Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Catherine and Mike are both police officers and met through work. The first team Catherine joined after training college was Mike's and there was an instant spark between them. The more they got to know each other the more they realised how similar they are. When they both had Valentine's Day off in their shift pattern, they seized the opportunity and went on their first date. Shortly after, Covid hit and the couple moved in together; it made sense as being key workers, they both had to continue working throughout the pandemic. “Long walks and many games of Scrabble and Monopoly kept us sane!” Catherine remembers.
Post-lockdown, the two had just come back from a month in Australia when Mike booked them a night away. They went on the Bluebell Railway before taking a romantic walk in Ashdown Forest close to where Mike grew up. It had been raining a few days before, so the ground was still pretty boggy underfoot. Poor Mike had to wait for a while to find a dry patch for him to get down on one knee and pop the question! He'd packed a bottle of fizz and some festival cups so they were able to share a celebratory drink before heading to beautiful Lewes to stay the night. “The ring Mike chose for me was perfect – a sapphire with a diamond halo,” Catherine shares. “It's the ring I've loved since I was a child. My mum and sister have matching versions.”
Gote Barn was the first venue the two looked at and instantly fell in love. “The rustic beams adorned with fairylights on the grounds of a working farm gave it such a magical feel,” Catherine explains. They knew they wanted a venue where they could have both the ceremony and reception in one place and was large enough to accommodate all of their guests, and Gote Barn fit the bill to perfection. “We had the option to choose all of our suppliers, which was important to us as we wanted to support local businesses,” Catherine tells us.
To find out more, download the latest issue free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Laura and Joe met at a nightclub while at University in Southampton. At the time Laura's best friend was dating Joe's best friend. She set the two up, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Joe proposed at the Westernbirt Arbortetum back in 2021. “Autumn has always been our favourite time of year, and it was here that Joe first told me he loved me three years previous,” Laura explains. It was so perfect for the couple, surrounded by autumn leaves, that it became part of the inspiration for the autumn wedding day – but we're jumping ahead! The proposal came as a complete surprise to Laura: “I was so excited, I said 'yes' the minute he got down on one knee, before he'd even asked the question,” she remembers. “We were with our very naughty one-year-old spaniel, Sully, so I was mostly surprised he didn't steal the ring and run off with it!”
Laura and Joe fell in love with the elegance and timelessness of Tortworth Court, the beautiful glass-topped orangery being a stand out for them. “As a doctor and trainee vet, we're both quite practical, minimalist people and wanted a venue that was classic and simple to fit with our vision,” Laura explains. “We also loved the outdoor spaces. The venue has it's own arboretum, and you can see the trees through the glass roof as you say 'I do.'”
The date was set for their favourite time of year, 25th November.
To find out more, download the latest issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Rachel Peers, founder and principal floral stylist at La Beau Fleurs, Warrington (www.labeaufleurs.co.uk) has plenty of valuable advice to offer when it comes to styling your al fresco space with flowers. “Planning floral arrangements for an outdoor wedding is a delightful experience. I love to get super-creative with ceremony styling and create a truly special space to remember. It's important to work closely with your florist who'll suggest the types of flowers that work best with the season's weather.
“I recently worked with a beautiful couple who chose to have their wedding in their garden at home. We incorporated exquisite white florals against a backdrop of fresh foliage to design statement pieces, including two show-stopping arches and a magnificent meadow runner.
"The weather for this two-day event was eclectic to say the least! We had sunshine, rain, wind and clouds, and back to beautiful sunshine just at the right time. The carefully chosen florals we picked for this event loved the varying conditions and we had very happy flowers! That's why it's important to choose correctly with the help of your floral stylist.”
For more tips on tying the knot al fresco download the latest issue at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Daniel proposed to George at Epcot in Walt Disney World in May 2022 – Daniel's favourite place. It took place first thing in the morning in the Rose Garden located in the UK Pavilion of Epcot. Dan explains, “I felt it was a perfect location that blended a bit of home and a bit of Disney magic. George said yes and we celebrated with the best engagement holiday, being spoilt by all the amazing cast members at Disney World.” When it came to planning the big day, it was only natural that Disney played a big part in the plans and aesthetic for the wedding. Images were captured by: Pippa Heath Photography
The team at Dart's Farm are celebrating receiving their recent outstanding rating from the Trencherman's guide – congratulations! Read more on page nine of the latest issue available to download for FREE!
How stunning is this shot of Vanessa and Dom on their wedding day at the Royal Berkshire? Everything was expertly captured on camera by Vicky Lewis Photography and revealed on page 39 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
Samantha and Joseph first met while out with friends when they were 14 years old. “We didn’t say hello to each other, but that evening Joseph added me on Facebook and we spoke for four days before Joseph asked me out,” says Samantha. “I found Joseph to be very handsome and talking to him felt so easy and he always made me laugh.”
Joseph proposed on the couple’s eighth anniversary. “He asked me while we were in Poland,” shares the bride. “I had no idea he was going to propose and I was in complete shock when he asked me to marry him!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Megan and Simon met in their third year of university. “I was running a social for some of the students and a mutual friend introduced us,” says Megan. “Simon immediately caught my eye, and the three of us ended up getting dinner before the social started. We started out as just friends, but there was a clear connection there from the beginning; we had the same sense of humour, enjoyed the same movies, were both close with our families and loved dogs. A few months later, we had our first official date on Valentine’s Day and the rest is history.”
Simon proposed in February 2022, around six years after they first started dating. “My mom had flown over from the USA, where I’m from, a few months prior and had given Simon my grandmother’s engagement ring, so I knew it was going to happen but wasn’t sure where or when,” shares the bride. “Simon initially intended to propose on a sunset walk in Llanelli while we were visiting his parents, but at the last moment his sister tagged along for the walk, so he wasn’t able to. About a month later, he brought the ring along on another walk with the intention of proposing, but when we got there, it was so muddy that we could hardly walk and were falling over, so he chose to wait again. Finally, it ended up happening at home in our living room, following a conversation about our future that was totally spontaneous. Not the most romantic location, but it didn’t matter to me; I was just happy to finally be engaged and to get to marry my best friend.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Gemma and Adrian were instantly attracted to each other. “We have a lot in common, with many of the same interests,” says Gemma. “I liked Adrian because he always had something interesting to talk about. He was also nicely dressed on dates and always made an effort.”
For Gemma, the proposal was a complete surprise. “After having dinner at a restaurant in Brantôme, France, Adrian and I walked to the end of a bridge where we’d often go get ice cream when we went on holiday there,” shares the bride. “He asked me to be his wife and it was wonderful.”
"Woodhall Manor was gorgeous and had plenty of space for our guests," adds Gemma. "The rooms and the grounds were immaculate! We really enjoyed the venue’s menu tasting day, where we tried some of the courses, pre-drinks and wine. The venue manager, Lorraine, and wedding coordinator, Beth, were incredibly helpful and we couldn’t have done it without them! We also really liked that the venue had a separate bar and dancefloor to separate the night and day. Everyone really enjoyed it there and we still talk about it now!"
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Lois and Ben met through mutual friends in 2017. “Our relationship blossomed and in August 2022, Ben popped the question,” says Lois. “We were away for the weekend in the Lake District and while on a walk up Loughrigg Fell, he asked me to be his wife. Ben had already secretly asked my dad for his permission the day before.”
"We love walking in the Forest of Bowland, so the Shireburn Arms was the perfect place for our wedding," adds Lois. "It incorporated the beautiful scenery that we love and we adored the intimate feel of the venue. To decorate the space, we chose drapes hanging from the ceiling, an ivory chiffon fairylight background and an ivory skirt hung around the ceremony table. This added to the romantic, soft look that I had hoped to achieve."
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Rebecca Barker from Dine (www.dine.co.uk) says: Bring the outdoors in! Embrace the natural colours of the season within your palette. It's the ideal time to showcase burnt oranges, deep forest greens and touches of velvet reds.
Celebrating with confetti is a must, so why not bring an autumn twist with some leaf confetti?
Planning a seasonal menu that showcases the tastes of autumn will have your guests enjoying a real feast, so end your meal with a sticky toffee pudding for an extra hit of warmth. Guests also love an edible wedding favour! So, treat loved ones to some luxurious fudge, a toffee apple or even a s'mores kit for roasting by the fire.
Finish the evening with drinks around the firepit and fireworks in the sky makes for a perfect nod to autumn. Adding in a sparkler photo for the added touch always makes for a fun finale to the evening.
For more stellar advice on planning an autumn wedding, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Tegen and Sam met at the University of Brighton. Sam lived with a mutual friend and she first laid eyes on him at a gathering at her digs. Although they didn't speak much that night, when Sam posted a few days later that they'd be hosting a barbecue over at theirs, Tegen responded to ask if she could join them. Unfortunately, the barbie didn't go ahead, but Tegen invited Sam over to watch films and chill with her housemates instead. “I fell in love with him the third time I met him,” Tegen shares. “I arranged to take our housemates down to the beach one day and picked Sam up on the way. When we got to the beach we were inseparable.” They spent the next week together and became official a month later. “I fell in love with his ocean blue eyes, curly hair and dark sense of humour,” Tegen continues. “Since then, he's been such a gentleman, he always takes care of me, and we always put each other first above anyone else. He's my safe space, home and heart.”
In the summer of 2022, Sam booked Tegen a spa day at Nutfield Priory in Surrey as a treat, and booked her a full body massage. He also told her that he'd booked something extra and that she should go to the hotel reception after her treatment. When she did so, the desk staff simply said “follow me.” When they went up in the lift Tegen was thinking there was a restaurant and he'd booked her an afternoon tea, but they stopped in front of the Byron Suite. “The lady opened the door and I found rose petals and candles leading up the spiral stairs to the top of the tower. It was only then that I realised what might be about to happen!” Tegen remembers. “As I walked up the stairs my stomach was full of butterflies and I was so excited and nervous.” When she reached the top, Sam was down on one knee by a heart of rose petals. They both cried happy tears, as of course, the answer was “yes.”
Tegen had no idea, but it turns out he'd been plotting the proposal with her friends for about six months. He'd even asked his grandparents if he could propose with a family heirloom, made in 1909. Tegen is the fourth bride to wear the 19ct gold diamond and sapphire ring. Tegen had her heart set on an al fresco wedding with a woodland, elven feel. So, they visited The Ravenswood and discovered that it was the one. “On the day I really felt like an elven princess with my Prince Charming waiting for me,” Tegen says.
To find out more, download the latest issue free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Emily and Chris met during their university years in Plymouth. They were introduced by a mutual friend, and that's where their story began. “Aside from her obvious good looks, within only a few minutes of speaking, I knew there was something more between us,” Chris shares. The two enjoyed an evening of chatting over drinks and haven't stopped enjoying each other's company since. “Emily is known for finding the best deals out there, but I think I won when it came to finding her that day,” Chris continues. “At full price and worth every penny, she is my world! We've shared more than a decade of memories and milestones including graduations, landing our first professional jobs, buying our first home together, and travelling the world side by side. None of which would have been possible without our attentiveness to one another and the love we share.”
Chris had an idea in mind for a while once he'd decided he wanted to propose. The couple had talked about doing a hot air balloon ride together but life always got in the way and they'd never gotten around to it. Having received the blessing of Emily's dad earlier in the year, Chris set his plan into motion. Under the guise of a meal at Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne, he revealed that they'd finally be taking that ride. Before long, they were airborne and taking in the views. Chris gave a knowing signal to the pilot who took them higher to allow more time for Chris to deliver his prepared words. “I awkwardly got down on one knee in the tiny basket,” he remembers. “Hundreds of feet in the air, wind gusting, fire billowing overhead, I've never made things easy for myself! Yet when it came to the ultimate question, any nerves or fear just faded away. I'd never been so sure of anything, and when she said 'yes' it was one of the best moments of my life.”
To find out more download the latest issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding, free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Chris proposed to Alexandra at Charingworth Manor in the Cotswolds just before sunset in the September of 2020. “We'd gone away to celebrate Chris' birthday and he surprised me by proposing with a speech about our time together on a hillside with a glorious view of the countryside,” Alexandra remembers. The couple had met as students while studying at the University of Manchester.
The pair chose to tie the knot at Arley Hall and Gardens. “It's a beautiful venue with amazing grounds,” Alexandra explains. “When we visited, Ashley and the team were very friendly and helpful in explaining everything to us.” So, the date was set for 3rd June 2023.
Download the latest issue at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download to find out more.
This stunning Georgian country house offers a wealth of beautiful space to accommodate your dream wedding. On the first floor of the house is the exquisite, newly-renovated honeymoon suite which is available for you to enjoy on the night of your wedding. The beautiful grounds stretch to 22 acres and include the Mulberry tree from which the house gets its present name. There's a Wellingtonia Fir planted to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo as well as many other mature trees including Lime, Ash, Elm, Yew and Chestnut. Within the grounds, there are many photo opportunities for couples, which includes a wishing well, Chippendale bridge and long grass meadows. The back paddock is home to the venue's herd of alpacas, who all enjoy being involved on the day.
Mulberry House | https://mulberry-house.com
Styled by Lulabelles Berkshire based in Reading is a wedding styling company. Stylist Emma Trevenna tells us: "We handle every detail with precision and care. Our comprehensive services include elegant floral arrangements, bespoke table settings, and enchanting decor that harmonises seamlessly with your theme. We pride ourselves on delivering high-end looks without the price tag, making luxury accessible for every couple." Read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
How cute are these alpacas from Lakemoor Alpacas: A Dartmoor Alpaca Farm in South Devon? They can be guests at your wedding! Read more on page 57 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
Image courtesy of Katie Goff Photography
You said ‘yes’; the ring is on your finger, so what’s next? The dress, of course! For many brides-to-be, it’s one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey and it’s tempting to rush out to the shops right away and start trying on gorgeous gowns. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance, right? Not wanting to sound like a killjoy, but taking the time to do your homework first can help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many factors to take into account to make sure your dress is not only the right fit for you but also ties in with the style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment that you’re planning.
To help give you some inspiration, we've asked Beautiful in Curves to share their favourite winter dress. The dress is called MG168 by Millie Grace and is a long-sleeved A-line crepe dress with a plain yet refined silhouette that embodies effortless grace.
See more beautiful dresses in our Bridal Boutiques feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Sarah Louise from Sarah Louise Wedding Planner tells us her top tips for planning a small wedding.
"Some people dream of a grand, fairytale wedding while others dream of a smaller, intimate affair, with the latter gaining more popularity moving into 2025. In our Instagram-driven world, it’s easy to get carried away during the planning process. Regardless of the size of your guest list, a wedding planner can be instrumental in keeping you on track, ensuring your vision aligns with your budget and holding you accountable to plan the day you both want.
"Planning a wedding typically takes around 400 hours, ideally starting 18 to 12 months out, as suppliers tend to book up quickly. I sit with my couples and create a comprehensive list of everything they might want at their wedding; we then categorise each item as either essential or desirable. I source the essentials first and revisit the desirable later. My advice is to prioritise securing your venue, registrar/celebrant, photographer, videographer and florist. Once these are confirmed, you can move on to the design elements, always keeping your budget in mind. It’s important not to get too attached to a particular trend when looking at the ‘vision’ for your day. For example, bows and pastels are in for 2024. When considering a trend, I recommend evaluating whether you genuinely love it or if you’re drawn to it simply because it’s all over your Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Ask yourself how you’ll feel when you look back on your wedding day in 10 years, and if you still love it, go for it, but ideally, be original and authentically you!"
See more tips for planning an intimate wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
This multicoloured festival-inspired shoot was organised by the team at Minstrel Court and Amber Cox from Ambers Bakes and Cakes. Amber tells us: “The aim of this shoot was to pull together all of my favourite local suppliers and create a fun, festival wedding. Using disco balls and an array of bright colours, we used Minstrel Court as our blank canvas to bring our vision to life. It was the perfect collaboration, with all of the suppliers bringing their strengths to the table and showcasing what they do best. I wanted to emphasise that not all weddings have to be white and formal; you can add colour, flare and personalisation and have an exciting, jam-packed day! Real couple, Saskia and Ben, were our models and the images show the true spark between this gorgeous couple.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
