Star Weddings – LUXURY WEDDING BLOG

‘One of a Kind’ Venues For Stylish Couples

5 Star Weddings — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 06:00:40 +0000

5 Star Weddings Presents ‘One of a Kind’ Venues for Stylish Couples.

Choosing your wedding venue is often the most difficult part in organising a wedding. It’s where couples start their planning and it’s often what sets the theme for the rest of the day’s celebrations.

5 Star Weddings is home to an eclectic mix of wedding venues in the UK and abroad, from an Old English Country Inn to a Luxury Hotel Overlooking the Aegean Sea, there is a special place for every couple to make their own.

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum, Turkey

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum, Turkey

The serene location of Barbaros Bay, Bodrum in Turkey, offers the perfect setting for couples wanting to get married in tranquillity and with dramatic backdrops of the Aegean. The luxury Kempinski Hotel is perched right on the edge of Barbaros Bay providing stunning views of the sea from almost every aspect. Couples can plan their wedding with ease at Kempinski Hotel, Barbaros Bay, where a dedicated wedding planner will ensure that every detail is looked after for you and your guests. For further information visit kempinski.com

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum, Turkey

Chewton Glen’s Tree House Suites, Dorset

Imagine escaping to the lofty heights and complete serenity of a luxury tree house with floor to ceiling windows and panoramic forest views. Chewton Glen, the privately owned and award winning country house hotel situated on the edge of the New Forest and a few minutes’ walk from the coast, is taking honeymooners to new heights with these romantic tree house suites. Set in a secluded valley in the grounds of Chewton Glen, guests will have access to the hotel on foot or by buggy. The sumptuous Tree House Suites make an idyllic escape for couples who have married at Chewton Glen and want a retreat that’s not too far to get to after the wedding. Chewton Glen is one of the finest country house wedding venues in the UK, with luxury facilities set within the 130 acres of stunning grounds. The hotel offers a range of various wedding packages in Hampshire to suit any requirements you might have. For further information visit www.chewtonglen.com

Chewton Glen’s Tree House Suites, Dorset

The Bear Hotel, Hungerford

The Historical Bear Hotel with its beamed ceilings and uneven floors, give it a sense of romance that make it ideal when looking for an old country wedding venue with all the modern luxuries a bride and groom require. Set in the The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfectly located for weddings in Berkshire,Wiltshire and Hampshire. The hotel has two rooms licensed for civil ceremonies; The Restaurant for 60 or the Riverside Suite for 80, which also has a conservatory and terrace overlooking the River Dunn and Bear Island. For further information please visit thebearhotelhungerford.co.uk

The Bear Hotel, Hungerford

Ston Easton Park, Somerset

Ston Easton Park is a Palladian mansion nestled in a romantic West Country estate. The luxurious hotel, with its crackling log fire, antique furnishings and country charm is set amidst 36 acres of parkland with the quietly cascading River Norr running through the grounds. Not only does the hotel boast an idyllic Mendip Hills setting, but also features an authentic Victorian garden that provides much of the produce used in our award-winning restaurant. Ston Easton Park is currently offering a special exclusive use rate of £5,500 for 2012 weddings (conditions apply). For further information visit stoneaston.co.uk

Ston Easton Park, Somerset

Bovey Castle, Devon

As the only five-star luxury hotel and country estate in the county, Bovey Castle is a fabulous location for a Devon wedding. The stunning Dartmoor setting and attention to detail from Bovey Castle’s wedding co-ordinators ensure that every wedding is a very personal, special event – whether you’re planning a lavish party for hundreds or a private gathering of close friends. An exclusive use wedding at Bovey Castle is an unashamedly lavish affair, as you celebrate in the utmost style and the privileged ambience of the hotel’s grandiose surroundings and elegant service. For further information visit boveycastle.com

Bovey Castle, Devon

Inside Tips From Top Wedding Make-Up Artist

5 Star Weddings — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:00:24 +0000

Helen Kalli has built up a reputation for excellence in make-up artistry, both in the UK and internationally. With over 12 years at the top of the industry, she has a dedicated following of models, celebrities, magazine editors and commercial clients who turn to her for her signature look of fresh, flawless skin.

Whether she is working on A-list celebrities, collaborating with the creme de la creme of the fashion world, brides, or is busy behind the scenes at catwalk shows, Helen uses her painterly approach to perfect and enhance, bringing radiance to every face that she touches.

Her portfolio is proof that she is the “expert’s expert”, as it features an impressive array of actors, models, musicians and television presenters including; Dannii Minogue, Paris Hilton, Kate Moss, Lily Cole, Antony Costa, Jasmine Guiness, Alek Wek, Claudia Schiffer, Paloma Bailey, Jade Jagger, Maggie Jagger, Jerry Hall, Sean Jean (Puff Daddy), Kim Porter, Kim Cattrall, Salma Hayek, Agynes Dean, , Sophie Dahl, Fearne Cotton, Plum Sykes (Vogue), Jennifer Ellison, Jo Whiley and Terri Seymour.And the list goes on…

5 Star Weddings: How should a bride go about choosing her make-up artist?

Helen Kalli: First of all shop around – have a look at make-up artists’ portfolios and experience and pick a style you like and think will suit you. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s all about personality. You need to click with your make-up artist. Even if you don’t have a lot in common with them conversationally, you should get a good vibe from them and should be able to tell if you can trust them with something as important as providing your make-up for your wedding day.

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: Should a bride ever attempt to do her own make-up on her wedding day?

Helen Kalli: It’s not a no-no (Kate Middleton did it, after all), however I do feel that on your wedding day it’s nice to allow someone else to step in and make you look beautiful so you can relax and be pampered. If you do decide to attempt to do your own make-up, make sure you are equipped and take a couple of classes beforehand. You can even make it into a fun hen party activity with your best girls so you all know how to achieve your perfect look on the day.

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: What look are you getting asked to create time and time again?

Helen Kalli: It really does vary, but a classic request from brides is to have flawless skin, without looking too obviously “made up”. Many brides also prefer their eyes to be more prominent and so I get a lot of requests for longer lashes. Generally brides want to look like an enhanced version of their natural selves, so it’s my job to make them look the most beautiful they’ve ever looked while still looking like them.

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: What are your must-have make-up essential items?

Helen Kalli: A good foundation is absolutely essential to great make-up. If your base is wrong, your make-up will look unnatural or caked on. I tend to use Laura Mercier liquid foundation, which I absolutely love. Becca highlighter is another must-have, as it really brightens up a bride’s overall look, and a good dewy blush is often a lovely finishing touch for wedding make up!

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: What make-up brands do you recommend and use?

Helen Kalli: I love Laura Mercier – the bases and concealers are high in pigment which means that a thin layer is enough to give a bride great and natural-looking coverage – and it tends to really last out the emotions of a wedding day! I also love Becca as their products are truly fabulous, especially the crème blushes, which give my brides a lovely complexion.

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: How can a make-up masterclass be beneficial for a bride-to-be?

Helen Kalli: It’s great if you’re planning to do your own makeup on the day, to have a masterclass as it really benefits you by giving you a one-one lesson to teach you step by step how to get your perfect look. Even if you’re not doing your own make-up, I think it’s a really valuable skill for the future and it’s also a fun evening for a pre-hen party with girlfriends as it teaches all the girls how to apply their own make-up under guidance, and is a great and really fun way to get made up before a big night out.

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: How can a bride get her skin in tip top condition before the big day?

Helen Kalli: A good facial is recommended (at least three in the months preceding the wedding) but it goes without saying that a good and regular skincare routine helps. If you’re not someone who is used to a skincare routine, make sure you try and test yours well in advance of the wedding to find the right one for you. A good make-up artist will advise you on which products are right for your skin during your trial, so don’t forget to put that on your list of questions.

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings:What is the one essential item a bride should carry on her on the wedding day?

Helen Kalli: A little emergency bag is essential. If you can only squeeze in a couple of items, I would most definitely carry your lip colour for touch ups (if you’re having your make-up done, make sure to jot down the colour you’re using during the trial so you can buy one for yourself for touch ups) and a translucent powder to take shine on the face away, particularly for summer weddings!

Helen Kalli

5 Star Weddings: What to avoid when it comes to your wedding day make-up.

Helen Kalli: It does depend, of course, on the rest of your wedding ensemble, but my biggest piece of advice is don’t try to look like someone else. If you’re not someone who generally wears heavy make-up, it can be tempting to go for something dramatic, but ultimately most brides want to walk down the aisle feeling naturally beautiful. Keep it simple, and focus on one prominent feature like the eyes or lips, instead of both.

5 Star Weddings: In your opinion what makes a 5 star wedding?

Helen Kalli: Other than looking fresh and beautiful, the people and music make it all happen. As long as you have a good mix of people to dance the night away in, you’ll be happy! And if you’re happy, you’ll be glowing anyway, regardless of your make-up, which will just make you look even lovelier!

Should you wish to talk about your wedding make up you can contact Helen at the bridalmakeupartist.co.uk
Copyright 2012 5 Star Weddings.

5 Star Wedding Directory February News

5 Star Weddings — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:08:20 +0000

5 Star Weddings has had a makeover! Check out our new look site which is now easier to navigate with additional features including exclusive wedding deals and video interviews with some of the industries top designers. Couples will be able to get inspirational wedding ideas from our list of premium suppliers not to mention some top tips from our award winning blog which features everything from the latest celebrity weddings to honeymoon destinations and luxury hen do ideas. Visit our new site at 5 Star Wedding Directory

5 Star Weddings Exclusive February Offer…

Winter Weddings Complimentary Stay & Champagne in Chewton Glen’s Tree House Suites

Champagne in Chewton Glen’s Tree House Suites

Imagine…escaping to the lofty heights and complete serenity of a luxury tree house with floor to ceiling windows and panoramic forest views. Chewton Glen, the privately owned and award winning country house hotel situated on the edge of the New Forest and a few minutes’ walk from the coast, has taken luxury to new heights with these romantic tree house suites. Set in a secluded valley in the grounds of Chewton Glen, guests will have access to the hotel on foot or by buggy. The sumptuous Tree House Suites will provide luxurious accommodation for guests who wish to enjoy the facilities of Chewton Glen while savouring the additional freedom and tranquility of the Tree House Suites where they can shower under the stars or relax in their outside hot tub.
Chewton Glen is providing 5 Star Wedding readers with an exclusive offer of a complimentary one-night stay in a Tree House Suites and a bottle of chilled Champagne. The offer is available to all couples who book a 2012/13 winter wedding between October and March. Chewton Glen is one of the finest wedding venues in the UK, with luxury facilities set within the 130 acres of stunning grounds. They offer a range of various wedding packages in Hampshire to suit any requirements you might have. For further information visit www.chewtonglen.com and to claim your complimentary Tree House stay with a bottle of Champagne, quote: 5 Star Weddings.

Jo Malone’s Red Roses Bath

5 Star Brides Luxury Lookout…

What better way to relax and get in the mood for romance this month, than with Jo Malone’s Red Roses Bath Oil £52 (200ml). A blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses, crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon.

This month we spoke to… Tropical Weddings Thailand

Lesley Chittayanon

Lesley Chittayanon tells us why her British style combined with her in-depth knowledge of Thailand, make her one of the country’s most popular wedding planners. Find out the ins and outs of how you can plan an exotic Thailand wedding in her interview with 5 Star Weddings. (Read the full interview here)

We dream of marrying in…Barbaros Bay, Bodrum
The serene location of Barbaros Bay, Bodrum in Turkey, offers the perfect setting for couples wanting to get married in tranquillity, yet with dramatic backdrops of the Aegean. The luxury Kempinski Hotel is perched right on the edge of Barbaros Bay providing stunning views of the sea from almost every aspect. Couples can plan their wedding with ease at Kempinski Hotel, Barbaros Bay, where a dedicated wedding planner will ensure that every detail is looked after for you and your guests. For further information visit www.kempinski.com/bodrum or email weddings.barbaros@kempinski.com

Kempinski Hotel, Barbaros Bay

Dates for the Wedding Diary…
Wedding Fayre with Ston Easton Park
Date: 11th March
Time: 11.30am – 4pm
Venue: Ston Easton Park, Somerset
Cost: Free
Ston Easton Park and Aspirational Weddings would like to invite you to their wedding fayre on Sunday, 11th March 2012. This wedding fayre will give you the perfect opportunity to experience the stunning surroundings that Ston Easton Park has to offer and a wide range of local companies will be exhibiting and promoting their services. www.stoneaston.co.uk

Wedding Showcase at Roof Gardens
Date: 3rd March
Time: 12-3pm
Venue: Roof Gardens, Kensington
Cost: Free
The Wedding showcase at The Roof Gardens will allow prospective couples to experience the full magic of this stunning venue. Couples will be greeted with champagne and canapés on arrival, before exploring the unique venue and magical gardens. A selection of some of London’s top wedding experts and suppliers will be on hand to discuss everything for that special day, from wedding cakes and flower arrangements to honeymoon destinations and entertainment. The Roof Gardens’ friendly events team will also be ready and waiting to advise on the wedding offers and options available for the summer and winter seasons ahead. For more information or to register your interest in attending the Wedding Showcase please call the events team on 020 7937 7994 or email events@roofgardens.virgin.com

5 Star Wedding Directory

Discover Thailand's Most Luxurious Wedding Locations

5 Star Weddings — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:00:42 +0000

Lesley Chittayaynon tells us why her British Know-How Makes Planning a Far East Wedding a piece of cake!

1) 5 Star Weddings: Tell us a bit about what couples can expect from Tropical Weddings Thailand.

Tropical Weddings Thailand: As a Westerner having lived in Thailand for almost ten years, I often find myself giving advice and recommendations to visitors, now I have established my own company I can back this up with expert planning, negotiated prices and handpicked locations for every style of event. We are dedicated to coordinating events which are as unique as every couple and exceed their expectations! The most important aspect of our service is our attention to detail – every couple is unique – therefore their wedding should reflect them wholly, so we create wedding ceremony set-ups which are one of a kind. This is very different to resorts and local wedding planners who tend to roll out the same designs again and again.

Weddings In Thailand

2) 5 Star Weddings: Is a wedding in Thailand expensive compared to the rest of the world?

Tropical Weddings Thailand: Thailand is one of the most popular locations for a destination wedding in terms of value for money, stunning locations, luxury honeymoon resorts at affordable prices, world-renowned hospitality and an abundance of both family and couple-based activities, including spa culture.

3) 5 Star Weddings: You organise settings for proposals – tell us what your favourite spot in Thailand is for a proposal?

Tropical Weddings Thailand: This is quite personal and in our experience, it varies from helicopter rides to deep sea dives! We are very flexible and willing to work with every couple to create the setting they wish. My personal favorite is a good old candlelit dinner under the stars with the waves gracing the shore, surrounded by candles buried in the sand, and a personal chef serving up delicious Thai dishes!

Weddings In Thailand

4) Is it possible to have a legal marriage ceremony in Thailand or do you need to marry in the UK first?

Tropical Weddings Thailand: Yes, we have a very reputable agent in Bangkok who will escort you to your embassy then complete the process while you relax on the beach. Their service also includes converting your Thai wedding certificate into a certified English translation, so it is legal in your own country.

Get married in Thailand

5) What makes a wedding in Thailand so special (ie flowers, location, weather, activities like sailing etc)

Tropical Weddings Thailand: The tropical location is the best part – I’m not sure anywhere compares to Krabi in terms of this. It is simply stunning! Krabi offers beaches, islands, hot springs, lush rainforest, mangroves, mountains and a vibrant coral reef. No matter whether your group is families, retired grandparents or couples, we cater for all and can arrange welcome activities to suit a broad range of preference and age groups. In terms of flowers, we can incorporate tropical flowers at rates that are impossible abroad, so you can have your favourite exotic flower in abundance.

Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Thailand

6) 5 Star Weddings: Is it necessary for couples to visit Thailand first to view the venues or locations they are considering?

Tropical Weddings Thailand:It isn’t necessary at all, that’s what we are here for! We are online on a daily basis and can provide both email and skype replies within 24 hours. While it is ideal to visit the location in a home country before booking, we provide a service which means you can hear our expert and independent opinion before making a decision about your wedding abroad. We work independently and only with the venues which deliver on all aspects. We have already weeded out the resorts which don’t deliver and can guide you through working with the cream of the crop!

Newly Wed In Thailand

7) 5 Star Weddings: Wedding planning in Thailand sounds like a dream job! How did you get into it?

Tropical Weddings Thailand: My career is definitely blessed with a lot more highs than the average job – simply from the level of love and happiness it involves! I previously worked in PR and Event Planning so I have all the skills to coordinate and arrange spectacular events! I’m also an amateur photographer so I can ensure the set-up and wedding photos are excellent. I have a BA Hons degree in Media and Cultural Studies, so I’m a good communicator on every level – our brides range from Siberian to Scandinavian, and I can provide testimonials in many languages! But most importantly – I held my wedding in this amazing country and I am always so overjoyed to help couples create the same magic!

Luxury Wedding Planner Thailand

8 What is your favourite part of the job?

Tropical Weddings Thailand:My absolute favourite moment is when the bride and groom are announced husband and wife, kiss and then the toast! This is usually at sunset and the feeling is so intimate regardless whether it involves 50 guests or is just the coulple! And of course this is the moment the sun is setting – this is what it’s all about!

Lush Waterfalls In Thailand

9) Are long-haul destination weddings becoming more popular do you think?

Tropical Weddings Thailand:Yes, it is definitely becoming a popular option as opposed to an expensive family wedding. I think in the present financial climate spending your wedding day with your closest members of family and friends and waking up on your honeymoon is a undoubtedly a better option than spending a huge amount of money on a huge family wedding, and sacrificing both time with much loved guests and that all essential honeymoon!

Weddings are all about the detail

10) What in your opinion makes a 5 Star Wedding?

Tropical Weddings Thailand:Essentially when it all comes together, in the order and style of the couple who are getting married – that is the ultimate wedding! We are so flexible, as we understand every wedding is as unique as each couple – and that is our pleasure! There isn’t an exact definition and that’s what makes every wedding special and our job so amazing!

For more details visit Tropical Weddings Thailand

Copyright: 5 Star Weddings

Nicki Macfarlane Is The Royal’s Dress Designer!

5 Star Weddings — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:08:09 +0000

Nicki Macfarlane one of 5 Star Weddings longest clients has been chosen as the bridal party dress designer. Middleton’s bridal party includes her sister Pippa, who’s serving as the maid-of-honor, and Lady Louise Windsor, the Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Grace van Cutsem and Eliza Lopes.

Nicki Macfarlane creates exquisite dresses for flower girls and bridesmaids, as well as smart pageboy outfits, perfect for the prettiest and most glamorous of weddings, such as a Royal Wedding.

5 Star Weddings Feature In Asiana Magazine

5 Star Weddings — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:13:21 +0000

5 Star Wedding Directory featured in Asiana Magazine, highlighting one of our recommended wedding suppliers The Sofitel London St James. Should you wish to be a part of 5 Star Weddings so we can offer the same to you please get in touch.