Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
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 straight 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 that it ties in with the style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and the venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment you’re planning. To help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Stephanie Allin Couture to send in one of their favourite dresses.
Made from silk taffeta, Kendall by Stephanie Allin Couture (pictured), is a one-shoulder gown has a draped bodice and the shoulder is adorned with a bow, available in ivory or black.
See more on-trend dresses in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Jess and James met through mutual friends in 2012 and found mutual interests in music and festivals for a relationship to soon blossom. James proposed to Jess on 17th December 2021 on a cold Christmas getaway to Berlin, Germany, which was a surprise to the unsuspecting bride-to-be. The big date was set, 13th May, 2023, with Reach Court Farm setting the scene.
Read more about their day in the latest issue is available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!
TDR Bridal organised this photo shoot to highlight diversity within the wedding industry and to reflect on the wide range of customers that the boutique welcomes through its doors. The owner of TDR Bridal, Rebecca Baddeley, tells us: “I have known for some time that I wanted to do something, needed to do something, to address the elephant in the bridal world room. I remember around eight years ago questioning why there were no black models at a trade show. Things are improving, but the diversity shown in the aesthetic we offer to the world of engaged couples is seriously lacking, and, as uncomfortable as it may be, we, the collective bridal industry, need to reassess our reflection to brides. Don’t get me wrong, we are getting better, but there is still so much work to be done. On shoot day, the moment the first model came out of the changing area, I knew that this would be something special. It is my hope that people’s perception of what a bride should look like is challenged and may be changed, so that we can all, as a collective, ensure that diversity in all its forms is represented in the bridal industry.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Hair and make-up artist Stephanie Alexandra and photographer Hannah Betts worked together to create this stunning styled shoot. “We wanted to create an early autumn/late summer colour palette that works all year round,” says Hannah. “We wanted to come away from the classic style but showcase elegance, romance and effortless beauty through a simple yet somewhat extravagant look. Our vision for the flowers was to create a soft texture at differing heights. That softness was then the inspiration for the cake, the dress, the table décor and the overall look. We had a second look because we wanted to showcase how this colour palette could also work for a more sleek and elegant style. The soft, elegant, romantic, timeless and luxury elements were also incorporated into the signage, invites and chair tags. Butley Priory is a luxury venue and it’s clear why! It’s an old building, but there’s something soft and timeless about it. You will see from the photos how perfectly the cake blended in.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Fish 2 Photography is run by the talented Christina Davies. Based in Preston, she travels all over the North West, capturing stunning weddings. “I started taking photos when I was really young on my dad’s camera and it has always interested me,” shares Christina. “After studying at college and university, I decided to try and explore the TV world and ended up working at the BBC and a few other random jobs, but I missed taking photos. I decided in June 2008 to quit my job and start Fish 2 Photography and I’m so glad I did. I really love photographing weddings; no couple is the same and no wedding is the same and I enjoy capturing personalities and special moments. My style is quite relaxed and natural; I want to capture the day as it happens – every moment, every laugh, or even the tears. I really want couples to feel comfortable, even though having your photo taken isn’t an everyday thing for most people, so I try to make your couple photos as relaxed as possible, picking up on how you naturally interact with each other and reflecting that in the photos.”
Christina offers six different packages, covering everything from micro-two-hour weddings to full-day coverage. Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, Fish 2 Photography is offering our readers 10 percent off any packages when you email Christina at info@fish2.co.uk and mention the magazine. The offer ends on 15th April 2024.
See more offers in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Nicky and Dave met at Tabley Point To Point, “Neither of us were looking for love, just a couple of wins on the horses,” Nicky says. “Our friend introduced us later that evening playing Cilla, and surprise, surprise we went off on our first date a week later!” Having been married before, Dave swore he wouldn't tie the knot again, but during the course of his relationship with Nicky completely changed his outlook. So, Nicky had no idea what was on his mind when he decided to propose as they'd discussed their future many times, and although it would be committed, there would never be a wedding. “I was overcome with happiness and emotion when he snuck upstairs with our twins in tow and got down on one knee,” she remembers. The couple live just down the road from Arley Hall and both knew it would be the perfect setting for their special day. “It's country, it's grand, it's statement, it's so us,” Nicky says. So, they wasted no time in securing the date for 8th September, 2023.
Read more about their wedding in the latest issue available now. Read Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding magazine for free!
Nicola and Andrew originally met in college, but went their separate ways after graduation. The two became friends again in 2001 and by 2012 their relationship had blossomed into something much more. Andrew popped the question at the couple's home over a Bonfire Night weekend. Having tried on numerous occasions to find the right time on 5th November, it eventually happened after cooking dinner for the two of them on the 6th! Nicola and Andrew were drawn to Clevedon Hall by the offer of exclusive use of the Orangery, not to mention everything else about this stunning venue. “We also wanted a location with accommodation for ourselves and our guests allowing us to have a weekend celebration rather than just one day,” the bride explains. So, that decided, they secured their date: 7th October, 2023.
Read more about their day in the latest issue available now.
Read Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding magazine for free!
Marta Krukowska is the talent behind Gloucester-based Bohemian Bakery serving the Cotswolds and beyond. She creates modern and boho-inspired wedding and celebration cakes that not only look fantastic, but they taste delicious too. These include bespoke bakes, cupcakes, cookies and more. Download the latest issue now for FREE to take advantage of our exclusive offer!
Check out the variety of wedding packages on offer at Crowne Plaza Reading East including the Silver Package which provides a complimentary bridal suite on the night of the wedding, with breakfast in bed the following morning, and a menu tasting for the couple. The Gold Package offers all of the above plus dinner, bed, and breakfast for the couple on their first anniversary. The Platinum Package includes all of the above plus the wedding breakfast and evening reception room hire. Read all about this fabulous wedding venue in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Tucked away at the end of a private drive, in the heart of the Sussex countryside, surrounded by the greater Balcombe Estate, you'll find Balcombe Place. With views of the landscaped garden and the farreaching Downs, the house epitomises British country living. Available as an exclusive-use property, Balcombe Place is the perfect house for you to make your home, whether you're there for the day, or the weekend. It offers flexibility to use as you wish, allowing you to create the day you've always dreamed of. 01444 811 167 | www.balcombeplace.com
Find more about this venue, and other local venues oozing character, in the latest issue is available now. Read Your Sussex Wedding magazine for free!
Amber and Jack met through a mutual friend, and Amber straight away found herself attracted to Jack's sense of humour. We fast forward a few years and the couple, now parents, were in their garden for a gathering to celebrate their little girl's birthday, when Jack got down on one knee and popped the question. “We'd spoken about it for a long time, I'd even picked out a ring, but it was still a surprise,” Amber remembers. The pair decided to say their “I dos” at Morden Hall, so the hunt was then on for the perfect reception venue. They booked appointments to visit several but as soon as they walked into Kingswood Golf Club they knew it was the place for them. “It was a great size and the wedding coordinator, Liza, was amazing; she said she'd accommodate anything we asked for. So, we didn't look anywhere else in the end, as we knew we'd found the one,” Amber explains. The date was set for 22nd July, 2023.
We get the lowdown on W-day from the bride herself, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!
Paige chose a stunning fishtail gown from Abigails Collection, which she paired with a pair of Jimmy Choo heels. Her white bouquet was given a modern twist with a few sprays of pampas mixed in. The groomsmen all looked smart in bespoke navy suits whilst the bridesmaids' looked chic in champagned coloured full-length dresses. The happy couple became Mr and Mrs Barton on 26th August 2023 at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall. This stunning wedding appears in our March/April issue available now to read online for FREE
We've teamed up with Ribbon & Rose Event Styling to offer you an exclusive 10 per cent discount off a full décor package for weddings or events. Discover the offer in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
At YHDW HQ, we've fallen head over heels for this stunning shoot coordinated by wedding planner and consultant Ruth Mundy. Discover dream-worthy shoot in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
Edworth Manor is a working farm just one mile south of Biggleswade, which one family has run for more than 200 years, that offers the ideal setting for memorable wedding. The latest issue is available now. Read Your Herts & Beds Wedding magazine for free!
When it came to creating their perfect day, this couple wanted to include elements of fun to reflect them and their favourite things. They wanted people to leave feeling as though they knew a little bit more about them and their story. Discover the wedding in our February/March issue, available to download for free now.
How cool are these sequinned tablecloths from The Pretty Accessory Company? See more of their sparkling ideas on page 65 of the new issue available to download now for FREE and to shop, visit https://www.theprettyaccessory.co.uk
The team at Deephad Hair, Beauty and Fashion share the latest hair trends.
"Braids are one of the most common and popular hairstyles for brides-to-be. These look great on most hair types and can be styled in endlessly beautiful ways. They are perfect for spring, summer, fall, and winter weddings and are an extremely versatile, classy and stylish hairstyle that will add an element of sophistication, charm and romance to any wedding look.
"The best thing about braids is that they can be styled in a variety of ways while adding a wow factor to your look. You can transform your braids by adding curls, styling and securing them as desired, and adorning them with flowers, tiaras, or other glamorous accessories."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download
Hair stylist Ria Rosen shares how to get thicker hair for your big day.
"There are a diverse range of hair types, and for those with finer hair, achieving thickness and volume for your bridal look is entirely possible with the right approach. Let’s start with a little prep magic! Start by using a volumising shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair. Then blow-dry section by section with a round brush, lifting those roots for maximum volume. Incorporate products like heat protection and specialised products for fine hair to both protect your locks while styling and create a fuller look.
"When it comes to styling, my go-to is the fabulous Volumising Dry Texture Mist by Umberto Giannini. Trust me, it’s a game changer! Create further volume by backcombing and consider exploring the option of clip-in hair extensions for achieving thicker locks. Elevate an up do by using hair padding.
"Select textured and loose styles when choosing your bridal hair look, as they naturally accentuate volume."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
The Bromley Court Hotel
020 8461 8600 | https://bromleycourthotel.co.uk
The Bromley Court Hotel is a 200-year-old building which was once a manor house and then extended in the 1970s. The landscape gardens provide plenty of photo opportunities including: a ceremony gazebo, an original 1800s urn and beautiful walkway with steel arches decorated with seasonal flowers. Years of hospitality experience has gone into fine-tuning the hotel's bedrooms and event suites. Its wedding suites include features such as chandelier lighting, ornate fireplaces, large bay windows, floor-length drape curtains, stylish bars as well as some of the building's original features especially the grand main staircase perfect for photos.
Fine more local venues from the Kent area in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!
