Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Chelsea and James met back in 2013 at the pub. James played for the local football team and Chelsea had gone along with her mum who played for the darts team. “I'd noticed James, and could appreciate that he was a good looking boy, but as he'd just finished playing football he was sweaty, still in his kit and had flip flops on,” Chelsea says. “It definitely wasn't love at first sight!” It was Chelsea's mum's friend who commented they'd look good together and asked for her phone number to give to James. Happily, once they started talking, they realised how similar they were and found plenty in common. “We have the same sense of humour, same values and are equally as sarcastic as each other,” Chelsea shares. They started dating around six months later and the rest is history... well, almost!
James proposed on Westminster Bridge in 2022. Chelsea had taken him to London as a surprise for his birthday, so James in turn decided to surprise her by popping the question. Chelsea admits though that she had been expecting it. They'd been together nearly eight years by this point, so she'd been hoping and praying it would happen soon! “It was the world's fastest proposal,” Chelsea laughs. “He didn't even put the ring on, he put it in my coat pocket and was far too concerned about getting back up off of one knee before anyone saw him! It wasn't romantic in the slightest, but that's just James in a nutshell, anyone will tell you. It was perfect for me though. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.”
The couple were set be wed on 8th August 2024 at Christ Church Brampton Bierlow and set out to find a reception venue nearby. “Rotherham was the perfect location,” Chelsea says. She went to view Hellaby Hall Hotel on a showcase day and knew straight away it was the one. “I could just imagine me, James and all our family and friends there,” she continues. “I loved its rustic charm and everyone was so nice and helpful, plus the grounds are beautiful. I was sold!”
Find the bride's account of the big day in the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
"My first memory of George is him drunkenly giving me a fireman's lift during freshers week at university,” Alice says. The two lived in the same halls accommodation and were part of the same friendship group. It wasn't until they moved into a shared house of 10 people for their second year that they grew closer. The two shared the same taste in music, which led to George offering Alice his spare concert ticket to see The Killers. Despite trying to convince their families that they were just friends, George asked her out a few weeks later.
George popped the question on their first night on holiday in Spain. He found a private spot complete with stunning views that he knew from previous family holidays growing up. “I was caught completely off guard, as we'd been so busy that I was hoping for an uneventful bit of rest and relaxation!” Alice remembers. Needless to say though, once she'd said “yes” she was both excitable and emotional for the rest of the week. “I wouldn't have changed it for the world,” she says.
The couple began their venue search locally and Southend Barns immediately became a top contender. “When we were welcomed to the venue the first thing we noticed was the wonderful attitude of the wedding coordinators who showed us around,” Alice remembers. “They were genuinely interested in our story, and you could tell that they really cared about making our day special.” A stunning, sophisticated barn venue, the duo also found themselves attracted by the fact that it didn't require too much additional decor.
The chefs were open to the idea of a fully vegan, bespoke menu, which was important to the couple. “They even seemed excited by the challenge,” Alice recalls. “They were also exceptionally considerate of the environment. Big celebrations can often be very wasteful, which is something we wanted to avoid.”
Alice shares her memories of this super-special day in the Feb/Mar25 issue. Download it now at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Beckie and Michael met while working together at The Sidcot Arms, Winscombe. Michael was head chef and Beckie worked front of house. They both lived in the hotel and Michael would knock on Beckie's door to wake her up for 6am shifts and gave her cuddles in the kitchen to warm her up on cold winter mornings. Soon, they fell in love.
Michael proposed in 2021 after receiving an ultimatum from Beckie: propose by the end of the year or else, even though she didn't really have an 'or else' planned! He was cutting it fine waiting until November, but what a romantic time of year. The couple planned a trip to Germany for Michael's birthday, visiting Beckie's brother and nephew while they were there and taking in the amazing Christmas markets. “I was sure he was going to propose while we were there, but he says he couldn't find the right moment,” Beckie shares. So, the day they came home, he took her to their favourite restaurant, Miller & Carter, and eventually popped the question there very quietly so as not to cause embarrassment!
The couple chose to tie the knot at St Andrews Church, Cheddar, where Beckie was Christened. The “I dos” were followed by celebrations at Draycott Memorial Hall in order to keep costs down and really put their own stamp on the blank canvas it offered.
The date was set for 21st September 2024. Find out more in the Feb/Mar25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding. Download it now for free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Take the hard work out of sourcing your wedding entertainment. Alice from entertainment booking service Entertainment Nation says, “How you want your day to feel is the most n nailing your wedding entertainment. ne atmosphere with elegant musical backdrops, a string quartet, singing guitarist or instrumentalist would be ideal to keep the drinks and chatter flowing. However, if something quiet and understated isn't your vibe and you want everyone dancing and singing like no one's watching, a pop, indie or rock band is a no-brainer. Perhaps a funky soul and disco band would go down a treat with you soul music lovers! Want to make your wedding unforgettable? Alternative entertainment like singing waiters and DJ live bands, known for getting the whole crowd involved, are stand-out options for a memorable wedding celebration that's personal to you. For top advice, recommendations and a really friendly expert team, contact us at Entertainment Nation and we'll help make your wedding dream a reality!” Find out more at www.entertainment-nation.co.uk
For more entertainment ideas, download the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
A crisp white, spring wedding at Braxted Park Estate was the perfect choice for Lois and Kieran Handford. Lois chose a gown called 'Josie', designed by Maggie Sottero. It was an ivory satin fit and flare dress with a sweetheart neckline with off the shoulder sleeves and buttons positioned down the train. This real wedding is featured in full at: An Essex Wedding - January/February 2025 (Issue 120)
I love the latest refurbishment and additions at the exclusive-use barn Upton Barn wedding venue in Devon. Turn to page 15 of the latest issue available to download now for FREE to read all about it.
This is a great wedding gift for the groom! Marlow Watch Company and Ardnamurchan Whisky Distillery have collaborated on this whisky and watch launch. Read all about it on page nine of the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Emily and Charlie met in 2013 when they both attended the same school in Derbyshire. They've been together ever since and, says Emily, “Charlie has always been the funniest person in the room. He's also extremely kind and caring.” It was all of these traits that attracted her to him.
Charlie proposed on their ninth anniversary, while the couple were walking their Labrador, Dennis, at Curbar Edge in the Peak District. When they arrived at the top on this chilly but beautiful sunny day, with no one else around, Charlie popped the question.
Although the couple went to look at several venues they kept coming back to the idea of hosting their big day on Charlie's family farm in East Yorkshire. “It meant we could have a blank canvas to work with and we'd be able to make the day exactly how we wanted it,” Emily explains. “It's a special place for Charlie and me. He's grown up on the farm and I've been welcome there since being with him. We both adore going up there and helping out whenever possible. The views are unrivalled.”
So, with the date set for 13th July 2024, planning got underway. To find out more, download the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Michelham Priory is a seven-acre historical estate with medieval gate house, Tudor house and Elizabethan wedding barn, all surrounded by the UK's longest moat. It's a tranquil island in the heart of rural East Sussex with delightful grounds for you and your guests to enjoy.
Find out more about this local lovely and other characterful hotspots in the Feb/Mar25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding.
Download it now at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
The Barn at Berkeley is a charming family-owned wedding venue, renowned for its restaurant-standard food and stunning rural location. This quintessentially Cotswolds destination is a popular choice for exclusive hire and the team behind this hidden gem have recently released additional availability for 2026 and 2027.
Find out more at www.thebarnatberkeley.co.uk
Catch up on the latest from around the county with our Nearlywed News pages. Download the Feb/Mar25 issue free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
The Queen at Chester has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment with upgrades to 104 bedrooms and public spaces including its glorious wedding spaces. So, photographer Jaine Briscoe-Price and team wasted no time in putting together this lovely local shoot, to showcase the venue in all its shiny of the building with classic patterned wooden floors, panelled new glory!
Inside the magnificent brick and stucco Italianate building, located opposite Chester's railway station, and said to be the first skyscraper of it's time, you'll find a sleek and homely new look. The design was carefully conceived to honour the heritage and history walls and plush fabrics, complete with a fresh, modern finish.
Set on a working farm in North Tawton near Exeter, Ashridge Great Barn is an authentic rustic barn with beautiful Arts and Crafts semi-formal gardens - the best mix of old and old! The venue is delighted to have joined the Sustainable Wedding Alliance and the farm has gained an RSPB Fair to Nature certification. Read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
I was lucky enough to be invited to Cliveden, part of the Iconic Luxury Hotels group and nestled in beautiful National Trust grounds. Read all about it on page 27 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
When people ask us what to book first our answer is always: the venue. Without having your venue secured, you won't have a date and without a date you won't be able to book the rest of your suppliers. Hit the internet as soon as you're ready to start planning and check out all of the incredible locations in this glorious county. From historical to quirky and everything in between, Yorkshire has it all. Pop over to the Find a Service section over at www.youryorkshire.wedding as well as the venue section, both great places to start.
For more top planning tips, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Couples are set to begin marching down the aisle at one of Sussex's most iconic heritage attractions as Newhaven Fort unveils a new range of wedding packages for 2025.
Find out more on our Nearlywed News pages of the Feb/Mar issue, where you can also catch up on other news from around the county.
Download Your Sussex Wedding now, free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Kate met The Honourable Hilary Wise, or Hils as he's known to her, through mutual friends. “He has a good sense of humour, and genuinely cares for people,” she tells us. When he proposed to her at home in 2023, it was a complete surprise. They followed her “yes” with a celebratory trip to London where lots of surprises had been arranged for her including dinner at the chef's table at Gordon Ramsey's Lucky Cat and a theatre trip to see Dirty Dancing.
The couple were attracted to Dunkertons' relaxed and warm, informal atmosphere, so they booked it for 22nd November 2024 to celebrate their big day.
To find out more, download the Feb/Mar25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos and Wilts Wedding, free at https://www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Alice and Tom met in the pub on Christmas Eve 2013. Alice was trying to break up a fight between mutual friends at the time, and Tom swept in to pull her away. “He'll say it as my bright orange hair that attracted him, while I love the fact that he just wasn't fazed by the drama unfolding around him and fully focused on me,” Alice remembers. “I also thought he had great fashion sense, although his choice of socks really had me questioning that on our wedding day!”
Tom proposed on Christmas Eve 2020, exactly seven years after they met. Alice had had a busy morning at home, baking for the family, when Tom came home from work with a Christmas Eve box containing all of her favourite treats. At the bottom she found a photo from that night they met in the pub. “It wasn't until then I realised he was on one knee,” Alice remembers.
Little did they know at this point that Alice was already expecting twins. So, their wedding planning had to be put on hold for a while. After a tough pregnancy, a premature birth and a long hospital stay, their original plan of a Vegas wedding was off the cards.
Happily, now recovered and with two bouncing babies, Meols Hall was the first and only venue the couple visited. “I came across it while researching online and initially, the brickwork and layout ticked so many of our boxes, so we knew we had to go and see it,” Alice explains. From the moment they drove into the grounds they both knew they’d be booking their wedding that day! “We had complete goose bumps at how beautiful it was,” Alice continues.
Find out more about the big day - download the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding HERE.
This editorial shoot took place at Baddow Park. The brief was to create a long weekend wedding for those couples wanting the keep the party flowing from Friday night to Sunday lunch! A venue like Baddow Park really feels like your own country pad for the weekend! And what's best you can have so many outfit changes! Who needs one bridal gown when you can have three?
See more images from tis shoot at: An Essex Wedding - January/February 2025 (Issue 120)
Pangbourne-based Queen Bee Bridal was recently awarded Best Bridal Retailer at The Wedding Industry Awards. Read more on page 85 in the new issue available to download now for FREE!
Lynsey Beardsmore from Torbay-based Dandelions & Pearls was recently awarded the prestigious title of Bridal Seamstress/Tailor of the Year at the recent South West regional finals of The Wedding Industry Awards. Read more on page 59 of the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
