Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
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!
This image taken at Country Ways wedding venue on Little Knowle Farm in North Devon shows how amazing an autumnal theme can look. See more on page 17 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
Amy and Alex met at work. “I think looks were the initial attraction, and I loved how good Alex was with his son,” says Amy. “Alex proposed while we were skiing in Les Gets, France, in April 2022. We were at a friend’s charity event, and by pure coincidence, I actually won the raffle and had to go on the stage. As I looked around, Alex was coming towards me and getting down on one knee. This was really out of character, as Alex is really shy and doesn’t like attention. He had gotten the DJ to play my favourite song. It was so lovely to be there with most of his family watching. I then rang all my family and friends back in the UK in hysterical tears, showing off my beautiful ring!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Harriet and David met through mutual friends. “We lived in neighbouring villages and when a friend shared our numbers, we started texting,” says Harriet. “I had absolutely no interest in David to begin with, then he convinced me to go on a date with him, to which I reluctantly agreed. He made me laugh like no one has before and that was it! We’ve been inseparable ever since! We definitely believed we were each other’s other half and it’s still the same nine years later!”
David proposed in January 2022. “We bought our first home together in February 2021 and got our first dog, Otis, in October 2021,” shares the bride. “I decided I wanted to take Otis on his first ever beach day. Little did I know, my ring was sitting in David’s pocket the whole time! David found a little quiet area of the beach and got down on one knee! I always joke that he never listens, but he clearly does! I have mentioned through the years that if he ever was to propose that it would have to be a Clogau ring, as I’m Welsh and incredibly proud of it. I immediately said ‘yes’ and we started planning straight away!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Salon Nine, a hair and beauty salon based in Suffolk, has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024 at the illustrious Hair and Beauty Awards (The HBA). Founded in 2021, Salon Nine has quickly established itself as a premier destination for brides-to-be, offering hair and beauty services tailored to create unforgettable wedding day experiences.
Rebecca Clark, the owner of Salon Nine, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award: “Winning the Bridal Salon of the Year award is an incredible honour for our team at Salon Nine. We are passionate about making every bride feel beautiful and special on their wedding day, and this recognition is a testament to our dedication and hard work. We are immensely proud and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients.”
See more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Healthier choice prosecco and sparkling rosé brand ThinK Wine has announced that its retro VW Campervan can now be used for weddings. It’s available to hire with or without staff, serving up not just any prosecco but low-sugar, vegan, organic wines that taste amazing while retaining all of the percentage volume.
ThinK Wine founder Kath Jones tells us: “Until now, we’ve been using the van for festivals and at venues that want to make a ‘wow’ moment of their welcome drinks. But we’re ready to start hiring her out for weddings, engagement parties and hen dos in the North West, and we couldn’t be more excited. The van is so gorgeous. It makes the ideal backdrop for wedding photos, especially when dressed in flowers to match your colour scheme. It’s the perfect Instagrammable moment! Not only does our van look absolutely stunning in pictures, but you can, of course, serve up our delicious low-sugar prosecco and sparkling rosé to guests as an arrival drink at your venue. The benefits of serving ThinK Wine at your wedding include the fact that it’s fully vegan, organic and low-sugar, but with all the taste and the same 11% ABV. Plus, it’s low in sulphites too, which means less of a hangover for your guests the next day. There’s no minimum spend in terms of the wine, and we can add on dressing and décor to suit your vision if required. We can send our staff along, or if you’d prefer to use the staff at your chosen venue, that’s fine too. We want it to be flexible and accessible for everyone. And if, for some reason, the van doesn’t capture your heart, then you can just order our delicious wines in cans, bottles or minis instead. They’re perfect for hen dos, engagement parties, spa days and, of course, weddings too.”
Read more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
You can enter for the chance to win a one-night spa stay for two people, including a three-course dinner with wine, breakfast, a 50-minute spa treatment each and use of the leisure facilities. Discover the getaway in our September/October issue, available to download for free now.
The string quartet at Abigail and David's wedding was truly amazing! They performed from the guests' arrival until the end of the drinks reception, all while creating a magical atmosphere. Discover the company in our August/September issue, available to download for free now.