses.

How would clients describe you?

Reliable and very organised. I love getting to know my clients as we progress through planning their wedding – it allows me to add those personal touches to their special day.

Wedding planner/s you admire?

Each planner has their own style which I really admire, and it’s great to see the variety of weddings that everyone has worked on. I always love to see the weddings Mark Niemierko has been working on recently, as they’re always spectacular!

How do you unwind?

I love swimming, so when I have time I try to have some quiet time in the local pool and spa!

What themes are you working on for 2013/14?

I’m really excited to be working on a Moroccan themed wedding reception at the moment. The colours and shapes are so beautiful; it’s going to be a fabulous wedding!

What trends are you seeing?

The vintage theme is still ever popular, but also couples are looking for something unique – I’ve been planning a festival style wedding for later this year which is really quirky, and suits the Bride and Groom down to the ground!

What is your signature dish?

I’m a vegetarian, so always trying to create some new dishes for variety. My favourite at the moment is halloumi and roasted vegetable skewers with cinnamon sweet potatoes!

Whose celebrity wedding (dead or alive) would you love to design?

Jennifer Aniston. I think she deserves to have a beautiful beach wedding – she’s waited long enough!

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

There are glamorous aspects, but more than anything I enjoy seeing a couple smiling on their wedding day and enjoying every second of it. That’s what my job is about!

What is your vice?

At the moment, it’s anything sweet! I can’t say no to a chocolate biccie or a slice of lemon drizzle cake!

 

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