Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Emma has been the owner of Maria Modes for nine years, which is a little different from most boutiques. A wedding department store, it offers not only bridal but bridesmaids, menswear and mother-of-the-bride/groom too. Located in Macclesfield, it's set over three spacious floors. “We aim for laid-back luxury as our mantra, bringing you the most gorgeous offering (if I do say so myself!) of fashion forward and traditional wedding dresses, and everything in between,” Emma says.
For more local bridal bouqtique inspiration and wisdom, download the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding at https://www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Charlie and Alice met on Hinge during lockdown and had their first date the day the pubs reopened. What a day that was! Charlie was attracted to Alice's sense of humour, smile and love of sport. Alice was attracted to Charlie's handsome smile and the fact he also happened to be a Chelsea FC fan. Post lockdown the pair moved to New York and worked and breathed city life there for 13 months. A Stateside wedding was out of the question, as the pair wanted to invite all of their nearest and dearest – which couldn't be attained the other side of the Atlantic. Alice Foster-Nagel married Charlie Nagel at Hedingham Castle on 7th September 2024.
How gorgeous are the real wedding couple Robyn and Qusai looking here on their special day at The Green Cornwall? Read their love story on page 33 of the new issue available to download now for FREE!
I love the latest treats available from Oxfordshire-based The Cake Shop. Please turn to page 13 of the latest issue available now to take advantage of our exclusive offer with them.
Sisters Asher and Ellis got engaged at a similar time, so Asher and fiancé Mike waited for Ellis and John to confirm their date first, allowing them to tie the knot within the following month or two. When away on a weekend away together as a group, the topic of a double wedding came up as a joke. “We were quite a few drinks deep at this point, so we can't remember who exactly suggested it,” Asher laughs. Fast forward a few months, when all three sisters and their other halves were on another weekend away in Mallorca, and the joke idea of a double wedding came up again. This time they all gave it some serious thought and a plan started to form. “We all agreed we'd like to do it and the planning began,” Asher shares.
Asher and Ellis have always been very close and share lots of friends, and of course, family members. Attending both weddings would have been practically identical for the guests! “It just made sense for us to join forces,” Asher explains, “have one big wedding instead of separate celebrations.” The four were excited about the prospect of getting married together and it worked for each for different reasons. “The boys were both keen to share the limelight, and the cost... let's face it, weddings are expensive!” Asher says. Indeed, both husbands-to be were involved in conversations about a double wedding from the start and were equally excited we're told. The idea of less pressure on the day certainly appealed. Not to mention, when taking a pragmatic and logical approach, as the gents did, when they looked at the joint guest list and the amazing wedding they could have by joining forces, it all made sense and fell into place. “The grooms also got off lightly when it came to the planning,” Asher says. “We had it under control and only consulted them once we had researched everything and wanted a final sign off!”
You can find the full story of the big day in the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
Ronan proposed to Gráinne outside the house where they first kissed in White Street, Brighton. The couple live in Ireland, but met in Brighton, which was where it all began for them back in 2011.
The pair refer to Brighton as 'their special place,' so it was here they wanted to marry. “The Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole is a classy venue on the seafront, where a lot of our memories together began,” Gráinne explains. So, with the venue chosen, the date was set for 6th September 2024.
Discover more about the couple's big day in the Feb/Mar25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download
Captured at Northover Manor Hotel in Illchester by Infinity Photography, this shoot gives us all the romantic vibes of a glorious winter wedding, complete with nature's seasonal palette of burgundy, oranges, browns and yellows. It was a theme that suited the Hotel's rustic, beamed function space and its 16th-century manor house to perfection.
The team took their inspiration from the venue's 400-year-old horse chestnut tree and gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the Somerset countryside. How could one fail to fall in love with the setting? The day came together with the assistance of some wonderfully talented local suppliers and we're delighted to present the results.
Don't miss the full shoot in the Feb/Mar25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding, free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download
Cynthia Green was born in Bolton and her illustrious 27-year-long career as a celebrant and registrar is peppered with firsts. She conducted the first same sex civil partnership ceremony in 2005 and made history by leading the UK's first opposite sex civil partnership at midnight in 2014. She has also conducted the first and only ever Scientology wedding. To date, Cynthia has married more than 20,000 couples.
Find out more: download the Jan/Feb25 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Award-winning Grade II listed mansion, Hylands House, is set in 574 acres of landscaped parkland. Here, you'll find the beautifully restored ceremony and reception rooms, plus the Grand Pavilion and outdoor wedding ceremony garden a few steps away. Stunning parkland and never-ending views of the Essex skyline are all around you. The grounds and formal gardens within Hylands Estate offer adream setting for your wedding photos. Take a stroll into the Pleasure Gardens filled with seasonal flowers, including our famous wisteria in the later spring months, or visit our outdoor ceremony garden for some woodland inspired photos amongst the changing colours of the grounds.
Take advantage of our exclusive offer with new bridal brand Three for a Girl! on page 13 of the latest issue available to download now for FREE and don't forget to sign up for one of their Dear Me monthly subscription boxes!
Awberry Farm is a new wedding venue in West Berkshire where rustic meets heritage. It's available to book from May 2025 onwards, perfect for summer weddings this year. Turn to page 59 of the new issue that's available to download now for FREE to read all about it.
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
