Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Kirsty and Jack met when Jack’s band was playing at Kirsty’s local pub. “I’m not too sure what his first impression of me was, especially as I was quite sarcastic to him,” says Kirsty. “It was only a brief encounter, as my friend and I called it a night after her father was taken ill. It was only after speaking with the landlord of the pub and having a nose on social media that I managed to track Jack down! We spoke on social media and when we did meet, the attraction was there almost instantaneously. We got on really well and still do."
Jack popped the question in August 2022. “He’d been itching to get me to go to New Quay, West Wales, with him for a little while,” shares the bride. “He proposed on the harbour, overlooking the sea. New Quay was where we’d spent our first holiday together and we’d gone back a few years in a row up until we bought our first home together. It was definitely a surprise, even though I’d been dropping numerous hints! It was a perfect day; the sun had been shining and we’d spent the day on a boat trip to see the dolphins.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Stephanie and Stephen met at work in 2016. “I had recently moved home after living in Portugal for five years,” says Stephanie. “After some time working together, constant office banter and a lot of flirting, we went out on a date to the cinema. I was very set on what I wanted and within a few months we had brought our first home together. We got engaged in 2019 and were due to get married in April 2021, but the world had other plans. We welcomed our first child, Sienna, in June 2020 and had the pandemic to contend with, so it ended up not going ahead. In August 2023, we welcomed our second daughter, Pippa, and Stephen decided it was time to tie the knot, so in October 2023, we booked our last-minute wedding at The Ferry House.”
Stephen popped the question in New York on the viewing deck at the top of the Rockefeller Centre. “Going to New York was my biggest dream as a little girl,” shares the bride. “I had no idea that he was planning on proposing and wondered why he had packed a random pair of socks in his hand luggage. The socks had the ring hidden in them, as he didn’t want to put it in his hold luggage in case it got lost. On the day we arrived, the temperature was below freezing, but we still headed out to the viewing deck, and Stephen got down on one knee in front of hundreds of people. I was speechless and eventually managed to say yes. We spent the rest of the trip celebrating.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
For 2025, TJ Designer Group believes wedding venue styling is likely to be influenced by a blend of sustainability, personalisation, and modern aesthetics, with couples seeking both elegance and authenticity.
A key trend to watch for is: Maximalist aesthetics
Bold colours and patterns are in! Moving away from minimalist trends, expect a rise in vibrant, rich colour palettes. Deep jewel tones, fiery oranges, and vintage-inspired shades, paired with eclectic patterns in textiles, florals, and even lighting. Think ornate table settings, varied textiles, and mix-and-match seating arrangements that create depth and interest. Velvet, silk, and satin may be popular fabric choices.
Are you planning a summer wedding and searching for a picturesque Cornish venue? The Rosevine Hotel is a popular location among couples looking for a relaxed, coastal setting to tie the knot – and the hotel is offering the perfect package for couples to experience the venue. The Cornish Escape package includes a two-night bed and breakfast stay, plus a three-course dinner in the Seaview restaurant and a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. Read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Image courtesy of Thomas Frost Photography
Dreaming of warmer weather and a far-flung honeymoon destination? Win a romantic retreat to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort on page 98 of the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Stephanie Cawley from Stephanie Aexandra Bridal tells us what hair and make-up looks will be popular for weddings in 2025.
"For 2025 weddings, we will see brides favouring glowing, healthy skin with soft sculpting that enhances their natural features without looking overly contoured. Brows have taken on many forms over the last few years, but in 2025 brides will continue to choose full, groomed brows with a more natural shape.
"Blush is definitely back; applying it to the high points of the cheeks and sweeping toward the temples adds a romantic, soft-focus effect, perfect for creating a flushed bridal glow.
"Eyes are the focal point, but for 2025, we will see much softer shades like taupe and bronze as well as cooler tones. Brides will gravitate towards a diffused, smokey eye look that really celebrates ‘less is more’.
"While neutral tones remain popular for lips, we will see deeper shades like mauves, rosewoods and soft berries, enhancing the classic bridal look without overshadowing the make-up.
"Hair trends are leaning towards elegant up-dos, loose waves and textured half-up styles, often accented with delicate accessories. Sleek, low ponytails can also be seen in Vogue, providing a chic yet understated option for a fashion-forward bride."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
The team at Marc Darcy Menswear share their suit material and colour suggestions for a winter wedding.
"When selecting a suit for a winter wedding, you typically have two standout options: tweed or black tie, each offering a unique charm.
"For vintage-style weddings, a tweed suit is a fantastic choice. These suits often showcase rich, earthy tones such as deep tans, rustic browns and muted greens, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and cosy warmth that perfectly complements the season. The textured fabric adds a charming rusticity that resonates well with the atmosphere of a winter celebration.
"In contrast, the black-tie ensemble is the quintessential choice for modern urban weddings. Characterised by its simplicity and refined tailoring, this option exudes sophistication and class. A classic black tuxedo, paired with a crisp white shirt and a bow tie, creates a sharp and polished look ideal for contemporary settings and evening ceremonies.
"Both options provide a sophisticated aesthetic, marrying elegance with a touch of modern flair, ensuring that you look your best while celebrating your love in a winter wonderland."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Penarth Pier Pavilion is offering a 25 per cent discount on venue hire for weddings held between January and April 2025. Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth, Penarth Pier Pavilion is a romantic venue with spectacular sea views for you and your guests to enjoy. First opening in 1929, Penarth Pier Pavilion is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture, with a vaulted main gallery and several charming wedding spaces to choose from. Hosting a range of events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops.
The Pavilion is licensed for civil ceremonies, weddings and civil partnerships, seating between 10 and 110 loved ones. Everything can be organised for you, from the room layout and place settings to fabulous food, so that you and your guests can relax and enjoy the day.
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Beautiful in Curves, a bridal boutique in Ashford, Kent, offers a wide range of wedding dresses in sizes 18-34. With prices ranging from £800.00 to £1,600, the boutique stocks gowns from top designers such as Millie May Bridal, White Rose and White Studio London.
The team tells us: “We have many years of experience in the bridal industry and would like to think our collections represent today’s exciting fashion trends in wedding dresses. From the ever-popular boho gowns, mermaid dresses, romantic princess gowns, and everything in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The collections are also carefully chosen to offer the support and structure we know you are looking for.”
The team also stocks mother-of-the-bride/groom dresses in sizes 18 to 34, so the important people in your life can ensure they also look and feel amazing.
Exclusively for Your Kent Wedding, Beautiful in Curves is offering brides-to-be who purchase a full-priced dress a free veil worth up to £100. To claim this fabulous offer, simply mention the magazine when enquiring or purchasing your gown. Offer ends 31st July 2025.
See more offers in our Freebies and Offers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Are you dreaming of warmer days and a beach wedding this summer? Lusty Glaze Beach in Cornwall is now licensed for weddings and can hold legal, bespoke civil ceremonies on the beach. My Cornwall Wedding (Cornwall Registration Service) are happy to support Lusty Glaze Beach with their licence enabling them to break new wedding grounds. Read all about it in the latest issue available to download for FREE!
Happy New Year! If you're planning a visit to Oxford during 2025 then head to The Store, a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of this magical city. Read my review of it in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Organised by Julia and You Photography and Louise Perry Weddings, a classic and elegant venue was a must for this timeless styled shoot. Hatfield Place, the exquisite Georgian country house, was an obvious choice to fit the brief. The theme was inspired by the 'old school money' aesthetic. In today's society, when trends come and go, this shoot proved that understated luxury with a touch of nostalgia will never go out of fashion and provide picture perfect memories to last a lifetime.
The flowers were executed by Billericay florist | Little Tin Shed | award wining wedding florist Essex - The floral tones are so on trend - especially since Pantone has released their colour of the year - Mocha Mousse!
Cally and Paul met at work where Paul was working as a chef and Cally as a civilian contractor. “We worked together then parted ways as friends as we both moved away,” says Paul. “We were both from the Bury St Edmunds area and seven years later we contacted each other online and reconnected.”
Paul popped the question in 2023 while the couple were travelling from Central Canada to East Coast Vancouver. “We spent nights in different campsites along the way, visiting lakes, waterfalls and all the scenic views,” shares the groom. “For our last night, we decided to go back to Banff, which we fell in love with on our second night there. We set up a camera at the campsite overlooking the mountains and waved goodbye to Canada. We took a few pictures together from the tripod, and I told Cally I needed to change the angle on the camera, but I changed the setting to video and then ran back and got down on one knee and proposed on video in front of our favourite mountains. She had no idea!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Caitlin and Will were childhood sweethearts. “We’ve been together since we were 16,” says Caitlin. “It’s hard to remember what attracted us to each other at that age; maybe it was the fact that he was persistent in asking me out for a full year before I said yes. I was a bit of a geek and too focused on my exams to be bothered with a boyfriend at the time.”
Will popped the question at Wast Water in the Lake District in 2021. “The proposal for Will didn’t go to plan, as he’d always planned to propose in Edinburgh; however, the engagement ring for which he ordered special delivery to arrive the day before the trip turned up at his mam and dad’s house just as our train was arriving into Waverley Station,” shares the bride. “This meant that he resorted to Plan B. The day of the proposal, we were due to travel down to my sister’s to go to a Harry Potter Lights Experience. So on the day he had a future sister-in-law wanting to know if she could get the champagne ready and a future wife who didn’t want to get out of bed. We didn’t make it to the actual spot he wanted to propose, but he chose a beautiful spot nonetheless, overlooking the water and surrounding fells. Will got down on one knee, pulled out a ring and made a lovely little speech. As you can imagine, it was a big surprise, but the best one I’ve ever had.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
If you’ve booked your venue, then the next thing you’ll be thinking about is how to style it. With so many options available, this can seem like a daunting task, but the most important thing to remember is that any space can be transformed with even the simplest of details. To give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Gill from Ambience Venue Styling Cardiff how to style a bright and bold theme.
"As beautiful and popular as they are, not all weddings have to be classic sage green or blush pink. Why not opt for something a little different? Something that reflects you as a couple? A wedding full of colour can be a vibrant and joyful celebration, reflecting your personalities and tastes as a couple. To start, select a few main colours that will form the foundation of your design. We loved the teal, mustard and deep red combination that one of our brides recently chose and it worked so well. Choose flowers like peonies, dahlias or tulips (oh, and don’t forget the classic rose) in bright, fun colours. They look beautiful in your bridal arrangements, but for that added impact, use them in floral arches, backdrops or hanging installations; they can create a stunning focal point."
See more from our Venue Styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Adriana Herran tells us the latest hair and make-up trends for brides-to-be.
"As we look ahead to bridal beauty trends in 2025, we can expect to see a continuation of the natural-yet-modern aesthetic that has been popular in recent years. Brides are embracing dewy skin, minimalist eyeshadow, and neutral lipstick shades, but with a twist of modernity. I predict that in 2025, we will see brides playing with eyeliner techniques and daring to experiment with more captivating lipstick shades.
"Drawing inspiration from the latest runway shows in France, Italy, and the UK, we anticipate a focus on natural-looking skin with a pop of colour either in the eyes or lips. The trend of rosy cheeks and an overall healthy glow will continue to prevail, reflecting a fresh and radiant bridal beauty aesthetic.
"In terms of hair, modernity will be at its peak with sleek buns and intricate styles that complement a summer wedding look. These hairstyles will enhance the bride’s natural features and make-up, creating that coveted ‘it’ factor. Additionally, a touch of romanticism will be introduced through loose waves with centre parts, showcasing weightless, bouncy and healthy hair."
See more trend predictions in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
