Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Steph and Abhi met through work, both being pharmacists working in the NHS. The two attended a medical conference in Basel, Switzerland, and after a few drinks and moves on the dancefloor, they shared a kiss, and the rest is history! It wasn't long after this that Covid hit and the two formed their own bubble, supporting each other throughout this difficult time.
As Steph likes to plan, organise and anticipate everything, Abhi had to come up with an elaborate story to surprise her when he decided to propose. So, he suggested they go on holiday with two of their best mates and their partners to Rhodes, Greece. The plan, he'd told her, was to meet them there. They'd supposedly been on a cruise and would see them at the beach bar. But when they arrived their friends were nowhere to be seen. Abhi asked Steph to take a walk with him along the beach and when they reached the end of the walkway, there was a huge sign – marry me – with their song, Let's Stay Together by Al Green, playing. When Abhi got down on one knee cold sparklers went off behind them.
The couple decided on a barn venue and Pangdean was beautiful, decked in fairylights, lanterns and olive trees – already so beautifully decorated. “There was a lawn area for reception drinks,” Steph remembers. “But what attracted us the most was the incredible staff, who were so warm and accommodating with all our requests.” So, the venue was booked and the date set for 7th July 2024.
To find out more, download the latest issue free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Hartham Park Estate is a beautiful 50-acre estate park and Georgian house dating bck to the 18th century set within the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds, just north of the Wiltshire town of Corsham. It's the perfect setting for a quintessential English country wedding, easily accessible and close to the M4, with nearby Bath and Bristol providing direct transportation links to London and beyond. As a returning wedding venue, Hartham Park Estate has been offering 40 per cent off all weddings in 2024.
There's a wide choice of spots for your ceremony here. The Ceremonies Room can seat 75 loved ones and is an elegant space, thoughtfully designed for intimate gatherings and formal occasions. With soft lighting and tastefully decorated walls, it provides a serene ambience ideal for weddings.
As well as hosting a dazzling wedding ceremony with 120 guests, The Ballroom also exudes an atmosphere of celebration for a reception. Its expansive space allows for flexible seating arrangements, accommodating both intimate dinners and grand features. The gleaming chandeliers cast a warm, inviting glow over the room, while the state-of the-art sound system ensures that music fills the air.
The Grand Hall, which can seat the same number, stands at the heart of the venue, with its ceilings, majestic staircase and architectural details serving as an impressive backdrop for your gathering from welcoming your guests to the day's more formal elements.
For more intimate “I dos” The Library is a quiet sanctuary, filled with rich detail, towering bookshelves and the warm glow of chandeliers. This space offers a cosy atmosphere for 60 of your nearest and dearest. It also offers a wonderful ambience for an intimate and refined reception. Guests can enjoy a reception surrounded by timeless beauty that feels both cosy and luxurious. The soft lighting and comfortable seating invite conversations and connections, making it the ideal choice for weddings that prioritise elegance and warmth.
For more North Wiltshire venues download the latest issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Corrine and Matt met at university when they moved into the same flatshare. They'd make excuses to hang out with each other and their flatmates would often find them in the kitchen making numerous cups of tea! “I was attracted to Matt's blue eyes and his sense of humour,” Corinne shares.
Matt meanwhile had an instant crush on Corinne but was too shy to ask her out, so Corinne eventually stepped up and did the asking. Matt proposed to his love in Edinburgh at the top of Calton Hill on 5th November. Corrine says, “He jokes that he chose this date as it was easy for him to remember, remember the 5th November!”
Stunning stately home Knowsley Hall boasts a rich history and beautiful grounds, and fitted well with the couple's dream Downton Abbey/1920s theme. “The staff were very friendly and professional,” Corrine explains. “An added bonus was being conveniently located for the majority of our friends and family.” So, that decided, the couple didn't hesitate in booking their date, 6th April 2024.
Download the latest issue at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download to find out more.
Calling all brides-to-be - say I do to effortless wedding planning! Reading-based The Ink Pot introduces its latest must-have: a personalised wedding notebook. It's the ultimate stress-buster available in nine vibrant colours - a tool to turn wedding planning chaos into seamless organisation. Read more in the latest issue available to download for FREE now!
How stunning is this image of Christina and Aaron taken on their wedding day by photographer Toby Lidstone? Read their real-life love story on page 40 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
A horse drawn carriage is such a special addition to your day. You needn't be worried about the weather as these convertible carriages have glass tops or hoods that can be raised in an instant if need be. The Ostler Horse & Carriage Co.
For further information, visit: www.horseandcarriagehire.co.uk
The latest issue has plenty of W-Day transport ideas - and is available now. Read An Essex Wedding magazine for free!
Make-up artist Adriana Herran shares her top looks for an autumnal wedding.
"Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. The weather is just right – not too cold or too hot – making it the perfect season for styling. The colours of autumn are mainly earthy tones and are absolutely gorgeous. To embrace the season, I suggest opting for one of the season’s colours. You could choose a latte smoky eyes and warm tones to complement your cheeks and lips. Alternatively, go for a minimalist look and enhance your lips with a red wine lipstick to make them the focal point of your look.
"The key is to enhance your natural beauty by incorporating warm, seasonal colours that complement your autumnal theme.
"Remember to schedule a make-up trial before the big day to ensure you achieve the perfect look!"
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Make-up artist Phillipa R.C.Hughes shares how to get flawless-looking skin in the run-up to your wedding.
"Step one to a flawless face is a good skin regime to balance, nourish and hydrate. If your skin isn’t hydrated, it will absorb moisture from the foundation, leaving you looking cakey and patchy. Take time to really massage skincare in to boost blood circulation and get the ‘inner glow’ in photographs. I adore the award-winning Tropic Smoothing Cleanser for this, plus the citrus scent enlivens tired skin and smells delish.
"Remember, less is more! The better the skin, the less product is required, ensuring a beautiful, natural and radiant finish. My bridal clients benefit from a ‘beauty concierge’ service to get ‘skin fit’ following a trial to ensure I am working on balanced, hydrated skin on the big day. Build up using thin layers of product; you can always add, but going in too heavy too soon won’t be flattering. Work from the centre of the face outwards. About five to ten minutes after your skin care, apply a primer for your skin type: textured or oilier skins need mattifying primers; wide pores use a silicone-based pore-minimising primer (such as YSL Blur Refining Primer); smoother or dull skins opt for illuminating and brightening ones, respectively, such as Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Under Makeup. Next is foundation: for drier skin choose a serum or hydrating foundation, and for oilier or textured skin, opt for a mattifying foundation. Follow with concealer and set lightly with translucent colourless powder (such as Laura Mercier) for a long-lasting radiant finish."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
To help make your wedding stand out for all the right reasons, it pays to get the entertainment right. For the happy couple, the big day may go by in a flash, but for family and friends, especially travel-weary guests or those with young children, any lulls in the proceedings can dampen the feel-good factor. Nothing brings people together more than laughter and shared experiences, so it’s essential that you hire a supplier who will keep your guests smiling throughout the day. To help give you heaps of inspiration, we’ve interviewed Bertie Anderson, also known as Bertie Bow, to find out more about her business.
Bertie Anderson, also known as Bertie Bow, is a musician with more than 20 years of experience. “I know exactly how to provide that magical musical sparkle to your day,” says Bertie. “I have curated an ever-expanding programme of violin repertoire, especially for weddings. Inspired by Bridgerton, I love playing pop and rock covers on violin with high-quality piano and guitar backing tracks, creating a sophisticated, contemporary atmosphere for a ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast. I can provide my repertoire list on request, which also includes a varied selection of classical, film, music theatre and jazz music.
“I’m based in Cromer, Norfolk, but am happy to travel around East Anglia. I’m always keen to perform specific requests during the ceremony, for the bride or groom’s entrance, signing of the register and exit, to create your perfect soundtrack.”
Head over to our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue to see more. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Charli from Harmony String Quartet explains to us how a string quartet can be the perfect addition to your wedding entertainment.
"Our top tip for booking a string quartet is to simply ask yourself: What can they offer that no one else can? Your supplier should offer top- quality music that exceeds all expectations. If you want to guarantee your guests a good time, our Jukebox service can provide that and more. It allows the guests to interact with the quartet and create an eclectic playlist with the click of a button, plus it’s a feature that your guests will be talking about for months after your special day.
"Other things to take into consideration include where the string quartet will be seated at various points of the day or whether they can perform outside. We have great relationships with many wedding venues around the county and our consistent communication enables us to sort all the little details out before the big day, meaning you don’t have to worry about any of it. Wedding planning is enjoyable and a beautiful journey, so it means the world to us when we are asked to be a part of it too."
See more from our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
We ventured into the vibrant core of one of London's most desirable boroughs to explore The Kensington, and let me tell you, it exceeded our expectations! Discover the venue in our September/October issue, available to download for free now.
This beautiful photoshoot was designed to showcase bridal elegance and create a breathtaking editorial look, all thanks to the collaboration of local vendors. Discover the shoot in our September/October issue, available to download for free now.
Joe and Amy will always treasure the beautiful memories from their wedding at Milling Barn. Discover the day in our August/September issue, available to download for free now.
Isn't this gorgeous wedding gown by Sanyukta Shrestha just amazing? Discover more showstopping gowns in our August/September issue, available to download for free now.
Make-up artist, Lynsey Fordham, put together this styled shoot at Apton Hall. The vision combined cool, crisp whites alongside mellow sage greens. The outcome is perfectly timeless with such a relaxed vibe. I love this image taken by John Payton Photography.
Spain is a place very close to Verity's heart having spent every summer there as a child. So, when Jonny decided to propose, this was where he took her. Hiring a boat, they went out to sea to watch the dolphins. Mesmerised as they swam past, Verity didn't initially notice until she turned around that Jonny was down on one knee holding out her engagement ring. “It was the best surprise ever and a very magical moment,” she remembers.
Dunedin Country House is local to Verity and had plenty of accommodation for Jonny's family who were travelling down from Newcastle. “It's a beautiful venue and the gardens are wonderfully kept,” Verity explains. “The food is also outstanding, and we do love our food!” So, they secured their date for 16th June 2023.
Discover the story of Verity & Lee's big day in the current issue, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
The concept behind this stunning shoot revolved around a contemporary, edgy bridal style appealing to the adventurous, or classical bride. “We wanted to capture the essence of unconventional beauty and fi erce independence while retaining a sense of timeless elegance,” says shoot coordinator and photographer Toni Heath from Cuttlebone Photography.
Discover more of this goregous shoot in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Palé Hall is a luxury five-star country retreat set in the heart of North Wales in the tranquil Dee Valley, with the spectacular Snowdonia National Park on its doorstep. This grand historical, Victorian mansion was to be our editor's home from home for two nights, where she was able to experience the ultimate in hospitality and the acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fi ne dining restaurant. North Wales' finest can also be yours for your big day, and here Kelly explains why it's well worth considering.
Read my full review in the current issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Hurds Hill is an elegant Regency-period country house with Victorian and later additions. It was once home to Langport's most famous resident, Walter Bagehot, who is widely regarded as one of the 19th century's most infl uential writers on government, the constitution, banking and finance. He was editor of The Economist for 16 years from 1860 to 1876. The house is set in fi ve acres of tranquil private grounds with far-reaching views over the Somerset Levels.
Shoot coordinator, local celebrant Jen Whitworth, met owner David a few years ago and the two have been discussing weddings ever since. “David is keen to offer micro weddings where friends and family come together for the ceremony, enjoy drinks on the lawn and a meal in the evening,” Jen explains. “The house does have a sophisticated, vintage vibe, which would appeal to those planning a small, intimate wedding, who would appreciate the eclectic collection of art and furniture.”
So, the idea of doing a shoot to showcase the house dressed for a wedding came to life and Jen assembled a team of local wedding afi cionados to do the honours. “As the house was full of gorgeous, antique furniture, we opted to do a classic vintage shoot using a pastel palette of green, pink, purple and lilac,” Jen shares.
Discover more of this gorgeous shoot in the current issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Platter & Boards bespoke creative catering by Tamara based in Milton Keynes serves weddings taking place in the surrounding areas. The talented team provide charcuterie, deli and desserts with wedding tables taking guests on a grazing journey. Every element of the set-up is taken into consideration - the menu and the aesthetics can be adapted to suit a wedding theme with popular choices for grazing boards including prosciutto, salami, chorizo, mild cheddar and more. Read all about it in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!