Delightfully elegant Dorchester Marquee Wedding

Well yes its been a few months since this wedding took place and we have been so keen to blog about it but where has the time gone!  So better late than never but here it is.  This was the beautifully elegant wedding of Sarah and Phil with buckets of fun - this was one of our favourite weddings of 2011 and the lead up and the day itself was filled with some of the most lovely people we have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.  A wonderful family on both sides, truly wonderful bridal party and the best guests - a real joy to be part of this day.  The wedding took place in September on a stunning Dorchester estate surrounded by rolling hills of green.  And green was very much the theme of the day.  We went for a very natural and rustic but elegant feel for the day with different greens being used throughout from the bridesmaids dresses to the ribbons on the napkins for the wedding breakfast.  Here is how the day unfolded.  We are delighted to bring you these images courtesy of Angela Ward Brown Photography 

The bride with some pre-wedding mail - taking some time out 

The bow issue - the signal on the Estate was very poor and this was the point when the bridesmaids were trying the locate Melanie to help with a bow dilemma with Sarah's dress - see the mobile phone in the hand - I did eventually get the message that the bow tying was proving a problem and dashed over to finish that off! 

 Pre- wedding time with Mum 

Guests were treated to a little light refreshment on their way through the barn to the Chapel for the wedding ceremony - perfect idea

Now it would not be unkind to say that the boys were not the best at being where they needed to be and on time so this is the Best Man dashing off realising that despite reminders yes he had in fact left the rings in the house - bit of a quick run back to the house to get them! 

Cool and calm - the groom makes his way 

  

Here come the girls - in stunning contrasting sage green and pale gold dresses in a beautiful floating fabric they all looked beautiful and relaxed and ready for a wonderful day.  Now one of the challenges we faced with this wedding was the high number of guests in comparison to the tiny and beautiful old Chapel.  

This Chapel is so beautiful yet without power and no seating we had to come up with some ideas on how to seat nearly 200 people in a Chapel which really is meant for less than 100!  It was a challenge but it was achieved!  Some narrow folding chairs, some benches and standing room only at the back for the young ones.     The brass band were positioned on a specially made platform at the back of the Chapel. The bride chose a beautiful peace of music for her entrance to the Chapel which was played beautifully by the Sherborne Town Brass Band - a solo trumpter played The Prince of Denmarks March which gave the entrance a real regal feel to it - just one of the magic moments from this day.  

The guests and the groom eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride 

Such a fun service - the bride and groom joke with the Best Man during the service 

This is one of my favourite images of the day - the bride and groom emerging from the Chapel after the service.  The florist  had created a stunning display of hops around the entrance to the Church to create this stunning vision 

 The confetti shot with the bride and groom on their way for their drinks reception 

 We had some really fabulous elements to this day - the bride and groom re-signed the Register after the service inside the House with guests watching on - so the contract was then sealed!

The marquee was a delight.  We had worked hard over the months before the wedding to create a natural colour palette of different shades of green incorporating green glass and shades of pale gold to complement the bridesmaids dresses.  The table linens were alternating between a pale green and a gold colour and the family had contributed home made favours - the groom's father with his own jars of Estate honey for the chaps and the bride's mother with Welsh cakes in gorgeous little bags for the ladies.  We were thrilled with the skills of florist Helen Ffoulkes - Jones and her team who created stunning displays throughout the marquee and in the Chapel and the bouquets for the bride and the bridesmaids.  The table centres had tall or low arrangements with all shades of green and the taller arrangements had crisp green apples and grapes decorating the base. 

Whilst the final preparations took place in the marquee the guests enjoyed delicious canapes served by the fabulous team at Creative Catering and ice cold champagne and plenty of it!  The countryside was a delight to  surround this outdoor drinks reception and the guests were treated to the sounds of the Sherborne Town Band who played a selection of brass band music chosen by the bride. 

The bride and groom make their entrance into the marquee for the first time as their guests await them.  Guests were served a sumptuous menu in elegant surroundings. 

Another magic moment - the bride's mother had prepared Grace in Welsh as a surprise for her daughter and you could say that it was a bit of an emotional and beautiful moment 

The bride and groom chose a savoury wedding cake of local cheeses - fabulous idea and very tasty - the Chef later broke this down and served on a colourful table with breads and chutneys and fruits and the guests all tucked in 

The groom's speech really was one of the best we had ever heard - delivered perfectly with elements of fun and emotion - the bride clearly enjoyed this and the groom did extremely well 

And so the evening began - the bride and groom took to the floor for a brilliant first dance to the joined by their guests who were enjoying an evening of freshly mixed cocktails all night (with lots of lychee martinis being served!) and they snacked on bacon rolls later on in the evening.  The band were amazing keeping guests entertained until the early hours with the DJ taking over too to keep the party going on well into the next day - the guests (and the bride and groom!) really did not want to leave the floor!  

The bride and a friend enjoy a cocktail from their bar!

 The marquee by night - the guests dancing away 

This wedding truly was a pleasure to work on and we thoroughly enjoyed it and the day itself.  The families were wonderful and opted for our full wedding planning service so we worked closely with the family for around 9 months to put this wedding together.  For more information on our full wedding planning packages please see our website on our wedding planning services.

Thank you to Angela Ward Brown for allowing us to feature these images in our blog and a pleasure to work with you again Angela. 

Congratulations to Sarah and Phil and thank you for asking us to help you plan your special day - the pleasure was all ours 

xx

Bellissimo presents The Lifestyle and Wedding Show at The Italian Villa 2011

After two busy days of beach weddings, it was time to host our annual Lifestyle and Wedding Show at the stunning Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Canford Cliffs.

This ever popular venue came alive with over 45 of the highest quality exhibitors on Sunday for what is one of the most highly anticipated wedding shows of the season. With over 400 guests through the doors last year this was going to be a busy day!

And sure enough as the clock struck 11am, there was a queue of brides to be and their families waiting to come and see what fantastic stands we had set up for them this year. The Bellissimo team were ready and waiting, with goody bags to give out to all our lovely brides to be, which included yummy cupcakes courtesy of  Lisa Notley who also had a stand where our guests could sample her amazing baking. We were lucky enough to have a taste of both the carrot and the chocolate cake - well there have to be perks of the job and ladies love cake don't they!

The Bellissimo Team at the Italian Villa 

We had stands over two floors, in the Medici and Verona Suites, and guests were treated to a wide selection of exhibitors to talk to including, accessories, styling, stationery, florists, photographers, musicians and many many more.

There were two fabulous fashion shows which took place in the Sienna Suite and featured stunning bridal collections from Exquisite Bridal and Calm Amongst the Chaos and a range of gorgeous footwear from Shoe Devotion. Ina of Ina Halsor Photography took so many wonderful photos...here's a sneak preview! Have a look at our Facebook page for the full collection...

All images courtesy of Ina Halsor Photography

We were treated to wonderful performances by Katie Francesca and Jay T Singers prior to each show and one lucky couple won a wedding at The Villa in our prize draw. Congratulations to Katrina and Andy who won and will be getting married next year!

The feedback from the show was excellent once again, with plenty of comments from exhibitors and guests on how well organised and well attended the show was.

We had a great day talking to lots of lovely couples, many of whom had already booked their wedding at The Villa, but many of whom were undecided on their venue and had come to see this renowned wedding venue.

If you didn't get the chance to talk to any of our team on Sunday, please feel free to give us a call on 01202 533014 or email us at info@bellissimo-weddings.co.uk for a free, no obligation chat about the planning of your wedding.

Dont forget our next wedding show at the RNLI in Poole will be on Sunday 15th January so put the date in the diary and we'll see you there!

Natasha 

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Big news from Bellissimo - Launch of Beach Weddings Bournemouth

We have been busy bees here at Bellissimo HQ for some time now working on a very exciting new project which is truly going to put Bournemouth on the map when it comes to deciding on a destination for your wedding.  Always fancied getting married on the beach?  Difficult to get away to distant shores because of finances, travel restrictions, family or friends who cannot join you on such a long and expensive journey?

Well look no further as your answer is here. For the very first time in the UK, Bellissimo are proud to bring you Beach Weddings in the UK - on the beautiful shores of Bournemouth beach.

Image credit : Ian H Photography

This truly unique wedding and event venue is officially launching to the public on Saturday 29th October and taking bookings from now for the 2012 season which starts on 1st April 2012 and beyond. 

Bellissimo have been awarded the Operators contract by Bournemouth Borough Council for 5 years which means that our well regarded high level of service and attention to detail can now be enjoyed by couples who wish to have their wedding or civil partnership ceremony on the beach close to the crystal blue waters.  This stunning venue is also open to people looking to renew their vows or hold a baby naming or welcoming ceremony.  Its also possible to hold a birthday party or celebration without a formal ceremony.

Image credit : Ian H Photography

Our venue has so many possibilities thanks to the large space available.  We have just over 800 square metres of sand which can be exclusively hired for your special event and a marquee can be erected within this space for your guests to enjoy a wedding ceremony and your reception.

We have set up a brand new, dedicated website and have a Facebook page which we would love for you to 'like' to keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, photos and blogs.

Our official launch is on Saturday 29^th October and would be delighted if you would join us to see how the The Wedding Hut and marquee will be set up for weddings between 11am and 3pm. Please come along and chat to the team.  We can talk you through all of the possibilities with this unique venue and you can meet some of the suppliers who we will be working with over the coming years to bring you this stunning venue.  The Wedding Hut will be dressed as it would for a ceremony.  The marquee will be dressed for a part ceremony and part wedding breakfast to show you an example of what a marquee could look like.  We will also have stunning coastal styling displays for you to look at courtesy of the talented ladies over at Coastal Creatives and floristry in the Wedding Hut, the marquee and the Cliff Lift courtesy of Arcade Flowers, Ringwood. 

Shortly before opening up the venue for the public we will be lucky enough to have a photo shoot with our models of the whole venue and for that we need to thank our models Emma-Jayne and Rob who will helping is to get some amazing shots of the set up and thanks to IanH Photography who will be available for the whole of Saturday for couples to speak to about their own Beach Wedding photography requirements. 

We also need to say a big thank you to Laura McKenzie from Hair by Laura for her early morning start this week and for attending to the hair styling for our preview photo shoot and to Natalie and Liam our bride and groom for making such a stunning couple for our shoot.

Look forward to meeting you there. 

X

Wedding Exhibition - The Menzies East Cliff Court Hotel - Sunday 2nd October 2011

With wedding season drawing to a close, wedding fayre season is upon us, so on Sunday 2nd October, Bellissimo Weddings hosted our first show of the season at the Menzies Eastcliff Court Hotel on Bournemouth's beautiful Eastcliff. And what a day to have chosen! It was nearly 30 degrees and the beach was absolutely packed! But luckily we had some determined brides-to-be that despite the glorious weather turned out to come and see what we had on offer. I did notice a few bikinis poking out of dresses though! And one couple even arrived with their beach towels under their arms!

Courtesy of dorsetbeaches.co.uk

Our guests were treated to a glass of bubbly and some delicious canapés on arrival courtesy of the hotel and then were free to wander around where all our exhibitors were on hand to talk to our brides-to-be about their wedding plans.

We were lucky enough to have FourT4 Photography take photos of the day and all the photos you see in this blog have been taken by Jon himself. Jon is a fantastic, very professional and unobtrusive wedding photographer who covers weddings, civil ceremonies and events around Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Jon's stand

We had three suites full of exhibitors so guests had plenty to see...

In the Ocean View Suite, Cake Cucina had the most amazing cakes and cupcakes on display...

All courtesy of FourT4 Photography

...and in the Garden Suite Simply Love Vintage displayed a selection of their fabulous range of vintage crockery, china, and vintage inspired accessories. They are available to hire for your wedding or event and add the finishing touches to your vintage themed day! 

Courtesy of FourT4 Photography

Flaura Boutique had created some gorgeous bouquets for the day, which were used by the models in the fashion shows...

Courtesy of FourT4 Photography

The fashion shows featured some absolutely stunning dresses by Bliss Bridal, Christchurch showed off by the five gorgeous models, Emma-Jayne, Sasha, Lauren, Anita and Julie. Bliss Bridal showcased bridesmaids and guests dresses as well as brides dresses to give brides-to-be and their guests some food for thought on what to wear on the big day. The models hair was expertly coiffed by Laura at Hair by Laura and the make up beautifully applied by Tara Sanger.

 All courtesy of FourT4 Photography

We didn't forget about the males of the wedding party either and Gibb Menswear of Southbourne were on hand to offer the men some style tips too!

At the entrance to the hotel we had a wonderful vintage car supplied by All Aspects Wedding Services which looked gleaming in the Bournemouth sunshine!

So an all round successful wedding show and if you like what you see and would like to attend or exhibit at a Bellissimo Wedding Show, please contact Melanie or Natasha on 01202 533014 or email us at info@bellissimo-weddings.co.uk.

And don't forget that the next show is the Wedding and Lifestyle Show at The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, Poole on Sunday 30th October between 11am and 4pm.

See you there!

Natasha

X

Hen night ideas for Dorset

Hen Nights

Hen nights are like marmite…you either love them or you hate them! If the thought of wearing a pink tutu whilst drinking out of a willy shaped straw makes you cringe then read on for a few ideas of how to enjoy your hen night without a learner plate in sight….

Starting your weekend off with a spa day is a sure fire way to get you relaxed and in the mood for a chilled (or not so chilled!) girly weekend. There are several spas in the Dorset and Hampshire region which cater for hen parties but I have picked just a few to get you started...

With its prime position right on the beach, The Sandbanks Hotel, Poole is all about location, location, location. Their pamper days start at £110.00 and include morning coffee on arrival, therapeutic back massage, file and varnish on fingers and toes, prescription facial and lunch either inside or outside on the terrace.

The Captains Club is a hotel and spa situated on the River Stour in Christchurch. Spa packages start from £115 at weekends and they also do a fabulous afternoon tea which at £12 PP is value for money compared to other similar venues in the area.

The Chewton Glen is another very popular choice for spa days but at £138 per day it’s a slightly pricier option; the reputation of this hotel however more than justifies its prices!

A little further into the new forest is Senspa at Carey’s Manor, a stunning spa set within a beautiful country house hotel in Brockenhurst. The spa had a major refurb a few years ago and since has become one of the area’s top spas. Spa days start at £104 for a Saturday but if you can go on a Friday or Sunday you may just be able to save a few £!

www.careysmanor.2day.ws/

A jewel in the spa crown is Limewood. Situated in the heart of the forest, this newly opened spa has quickly become the most talked about in the area attracting a London crowd and even some local celebrities! At £185 for the day it is easily the most expensive spa in the area but it is definitely worth it!

www.telegraph.co.uk

So now you are totally chilled and refreshed and ready to hit the town for something to eat and a few cocktails!

If you are staying in Poole, then hit the quay and head to the newly opened Fishy Fishy which is famous in these parts as the restaurant that Dermot O’Leary co-owns! Another great eatery in the Quay area is Gossip, a family run Italian restaurant which serves up excellent pizza and pasta in a modern environment at competitive prices. Other favourites in Poole’s old town include Storm and Melanie's favourite the Guildhall Tavern.

harboursideholiday.co.uk

It is hard to know where to start in Bournemouth town centre as there are apparently more restaurants, bars and pubs in Bournemouth per square mile than anywhere in the country! A few of my favourites for quick and easy but good Italian food are Alcatraz Brasserie, Cuccinis or Valentinos. Or why not try Mandarin or Ocean Palace for a delicious Chinese. If seafood is your thing there are a couple of excellent places to treat yourself to some oysters and lobster. WestBeach is an award winning restaurant right on the beach by Bournemouth Pier that serves up fresh seafood daily. The Crab is across the road from the Bournemouth International Centre and also serves up fresh fish and seafood straight from local shores.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

So after dinner you will probably be looking for a good watering hole to try a cocktail or two and 1812 delivers on every level with their extensive cocktail menu, laid back atmosphere and classic lounge feel. It’s hard to know where to start, but my favourites are the Gingerbread Man and the Apple Strudel…YUM!

If you are looking for something a little different, why not head down to Aruba on Pier Approach. The wrap around balcony lets you sip your cocktails al fresco with stunning views from The Needles all the way round to Old Harry’s Rocks. Try one of their famous frozen strawberry daiquiris or for something a little stronger try their 5 rum Zombie! But be warned, it’s called a Zombie for a reason!!

If however spas and cocktails aren’t your thing, Bournemouth has plenty to offer to keep you entertained on your hen weekend…

If you are planning your hen party during summer, enjoy the award winning beaches of Bournemouth by renting a beach hut for the day from Bournemouth Council's official beach hut hire website.

photo4me.com

And if you’re here and the weather is nice, why not get the adrenalin flowing with a private rib charter with  Bournemouth Rib Experience who will pick you up from Bournemouth Pier and take you for a thrilling ride around the bay!

If the weather is not so nice and remembering that we live in England where the weather is temperamental at best why not opt for some indoors activities…

Pavilion Dance is a newly refurbished specialist dance centre which has various classes on offer for hen parties such as learning how to dance like the dancers in your favourite music video! 

Chocolate is every girls best friend and if you have ever wondered how it’s made then look no further than The Chocolate Boutique Hotel chocolate making classes!! Check out  their website for the latest special offers.

And if cooking is your passion then why not try a cookery class at Flavours School of Cookery where you can take courses such as 'The taste of Thailand or 'Cafe Jamaica'!  

So I know we moved on from spas, but whilst newly opened Yutang Spa on Westover Road might be a spa by name, it isn’t necessarily what you think…Yutang is the first Kangal Garra Rufa spa in Bournemouth – that’s a fish pedicure to you and me! Let the little fish nibble away at your feet while you sip champagne and relax in their zen styled surroundings.

For something a little out of the ordinary why not try a pole dancing class?? Polz Apart have on/off classes available for hen parties, just have a look at their website for further details.

And finally if you are prepared to drive to Dorchester, which is a lovely town about 24 miles out of Bournemouth, then an afternoon's zorbing at Zorb South will surely get the adrenaline flowing!!

gothisplace.com

So, I hope that has given all you lovely ladies some inspiration for how to enjoy your hen night in Dorset...

Have fun!! 


Natasha


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