Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
One of our favourite things about this region is the scenery. It literally has it all. From the urban-chic, truly iconic backdrops of Bath, Bristol, Gloucester and Salisbury to the stunning countryside of all three glorious counties; not to mention the showstopping interiors of the gorgeous local venues. Best of all, it's there waiting for you, ready to provide some breathtaking settings for your wedding pics. Here, the region's wedding photographers showcase Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire at their finest for us.
This is one of my personal favourites by www.jwarrphotography.co.uk
To enjoy more of these glorious images, download the latest issue free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Diane Barker from Butterfly Road Floral Design (www.butterflyroad.co.uk) says: Autumn is the most glorious season: it's the sunset of the year and a beautiful time to get married. Timing your wedding with the turning of the leaves means you'll be reminded of the best day of your life with a spectacular month of colour every year of your happily ever after.
Autumn florals are abundant, colourful, warm and joyful. They can also be exquisitely soft, subtle and complex. Autumn colours can be reds and oranges, but can also be dusky pinks with berry shades – think blackberries and chocolate cosmos next to the softest petals of a perfect Menta rose. I find the best way to explore a colour palette is to pick a favourite leaf or flower and look carefully at all the tones and shades that are already there using nature as the artist. The soft, warm sunlight of autumn makes for the most stunning photography and the potential for a beautiful outdoor ceremony is strong.
The abundance of autumn lends itself to vibrant arrangements that are just a little wild and free. Imagine walking down an aisle of gorgeous meadow-style flowers to a seasonal floral installation as the beautiful backdrop to your ceremony. That floral backdrop will frame you and your love as you exchange your vows and your ever so exciting first kiss as a married couple.
September's hero flowers are dahlias; I adore their incredible shape, stunning colours and romantic scent. I also love lightly dancing cosmos, frothy hydrangeas in every colour and the prettiest foliage to bring it all together. Grasses in installations and meadow designs reflect the season and, if used outside, will filter the sunlight for the prettiest effect. Tiny pumpkins in soft white can highlight your autumn theme beautifully too.
For a dreamy autumn reception, bud vases of the prettiest blooms are always on my favourites list and pin frog designs of dainty flowers such as cosmos and nerines look amazing. Consider adding some candlelight for a gorgeous glow as your day turns into the most romantic evening. Reflecting your autumn theme in your wedding flowers sounds glorious; it's my favourite floral season with an abundance of wonderful flowers to suit every taste. Happy planning!
For more stellar advice on planning an autumn wedding, download the latest issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Julie and Steve met on a dating site, and over time, their relationship blossomed. In 2022, for their one-year anniversary, Steve got down on one knee and proposed, which was a big surprise for Julie.
"Steve and I tied the knot at St Peter's Church in Carlton Colville, Suffolk," says Julie. "We went to a wedding fair at the Wherry Hotel and just loved it for our reception. We wanted a summer wedding, so we chose to incorporate flip-flops for our guests and flower seeds with our names on them. We also gave our friends and family scratch cards and sweets."
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Amy and Daniel first laid eyes on each other in a nightclub in 2014. “My friend Louis introduced me to his cousin Daniel, and we got talking,” says Amy. “I soon found out that Daniel was the most down-to-earth and kindest person I have ever met. He always said that from the moment we met, he loved me. We literally spent every day together from then until now.”
Daniel proposed in 2017 outside of a restaurant. “It was a big surprise,” shares the bride. “I was told to get dressed up and that he was taking me out for dinner. He later told me after proposing that he was meant to do it in the restaurant but was too nervous! However, I thought him doing it outside was lovely and I would have been happy no matter what.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
We love flowers here at Your Kent Wedding, but with so many gorgeous blooms to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are lots of ways to incorporate flowers into your décor, such as bouquets, buttonholes, flower walls, table runners and pew ends, to name but a few. To help inspire you, we’ve asked Louise from Louise Roots Wedding & Event Florist to share her trend predictions for 2025.
"Meadow aisle flowers are probably our most requested design right now. These are perfect for creating a beautiful ceremony aisle, but they can easily be repurposed for the reception. They are great for placing at the front of the top table, below seating plans and at doorways and marquee entrances.
"Huge baskets filled with flowers and trees for the ceremony and reception and smaller baskets for the tables are popular. Bridesmaids’ baskets are making a comeback too. Loose and wild designs look great in baskets and are so pretty for a summer wedding.”
See the latest flower trends in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Ryan and Gareth from LetThemSeeCake reveal the things you should take into consideration before booking a cake maker for your wedding.
"With a long list of tasks to sort through before your big day, choosing a wedding cake should be one of the more enjoyable (and tasty) experiences of the whole process! You need a supplier with the experience to be professional and straightforward, and they need to give you confidence that they’re able to deliver a fabulous cake that will have your guests talking about it all day. How can you be sure that the cake maker you’re hiring is a true professional who will fulfil all their promises on the big day? Here are our top tips and essential questions to help you find a reliable and skilled wedding cake maker:
"Food hygiene rating and insurance: All top cake makers should have these as standard; the higher the rating, the better. Many wedding cake makers display their ratings on their websites or studio windows. However, if you’re unsure and want to confirm it yourself, you can always visit the Food Standards Agency’s website. While these hygiene ratings won’t reveal how tasty or visually stunning the cake will be, they are the best way to ensure your wedding cake is safe to eat. You can also ask if the cake maker has both product and public liability insurance; most will have one, but the top ones will have both!"
See more tips on planning your dream wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
The styled shoot in this issue was photographed at the contemporary Waterfront Restaurant Gogos. Be inspired on page 51 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
The Great Taste awards recently revealed Cornwall's best food and drink suppliers in 2024. Read all about it in the new issue available to download now for FREE!
MEET NATALIE WILLINGHAM
Natalie is a bridal make-up artist and hair stylist based in Leeds.
NATALIE'S SIGNATURE LOOK
“Barely there, natural beauty that enhances your features. It's fresh and it's pretty.”
NATALIE'S WORDS OF WISDOM
“It's essential that your skin and hair are in the best condition possible; this makes a huge difference to your artist as we're not needing to spend time and products correcting issues. For example, investing in a decent shampoo and conditioner may cost two or three times more than you'd normally spend but your hair won't be loaded with silicone deposits, and you'll likely be able to leave longer between washes.
“The skincare market is vast and there's a product range to suit every skin issue and budget. Consistency is key though once your correct routine has been identified.”
2025 TRENDS
“Bridgerton continues to influence bridal fashion with lots of romantic styling, lightweight fabrics, fitted bodices and florals. I anticipate make-up and hair to reflect this with skin fresh, pretty and modern with minimal coverage and sheer blush, plus pastel colours on the eyes, all finished with rosebud lips. “Hair will be softly curled and mostly unstructured meaning half up styles may be favoured as opposed to sleek updos.”
MUST-HAVES
“Oh, I can never just pick one product I can't live without! I'd have to say concealer and blush are my must-haves since they're both so versatile. Concealer can be used to cover spots, dark circles and more, or it can be used instead of a foundation. It can help to shape your face and add light to your features. Similarly, a great cream or gel blush can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyelids to create a beautiful monotone look.”
Meet more local bridal hair and make-up specialists in the current issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
The Hove Club is a beautiful 19th-century manor house located in the heart of Hove, mere mintues from the beach. The elegant Grade II listed property was built around 1897 and now makes for a dream wedding venue. “We wanted our shoot to show the stunning features of the building and the stunning garden,” says shoot coordinator Anne Youles from The Bridal Hair Company. It features a modern bride with an oh-so pretty colour palette of white, lilac and a hint of purple.
Check out the full shoot in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download now at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Elsie and Lily met at a mutual friend's birthday party. “At the time, Lily was uncertain of her sexuality,” Elsie explains, “But I knew the minute I saw her that I was going to fall in love with this girl! I chased her around the party, both young and nervous. She got her dad to pick her up immediately!” After frightening Lily off, the two spent several years being friends with Lily trying everything to avoid falling in love with Elsie. However, one lockdown later Lily finally bit the bullet and kissed Elsie one evening. From there, their relationship blossomed. “We're definitely the definition of opposites attract,” Elsie continues. “Lily is quiet and I'm wild and loud, but our two personalities just melt together perfectly. Where one falls, the other lifts us up. Although, we'll never agree on who's funnier!”
Elsie proposed on Valentine's Day 2023. It's a day tinged with sadness for her as it's the anniversary of her nanna's passing. However, knowing how much she would have loved Lily, she decided to pop the question on the day her nanna felt closest to her as she wanted her there in spirit when she asked Lily to marry her. So, she told Lily to meet her at their special place, where they went on their first date and now take their dogs for walks. On arrival, Lily was greeted by a trail of candles and lanterns hanging from the trees and found Elsie at the end of the path on one knee. Elsie read a short speech telling Lily what she means to her, along with a small ode to her nanna. Before she'd even managed to get the ring on, Lily hugged her and wouldn't let go! “She'd also forgotten to say 'yes' in the meantime,” Elsie laughs.
Sheppy's Cider Farm was the only venue the couple looked at and fell totally in love with it on their first visit. “We were greeted by the wonderful Megan who absolutely sold the venue and package to us. It was everything we wanted from a venue,” Elsie explains. “No question was too much, no request turned down. The staff were all friendly and full of knowledge on everything from the cheese to the cider. We truly felt like part of the family and still do months later. Sheppy's Cider Farm will forever hold a fond place in our hearts.”
Location decided, the date was set for 16th May 2024.
To find out more, download the latest issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding, free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Having graced our screens since 1960, during the 60-plus years Coronation Street has been running the soap has seen no fewer than 110 weddings, even though some of them barely made it past the “I dos!” Set in the fictional Salford suburb of Weatherfield, in our neighbouring historic county of Lancashire, even if you're not a fan, you could use it as your inspiration for celebrating the best of the North West.
Look for an iconic venue such as the Royal Liver Building to truly reflect your roots, and serve a wedding breakfast packed with fresh locally sourced produce. You could also source wine from a Cheshire-based vineyard such as Carden park. Offer guests a locally-themed favour from a nearby gin distillery or apiary, and be sure to head out into the city or countryside to capture the best of the region's backdrops with your photographer.
Classic Wedding Cars Cheshire’s (https://classicweddingcarscheshire.com) Triumph Vitesse appeared on Corrie as Daniel and Shinead’s wedding car.
For more silver and small screen transport ideas, download the latest issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Mr and Mrs Pearl tied the knot in style at That Amazing Place. The couple chose a flower wall with ‘The Pearls’ light up sign for a backdrop to their photobooth - and doesn't it look incredible!
The Bilsington Priory Estate, a historic gem nestled near Ashford, has announced the launch of its new website. In collaboration with Lemonade Design Co., the updated site features an enhanced user experience, highlighting the Priory’s rich history, a range of wedding packages and the Edwardian manor house with fabulous afternoon teas and events.
Libby Lawson, the owner of Bilsington Priory and Estate, tells us: “We are excited to unveil our new online presence. The new website reflects our commitment to providing an engaging and informative experience for recently engaged couples, our wonderful returning afternoon tea guests, and visitors to the numerous and exciting events we hold across the Estate. We invite everyone to explore the site and discover what makes Bilsington Priory a unique destination for a wedding or celebration.”
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Bridal Reloved Cardiff is Wales’ first eco-conscious bilingual bridal boutique, selling pre-owned and ex-sample designer wedding dresses.
Bronwen Barclay, from Bridal Reloved Cardiff, tells us: “I decided to start the business after recently getting married and seeing that no local bridal shops offered pre-loved or sustainable dresses alongside a personalised experience. So, I took a leap, leaving my job after nearly a decade of primary school teaching, to give brides-to-be in my hometown unforgettable ‘say yes to the dress’ experiences.”
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Photographer Simon Watson organised this styled shoot. “I met Kim, who owns Ormesby Manor,” says Simon. “I fell in love with the venue right away. It’s stunning and offers so much, so I knew I wanted to organise a styled shoot there.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Sarah Bainbridge from West View Photography organised this styled shoot with the help of talented, local suppliers. “I have loved the black-and- white wedding theme for a while, so I thought I would try it out for myself in a styled shoot,” says Sarah. “When speaking to The Bridal Lounge of Clitheroe, Lee offered a black dress, which I was so excited about, and it worked amazing with the theme. With Holmes Mill being one of my favourite venues, I was happy to be back working there with a different vibe. I love how the posed couple portraits turned out so well.”
See more from this styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
I've always dreamed of a dress that's unique and 100 per cent me. What are my options if I go down the bespoke route?
Sarah Ashton from Thimbelina of York (www.thimbelina.co.uk) says: The options are many and varied in choosing a bespoke dress that will be as individual as you are. Here at Thimbelina you're invited to a free and friendly consultation to determine your preferred choice of style. This will result in a sketch of the dress, together with a selection of fabric samples, any colour, any lace, tulle, sparkle, colourful inserts, or crystals or beading.
A choice of style from the traditional, elegant, classic, silhouette with no embellishments to a 30-layer crystal encrusted highly decorated design is possible, or any alternative, showcasing your personal style, taste, preferences and fit. We'll offer suggestions but ultimately it will always be based around your dream dress, and in choosing a made to-measure dress you'll know it will fit you perfectly and comfortably for your big day.
You'll see your style of dress when a toile (mock-up) is made to your measurements, using our personal pattern-making skills. Changes can be made at this stage, for example sleeves, neckline, back opening etc before the dress is cut out in the fabric.
There are many other opportunities too when choosing a bespoke dress. You can have an over-top of lace made, or bolero, even removable sleeves. Also matching mini versions for flowergirls or accessorise their dresses using some of the fabric from your bridal dress. A popular and wonderful preference just now, when it presents itself, is to use some of the fabric from a relative's clothing, giving that extra special family significance to your own wedding dress.
For more fashion advice and inspiration, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
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