Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
The wedding cake: sweet treat, reception dessert or showstopping centrepiece? Who's to say it can't be all three? Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, the big-day bake has been an enduring tradition and wedding stalwart since couples first said “I do.” Its origins are thought to date back to Ancient Rome when a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to signify good fortune. Thankfully, you won't be forced to wear the delicacy today, so it's something that's well worth thinking about. The modern cake maker is now more versatile than ever and can whip you up a sweet showstopper big enough to take the place of your wedding breakfast dessert, or be served at your evening reception. Handing out the slices is also a lovely way of making sure you get round to see all of your guests. Alternatively, there's the option to have a spectacular tower made up of cupcakes or macarons, even doughnuts if you prefer. And don't forget, a cheese stack is a great choice if you fancy something savoury.
What we love best about the modern wedding cake is its capacity to act as a work of art and form a key focal point in your venue styling. Displayed on its own table, adorned in your wedding flowers, set against a neon sign or flower wall backdrop it'll be a feature to remember, helping to bring your theme together. Super-talented bakers can even decorate these centrepieces to illustrate your own unique love story. So, it's with their showstopping styling quality in mind that we bring to you a showcase of breathtaking bakes with the help of local talented cake makers.
I love this delicate design by Poppy Pickering Cake Design.
For more stunning bakes, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Discover this romantic-styled shoot at the historic Hampton Manor
Shoot coordinator Georgie Allen, founder of Lux Wedding Planner, wanted to create a wildly romantic and sumptuous shoot within a setting where contemporary style and historical character complement one another. She pulled together a team of talented suppliers to bring her vision to life at Hampton Manor, a 19th-century destination for those looking for a sensuous celebration. Georgie says, “The beautiful walled garden, the lovely outside spaces and the on-site bridal cottage offered the flexibility to bring the concept to life.”
Read more on this shoot in the latest issue Your Midlands Wedding - June/July 2024 (Issue 92) (county.wedding)
For those of you who haven't received the news a million times already (yes, we're obsessed), Peach Fuzz is 2024's Pantone colour of the year. And the reason we, along with the rest of the wedding industry, has gone cock-a-hoop for it is that it's the perfect hue for stylish nuptials. We like to think we led the way on this, of course, since well before this announcement rusts, corals and peaches had been trending in the wedding world and Peach Fuzz is the dream addition to this palette. Nowhere is this more beautifully demonstrated than in the breathtaking images of this local shoot.
The team got together with the aim of creating a current photo shoot using the oh-so hot palette of peach, tangerine and blush, showing off elegant fl orals with an edgy vibe thanks to modern dresses and fun colour pops. Florist and shoot coordinator Susan Simcock from Florist By Nature tells us, “We loved the idea of combining vibrancy with soft palettes.”
Download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding for more - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
One Vision Photography and Videography is passionate about capturing the moments and emotions that make life so special. “Our mission is to provide our clients with the highest quality photographic services and to create lasting memories of their special day,” says owner Michael Lundbeck. “We understand the importance of making each client’s experience special. Our talented team of photographers is dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for each of our clients, capturing the beautiful emotions and moments that so often get overlooked. We believe every wedding, engagement, family portrait, and event should be captured with the utmost care, detail and respect. We strive to tell the story of our client’s special day in a way that will remain with them forever. Our goal is to create memories that will last a lifetime, and we take great pride in providing our clients with a personalised experience.”
Meet more photographers in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
If you’ve booked your venue, then the next thing you’ll be thinking about is how to style it. With so many options available, this can seem like a daunting task, but the most important thing to remember is that any space can be transformed with even the simplest of details. To help you create the wedding of your dreams, we’ve asked Rebecca Yussuf from Lilac and Lace Floral Design how to style a neutral and elegant themed wedding.
"This gorgeous spring wedding at The Gardens, pictured, incoroprated pastel shades of British-grown spring flowers and hand-dyed natural petal confetti, which looked beautiful. Spring weddings fit the neutral and elegant theme perfectly. Seasonal flowers for spring include blossoms, tulips, ranunculus and viburnum opulus."
See more venue styling ideas in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
From veils to hair accessories, sparkling jewellery pieces and the all-important something new. There's so much to consider when it comes to adding those special elements to your wedding look. They're a further way to personalise your attire and oh-so fun to shop for! So, don't miss our jewellery and accessories feature in the Aug/Sept issue of Your Bristol & Somerset. It's free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download.
I love Rebecca Anne Design's incredible bespoke embroidered veils from £375, at www.rebeccaannedesigns.co.uk
Something blue
Shannon and Hollie's special day was decorated with baby blue and lilac touches.
Shannon and Hollie met playing football and were initially friends for a while before realising there was something more between them. “We loved each other's sense of humour and ability to have fun,” they tell us. Hollie proposed during a break in the New Forest, by a small luxury lodge located on the river. “It was all a surprise,” Hollie says. “Shannon thought she was going away with family and not long after arriving, I asked her to marry me. It was a wonderful moment as two swans peacefully swam past.”
Read all about their wedding in the latest issue out now: Your Surrey Wedding - June/July 2024 (Issue 107) (county.wedding)
Images courtesy of Schmittat Photography
The bountiful beauty of nature throughout the seasons has inspired many a wedding theme and palette. So, with the big-day bake being more than a just sweet treat but also a showstopping centrepiece for your reception space, we decided to ask the county's wedding cake designers to show us their favourite seasonally inspired creations. Don't miss the feature, packed with cake-spiration in the Aug/Sept issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download.
Springtime is one of my favourite seasons, and I love the colours in Caritas Cake Design's (https://caritascakedesign.co.uk/) beautiful creation.
Danny the Fire Performer offers world class fire show entertainment for your wedding. Over the last decade, Danny has performed across the UK creating unique feature evening entertainment with his solo choreographed fire shows lasting from 12min to 30min. He's skilled in up to 14 different fire and pyrotechnical props/skills from fire breathing to pyrotechnical staff spinning, and everything in between, to bring showstopping entertainment to any wedding crowd size.
One happy bride, Alice, says, “I booked Danny as a surprise for our wedding guests. Everything was taken care of and I didn't need to worry about anything on the day. The show was spectacular, everyone absolutely loved it, especially the kids! Our guests are still talking about it today, three months later.”
Get in touch to find out more via www.dannythefireperformer.com
For more local entertainment ideas, download the Aug/Sept issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding free at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
As the fashion editor across all of the County Wedding Magazine titles, I love dresses, shoes and accessories! This red Octavia macrame bag, £130 from Berkshire-based www.embellishedtruth.com is what I'll be carrying this bank holiday! See more fabulous styles on page 80 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
How cute is this heart-shaped selfie booth from Tiverton-based Estrel Wedding & Event Hire? Take advantage of our exclusive offer with owner Denise on page 13 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
Two brides equalled two showstopping dresses! Georgia tells us more about the shopping experience! “We both wore dresses from Abigail's Collection. We went together with our mums and chose our dresses together, so we knew what each other would be wearing. We actually ended up picking dresses that perfectly complemented each other. We both accessorised our dresses with J LO white high heels and diamond/pearl earrings.” On 24th April, 2024 Georgia and Daisy became Mrs & Mrs at Gaynes Park.
The latest issue is available now. Read An Essex Wedding magazine for free!
So, you've booked your venue, the next thing to think about is how to turn this blank space into the wedding you dream of. With a professional venue stylist on hand this is a piece of cake! From props to palettes, tablescapes to backdrops these folks have a world of wonder at their fi ngertips to help them make your day uniquely you. We caught up with some of the county's experts to find out what's at the top of their hotlists for 2024 and beyond when it comes to palettes, themes, and props.
Nicola Whiteley, Styled With Grace, says, “There's been a recent trend in couples adding pops of colour in two contrasting tones, for example, pink and green. This is then echoed in the bridesmaids' attire featuring different bright shades.”
For more venue styling inspiration download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
I want to enhance my natural curls on my wedding day; what style would you suggest?
We specialise in working with natural curls, offering a world of possibilities to create a truly unique and personal bridal look. We believe that nothing is more authentic than using curl patterns to enhance beauty on the big day. Celebrating your natural texture is always our priority on your bridal hair journey. Preparation is key to ensuring your curls are radiant and full of life on your special day.
Read more on bridal beauty in the latest issue Your Midlands Wedding - June/July 2024 (Issue 92) (county.wedding)
Lizzy and Matt met when working in ASDA during their student days. “We bonded over our love of indie classics and Leeds festival,” Lizzy says. However, the timing wasn’t right then and they decided to remain friends instead of pursuing a relationship. It wasn’t until a few years later that they decided to give it a go and the rest is history! “We had the most incredible first date at the beach and we quickly fell in love,” Lizzy remembers.
Matt proposed in St Ives having taken Lizzy for a picnic and finding a gorgeous spot where they could watch the sun set. Just as the sky was changing colour, he got down on one knee and asked the big question.
Lizzy had seen Scale on Instagram a few years previous and had always admired its aesthetic. She remembered it when they came to look for a wedding venue, thinking what a great blank canvas it would be for creating their own magic. “It was perfect for a winter wedding with lots of lights and candles,” she explains. “It had a cosy vibe even though the room was pretty big.” They were also shown sister venue, Fabric, which was still a building site at the time, it being early days. “We immediately loved the Cove and the thought of what we could turn that into on our wedding day,” Lizzy remembers.
So, the date was set for 5th January 2024. To find out more, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding where Lizzy gives us the lowdown on the big day - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Having opened its doors in 1999, the Vale Resort is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a year’s worth of promotions that are taking place on the venue’s social media channels. Couples can get their hands on golf and spa breaks, afternoon tea, gin-making experiences, golf lessons and more.
The independent four-star Vale Resort was built by the Leeke family and is made up of the 143-bedroom Vale Hotel, two championship golf courses, extensive leisure and sports facilities, Wales’s largest spa, extensive conference and events facilities, restaurants, bars and Hensol Castle, an exclusive wedding and events venue that also incorporates a distillery.
Stephen Leeke, the managing director, commented: “When I started at the Vale Resort in 1994, we had a portacabin, driving range and nine-hole golf course. My father, Gerald, had a love for sports and a vision for a sporting hotel. It’s been the proverbial extension on the extension since then, which has culminated in the world- class facilities that you see today. Not only do we house the training bases for both Wales’s national rugby and football teams, but we can compete with the very best with our golf, leisure and business offerings. The ground-breaking opening of the Grade-I listed Hensol Castle as a venue tailored for exclusive weddings and events, incorporating a craft distillery in the cellars, is, in the words of my father, “the icing on the cake” and the feedback from guests has been outstanding. It’s been very much a team effort along the way, and I’d like to thank our staff, members, guests, colleagues and partners in the Welsh Rugby Union and Football Association of Wales for all they have done to contribute to our success.”
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Set within the captivating surroundings of the Cave Hotel, Firepit Weddings is a new must-see wedding package. The stylish and sophisticated restaurant-style setting features rustic wooden beams, exquisite marble tables, and Opti-Myst fires that add warmth and charm to your special day. Begin your journey by entering through the exclusive hotel entrance, taking the lift to the first floor, and crossing a beautifully constructed glass bridge, enhancing the overall guest experience.
With the ability to accommodate up to 30 cherished guests, Firepit Weddings promises an intimate and unforgettable celebration in a restaurant-style atmosphere. Additionally, the Firepit is licensed for ceremonies, providing the perfect indoor venue for your vows.
The package also includes exclusive access to the Firepit venue, a complimentary glass of bubbles, a tasting menu and much more.
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
This photo shoot was centred around Pantone’s Colour of the Year: Peach Fuzz. “As soon as we saw this was the colour of the year, we thought it would be a great idea to show what a wedding could look like when incorporating this colour,” say organisers Modesta and Rohiny. “This allows couples who are planning their wedding this year to incorporate or accentuate peach fuzz or peaches themselves. Peach fuzz symbolises romanticism, which we wanted to see fit together with florals that have soft tones. Both dresses we selected symbolised bridal elegance, which fit into the softness theme really well. The tablescape featured peach tones, peaches themselves and hints of gold. The airy environment of Barrington Hall gave us the opportunity to tie the whole theme perfectly.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Donna Brown from Pure Elegance Weddings & Events gives her top tips for stying a manor house.
"If you’re considering a manor house wedding venue, below are some ideas to help you style it to impress your guests:
"Create a breathtaking entrance to the manor house with a red carpet, floral arches, or even a horse-drawn carriage.
"Adorn the interior of the manor with lavish decorations such as crystal chandeliers, draped silk fabrics, and fresh flowers in abundance. Consider incorporating gold accents or vintage furniture to add to the luxurious ambiance.
"Set the tables with fine linens, elegant china, and crystal glassware. Add a personal touch with custom-made place cards, monogrammed napkins, or small gifts for each guest.
"Fill the venue with extravagant floral arrangements featuring roses, peonies, orchids, and other lush blooms. Consider tall centrepieces for a dramatic effect or floral chandeliers hanging from the ceiling."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
