We're looking for South Wales newlyweds who have said 'I do' this year. Any couples can enter the competition: it doesn't matter whether the event was large or small; modest or spectacular. Just click on 'I want to enter' link above to put your wedding forward. If you've been successful, we'll be in touch.
Here are our most recent shortlisted couples - vote for who you'd like to see go through to the final, which will be held in spring next year.
Voting for this round closes on 1 June 2012.
Meet the contenders
The finer details Couple: Stacey Barton and Ben Morrison Date: Friday 17th February, 2012 Venue: St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Chepstow
The day After visiting St Pierre Hotel & Country Club in December 2010, Stacey and Ben knew it was where they wanted to celebrate their winter wedding. Together with a plum colour scheme, the couple incorporated one of their favourite TV shows into the day: “We named our tables after Family Guy characters. The top table was named Peter because Ben looks a lot like him,” laughs Stacey. “With guests coming from as far as Canada, Italy and Australia, we wanted a relaxed day in beautiful surroundings, with the expertise of professional staff,” she adds.
Memorable moments “We had four best men, so their speeches were one of the highlights,” recalls Stacey. “At the end they all burst into song and serenaded us with You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' from our favourite film, Top Gun, while wearing aviator sunglasses. I was laughing so hard, I almost cried.”
The finer details Couple: Natasha Fackrell and Alistair Mackie Date: Saturday 4th February, 2012 Venue: Miskin Manor, Cardiff
The day After Alistair proposed at the top of the Empire State Building during a surprise trip to New York, the couple themed their wedding around the city, naming the tables after its landmarks and opting for a New York cheesecake. They even chose Frank Sinatra's New York, New York as their processional music. A chic raspberry and black colour scheme tied the details of the day together, and the reception was filled with twinkling fairylights and a starlit dancefloor, to give the feel of an elegant city party.
Memorable moments The couple were blessed with a dusting of snow on the morning of their big day, which Natasha admits made it even more magical. “The ceremony had to be my favourite memory,” she adds. “I loved walking down the aisle, seeing all our family and friends and the huge grin on Alistair's face.”
The finer details Couple: Victoria Price and Mathew Acreman Date: Saturday 5th November, 2011 Venue: St Catherine's Church, Gorseinon, followed by a reception at the Oxwich Bay Hotel, Swansea
The day With a passion for '50s styling, Toria and Mat celebrated their big day with a black and white polka dot colour scheme in the beautiful setting of the Oxwich Bay Hotel overlooking the Gower. “Once I'd found my bridesmaids' dresses, I loved them so much I ran with a polka dot theme for the rest of the wedding, including the bunting, centrepieces, stationery, cake and groomsmen's outfits,” says Toria.
Memorable moments After enjoying a relaxed do with 80 of their loved ones, the couple found it hard to choose just one moment of the day that stood out. “We loved having a blast with our family and friends; it was very much a big party atmosphere and lots of our guests commented on how laid back the day was,” says Toria. “We were also lucky to share a lovely fireworks display in the evening, as some of the local residents had taken fireworks down to the beach for Bonfire Night.”
The finer details Couple:Becky Broughton and Martin Denley Date: Saturday 17th March, 2012 Venue: St Michael's Church, Cardiff, followed by a reception at Clearwell Castle, Forest of Dean
The day With a seasonal theme of spring flowers, and a pretty palette of pale pink, yellow and blue, Becky and Martin enjoyed their March wedding with more than 100 guests. “We wanted our day to have a countryside feel, with the backdrop of our local parish church and the romantic setting of Clearwell Castle,” explains Becky.
Memorable moments “I organised a red Ferrari to pick Martin up in the morning,” recalls Becky. “I also think having such a fast ride helped combat any nerves,” she laughs. “I loved walking up the aisle as a newly married couple and seeing all our friends and family's faces for the first time that day. I was far too petrified to look at anyone when I first walked in!”
The overall winners will not only claim the all-important Wedding of the Year title, they'll also win a romantic two-night break at The Falcondale Hotel, situated in the Teifi Valley, Cardigan Bay, worth more than £630. The lucky couple will be greeted with a delightful afternoon tea on arrival, as well as a bottle of champagne in their suite. The prize also includes a romantic candle-lit dinner from the seven-course tasting menu on one night, followed by a two-course dinner on the second evening. The couple will also enjoy a full Welsh breakfast on both mornings.
Situated in acres of glorious landscaped gardens, The Falcondale Hotel & Restaurant is a stunning Grade II listed Italianate mansion overlooking the Cardiganshire countryside. Owned and run by Chris and Lisa Hutton, the four-star property boasts a number of beautifully furnished rooms complete with Egyptian cotton linen, luxurious bathroom goodies and flat screen TVs, as well as a renowned restauarant that currently holds 2AA Rosettes.
Top quality cuisine is the hotel's speciality, and the staff are proud of the multi award-winning catering team. Classically trained head chef Michael Green presents skilfully prepared dishes using only the finest ingredients from local producers and continuously strives to maintain high standards.
The Falcondale also makes a beautiful setting in which to tie the knot, and is licensed for civil ceremonies. Call 01570 422 910 or visit www.thefalcondale.co.uk
Terms & Conditions
Competitions are not open to employees (or their immediate families) of KD Media Publishing Ltd.
The competition closing date is subject to change without prior notice.
The winner(s) will be notified in writing.
The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The prize is not transferable and has no monetary value.
If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
No purchase necessary to enter and there is no charge to enter via the website.
This prize is based on double occupancy.
Prize excludes Christmas, New Year, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day and is subject to availability.
Not transferrable with any other booking.
Treat yourself to this pretty bridal kit from Charnos. The beautifully presented box includes two pairs of lace-topped hold ups, a cute lace garter complete with blue bow and a diamante compact mirror, perfect for those last-minute touch ups. Available from July, priced £28, visit www.charnoshosiery.co.uk
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