Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
N2 Sweet Lab, based in Maidstone, Kent, has a passion for chocolate, cakes and desserts. The company offers a range of delicious treats that would make wonderful favours or thank you gifts. The owners, Ned and Nina, tell us: “During the pandemic we had a lot of free time and decided to dedicate it to chocolate. It started out as making desserts, cakes and of course, our favourite chocolates. Slowly we gained popularity, and interest grew, and so did the orders. As demand continued to grow, we decided it was time that our love for chocolate took a physical form outside of our home. In September, N2 Sweet Lab opened its doors and invited all chocolate lovers, be it big or small, to join us in our passion of enjoying bonbons, bespoke cakes and treats suited for celebrations and even the smallest occasions. Our love for chocolate inspired us to create something that would bring others joy and let us be a part of every special moment that marks their life."
Meet more local companies in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Rebecca Burt is a jewellery designer based out of her studio in Canton, Cardiff, where she creates textural organic jewellery from silver, gold and gemstones. Working on one-off pieces, small stock collections, commissions and remodels, her jewellery aesthetic features carefully selected gemstones with playful colour gradients.
“My pieces are all influenced by having a directional quality that captures movement and a sense of flow, using mark-making and building up silver grains to create wearable pieces of jewellery,” says Rebecca. “Everything is made and crafted by my hands, allowing for no two pieces to be exactly the same, giving each piece its own individual personality!”
Meet more local suppliers in our Handmade in South Wales feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Katy and James met through work and quickly became friends. “We got in touch again a few years later and that initial friendship meant we just felt comfortable together, but it was still so exciting,” says Katy. “I just remember on the first date non-stop smiling and being big kids together at the funfair.”
James proposed on a beach in Hastings, in the same spot where the couple met for their first date. “He had put together a treasure hunt, which led us to discover the ‘treasure’ aka the engagement ring and he popped the question,” shares the bride. “The whole day had been so thoughtfully planned out – it was such a surprise that he had kept very well hidden.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Lucy and Robin met in August 2020. “It sounds cheesy, but we both just knew,” says Lucy. “We were inseparable from the start.”
Robin popped the question while the couple were exploring the island of La Digue in the Seychelles. “It was a dream destination and somewhere we had both been wanting to visit for a long time,” shares the bride. “We did some island hopping, and unbeknownst to me, Robin had a plan to propose at sunset on the beautiful Anse Source d’Argent Beach on the little island of La Digue. His plan was scuppered by a tropical storm that night, unfortunately, so we had an early sunrise trip back to the beach the next morning. We had the beach to ourselves and we were exploring the amazing scenery when he asked me to marry him on one knee in a little cove surrounded by boulders. I was taken by total surprise and we were both in tears.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Sammi is the owner of the award-winning mobile hair extension business Rose Elle Hair Extensions based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Read her top tips for having hair extensions in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Congratulations to The Tartan Fox by Adam Handling which has been added to the Michelin Guide. It's on my list to visit! Turn to page 49 of the new issue available to download now for FREE to read all about it!
Alice and Stuart became Mr and Mrs Tyler on 1st August 2024 at Houchins. Ally looked beautiful, she describes her look, "I wore a Stella York dress. I never thought I’d pick that style of dress but then when I tried it on I knew straight away that it was my dress. I wore a veil which was so long which made me feel like a princess!" See more of this wedding at: An Essex Wedding - January/February 2025 (Issue 120)
Carly from Bridal Boutique at Chilham tells us the latest fashion trends.
"Bridal fashion continues to evolve, with 2025 embracing trends that balance timeless elegance with fresh, modern details. Designers that are popular at the moment include Milla Nova, Love Story London, Paloma Blanca and Eva Lendel, who blend classic sophistication with contemporary flair perfectly. Brides are gravitating towards dresses with luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring and romantic designs that feel both fashion-forward and classically beautiful.
"Among the standout trends we are being asked for a lot is a return to simple, elegant styles. Clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and subtle details are redefining bridalwear, proving that less is often more. Crepe and satin gowns with sleek cuts and modest necklines are particularly sought after, offering an understated yet breathtaking aesthetic that lets the bride shine.
"Subtle embellishments are adding just the right touch of glamour to these pared-back designs. Bows, buttons, and pearls are dominating bridal collections, creating delicate accents that feel luxe. Oversized bows, either on the back of the dress or as detachable accessories, are perfect for brides looking to make a dramatic statement. Covered buttons, running elegantly down the back of gowns or on long sleeves, are a nod to vintage charm. Pearls, meanwhile, are appearing in unexpected ways, from scattered embellishments on veils to intricate beading on bodices, adding a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the simplicity.
"This combination of modern minimalism and thoughtful detailing ensures that today’s brides have a wide variety of options to suit every personal style while staying on-trend."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Jayne Nevins from Camille Accessories shares her trend predictions for 2025.
"As an accessories designer, I follow the trends with a passion because my work serves to complement wedding gown styles. My predictions for 2025 are:
"Individuality and bespoke designs. Unique pieces that add a personal touch to a wedding and emphasise the bride’s individuality.
"Layered pearl necklaces that will work perfectly with the new corseted basque waist ballgown style dresses that we’ve already seen on many runways.
"Oversized earrings are still en vogue and can make a statement on their own without the need for any other accessories.
"Pearls galore! They’re still everywhere, on veils, bags and shoes. Pearls of every size and description, from the larger baroque pearls to the traditional classic string of pearls, remain as the accessory must-have for brides-to-be."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Hannah from Coco & Pearl tells us her wedding dress trend predictions for 2025.
"The mix-and-match approach offers a level of customisation that appeals to modern brides. It’s a trend that allows more flexibility in tailoring the top and bottom to the bride’s unique shape. Why not opt for a separate top for the ceremony and a chic, easier-to-move- in option for the reception, so you can dance the night away?
"The return of the princess-inspired ballgown is a beautiful twist on traditional bridal fashion. Layered skirts will allow brides to embrace drama, volume, and a sense of fairytale magic, all while adding a modern flair."
Head over to our Bridal Boutiques feature in the current issue to see more trend predictions. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Charlotte Mills creates bridal shoes that are handcrafted with love and designed so you can not only treasure them forever but also wear them again and again. The company offers a range of block heel wedding shoes, in standard and wide-fit, and even has multiple heel height options to choose from.
Every pair of Charlotte Mills’ handcrafted shoes bears delicately embossed words on the luxurious leather soles, which have fast become the Manchester-based brand’s signature mark.
Charlotte tells us more: “With each purchase, a glittering silver sixpence will become your something old; the shoes are, of course, your something new; the luxury envelope we include is your something borrowed; and, finally, the exquisite blue detailing of our shoes’ in-sock will become your something blue.
“Wielding an innate desire to create shoes that endlessly delight and inspire (not to mention steal brides’ hearts across the globe), I have been applauded throughout the industry for my scrupulous attention to detail, my inherent ability to infuse my designs with a playful spirit and sense of romance and, most importantly, my designs’ tried and tested comfortable fit. Each and every style is carefully crafted utilising the very finest of materials and the most celebrated of skills. The aforementioned signature details are hand-finished, adding that final flourishing touch to a special shoe for an equally special day.”
In 2023, Charlotte launched The Aisle Edit. Housed at the company’s Manchester headquarters in a converted church. The Aisle Edit is the UK’s only bridal department store working with only female-founded brands.
See more of the latest trends in our Handmade in the North West feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Check out the latest news from Mill End Hotel and more on page nine of the latest issue available to download now for FREE! This delicious afternoon tea served at the luxurious Devon country house property is a must-book to celebrate Valentine's Day.
I was so lucky to be invited to The Store, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Oxfordshire. The spa here is outstanding and it's the ideal place for a pre-wedding pamper, first-night stay or a mini-moon. Read all about it in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
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)
Chelsea and Scott met at work and would regularly talk over coffee as friends. “When we realised that there was much more to our relationship and that we had so much in common, we decided to try dating,” says Chelsea. “Our love of rum, holidays and reality TV has brought us closer than I ever imagined possible. Almost three years later, we’re living together and are now married.”
Scott popped the question on a Friday night whilst watching Gogglebox on Channel 4. “It was a nice surprise and special enough for us,” shares the bride. “I immediately messaged photos of the ring to all of my friends and family before we enjoyed the rest of the evening together.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Ellie and Ricky met in 2012 at Broad Haven Beach in Haverfordwest. “He was a popular boy who I thought was attractive, but nothing ever happened as he was too old for me at the time,” says Ellie. “Fast forward to 2014, when he took me to a fancy party dressed up as a bobsleigher and we’ve been together ever since.”
Ricky popped the question in 2022. “It was a complete surprise,” shares the bride. “We were visiting Musselwick Beach when he asked me to be his wife.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Boutique Cambridgeshire wedding venue, Swynford Manor, has been named the UK’s most romantic location to tie the knot by the Nation’s Wedding Awards. With more than 250 finalists across 28 different categories, Swynford Manor was announced as the most ‘Romantic Wedding Venue of the Year’ at the awards ceremony.
Sian Parry, the venue manager at Swynford Manor, said: “The Swynford Manor team works incredibly hard to deliver one-of-a-kind weddings to all of our couples on a weekly basis. We are ecstatic to be recognised for our dedication and commitment – not only by the English Wedding Awards but also by The Nation’s Wedding Awards – and this achievement is a real testament to all our hard work.”
Originally built in the 1800s, Swynford Manor is an elegant exclusive- use wedding venue with a striking monochrome interior, plush furnishings and views across the Cambridgeshire countryside. A delightfully elegant and enticing space, Swynford Manor is fast becoming a popular and versatile wedding venue, licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies with up to 150 day and 220 evening guests.
See more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Boutique wedding venue, Broadoaks Country House has been recognised as one of the top locations for couples to say ‘I do’ in Cumbria after being nominated at the County Brides North West Wedding Awards.
A Victorian manor house originally built in 1836, Broadoaks Country House is steeped in history and boasts a romantic charm that enables couples to enjoy the wedding of their dreams while overlooking the picturesque Lake District hills. Situated in five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, Broadoaks Country House offers five different areas for civil ceremonies, ranging from an intimate orangery through to an outdoor setting with views across Troutbeck and the surrounding valleys.
Sian Parry, the venue manager at Broadoaks Country House, tells us: “The Broadoaks Country House team works incredibly hard to ensure each and every wedding exceeds the expectations of our couples, whether hosting a small, intimate celebration or a larger party. We are delighted that our beautiful venue and the dedication of our team have been recognised by the prestigious County Brides North West Wedding Awards, and we feel this certainly affirms our position as one of Cumbria’s locations of choice to tie the knot. We now wish all other finalists the best of luck and look forward to celebrating at the awards ceremony next spring.”
Read more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Alice and Stuart became Mr and Mrs Tyler on 1st August 2024 at Houchins. Their florist, https://veritymarston.co.uk was absolutely amazing. She decorated archways in the aisle with flowers and made hanging displays for the tables outside. See more of this wedding at: An Essex Wedding - January/February 2025 (Issue 120)
Canonteign Falls near Exeter in Devon is mome to one of England's highest waterfalls, Canonteign Falls is a magnificent example of a Victorian folly set in 90 acres of ancient woodland and estate land on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon. The waterfalls themselves descend over 70 metres through ferns and woods. At the base of the falls, the woodland gives way to meadows and lakes, making this one of the most spectacular venues in Devon. Read all about it in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!