Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Hair stylist Ria Rosen shares how to get thicker hair for your big day.
"There are a diverse range of hair types, and for those with finer hair, achieving thickness and volume for your bridal look is entirely possible with the right approach. Let’s start with a little prep magic! Start by using a volumising shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair. Then blow-dry section by section with a round brush, lifting those roots for maximum volume. Incorporate products like heat protection and specialised products for fine hair to both protect your locks while styling and create a fuller look.
"When it comes to styling, my go-to is the fabulous Volumising Dry Texture Mist by Umberto Giannini. Trust me, it’s a game changer! Create further volume by backcombing and consider exploring the option of clip-in hair extensions for achieving thicker locks. Elevate an up do by using hair padding.
"Select textured and loose styles when choosing your bridal hair look, as they naturally accentuate volume."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
The Bromley Court Hotel
020 8461 8600 | https://bromleycourthotel.co.uk
The Bromley Court Hotel is a 200-year-old building which was once a manor house and then extended in the 1970s. The landscape gardens provide plenty of photo opportunities including: a ceremony gazebo, an original 1800s urn and beautiful walkway with steel arches decorated with seasonal flowers. Years of hospitality experience has gone into fine-tuning the hotel's bedrooms and event suites. Its wedding suites include features such as chandelier lighting, ornate fireplaces, large bay windows, floor-length drape curtains, stylish bars as well as some of the building's original features especially the grand main staircase perfect for photos.
Fine more local venues from the Kent area in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!
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 help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Emma Wall from Emex Events for her 2024 trend predictions.
"Thinking about the space as a whole can really help create maximum impact. We're seeing brides and grooms opting for varied-height centrepieces rather than matching ones to draw the eye around the room and create interest at different height levels, creating that real wow factor.
"Statement florals, whether these are floral gateways or statement urns, are going to be big and wild in 2024. Couples are bringing the outdoors in and creating the wow factor with installations that reflect the way in which flowers grow."
See more trend predictions in our venue styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.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 help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Victoria Ewing and Caroline Gould from VC Event Curation for their 2024 trend predictions.
"Colour is in. Bright, bold and beautiful! We have loved designing with bright hues and we’re going to be seeing this more and more in 2024. Couples are embracing technicolour in a big way; expect to see broad colour palettes explored in flowers, tableware and attire.
"Couples are embracing retro. 70s-inspired styling has been filtering into our TV shows, interior design and fashion for the last year and weddings are no different. In 2024, we expect to see this continue."
To meet more trend predictions, head over to our venue styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Andrew Slinn from Phenomenal Fireworks tells us how to choose a fireworks display provider for your wedding.
"Planning a fireworks display can add a dazzling touch to your special day. To ensure a memorable and safe experience, here are our top tips for couples seeking the perfect wedding fireworks:
"Start early: Begin your search for a fireworks display supplier well in advance. Quality providers may get booked quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Aim to secure your supplier at least six months before your wedding date, where possible.
"Check reputation and reviews: Research potential suppliers thoroughly. Look for reviews, testimonials, and feedback from previous clients. A reputable supplier should have a history of delivering exceptional displays and reliable service. They should also reply promptly to messages and emails during working hours.
"Insurance and permits: Confirm that the supplier is fully insured and holds the necessary permits and training for your wedding venue. Compliance with local regulations ensures a safe and legal display."
See more tips in our Planning SOS feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
The Castle Westhanger
01303 261 068 | www.westenhangercastle.co.uk
The Castle Westenhanger is situated just outside the historic market town of Hythe. The scheduled ancient monument is surrounded by 14 acres of magnificent countryside, where couples can find countless photo opportunities. This fortified, quadrangular manor house, dating back to 1343, is a hidden gem and has been sympathetically restored in recent years; beautiful sash windows symmetrically line the front of the manor house and ancient ruins surround the venue.
The venue’s interior is quirky and full of character, with surprises to be found at every turn: flagstone flooring, exposed brick walls, beautiful wooden beams − all tell the story of this historic venue. There’s also a unique and romantic dovecote with 400 nesting boxes, glowing candles, and twinkling lights cascading from the ceiling. The quirky room is perfect for intimate wedding photos and holds a special place in the hearts of many couples who have tied the knot at The Castle Westenhanger.
Find out about more local venues in the Kent area in the latest issue is available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!
Lindsay and Dave both swiped right on Tinder and went on a first date. “I loved that Dave had two dogs, lots of hobbies and is a good prosecco drinker too,” Lindsay says. Dave proposed at the top of Peel Tower in 2021. His last name is Peel and one of their favourite dog walking routes passes right by it, so it was all meant to be! “It had been snowing, so it was very romantic. When we got to the top of the tower, Dave put little bandanas on the dogs who came running over so I could then see the message on them: Will you marry my dad? Of course I said, 'Yes.'” Lindsay tells us. As the couple started their planning during the pandemic, their venue viewings were all virtual. Lindsay knew people who'd been to Inglewood Manor and had told her how beautiful it was, so she was keen to look into it as a host for their big day. They loved the ideal of getting married outside before moving inside for a wedding breakfast in the opulent Edwardian room. What's more, they were allowed to have their beloved fur babies with them for some post-ceremony pics, which meant a lot to the couple.
Read more about their day in the latest issue available now. Read Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding magazine for free!
WATERSIDE COUNTRY BARN
01823 461 817 | www.watersidecountrybarn.com
A hidden gem surrounded by fields with panoramic views of the stunning countryside, this is a charming and romantic barn venue. The grounds feature on-site glamping accommodation across four units sleeping up to 10, each with its own firepit. The site itself is surrounded by the River Tone, with a beautiful lake at its heart and abundant wildlife. The setting offers a gorgeous backdrop for those all-important photos and there's even a row boat, giant tree swing and old red tractor for some fun shots.
Read more about this venue the latest issue available now. Read Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding magazine for free!
Oozing history thanks to its impressive Gothic architecture, The Guildhall in Chichester was chosen for this stunning styled shoot as the perfect contrast to the project's romantic, elegant vibe. With only around 15 weddings held there each year, the venue has an exclusive air and can be tailored to each couple's requirements making their big day the personal celebration of their dreams. In keeping with this notion the gowns, veils, floral decorations and floral hair accessories were created especially for the day.
See more from this shoot in the latest issue available now. Read Your Sussex Wedding magazine for free!
When Sherene was looking to have her bathroom redone Horace was recommended to her by a friend. She called him to arrange a time to give her a quote and ended up chatting on the phone for 20 minutes. When he turned up on her doorstep, eyes lit up on both sides but they didn't get together for a further two years, even though Sherene kept asking him back to do more work! “The proposal was so unromantic but very Horace,” Sherene tells us. On 1st January 2021, he told her he'd ask her to marry him that year at some point. Key moments such as Valentine's Day and birthdays came and went with nothing so, when Christmas and then New Year arrived, she thought surely this was it... it had been 12 years after all. Midnight arrived and nothing, and by 2am she gave up waiting resigning herself to the fact it wasn't happening. By the time everyone left and she'd gone upstairs, Sherene had started to get quite cross – “Why haven't you asked me to marry you? Am I not good enough to be your wife?” she asked. To which Horace responded by saying he had ordered the ring but it hadn't arrived in time. So, he picked up their daughter's Barbie ring and told her he would use that in the meantime. “That was even worse than not being asked,” Sherene says. But he whispered to her, “Turn around.” And as she did so saw the real ring on the table. “It had been there all along, but I was so wound up I hadn't noticed. I did make him get down on one knee and ask me properly though,” Sherene remembers. When it came to choosing a venue, Sherene had only one place in mind. “I'd seen Wotton House when I was 19 and knew then it was where I wanted to get married,” she explains. She took Horace to see it and they both loved how it looked and felt, particularly the grandeur of the old library. They didn't need to look anywhere else as they knew this was it. Join us as the bride shares her precious memories of the big day, 27th August 2023, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!
Elena Bocharnikova at Elen Studio Photography and Film decided to organise a seasonal-themed shoot with a difference to highlight the time of year beautifully. What better location that Stapleford Park Hotel, which is an ideal wedding venue year-round? Discover the shoot in our February/March issue, available to download for free now.
The Woody's Fired Pizza team love making great tasting artisan pizzas that show their love for simple, high quality ingredients. Discover the company in our February/March issue, available to download for free now.
Calling grooms-to-be, check out this suit inspired by Pantone's Colour of The Year, Peach Fuzz. Discover dream-worthy attire in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
Calling grooms-to-be, check out this suit inspired by Pantone's Colour of The Year, Peach Fuzz. Discover dream-worthy attire in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
Don't stop dancing to music on the dancefloor! Check out the DJs and other wedding services offered by music and entertainment company Everyone's Kind of Music, https://www.everyoneskindofmusic.co.uk. Download the latest issue now for FREE to see more fun ideas!
I was offered a very warm welcome when I visited The Retreat at Elcot and The Signet Spa in Berkshire. Turn to page 27 of the issue available to download now for FREE to read all about it. To book, visit https://www.retreatelcotpark.com
The Easter, iconic wellbeing brand Rituals Cosmetics has launched with a unique and luxurious twist to the traditional Easter festivities with their limited-edition Easter eggs. Whether you're savouring a Sunday roast or enjoying an Easter brunch with friends and relatives, surprise your host or loved ones with a token of gratitude that goes beyond the ordinary. Easter signifies a team of renewal and fresh beginnings, and both, The Ritual of Sakura and The Ritual of Karma Easter eggs, align perfectly with this spirit.
The Ritual of Karma is enriched with white tea and lotus flower, designed to help you radiate positivity, serving a reminder to live with good karma and practice kindness. The Ritual of Sakura is inspired by the springtime Japanese Hanami practice of viewing cherry blossoms, reminding us that we should make the most of every moment. Each egg is more than a gift; it's an invitation to experience something new, a small symbol of spring that embodies the essence of the season. These gifts offer a novel and enjoyable twist on the annual Easter egg hunt, creating lasting memories and moments of Joy.
Do pop into Rituals, Bond Street, Chelmsford if you want to pick up an Easter treat!
Padstow Gin, which is made from the finest local Cornish barley grown in the fields above the Camel Estuary and distilled with wild coastal alexanders foraged from the cliff tops will be my choice of tipple this Easter weekend! Read all about it in the new issue available to download now for FREE and to shop, visit www.padstowspirits.co.uk
Julianne and Shaun met on a dating website. “After talking for a week or two, we arranged our first date,” says Julianne. “We played bowling and had dinner, and Shaun still mocks my poor bowling performance to this day!”
Shaun proposed in front of Edinburgh Castle on their fourth anniversary. “Edinburgh is a city we visit often as a couple, as we find it so magical,” shares the bride. “We ate tapas at a restaurant and Shaun asked if we could walk to the castle to take some pictures, as we had never been there at night. He told me to take a photo of the front door of the castle and little did I know, he was down on one knee behind me. I still have the picture now.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download
Verity and Ed met for coffee and instantly hit off. “I thought Ed was very handsome with a lovely, warm personality,” says Verity. “In the first month or so, we were only able to meet up on weekdays as Ed was working night shifts. When Ed had a day off in the week, he would make and bring lunch to my workplace.”
Ed proposed in November 2023 on Whitesands Bay in Gower. “The sun was going down and he was determined that we went to the beach,” shares the bride. “He made me climb over barbed wire fences and stride over long dunes, but when we got there, it was beautiful, with three miles of deserted beach at low tide. With the last light of the day, he got down on one knee and proposed.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
