Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Looking to head to sunnier climes this year for the honeymoon of a lifetime? Read my review of the fabulous TRS Ibiza Hotel on page 92 of the latest issue available now to download for FREE – what a fashionable choice for a honeymoon!
Kate and Dan met at school. “Dan spent the next 10 plus years chasing after me,” says Kate. “We have been friends since secondary school but have been dating for the past eight years.”
Dan popped the question during a birthday trip to Iceland. “He booked a trip to see the Northern Lights in November 2022 and proposed to me on a beach at sunset in front of a lighthouse,” shares the bride. “It was a complete surprise and I only had the first idea something was up when he asked a group of girls to take a photograph of us both, as we never take photos together!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Sarah and Jack first crossed paths in 2017. “I began frequenting the rugby club where my best friend Amy worked,” says Sarah. “Jack played rugby at the time and I then started working at the club myself. It was love at first sight. Jack asked me on a date and then to be his girlfriend five days later. I loved everything about Jack, not just his amazing eyes and the fact he was tall but his nature. Jack is a protector and a provider and I found it so attractive.”
Jack popped the question in October 2022. “I had a feeling it was coming – little clues like people telling me I should get nude nails and not the nail art I would normally get,” shares the bride. “He had planned for us to go to Beadnell Coast in Northumberland with our dog Bubba, so I had assumed that is where he would do it. The day before, I had had a terrible day at work, so he suggested that we get some takeaway pizzas, take the dog for a walk and eat them out of the boot whilst watching the sunset. I was in a terrible mood and changed the plans 100 times. We eventually got out of the car and started to walk Bubba on the moors near our home. Before we had even gotten 10 meters, Jack got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Just me, him and Bubba.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Fall in love with this ethereal styled shoot at Candleston Woods that features a team of talented suppliers.
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Love It Again Bridal is a home-based bridal boutique in Maidstone, specialising in pre-loved wedding and occasion wear. “Very often when purchasing pre-loved, the bridal experience is often sidelined, but we believe that every bride is deserving of a bridal experience, no matter their budget, size or lifestyle choice,” says owner Eve Gardner. “We decided to base our shoot around the budget wedding theme, highlighting that you can still have a glamorous wedding without compromising on quality or style. Our venue of choice was our friends at The Friars, for whom we are recommended suppliers. It’s a truly stunning location, set in tranquil surroundings. With summer in mind, we opted for a blush pink and sage theme. Our model wore a simple, white, elegant gown by Whistles, which was paired with a pre-loved bridesmaid’s dress from a popular high street brand complemented with traditional bridal make-up by Emz Makeup Artist. The mother-of-the-bride wore a blush pink summer dress with a matching hat, shoes and bag, and we opted for simple white dresses for our flowergirls, one of which is from our collection; the other, plus the outfit our cheeky little page boy wore, were outfits they already owned.
“No bridal look is complete without blooms and Linsey at Stag Cottage Flowers created bouquets that reflected our colour palette with a feminine touch. Finishing the look were flower crowns for the flowergirls. Moving onto the reception, we were joined by the incredibly creative Mercedes at 4YaParty Weddings & Events. Matching our concept perfectly, her styling oozed elegance and her love letters created an intimate ambience. Completing the look was stationery by Natalie at NK Calligraphy. Each place name was skilfully handwritten and the floral detailing on the menu cards perfectly matched the flowers in the bouquet.
“No wedding reception would be complete without a wedding cake and the talented Julie at Julie Walker Luxury Cakes provided just that. Her beautifully crafted cake brought an excellent contrast to our blush tones, with a modern but rustic twist.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourkent.wedding/free-download
Teresa Ottmann from Simply Rustic believes the rustic trend is going nowhere for 2025. She says, "It blends in with natural, outdoorsy weddings perfectly - and has the eco-friendly characteristics couples are all here for. Instead of pairing with lace, people are going bolder! Think geometric shapes - such as our hexagonal arch, and even the addition of disco balls!"
This winter, cosy up in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside at the luxuriously relaxing Horwood House for some much-needed pampering. Guests can enjoy Horwood House's H Spa with its indoor pool, steam and sauna. Download the latest issue for FREE to read all about it.
Are you dreaming of sunnier days and a summer wedding where you and your guests can enjoy glamping facilities? Lydcott Glamping located in Widegates, Cornwall has recently entered the wedding market, offering intimate weddings that are bespoke to each couple. The outdoorsy, rustic-inspired venue boasts stunning surroundings with far-flung views stretching across the fields and out to sea. Read all about it in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!
Originally established in 2015 as Pheasant Catering, Holland Hospitality is relaunching the brand, bringing fresh opportunities and innovative catering solutions to East Anglia. “At Holland Hospitality, we believe that every event deserves exceptional food and service,” says the team. “Driven by a passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to outstanding service, we have built a reputation for creating memorable moments. Our journey began with a vision to elevate event catering, and we’ve since expanded our offerings to include a diverse range of services, from weddings and corporate events to private dining and bar hire.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional, personal service. Our experienced team ensures that every detail is managed seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy your event without worry. From our catering event manager overseeing the day to our skilled chefs and attentive waiting team, we are here to bring your vision to life. Additionally, our wedding coordinator service ensures your special day is executed flawlessly.
“At Holland Hospitality, we prioritise quality, creativity and personalisation. We source fresh, local ingredients and focus on innovative dishes that reflect seasonal flavours and your preferences. Our friendly staff are trained to provide exceptional service, making sure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
“As we embark on this new journey as Holland Hospitality, we look forward to connecting with venues and clients who share our passion for outstanding hospitality. We invite you to join us in creating unforgettable moments filled with great food, laughter and joy.”
Head over to our Catering feature in the current issue to meet more local caterers. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Make-up artist, Felicity from Ashby Artistry shares her wedding trend predictions for 2025.
"Radiance and glowing skin are taking centre stage right now, and I can tell you confidently that this won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. It’s become a huge trend because it’s achieving the feeling that nearly every single one of us dreams of having on our wedding day. That sense of pure contentment, glee and that ethereal sparkle.
"The beginning of this trend was born with the glass skin created by make-up artist Pat McGrath for the Maison Margiela Paris Fashion Week. But it has snowballed into so much more. It is now so relatable and easy for all of us to play and experiment with. It opened the conversation that it’s good to have fun with your appearance!
"Trends are, by nature, fleeting; what’s celebrated today could feel overdone tomorrow. Radiant skin and glowing shoulders currently add a dreamy touch to your wedding look, but there’s something even more powerful: a look that highlights you in all your individuality, quirks and unique beauty. So, instead of building your wedding look around the trend of the year, why not create a look that feels quintessentially you?"
See more of the latest trends in our Looking Your Best feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
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
