Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
For this year's local bridal boutiques feature, we decided to chat to the region's boutique owners to find out how to dress according to your big-day's vibe.
I love Chosen by Kyha, Davis, available at Lace & Grace Bridal Boutique - perfect for a timeless, romantic wedding.
For more wedding dress inspiration, turn to page 63 of the Jun/Jul24 issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Content creator Katie Rayner put together this styled shoot with the help of local suppliers. “I fell in love with weddings and since I have family that work in the industry, I was looking for a way to join,” says Katie. “I heard about content creators becoming a new trend and thought I would research it further. The role described exactly the type of content that I would love to have at my own wedding, so I gathered the information that I needed and launched my business, Katie Anne Content Creator. I knew of a lot of suppliers in the industry, so I decided to organise a styled shoot at Hockwold Hall. The theme really fit with the venue and everyone worked together to create an amazing day.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Low Hall The Lakes was the backdrop for this romantic styled shoot. Inspired by Valentine’s Day, the talented team of suppliers incorporated pinks and reds into the styling and chose two oh-so stunning dresses.
See more from this styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Lydia Ashton is the owner of Groove Aesthetics and Beauty based in Fetcham. She's a registered nurse who started the clinic with an ambition to combine her years of clinical practice, customer service skills and passion for all things health and beauty. Download the latest issue now for FREE to read Lydia's advice for achieving glowing skin on your wedding day.
Debbie Scott is the owner of The Vintage Dresser, a family-run business hiring exquisite fine-bone vintage china and accessories for weddings and special occasions in Berkshire and nearby counties. She tells us, "Elegant and quintessentially English, this afternoon tea set up has all the finishing touches including quirky sugar tongs, silver-plated cake forks and bone-handled butter knives. The vibrancy of the gorgeous fine-bone china creates an elegant backdrop for a wedding breakfast. Read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Beaconside House in North Devon provided the enchanting woodland backdrop for this whimsical shoot on page 49 encompassing nature-inspired beauty, vibrant floral arrangements and a tranquil outdoor setting. A mix of elegant and playful bridal looks is showcased against a backdrop of colourful decor, flowing cocktails and a saxophonist capturing the essence of the season. See the shoot in full in the new issue available to download now for FREE!
Kristian and Matthew met at a New Year’s Eve party. “I was drawn to Matthew’s awkwardness and his jokes that not everyone would laugh at but I just found funny and innocent,” Kristian shares. “I knew from the beginning that he was special, a unique character that deserved to be loved.” For Matthew, Kristian’s nervousness attracted him, as well as his smiles whenever they were together. “He couldn’t do enough for me. I always wanted to be around him, and his personality was so infectious,” he explains.
Five years into their relationship, the couple went on their annual New Year’s Day trip to Filey Brigg. The weather wasn’t the best and Kristian initially refused to get out of the car due to the rain. He’d also made Matthew invite his brother Adam along, which for reasons that will soon become obvious, he wasn’t thrilled about! The trio walked down to the beach and out to sea on the Brigg, with Kristian having no clue what was about to happen. Here, Adam came into his own as he was able to video what happened next as it unfolded. Noticing the camera, Kristian turned to see what Matthew was up to and found him on one knee asking Kristian to marry him. Matthew did originally have grand plans to fl y the ring in on a drone, but the weather rendered that too risky!
Waterton Park was a place Kristian’s mum grew up around, and her grandad would walk her around the grounds. So, once the couple were engaged she told her son about the venue, and it was love at fi rst sight. “The grand building and picturesque backdrop is what sold it for us,” Kristian explains. “It was the only venue we went to see. There’s nowhere else like it in Yorkshire, it looks like a fairy tale.” They were able to hold the whole day there with exclusive-use of the island, and guests adored the location and scenery. Luckily, the venue’s interior design complemented the couple’s chosen navy wedding palette too, so it was meant to be!
That decided they wasted no time in securing their date for 1st September 2023. Join us in the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding as Kristian shares more of his treasured memories of the happy day... Download it free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Talton Lodge and Talton House combine a 10-bedroom Queen Anne manor house, brimming with history but by no means old-fashioned, with a walled Victorian kitchen garden where there is a festival-style marquee and fun accommodation.
Celebrations normally start at Talton House with ceremonies on the lawn overlooking the lily pond, followed by canapés and drinks on the surrounding lawns with mature flower beds, a tennis court and a croquet lawn, followed by parties in the giant hat marquees in the walled kitchen garden.
Read more in the new issue out now Your Midlands Wedding - June/July 2024 (Issue 92) (county.wedding)
HELP! WE'RE NOT VERY PHOTOGENIC AND HATE HAVING OUR PICTURE TAKEN! This is the wedding worry Andrew Abrahamson from Andrew AB Photography (www.andrewab.wedding) regualarly finds himself tackling. In Hot Topic though, he as the answers:
I totally understand this, there is a reason I'm usually found on the other side of the camera after all! Generally though, the reason behind this is the worry that I'll be asking you to look at the camera and hold a forced smile while holding your arms in impossible angles. Fear not, this is definitely not what I do!
I found the best way to combat this worry and remove any anxiety over having your photo taken on the actual day is to have a pre-shoot. This normally entails heading to a lovely location like a park, the beach, a wood, somewhere that means something to you and spending an hour or so walking around, finding pretty spots for photos. It's mostly an opportunity for the three of you to get to know each other, for your photographer to see how you are as a couple and for you to see how your photographer works.
With me, it's rarely a big serious pose, although this can be fun, but more just asking you to walk over to a particular place and talk, mess around, kiss, make each other laugh; and I capture that. Come the day, there are no surprises, you've seen how wonderful the photos of you look and not a forced smile in sight!
For more common weddings and how to overcome them, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Our travel editor Melissa Cullen delves into the popular honeymoon destinations that have recently opened new hotels. For example, the new boutique hotel Silversands Beach House in Grenada boasts sleek interior designs, with 28 rooms ideal for a romantic getaway. Discover the honeymoon essentials in our May/June issue Read your FREE COPY of An Essex Wedding now
Located in landscaped gardens and surrounded by Hertfordshire countryside, The Barns at Redcoats offers the ultimate wedding setting with beautiful views.
Combining the quirky historic features with stylish design, the venue is perfect for a rustic wedding, as their adjoining Cowshed Bar and Lounge is designed with ceremonies and receptions in mind. Come together to enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience where all the dishes are prepared with the finest ingredients from nearby farmers and suppliers. After all the celebrations, guests can rest in the 26 on-site bedrooms in the charming farmhouse or stylish renovated barn bedrooms. At the same time, the newlyweds enjoy the luxury honeymoon suite.
Contact 01438 729 500 | farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk
Discover more about the venue www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YHBW104/24
Yasmine John from The Bridal Boutique Crickhowell gives her advice for finding the perfect dress while feeling concious about weight.
"First of all, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It's completely normal to want to look and feel your best on your wedding day. If you find the right dress, you will look and feel incredible, whatever your shape or size. Keep in mind that designers now produce dresses for everyone; the same wedding dress in a size 8 and a size 18 will look equally beautiful and flattering. So consider trying on some dresses first rather than focusing on your weight or body shape. But if this is something you feel strongly about, then here are a few tips to help you as you embark on your weight loss journey while also searching for your dream wedding dress:
"Set goals: It's important to set realistic and achievable weight loss goals.
"Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to reach your weight-loss goals before your wedding day. This will help alleviate any stress or pressure and give you enough time to find the perfect dress.
"Focus on overall health: Instead of solely focusing on the number on the scale, prioritise your overall health and well-being. Incorporate a balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of rest into your routine."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Make-up artist Liberty Haynes shares her top beauty tips.
"Firstly, congratulations on your engagement. I always ask my brides to provide me with two recent photos of themselves where they feel good. It’s a great reference to see a person’s style and what level of make-up they feel best in. In addition to this, a few inspiration photos gathered on Pinterest are also helpful to get an idea of your desired look.
"Look out for make-up you admire on people with similar colouring and characteristics as you. This helps to avoid feeling disappointed if you don’t closley resemble your images! Your make-up artist should be able to go through colours, tones and textures that will look best on you.
"Bring photos of any dresses, shoes, jewels, or accessories you have so far! It’s really lovely to see how the look will come together and necklines and accessories can hugely affect how your hair and make-up come together."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Hoping to tie in your bridal look with your wedding's beautiful al fresco setting? Local jeweller Gabriella Casemore (www.gabriellacasemore.com) has the solution. She says, “Floral-themed jewellery and accessories fit perfectly with an outdoor setting, whether in a garden or a woodland and can be subtle or statement depending on your style. Choosing pieces that you'll want to wear again is a good idea, especially as they then become a little reminder of your special day every time you wear them.
“If you're wearing natural flowers in your hair it can be lovely to pair earrings or a pendant with similar shaped blooms. There are some clever designs that have additions like tassels to make earrings into more of a statement and easily removed when you want a more understated look.
For our ultimate guide to planning a flawless al fresco wedding, turn to page 55 of the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download now.
“For 2024/25 we're working with lots of power pastels, including Pantone's colour of the year, Peach Fuzz. Strong tones of dusky pink, lilacs, peach and powder blue combined create a feeling of drama, romance and whimsical opulence. Perfect for a soft, elegant, Bridgerton-inspired design or instead combined with contemporary fl oral techniques and edgy black tie for a chic and contemporary spin on this English country garden colour palette.” – Holly Allman-Lopez, Ambience Venue Styling Bath
For more on what's hot in the world of venue styling right now, turn to page 53 of the Jun/Jul24 issue, which is free download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
To help you create your dream outdoor ceremony, we spoke to humanist celebrant Dawn Rees and asked for her top planning tips.
"As an experienced celebrant with hundreds of ceremonies under my belt, I know that an outdoor wedding can be absolutely stunning," says Dawn. "Choosing an outdoor wedding gives you lots of options and can be incredibly photogenic, but what criteria should you consider when selecting an outdoor wedding venue? Here are some top tips based on my years of experience:
"Visit the property at least twice and try to meet the staff you will be dealing with and get a feel for the place and the people. Consider what type of ceremony you want and share your ideas when you visit the venue. Is it going to be formal, informal, or have a party vibe? How many guests will be coming? Where in the grounds will the ceremony be held? Many venues have specific places where it is either shaded, woody, sunny, under a tree, or on a stone terrace. But what factors should you consider before making up your mind?
"Think about your guests. Is the site accessible? How far away is the car park? Is there a path for friends and family with mobility issues? Is the ground even or uneven? Is it a formal or informal space? What will suit your vibe? Think about how you will reach the ceremony site. How far is it from the main building and/or the reception area? Is your walk in music of sufficient length?"
Head over to our Outdoor Weddings feature in the current issue to see more. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
We love flowers here at Your North West Wedding, but with so many gorgeous blooms to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. To give you some inspiration, we've asked local florist Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design to send in one of their favourite creations.
See more from our Flowers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
With a simple wedding plan in mind, these lovebirds' wedding surpassed their expectations and become the most incredible day! Discover the wedding in our July/August issue, available to download for free now.
Mister Kanish is wedding band from Southampton who have been playing together for more than 15 years! In that time, they've performed at around 600 weddings and play upbeat folky style covers of everyone's favourite party classics. Discover more about the supplier in our July/August issue, available to download for free now.
Wedding and portraiture photographer Lauren Dillon collaborated with talented Tavistock-based suppliers to create these timeless styles inspired by Pre-Raphaelite paintings on model Emma Frances. Mother and daughter duo The Looking Glass worked their magic with the hair and make-up at the beautiful walled garden within the grounds of The Bedford Hotel at sunset. See the shoot in full in our latest issue available now to download for FREE!