Editor loves and inspiration

Llandenny-based wedding venue, Cefn Tilla Court has two exciting pieces of news. Firstly, The Lord Raglan room has recently undergone a refurbishment. Previously the Drawing Room and later the Library of Lord Raglan, the space has been transformed to create a modern yet classic style that oozes charm and comfort. Guests will be impressed by the stunning views across the landscaped gardens from the bay window seating area, there's also elegant roll-top baths and stylish hand-carved wooden bed frames with matching bedside tables.

The property has also launched a new package that's ideal for micro-weddings. Offering a luxurious and stylish backdrop for your big day, the package includes the service, ceremony, wedding breakfast and accommodation for groups of up to 30. Couples will have exclusive use of the property and can extend their stay to create weekend-long celebrations.

Check out www.cefntilla.com for more information or call 01291 672 595 to arrange a visit.

See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

I'm in love with these blush-pink flowers at Gemma and David's wedding that match their romantic theme perfectly! Discover more about the couple's wedding in our January/February issue which you can download for free here: www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download

Image by www.victorialillyweddingphotography.co.uk

David and Melissa first met during their teen years at an under 18s nightclub and began speaking over MSN. Over time they became best friends and the following year a couple – the rest is history!

When it came to the proposal, David had a huge surprise waiting for Melissa. She says, “I had arranged a surprise night away for his birthday glamping in a cabin in the countryside. David had found out by mistake and without me knowing, drove two hours the day before to decorate the cabin ready to propose as soon as we arrived the next day – of course I said yes!”

Read all about the couples wedding in our February/March issue which you can download for free here: www.yourhertsbeds.wedding/free-download

Image by www.rafeabrook.co.uk

From the stunning designer gowns, idyllic setting and beautiful bridal hair and make-up – what's not to love about this shoot that's bursting full of inspiration for a classic and timeless wedding look?

Turn to page 51 in the February/March issue which you can download for free at www.youreastmidlands.wedding/free-download

Suppliers involved in this shoot

Venue, www.theboardroom.studio | Photographer, www.instagram.com/phil_lynam | Dresses, www.shadebridal.co.uk | Accessories, www.shadebridal.co.uk, www.instagram.com/love2sparkleuk | Hair, www.rocknrollerhair.co.uk | Make-up, www.blondellebeauty.co.uk Flowers, www.boutiqueflowersofnottingham.co.uk | Model, www.instagram.com/_edithknighton_x

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to go shopping again! It just isn't the same ordering items online. As soon as restrictions lift from this third national lockdown, I'll be heading to my favourite high street store, Next. The recently opened Beauty and Home branch in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, is a must-visit for brides and their bridal party!
https://www.next.co.uk

Read more news in our latest issue available to download for FREE!

With the most romantic day of the year just around the corner, those of you planning to marry soon should definitely add some night shots to the top of your wish list!

Expert wedding photographer Kate Southall from Copper and Blossom Photography captured this stunning shot. Download our latest issue now for FREE to read more!

I adore black and white photography and also retro-inspired cars so this shot captured by talented wedding photographer Mike Lister really made me smile. It's featured in the Best of Devon and Cornwall special in our latest issue, available to download now for FREE!

To see more of Mike's work and to book him for your wedding, visit https://mikelisterphotography.co.uk

Hen dos don't have to be all L plates and fairy wings. We round up the regions' best options in our February/March issue, including crafty activities with Hunter Gatherings.

You can read Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding for free here.

This dress gives the ultimate swoosh! See the full styled shoot at Dulwich College shot by Jessy Papasavva Photography in our January/February issue.

You can read Your London Wedding for free here!

This cake is absolute perfection – almost too good to eat! See the full styled shoot at Sneaton Castle shot by Paylor Photography in our January/February issue.

You can read Your Yorkshire Wedding for free here.

I adore this colour palette – it reminds me of my own wedding! See the full styled shoot at Tuffon Hall Vineyard shot by Beth Dowdell Photography in our January/February issue.

You can read An Essex Wedding for free here!

“In hindsight, we wouldn't have had our day any other way and made sure it still stayed true to us as a couple,” cover bride Hannah tells us all about planning her wedding day during the pandemic. Find out more from page 22 of the current issue, free to download now at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Image courtesy of www.kevinbrownphotography.co.uk

Known locally as the 'jewel in the forest' this historic venue creates magical memories from the moment you arrive. Your guests are sure to be impressed as they make their way down the long driveway, lined with Canadian redwood and copper beech trees, to catch their first glimpse of the impressive 19th-century Tudor and Gothic country mansion with its redbrick chimneys and leaded windows.
Set in the heart of the New Forest National Park within 40 acres of private grounds, including two ornamental ponds and a maze, there's a wealth of fabulous photo opportunities. You can host your whole day here and take your pick of a choice of rooms and spaces suitable for weddings large or small. The Keepers Room, with its ornamental fireplace and large bay windows, is ideal for relaxed intimate weddings while Hurst Castle is the venue's largest private wedding space. The fully, self-contained modern suite has its own entrance and facilities as well as an outdoor terrace overlooking the topiary orchard and can host up to 100 loved ones for the ceremony, 120 for the wedding breakfast and an extra 30 for the evening do.
For a truly lavish affair, the Grand Hall provides a wow-factor setting that's hard to beat. A replica of London's Westminster Hall with intricate carvings, oak panelling and striking windows, it provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception.

We love... the magical Forest Garden, complete with Doric temple where you can tie the knot joined by up to 130 seated guests.
Check out 01590 622 922 | www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rhinefield-house

Read more on Hotels in the Hampshire and Dorset areas in issue 82 which is available to download for free now! 

Outdoor weddings are set to be huge this year! 
Enjoy a taste of the good life at Jimmy's Farm with bags of rustic charm, panoramic countryside views, free-roaming peacocks and more.
A wonderful mix of contemporary yet natural spaces with an abundance of wildlife throughout the grounds, it's an idyllic setting for you and your guests to reconnect with the great outdoors. Take a stroll in the ancient woodland and admire the views, you can even treat your loved ones to an exclusive out-of-hours tour of the wildlife park; great for original fun photos. What's more there's the added bonus of five-star luxury glamping, so you can retire at the end of the evening under the magical Suffolk night sky.
The Celebration Tent is sure to wow with its festoon lighting, reclaimed tables and benches; great for a bespoke ceremony with up to 200 guests. After tying the knot, during the official signing of the register in the magical hand-built Eco Cobb Roundhouse, your guests can enjoy drinks and canapés in the Herb Garden and Orchard. Afterwards, eat drink and celebrate being married in the 18th-century converted barn restaurant complete with exposed beams, a handmade wooden bar and chill-out area. Alternatively, for a more festival-style vibe you can party the night away in the Celebration Tent. With a strong farm-to-fork ethos, you can look forward to good food and drink joined by up to 120 loved ones for a sit-down meal or 200 for relaxed dining.
We love… that experienced supplier Natalie Solanke Weddings is on hand to help plan your dream day.

Check out www.jimmysfarm.com/weddings
Image credit: http://gosling.digitiv.site/

Read more on venues based in Ipswich in our Oct/Nov issue which is available as a free download now! 

Claire and Samuel met while studying music at Cardiff University.

“We bonded over our mutual love of musical theatre and folk music,” says Samuel. “I accompanied Claire to a lunchtime concert series, and we became good friends. We quickly fell for each other without even realising it.”

Samuel popped the question on New Year's Eve in front of Claire's family. “We looked at rings together earlier in December, but Claire didn't know when the proposal would be,” shares the groom. “It was also a surprise for the rest of our friends and family.”

Photographer's credit: www.livingwitnessweddings.com

To read more about their wedding, check out the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Frank. This very handsome chap had an important role to play at Jemma and Joe's nuptials. Find out more on page 39 of the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download now at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download.

Images courtesy of www.dominikamiechowska.co.uk

Wedding day dog specialist Jacqueline Smith from Quintessential Wedding Day Dogs reveals how you can incorporate your beloved dog into your big day.

"Firstly, you're not alone in your wish to include your cherished dog at your wedding. It's fast becoming a popular trend and consequently, more venues are now pet friendly.

"As a wedding day dog specialist, I have helped many couples include their beloved pet at their wedding. My daughter actually started my business idea off when she asked me to handle her pooch, Spencer, on her big day. Depending on where you're getting married, you can arrange for your dog to be your ring bearer. Some churches will allow this but not all. This is where I suggest you hire the services of a chaperone. It will take all the stress out of the day if you have someone dedicated to looking after your furry friend.

"Alternatively, you could have them there for wedding photographs. With the help of a chaperone, none of your guests will spend the day worrying about looking after them.

"Many couples love to see their pooch arrive all groomed and wearing a flower collar or a silk bow tie with a matching harness and lead.

"I would say three hours is probably the maximum amount of time for your dog to be with your wedding party. Once dinner is served, your chaperone can depart with your pup to your chosen carer so you can enjoy the rest of your night knowing they're taken care of."

To find out more about Quintessential Wedding Day Dogs, visit www.quintessentialweddingdaydogs.co.uk

Read more top tips in our December/January issue - available to download for free now.

Local photographer Michael A. Sewell from Weddings by Michael reveals questions you should ask before booking your photographer.

"I'm assuming you've found a professional with a specific style that you like. From this point, you need to ask questions that can't readily be answered by looking on their website.

"Are they able to create the images you've fallen in love with if the weather is less than ideal? Not all venues are suitable for indoor portraits, so your photographer must be confident in any given location, with the tools and creative drive to make the best of it.

"Do you receive images in web resolution, full resolution or both? Full resolution images are needed for printing, and you need to check you have permission to have the images printed. Print shops are increasingly asking for proof of ownership or the right to print images. Web resolution means you can upload to social media channels without having to resize.

"Your supplier must know which group images are required, as it can get quite hectic on the day, and members of the congregation have a habit of disappearing to the bar. It's worthwhile asking the best man to assist in rounding up family members for group shots. That way, your photographer can concentrate on the photography, rather than trying to herd people and it cuts down the required time quite considerably, allowing everyone to enjoy the day."

Photographer's credit: www.weddingsbymichael.co.uk

Read more top tips in our December/January issue - available to download for free now.

Local photographer Eray Kaya from E.K Photography tells us what you should take into consideration before booking your photographer.

"It's always really important that you get a great vibe from your photographer and love their work before committing to them. Any opening questions you ask a photographer should be met with a warm welcome and a clear indication, such as what's included within your package and what you'll pay in terms of deposit.

"You should talk to your supplier about their style and the type of shots you want for your wedding. They should also have public liability insurance, so if you're not sure, then ask.

"Find out what they cover in the event of a cancellation or emergency. Your photographer should agree to re-schedule at no extra cost. Ask to see examples of their work if you feel you haven't seen enough. They should be more than happy to provide you with this.

"It's always good to try and get to know as much as possible about your chosen supplier. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed. They are, after all, capturing one of your most special days."

Photographer's credit: www.irockvisuals.com

Read more top tips in our December/January issue - available to download for free now.

Ellingham Hall is the perfect venue for a wedding, check out how stunning the reception space is with period windows, first-floor viewing platform and a showstopper fireplace – this space offers couples the complete package. Discover more about the venue in our January/February issue which you can download for free here: www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download

Check out www.ellingham-hall.co.uk

Image by www.carnpatrick.com