Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
The region's incredible wedding suppliers have very kindly sent us their warmest wishes for Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding's 100th issue celebration.
“Congratulations and happy birthday from us all at Leigh Court.” – Fiona Parsons and team, www.leighcourt.co.uk
Don't miss our 100th anniversary issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Harriet and Bernie met at young farmers and connected over their shared sense of humour. After their relationship blossomed, Bernie proposed to Harriet on Christmas Eve at Waxham Beach. “It was a complete surprise and he had picked out a beautiful opal and diamond ring,” says Harriet. “It was lovely getting to visit our friends over Christmas to share our exciting news.
"We always talked about the things we’d like to have at our wedding, creating a day completely personal to us as a couple,” adds Harriet. “We wanted to handcraft as many elements as possible and work with lots of local small businesses. So, it felt right to marry on our family farm, The Old Vicarage Campsite, where we have a field for such events and have hosted weddings before. Our ceremony was held in the woodland, which means a lot to us as a couple. When we discovered a clearing under a beautiful oak tree, we knew it was where we wanted to start our married life. It felt very special to be among the trees and natural surroundings. Our reception was held nearby at Bluebell Corner, just a short walk away, in a marquee provided by Dottie Events & Hire. Within our marquee, we kept the décor simple, opting for wooden trestle tables, folding chairs and natural tablecloths. Each table was decorated with a mix of vintage glass and earthenware bud vases, filled with airy grasses and flowers to mirror the colours of my bouquet."
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Rosie and Michael met, like most modern couples, online. “We were attracted to each other’s sense of adventure and love of the outdoors,” says Rosie. “Michael almost missed out though, as he cancelled our first date at short notice because he’d found a lost dog while out on the fells and, in the process of reuniting the dog with his owner, managed to get sunstroke. It was only because my mum persuaded me to give him another chance that I agreed to reschedule!”
Michael proposed on Hopegill Head. “It’s one of our favourite skylines and the view from the top looks down on the venue where we wanted to get married,” shares the bride. “He’d planned it for a beautiful November day, but the bad weather suddenly set in, and by the time we’d had breakfast, it was a full blizzard. We set off in the snow and had a slow, cold and windy climb to the top, where he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a complete whiteout; we couldn’t see the view and the dog’s whiskers were frozen, but it was magical nonetheless.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
We spoke to Florrie de Havilland, designer/maker, to find out more about their company de Havilland Memories.
"De Havilland Memories specialises in producing refined wedding stationery, signage and calligraphy. Using only the highest quality, sustainable materials, your invitations are carefully curated to tell your love story, leaving a lasting impression for your guests and remaining a timeless keepsake. With a background in design engineering, our attention to detail is paramount when creating wedding stationery and calligraphy. Boasting years of experience, we are a multi-award-winning company for our Commitment to Excellence, providing a work of art for couples to treasure forever.
"What is the most popular product you offer? Wedding and on- the-day stationery. We bring your ideas and inspirations to life via a seamless, stress-free process, to get a cohesive look and theme throughout your wedding, from your save the dates, to your signage and menus, all the way through to your thank you cards.
"Why is it important to choose local suppliers? As a supplier proud of its sustainability, choosing local companies means that you can reduce your carbon footprint. It also gives us the opportunity to meet our couples for a more personal experience, and to create a generally better service.
"What does your dream customer look like? We love traditional, elegant weddings with a modern twist, especially when our couples want letterpress as we do this in-house on our beautiful machine, Penelope. It’s a labour of love, but absolutely worth it, with clients of ours calling us in tears of joy with the results."
Meet more local companies in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Couples can now combine the serene beauty of the great outdoors with helicopter wedding packages at Brinkburn Northumberland. The helicopter journey will begin at Newcastle International Airport. After a breathtaking flight, the helicopter will touch down gracefully on the grounds of the picturesque Brinkburn estate, nestled in the stunning Northumberland countryside. Harriet Chattaway and Emma Fenwick put together this styled shoot to highlight the exciting new endeavour. Emma tells us: “We are thrilled to provide couples with a truly unique and memorable wedding experience. Brinkburn Northumberland has always been a place of enchantment, and we are proud to witness love soaring to new heights amidst the beauty of nature.”
See more from the styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download
Local photographers Huw and Dale explain the benefits of having two photographers on your wedding day.
"Weddings are busy days with lots going on, usually in multiple places at once. While a good photographer knows where they need to be to get the shots that you want, they still can’t split themselves in two. When your photographer is shooting the formals, they could be missing important moments or funny candid shots with the rest of the guests. This is where a second photographer becomes invaluable, as they can capture moments otherwise missed.
"A second photographer also gives a second view of the day; your main may be at the front of the church while the second is at the back, and your main may be capturing close-ups of the speeches while the second is capturing the audience’s reactions.
"Ask your photographer if they offer a second shooter, and if they do, ask questions such as: How long have they been shooting weddings? Have you worked with them before? Can I see some work they have shot for you?"
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Whatever your big-day theme, vibe or vision, there's one thing we can all agree on: weddings are all about love. It might be easy to lose sight of it amid the chaos of planning, but it's the reason we're all here. Check out this beautiful shot by Surrey-based Megan Donati Photography. To book Megan, visit www.megandonatiphotography.com and to see more of her fabulous work, download the latest issue available now for FREE!
Ever After, The Dartmoor Wedding Venue has opened its doors for summer elopements over four dates in June for the first time, allowing couples the chance to say I do at the venue which is also open in March, April, May, September, October, November and December. To find out more and to book, visit https://lowergrenofen.co.uk and read more in the latest issue available to download here for FREE!
Alexandra Harper Millinery is based in Buckinghamshire. She's open to consultations by appointment and tells how, when it comes to headwear, the bigger the better. “As long as it's not white, your hat or headpiece should be as bold as you dare - there's no better excuse for hat-wearing than at a wedding, so take the opportunity and don headwear that makes you happy and gives you confidence,” she says. To shop, visit https://alexandraharpermillinery.com and read more in the latest issue available now to download for FREE!
These lovebirds met on Bumble, which felt like fate as they had matched before on Tinder – little did they know, they'd have a glamorous wedding years later! Discover the special day in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
No matter your wedding budget, we have gathered the most beautiful accessories to help you complete the look like this gorgeous buckle bracelet from Charlotte Cornelius Bespoke Jewellery. Discover the supplier in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
This stunning beaded gown from Mira Willinger features wide open long wings decorated with delicate flowers. Discover showstopping attre in our April/May issue, available to download for free now.
A group of talented suppliers created this luxury styled shoot at The Blakelands Estate. Read all about the day in our April/May issue, available to download for free now.
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a beautiful venue with stunning outdoor space. Our real bride Paige tells us, “We knew we wanted an outdoor venue that we could make our own. The other wow factor is their marquee which has a starlit ceiling making it feel so magical and intimate.”
So many couples now want their four-legged friends as part of their big day! As Paige adds, "We loved that our little puppy Koba came and joined us after the meal which made us both beam with happiness as he's our little fluffy boy so was lovely to have him join part of our day!”
You can read all about Paige's wedding in the March/April issue! Download for free here!
Love Cheese is a specialist cheesemonger based in York offering a variety of cheeses from the UK and Europe. Rather than offering set options, a Love Cheese wedding cake is bespoke to your tastes and budget. The team offer an in-person cheese tasting, which involves eating lots of cheese while exploring the different shapes and sizes to create your perfect cake.
For more catering ideas, meet the suppliers in our current issue, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
You won't want to miss Natasha and Cameron's engagement story. it was definitely one of a kind! Plus, shout out for the stunning, rich and vibrant hue of Natasha's bridesmaids' dresses.
Find out more in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Focusing on two distinct themes, autumn and winter white to showcase the beauty of the property, this shoot was particularly memorable for all involved. The stunning barn with its exposed brick walls and wooden beams was the ideal complement to the autumnal vibes, while the grand but cosy Soughton Hall itself provided the backdrop to the wintry nuptials.
The main house's grandeur was the perfect setting for this glamorous wedding. The decadent wallpaper, plush carpets and chandeliers added a touch of opulence to boot. With a monochromatic table setting, the team incorporated a palette of ivory, pearl and white, accentuating the setting with candlelight and a hint of festive cheer.
Don't miss the full shoot in the Mar/Apr24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
The region's incredible wedding suppliers have very kindly sent us their warmest wishes for Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding's 100th issue celebration.
“All of us at Old Bridge warmly wish Your Bristol and Somerset Wedding many happy returns on your 100th birthday! What a milestone - well done. You're the only magazine that we advertise in and have done so for many years, so we thank you and wish you many more years of successful publishing for all of us in Somerset. Pictured is a gorgeous giant flower ball brought by one of our brides last year – very celebratory!”
– John Blake, www.old-bridge.co.uk
Don't miss our 100th anniversary celebratory issue free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Celebrant Dawn Rees explains why you should book a celebrant for your wedding.
"A wedding celebrant is a professional trained to undertake weddings for couples who choose to have a ceremony in addition to their legal register office ceremony. I am a humanist celebrant, which means I am trained, accredited and insured by Humanists UK. As a humanist, I do not include religious elements in my ceremonies. An independent celebrant is often trained by other professional bodies and often includes religious elements within the wedding ceremony if the couple requests it.
"What’s the difference between a celebrant-led ceremony and other wedding ceremonies? I’d say it’s all about the relationship you build with your celebrant. By getting to know you, they can weave your story into the most wonderful pattern of words and symbolism. It enables you to have a ceremony that truly represents who you are. The biggest difference is probably the level of personalisation you can build into a celebrant-led ceremony. If you choose to have a registry office marriage for the legal bits, consider having a brief ‘you plus two witnesses’ ceremony that deals with the legal aspect, and choose a celebrant-led ceremony for the personal aspects. Most of my couples tell me that they consider their humanist ceremony to be their real wedding day."
To meet more wedding planning tips, head over to our Planning SOS feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
To help you find the perfect flowers for your wedding, Sarah Cox from Wild Ivy Floral Design shares her top tips:
"My advice to couples who are planning an intimate wedding is to find suppliers who you are really compatible with, who understand your aesthetic, and who will enable you to achieve your dreams on the day.
"Small weddings are by nature intimate events and don’t tend to have the usual wedding props of larger-scale events, such as lighting, statement cakes, bridesmaids, etc.; they are more pared back, and therefore all the details are more visible. For us, the florals are so important; our style is wild yet elegant and is ideal for those couples who are looking for a wild elopement which they can take to the Fells for their photographs and enjoy the beauty of the Lake District landscape."
See more tips in our Intimate Wedding Inspiration feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
