EAT CAKE! Is a big-day bake for you? MAR/APR 2026 £3.55 The wonder OF WALES Step across the border with our venue roundup and local shoot A BOW On trend bow details WIN! A honeymoon in the Seychelles Let them CHESHIRE MERSEYSIDE & WEDDING TAKE
Your wedding, your way Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG 01244 570560 | weddings@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk Owned and operated by Nelson Hotels & Inns www.nelsonhotels.co.uk Madison Picture Golding Photography RF Media ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES FROM £6200 Celebrate your love at an award-winning hotel wedding venue, boasting elegant celebration spaces and picturesque grounds. Allow your cherished memories to last even longer at this premier venue, which offers 75 bedrooms, a luxury spa, two restaurants and event facilities seating 20 to 180 guests. Based on 50 day guests and 80 evening guests
Ah spring... it’s one of my favourite times of the year. We all emerge from winter hibernation to take in the fresh floral breeze and the new life nature has in store for us. And it’s that symbolism of new life that makes it such a special time of year to tie the knot, with couples starting out on their married journey together. Springtime is an ever-popular time of year to host a wedding and it’s easy to see why. For those of us who aren’t a fan of the summer heat but prefer more hours of sunshine, it’s perfect. Plus the styling opportunities are oh-so romantic with our favourite flowers coming into bloom your wedding venue can sing with freshness and the abundance of nature. We love a pretty pastel palette with an English country garden vibe for these months, bringing the best of the outdoors in! This issue though we take a wander through several seasons with our real weddings and lovely local shoot to show you what can be achieved whenever you decide to say “I do.” So, as ever enjoy and keeeep planning! Kelly Andrews, editor Spring has sprung Kelly x Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding is published six times a year. ISSN 2052-0522 DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding EDITORIAL Deputy Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | 01376 535 611 kelly.andrews@county.wedding ADVERTISING Account Manager Dannii Carr | 01376 535 610 dannii.carr@county.wedding On the cover This issue’s gorgeous cover was captured by Elle Brotherhood Photography (ellebrotherhood.com) at Hilltop Country House (yourhilltopwedding.com) in Macclesfield. Gifts for the girls Treat your bridesmaids with these latest launches. Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com @CountyWeddingMagazines @countyweddingmagazines @countyweddingmagazines Bridesmaid Parcel Gift, £42, cutelittlegifts.co.uk Kochi Blue Gold Silk Eye Mask, £35, theethicalsilkco.com Wedding Pin Badges, £10, oldhaus.co.uk Initial Charm Necklace, £10, hooples.co.uk Personalised Bridesmaid Notebook, £14.95, marthabrook.com Rose Quartz Fine Cord Necklace, £38, wanderlustlife.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 3
Regulars 3 EDITOR’S LETTER A warm welcome from Kelly 6 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the region 81 COMPETITION Win a honeymoon in the Seychelles In this issue... MARCH/APRIL 2026 Venues 10 SPOTLIGHT ON... NORTH WALES Tie the knot in a local hotspot A HONEYMOON IN THE SEYCHELLES Features 32 LET THEM EAT CAKE! If you’re not sure where to start with your big-day bake or indeed whether you even want one, read on for some food for thought 36 DEAREST GENTLE READER Style your day the Bridgerton way 38 FUR-EVER AFTER The joy (and reality) of pets at weddings 40 A SHOW OF SUPPORT There are plenty of ways your wedding can give back by supporting a charity close to your hearts 52 SUAVE & SOPHISTICATED Dress your bridal party in this season’s on trend colour palettes, from mothers to bridesmaids and groomsmen Win 81 10 32 27 arielinblue.com 4
Real weddings 14 CHIC AND UNIQUE Hannah and Adam styled their day in a modern, elegant black and white palette 20 HIGH HOPES Melissa and John celebrated their big day at Hope Street Hotel and styled it to complement the season – autumn Honeymoons 70 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 72 SLOW LOVE IN ZANZIBAR This elegant four-star, eco-committed, adults-only resort, Matemwe Attitude, blends understated luxury with Swahili culture, inviting guests to swap schedules for sea breezes and discover the island through its people, food and gentle pace 76 DREAMY MINIMOONS Fall in love all over again with the UK’s most romantic destinations 78 DREAM GETAWAYS Take our fun quiz to discover your perfect honeymoon destination Fashion & Beauty 42 TAKE A BOW Whether it’s an over-sized bow or a dainty detail, this fashion staple is here to stay 47 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal news, buys and launches 48 PERFECT PAIR Pick and mix these aisle-worthy bridal shoes and bags 49 STRIKE A POSE Couture-inspired silhouettes are gracing the bridal catwalk 64 BEAUTY BUZZ The latest launches and must-haves 66 HANDS UP! Products you’ll want to get your mits on 69 SLEEP WELL Sleep therapist Denise Iordache from JoySpace Therapy tells us how changing small habits can make the world of difference to ensuring a better night’s sleep 38 90 14 Grooms 57 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 58 ABOVE THE CLOUDS Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year, brings a soft, modern edge to the groom’s look 60 TIME TO WED How to pick a watch that balances style, sentiment and practicality 62 ADVENTURE AWAITS From adrenaline highs to laid-back laughs, we’ve created a feature packed with stag do ideas for every personality 52 unsplash.com@sebcomantravel rollandstop.co.uk CONTENTS 5
Twinkle in the twilight The Winter Twilight Package is now available to book at Delamere Manor, nestled in the heart of Cheshire. The Package features an arrival time of 4pm with your ceremony taking place at 5pm, followed by a wedding breakfast and shorter evening reception. Available exclusively during the months of November to January, the Winter Twilight Package offers a more affordable, yet romantic and atmospheric experience at this award-winning venue. It embraces the charm of the season with soft lighting, elegant styling, and a warm, intimate ambience. From fireside drinks receptions to beautifully crafted late-afternoon ceremonies, this option provides a cosy alternative to traditional daytime weddings. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the venue’s star-lit courtyard, where a retractable roof and built-in lighting create the effect of a night sky. Find out more at delameremanor.co.uk Where it’s at! A new study by Shuffly (shuffly. com/en) has identified the best entertainment bars across the UK, based on customer reviews and ratings. Two of Roxy Ball Room’s Liverpool locations made the top 10 – both the Cavern Quarter and Hanover Street venues. Some of the options here include shuffleboard, AR darts and classic ten-pin bowling or mini golf. Micky Verhaeg, CEO and founder of Shuffly, says of the findings, “These results clearly show that British customers are seeking immersive, themed experiences when they go out. The outstanding performance of competitive socialising venues, alongside theme and game bars demonstrates the public’s appetite for entertainment that goes beyond just drinks.” To see what all the fuss is about, why not head down to a Liverpool Roxy Ball Room for your hen or stag celebration? Find out more at roxyleisure.co.uk BACK TO BASICS Want to learn what’s going on with your skin? Lush’s complimentary, Skintroduction workshop is perfectly pitched for newbies to the world of skincare, particularly those who may be experiencing changes to their complexion. Forget hard selling and harsh actives; Lush’s skincare experts are here to offer gentle advice, gentle ingredients and a big dollop of fun. Skintroduction is a 45-minute service created to allow guests to better understand their skin, its functions, and to feel more confident when making informed decisions about choosing skincare. The experience includes getting hands-on, learning how to apply products and taking away samples to practise with at home. To book a space, pop into or email your local store at 38-46 Church Street, Liverpool or 12 Foregate Street, Chester. NEWS Nearlywed Catch up on the latest from around the region mattpate.co.uk unsplash.com@ourwhiskyfoundation 6
Shaken and shared Palé Hall has introduced a series of curated experiences designed to showcase the best of its North Wales setting, as well as its kitchen and modern, luxury hospitality. Step behind the bar for a fun, interactive cocktail experience starting at 3pm on 11th April in the new Whisky Lounge. Learn the techniques behind the hotel’s signature cocktails and enjoy each creation alongside chef-curated snacks, making this a playful, immersive afternoon that blends technique, flavour and social enjoyment at £80 per person. Find out more at palehall.co.uk THE FACIAL BEHIND THE GLOW One of the UK’s most in-demand facialists, Alderley Edge-based William Foley, has recently been transforming the skin of radio presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson. Gemma turned to Foley seeking support for redness, skin pigmentation and overall skin vitality. “Gemma wanted natural results that didn’t alter her expression or compromise her skin barrier,” he says. “Dermalux LED phototherapy allows me to work at a cellular depth while honouring the integrity of her skin. For someone like Gemma, who lives a very wellness-led lifestyle, LED phototherapy becomes a regenerative ritual; strengthening, brightening and supporting skin without any downtime or disruption.” Foley is championing a new direction in aesthetics; one where the focus shifts from forcing change to supporting the skin’s innate intelligence. The Dermalux approach supports natural collagen induction without the inflammation often associated with traditional resurfacing or injectables. Find out more at dermaluxled.com and william-foley.com DATE FOR THE DIARY Visit the Carden Park Wedding Show on 26th April, 11am-3pm, to discover everything you’ll need for your big day and soak up that wedding prep energy. Whether you’re just beginning your wedding planning journey or putting the finishing touches on your big day, this must-attend event is packed with wedding inspiration, expert advice and exclusive offers. With a specially selected range of 40 amazing suppliers under one roof, don’t miss the many exclusive offers available for attendees. Save on key wedding services, helping to turn your dream wedding into a reality. Plus, experience a dazzling catwalk show showcasing a range of stunning wedding outfits. From classic elegance to modern trends. Entry is free with the opportunity to upgrade to VIP for £5 per person. Book your tickets at eventbrite.co.uk/e/carden-parkwedding-show-tickets-1970357386985 unsplash.com@kaboompics LATEST NEWS 7
There is something magical about Rookery Hall. At the head of a sweeping driveway, this impressive Georgian manor house creates the perfect backdrop for elegant weddings and celebrations. Its picture-postcard gardens and expansive lawns, overlooking miles of stunning countryside, make Rookery Hall the perfect wedding venue in Cheshire. Where Romance Meets Timeless Elegance With stylish banqueting suites, romantic architecture, and breathtaking views, Rookery Hall provides an unforgettable setting for your dream country house wedding – whatever the season. LUXURY WEDDING VENUE IN CHESHIRE Main Road, Worleston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DQ 01270 610016 | handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall ROOKERY HALL HOTEL & SPA NANTWICH, CHESHIRE Capture My Big Day Photography
Experience the dream Cheshire wedding escape in the county’s glorious countryside Located at the end of a sweeping drive, Rookery Hall Hotel is the home of elegant weddings. This impressive Georgian manor house sits among picture-perfect gardens and expansive lawns, overlooking mile upon mile of the stunning Cheshire countryside. The heart and soul of the estate, Rookery Hall’s glorious grounds, provide a haven of tranquillity blessed with large terraces and lush lawns set against the backdrop of distant rolling hills. Gather your guests here on your big day for a serene countryside escape. The venue offers a choice of three stunning spaces where you can exchange your all-important vows. The largest space, suitable for up to 160 loved ones, is the al fresco ceremony area. Nestled amid the grounds, it offers a breathtaking setting for outdoor “I dos.” Thanks to surrounding lush greenery and vibrant blooms, you’ll discover a naturally romantic atmosphere that’ll leave a lasting impression on you and your guests without the need for too much additional decor. The Wardle Suite, meanwhile, can host up to 120 ceremony guests and is blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the natural light to flood in. Decorated in a neutral palette, the space offers you the perfect blank canvas to begin curating the day of your dreams according to your own unique style. Finally, the most intimate of the three spaces, the charming and luxurious Morning Room. This stunning spot can host 30 nearest and dearest. Boasting original features including impressive oak panelling, large sash windows and a feature fireplace beautifully setting the scene for your big day. The Worleston Suite is the place to be for your wedding reception. With enough space to host 160 for the breakfast and 220 for the evening, it’s a self-contained suite boasting an abundance of natural light and is complete with bar and access to the terraces and lawns. What’s more, the venue offers a complimentary menu tasting for the happy couple as well as a complimentary bridal suite for the night of your wedding. Rookery Hall Hotel FIND OUT MORE Rookery Hall Main Road, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DQ www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall 01270 610 016 9
Tie the knot in a local hotspot Conwy ASSEMBLY HALL Llandudno, LL30 2UP 01492 576 528 | conwy.gov.uk BODLONDEB Bangor Road, Conwy, LL32 8BU 01492 576 624 | conwy.gov.uk BODNANT WELSH FOOD Tal-Y-Cafn, LL28 5RP 01492 651 100 | bodnant-welshfood.co.uk BODYSGALLEN HALL AND SPA Llandudno, LL30 1RS 01492 584 466 | bodysgallen.com CAER RHUN HALL Conwy, LL32 8HX 01492 650 012 | caerrhun.co.uk CRAIG Y DDERWEN – THE RIVERSIDE HOTEL Betws-Y-Coed, LL24 0AS 01690 710 293 | snowdoniahotel.com DYLAN’S Llandudno, LL30 1BE 01492 860 499 | dylansrestaurant.co.uk GUILDHALL Conwy, LL32 8LD 01492 596 254 | conwytowncouncil.gov.uk GWRYCH CASTLE Abergele, LL22 8EU 0738 038 695 | gwrychcastle.co.uk GWYDIR CASTLE Conwy, LL26 0PN 01492 641 687 | gwydircastle.co.uk GWYDYR HOTEL Betws-Y-Coed, LL24 0AB 01690 710 777 | gwydyrhotel.co.uk HAFOD FARM Llanrwst, LL26 0RA 01690 710 988 | hafodfarm.co.uk IMPERIAL HOTEL Llandudno, LL30 1AP 01492 877 466 | theimperial.co.uk IXORA HOTEL & SPPA Conwy, LL32 8QE 01492 353 353 | ixorahotelandspa.co.uk LLANDUDNO TOWN HALL Llandudno, LL30 2UP 01492 576 525 | conwy.gov.uk PLAS MAENAN COUNTRY HOUSE Llanrwst, LL26 0YR 01492 660 232 | plasmaenan.co.uk RHOS FYNACH Rhos On Sea, LL28 4NG 01492 548 185 | rhosfynach.co.uk RYDAL PENRHOS SCHOOL Colwyn Bay, LL29 7BT 01492 530 155 | rydalpenrhos.com ST GEORGE`S HOTEL Llandudno, LL30 2LG 01492 877 544 | stgeorgeswales.co.uk THE KINMEL AND KINSPA Abergele, LL22 9AS 01745 832 014 | thekinmel.co.uk THE QUAY HOTEL AND SPA Deganwy, LL31 9DJ 01492 564 100 | quayhotel.co.uk Denbighshire BODRHYDDAN HALL Rhuddlan, LL18 5SB 01745 590 155 | bodrhyddan.co.uk FAENOL FAWR HOTEL AND THE BARN Bodelwyddan, LL18 5UN 01745 591 691 | faenolfawrhotel.co.uk PENTRE MAWR COUNTRY HOUSE Denbigh, LL16 4LA 01824 790 732 pentremawrcountryhouse.co.uk PLAS ISAF COUNTRY BARN Corwen, LL21 0EW 01490 412 486 | plas-isaf.co.uk PLAS NEWYDD Llangollen, LL20 8AW 01978 862 834 RUTHIN CASTLE HOTEL SPOTLIGHT ON... NORTH WALES 10
RIVERCATCHER Llandrillo, LL21 0SY 07973 449 179 | rivercatcher.co.uk RUTHIN CASTLE HOTEL AND SPA Ruthin, LL15 2NU 01824 702 664 | ruthincastle.co.uk THE BEACHES HOTEL Prestatyn, LL19 7LG 01745 853 072 | thebeacheshotel.com THE GROUSEMOOR Llandegla, LL11 3AB 01978 802 680 | thegrousemoor.co.uk TREVOR HALL Llangollen, LL20 7UP 01978 810 505 | trevorhall.com TYN DWR HALL Llangollen, LL20 8HR 01978 884 664 | tyndwrhall.co.uk VALE COUNTRY CLUB LTD Ruthin, LL15 1SL 07715 749 248 | valecountryclub.co.uk WHITE HOUSE Rhuallt, LL17 0AW 01745 530 000 | whitehouserhuallt.co.uk WIGFAIR HALL St Asaph, LL17 0ET 07899 840 364 weddingvenuenorthwales.co.uk WILD PHEASANT HOTEL AND SPA Llangollen, LL20 8AD 01978 860 629 everbrightgrouphotels.com Flintshire BEAUFORT PARK HOTEL Mold, CH7 6RQ 01352 758 646 | beaufortparkhotel.co.uk CLAWDD OFFA FARM Pen-y-Ffordd, CH4 0HT 01978 761 717 | clawddoffa.net FLINT MOUNTAIN HOTEL Flint Mountain, CH6 5QG 01352 736 000 flintmountainparkhotel.co.uk HALKYN CASTLE WOOD Halkyn, CH8 8DF halkyncastlewoodevents.com HAWARDEN CASTLE PAVILION Hawarden, CH5 3FB hawardenestate.co.uk HIGHFIELD HALL HOTEL Northop, CH7 6AZ 01352 840 221 | highfield-hall.co.uk HOLIDAY INN CHESTER WEST Northop Hall, CH7 6HB 01244 550 011 | hichesterwest.co.uk PENBEDW ESTATE Mold, CH7 5QT 07909 905 222 | penbedwestate.com PENTREHOBYN COACH HOUSE Mold, CH7 4HE 01352 752 443 | pentrehobyn.co.uk SOUGHTON HALL Sychdyn, CH7 6AD 01352 840 811 | soughtonhall.co.uk VILLAGE CHESTER ST DAVID’S Ewloe, CH5 3YB 01244 560 640 | village-hotels.co.uk THE CELTIC ARMS Northop, CH7 6WA 01352 840 423 | thecelticarms.co.uk THE CEREMONY ROOM, LLWYNEGRIN HALL Mold, CH7 6NR 01352 703 333 | flintshire.gov.uk Gwynedd BAE ABERMAW HOTEL Barmouth, LL42 1DQ 01341 280 550 | baeabermaw.wales BANGOR UNIVERSITY Bangor, LL57 2DG 01248 382 561 | bangor.ac.uk/weddings HAFOD FARM loveadventure.co.uk LOCAL VENUES 11
CAER RHUN HALL HOTEL BELAN FORT Caernarfon, LL54 5TP 01286 830 220 | fortbelan.co.uk BRON EIFION HOTEL AND WEDDING VENUE Criccieth, LL52 0SA 01766 522 385 | broneifion.co.uk CELTIC ROYAL HOTEL Caernarfon, LL55 1AY 01286 674 477 | harbourhotels.co.uk CROGEN HALL Corwen, LL21 0SY 07714 337 003 | crogenestate.com IARD HENDRE Bangor, LL57 3YP 07595 512 666 | iardhendre.co.uk LLYN GWYNANT BARNS Caernarfon, LL55 4NW 01766 890 340 | gwynant.uk MACDONALD PLAS TALGARTH RESORT Machynlleth, SY20 9JY 01654 791 633 | macdonaldhotels.co.uk MIN Y MOR HOTEL Barmouth, LL42 1HW 01341 280 555 | minymor.com NANT GWRTHEYRN Pwllheli, LL53 6NL 01758 750 334 | nantgwrtheyrn.org PALÉ HALL HOTEL Bala, LL23 7PS 01678 530 285 | palehall.co.uk PENARTH FAWR MEDIEVAL HALL Pwllheli, LL53 6PR 01766 810 880 | penarthfawr.com PENMAENUCHAF HALL HOTEL Dolgellau, LL40 1YB 01341 212 121 | penmaenuchaf.co.uk PLAS BRONDANW GARDENS Llanfrothen, LL48 6SW 01766 772 772 | cloughwilliamsellis.org PLAS DINAS COUNTRY HOTEL Caernarfon, LL54 7YF 01286 830 214 | plasdinas.co.uk PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW Pwllheli, LL53 7TT 01758 740 763 | oriel.org.uk PLAS Y BRYN MANOR HOTEL Caernarfon, LL54 7YE 07541 124 247 bespokeweddingvenues.co.uk PORTMEIRION Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6ER 01766 770 000 | portmeirion.wales SWYDDFA ARDAL ARFON Caernarfon, LL55 1BN 01766 771 000 | gwynedd.llyw.cymru SWYDDFA ARDAL DWYFOR Pwllheli, LL53 5AA 01766 771 000 | gwynedd.llyw.cymru SWYDDFA ARDAL MEIRIONNYDD Dolgellau, LL40 2YB 01766 771 000 | gwynedd.llyw.cymru TALHENBONT HALL Chwilog, LL53 6SZ 01766 810 247 | talhenbonthall.co.uk THE BARN AT BACH WEN Caernarfon, LL54 5NH 01286 802 221 | bachwen.co.uk THE BRIGANDS INN Machynlleth, SY20 9HJ 01650 511 999 | brigandsinn.com THE MANAGEMENT CENTRE Bangor, LL57 2DG 01248 365 911 | bangor.ac.uk/weddings THE ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL Llanberis, LL55 4TY 01286 870 253 | theroyalvictoria.co.uk TY AFON - RIVER HOUSE Beddgelert, LL55 4NB 01766 800 700 | tyafon.co.uk TY NEWYDD Cricieth, LL52 0LW 01766 522 811 | tynewyddhotel.co.uk TY’N Y CORNEL HOTEL Tywyn, LL36 9AJ 01654 782 282 | tynycornel.com WOODLANDS HALL HOTEL Pwllheli, LL53 6JB 01758 720 425 | woodlandshall.wales craydenweddingphotography.co.uk 12
Isle Of Anglesey CARREGLWYD Llanfaetlu, LL65 4NY 01407 730 208 | carreglwydestate.co.uk CHATEAU RHIANFA Menai Bridge, LL59 5NS 01248 880 090 | chateaurhianfa.co.uk GWESTY CARREG BRAN HOTEL Llanfairpwll, LL61 5YH 01248 511 577 | carregbran.co.uk THE TREARDDUR BAY HOTEL Holyhead, LL65 2UN 01407 860 301 | trearddurbayhotel.co.uk THE BULKELEY HOTEL Beaumaris, LL58 8AW 01248 810 146 | bulkeleyhotel.co.uk TRE-YSGAWEN HALL Llangefni, LL77 7UR 01248 750 750 | treysgawen-hall.co.uk HENBLAS COUNTRY PARK Bodorgan, LL62 5DL 01407 842 134 | henblascountrypark.com HOLYHEAD TOWN HALL Holyhead, LL65 1HN 01407 764 608 holyheadtowncouncil.com TROS YR AFON Penmon, LL58 8RN 07706 751 045 | trosyrafon.com VALLEY HOTEL Holyhead, LL65 3DU 01407 740 203 YSTAFELL BRYN CEFNI SUITE Llangefni, LL77 7XA 01248 751 927 | anglesey.gov.wales Wrexham BRYNKINALT Chirk, LL14 5NS 01691 778 841 | brynkinalt.co.uk HOTEL WREXHAM Holt, LL13 9SW 01978 661 002 | hotelwrexham.co.uk LLAY MINERS’ WELFARE INSTITUTE Llay, LL12 0TH 01978 852 751 | llayminerswelfare.co.uk MAESGWYN HALL Mold Road, LL11 2AF 01978 357 722 | mghall.co.uk RAMADA PLAZA BY WYNDHAM WREXHAM Ellice Way, LL13 7YH 01978 291 400 ramadaplazawrexham.co.uk ROSSETT HALL HOTEL Rossett, LL12 0DE 01244 571 000 everbrightgrouphotels.com THE CEREMONY ROOM Guildhall, LL11 1AY 01978 298 997 | wrexham.gov.uk THE DELPH BAR AND RESTAURANT Acrefair, LL14 3TR 01978 821 907 | delphwrexham.com BANGOR-ON-DEE RACECOURSE Wrexham, LL13 0DA 01978 780 323 | bangorondeeraces.co.uk MARCHWIEL HALL Marchwiel, LL13 0SS 07769 974 417 | marchwielhall.co.uk TOWER HILL BARNS Llangollen, LL20 7TN 01978 823 429 | towerhillbarns.co.uk THE WYNNSTAY ARMS Ruabon, LL14 6BL 01978 822 187 | wynnstayarms.pub www.johnhesketh.photography MARCHWIEL HALL LOCAL VENUES 13
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and unique Chic Hannah and Adam styled their day in a modern, elegant black and white palette Images courtesy of Roll and Stop Hannah and Adam met as teenagers at a party and continued to bump into each other at subsequent events. Eventually, they gave in to fate and began chatting on BlackBerry messenger. Adam bought an engagement ring and held onto it for two years before choosing the perfect place to pop the question! The couple travelled to Rome in 2023 and Adam hand planned a visit to the Trevi Fountain at 7am hoping it would be quiet. Rome being constantly busy, it wasn’t, but nevertheless he decided it was now or never. The couple drank from the Lovers Fountain before he grabbed Hannah’s hand and got down on one knee. The Lake House Waterloo is local to the couple and their families and they fell in love with it. “It’s just gorgeous with amazing views,” Hannah explains. “It just seemed like the perfect place.” Wasting no time in securing their date, they began planning their big day with a sleek black and white theme. The couple enlisted the help of a local venue stylist who presented the wealth of options they had available for hire, and from there curated the perfect pieces. They opted for two arches, several tall black domes used to adorn the aisle before being moved to the reception room as centrepieces, and an ‘It was always you’ neon sign. The wedding breakfast took the form of a buffet giving everyone a wealth of dishes to choose from – not to mention the possibility of helping themselves to cheeky extras if they wanted! The chicken Milanese went down a treat, and later in the evening guests were treated to pizzas or fish and chips to top up tums. Hannah was in town shopping with her mum one day when she decided to pop into a bridal boutique to get some ideas. She ended up trying some on and was surprised to find the one. Understandably, she was a bit cautious as it felt a bit sudden, so she decided to give it some more thought over lunch. It had sold by the time she went back but was able to order her gorgeous lace and crepe sheath gown to be delivered to her local store. Later into the evening celebrations on the big day, she changed into a shorter dress, more suitable for partying the night away. Adam wore a tuxedo, as did his groomsmen. The groom’s shirt was slightly different from the rest of his party and his buttons were black for a point of variation along the same theme. The bridesmaids too were dressed in black. They all wore different styles to suit them as Hannah was keen for her best girls to be as comfortable as possible. A violinist played R&B tunes (the couple’s favourite genre) during the drinks reception. “He was absolutely amazing,” Hannah remembers. REAL WEDDINGS 15
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ROLL CREDITS Venue and catering, The Lake House Waterloo, thelakehousewaterloo.co.uk | Photographer, Roll and Stop, rollandstop.co.uk Dress, Wed2B | Meshki | Suits, Slater Menswear Liverpool, slaters.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Club L | Wedding rings, Ernest Jones | Hair stylist, Styled by CK, @styled_by_ck | Makeup artist, Tina Make-Up Artist Liverpool, @tinamakeupartistliverpool Cake, Sweet Palette, sweetpalette.co.uk | Flowers, Etsy | Entertainment, Daniel Axelworthy Violinist, danielaxworthyviolinist.com DJ Rich Sharkey, @djrichsharkey | Content creator, The Content Era, @thecontentera | Venue styling, Rainbows Events, @rainbowsevents_ “ ” “Don’t stress about other people’s opinions on your wedding. Sit down with your partner and go through how you both want everything to be. It’s your day, you both deserve it to go how you want.” 18
07745 048 185 www.danielaxworthyviolinist.com DANIEL AXWORTHY Award-Winning Violinist Wedding Specialist Live violin music brings a beautiful atmosphere to your wedding day, adding elegance and a real sense of occasion. Daniel performs a wide range of music, from modern songs and film favorites to classical pieces, creating a unique and emotional live performance your guests will remember. 01925 721394 • Paula@MollyBlooms.co.uk www.MollyBlooms.co.uk www.facebook.com/MollyBloomsTheFlorist www.Instagram/MollyBloomsThe Florist Covering Cheshire and Merseyside, Molly Blooms offers a unique and personalised service for your special day. We can work with you to create the wedding florals of your dreams.
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High hopes Melissa and John celebrated their big day at Hope Street Hotel and styled it to complement the season – autumn Images courtesy of Lee Price Productions REAL WEDDINGS 21
Melissa and John met while working together at their local supermarket. “It seems like a lifetime ago now,” Melissa says. Three years later, John proposed while the couple were on holiday in Disney World Florida. John had a big first night planned with a meal at Melissa’s favourite place before popping the question on the beach with fireworks in the background. But Melissa was struggling with jet lag and campaigned to go back to their room. Worried that everyone would start messaging her the next day, as family were aware of his plans, he decided to make the best of it and proposed in the hotel. “It was personal, private and magical,” Melissa remembers. The couple knew from the start that they wanted a Liverpool city centre wedding. It’s Melissa’s hometown and a place they both adore. They viewed a number of venues, but when they saw the views from the top floor of Hope Street Hotel, they knew this was the one for them. The beautiful bride wore Anniston by Maggie Sottero. “I knew it was the one straight away as I felt comfortable from the second I put it on,” Melissa explains. “It was perfect for me, not too plain or too fussy. The ladies at Boutique Brides of Crosby were brilliant and put me at ease every time I went.” Melissa’s bridesmaids were dressed in burnt orange multiway dresses allowing them to choose whichever style they preferred, while still having an element of harmony. John wore a green suit with burnt orange tie to match the bridesmaids’ dresses and complement the wedding palette. He also wore a Labrador tie pin to honour the couple’s beloved chocolate lab. His groomsmen were dressed to match. 22
The ceremony was the highlight of the day for Melissa. “Walking down the aisle was something I was sort of dreading, but it was really fun. Seeing all of our favourite people there with John waiting for me – it just felt so right,” she tells us. Their celebrant was a wonder and put the couple at ease. The ceremony was completely ‘them’, which was a dream come true. Another ceremony highlight was the arrival of their dog! The couple had missed him terribly the night before and having him present was special to them. Since the date was set for October, their favourite time of year, the two settled on an autumnal theme with a palette of burnt orange, greens, burgundy, deep pink and red. “Our florist absolutely smashed what we’d asked for, and the flowers were better than I could have envisioned,” Melissa shares. Burnt orange runners adorned the centre of the tables with log centrepieces, and bud and bouquet vases. The venue allowed open flame, so the couple took advantage of this and dotted candles around the reception space creating a romantic glow. Keen to weave in a subtle Disney theme, Melissa named the tables after Disney World attractions and place names were designed to look like fast passes. A harpist played before, during and after the ceremony. The couple had their hearts set on a live performer, so it was literally music to their ears when she played some of their favourite songs during her sets. In a brilliant bid to get guests involved, the newlyweds ran a first dance sweepstake where loved ones could guess the song. There was also a live artist in residence, on hand to draw guest portraits for them to take home as mementos. REAL WEDDINGS 23
THE W-DAY TEAM Venue and catering, Hope Street Hotel, hopestreethotel.co.uk | Photographer and videographer, Lee Price Productions, leepriceproductions.co.uk | Dress, Boutique Brides of Crosby, boutiquebrides.co.uk | Suits, Slater Menswear, slaters.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Infinity Dress | Accessories, Next and ASOS | Wedding rings, Austen & Blake | Diamonds Factory Liverpool, diamondsfactory.co.uk | Hair stylist, I Do Bridal Hair by Victoria, @i_do_bridalhairbyvictoria | Makeup artist, Oh You Beauty, @ohyoubeauty_ | Flowers, Norwegian Wood Florist, norwegianwoodflorist.co.uk | Wedding newspapers, The Crafty Lab, thecraftylab.co.uk | Entertainment, Emily Owen Harpist via Wedding Jam, weddingjam.co.uk | Live artist, Honey Bea Illustrates, honeybeaillustrates.co.uk | Celebrant, Tom Guest Celebrant, tomguestcelebrant.co.uk | Happily ever after sign, Rosali Designs, @rosali_designs_co | Photo booth, The Candid Company, @_thecandidcompany 24
Fun, joyful, meaningful and unique, my ceremonies bring a sense of humour, sensitivity and a touch of theatricality to any celebration. Together we will create a bespoke ceremony that will truly celebrate YOU - I can’t wait to meet you, and deliver your story with the style, care, love and sincerity it deserves! Find out more, get in touch and let’s chat… 07939 604 782 hello@tomguestcelebrant.co.uk tomguestcelebrant tomguestcelebrant tomguestcelebrant.co.uk Weddings at Your celebration in Liverpool Event spaces with private terraces and city views Menus created by our award-winning restaurant Dedicated planning team Exclusive accommodation rates hopestreethotel.co.uk/weddings weddings@hopestreethotel.co.uk 01515 709 3000 Siobhan Amy Photography
Funky Campers UK e Home of Multi Award Winning Classic VW Campervans Darren 07962 061201 • O ce 0151 648 3871 • info@funkycampersuk.com www.funkycampersuk.com A ring for the promise you make a symbol to wear forever 1 Green Oaks Shopping Centre, Widnes WA8 6UD 01514243343 Scan QR code to book your appointment www.timeforjewellery.co.uk
Live and let love Inspired by the Ladies of Llangollen and created a by team of all-female collaborators, this shoot offers an authentic story of love Images courtesy of Ariel in Blue The inspiration behind this stunning shoot was the Ladies of Llangollen – an 18th-century couple who lived together and created a beautiful, imaginative world of their own, free from outside judgement. They were artists, collectors, and cat lovers, with their home standing today as a powerful reminder that it’s not only acceptable but meaningful to live differently. As a neurodivergent flower farmer, florist and sheep farmer working in a traditionally male-dominated space, Ellen Firth from Firth Flock Flowers felt strongly about placing women at the heart of this shoot and brought together an all-female team to tell the story authentically. Meanwhile, the season and surrounding landscape also served as key sources of inspiration. The woodland, the ancient bridge, the stone circle and the pilgrim’s well all informed the atmosphere and aesthetic. The colour palette leaned into warm, earthy tones with flowers touched by raindrops, and the team incorporated seasonal elements including crab apples and dried blooms to ground the shoot in time and place. LOCAL SHOOT 27
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THE DREAM TEAM Shoot coordinator, venue styling and flowers, Firth Flock Flowers, firthflockflowers.co.uk | Venue, Plas Newydd, denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/museums-and-historic-houses/plas-newydd-llangollen.aspx | Photographer, Ariel in Blue, arielinblue.com | Dresses, The Little Dress Co., thelittledressco.co.uk | Accessories, The Shop Baroque, theshopbaroque.co.uk Morris & Me, @ morris.and.me | Hair and makeup, LSP Hair, lsphair.co.uk | Flowers, Lima Gardens Wales, limagardenswales.co.uk Content creator, Visualise Content Photography, @visualise_content_photography 30
A VENUE WORTHY OF SAYING “IDO” Start planning your dreamday: TATTONPARK. ORG. UK/WEDDINGS 01625 374456/57 tattonevents@cheshi reeast. gov. uk
Let them eat cake! If you’re not sure where to start with your big-day bake or indeed whether you even want one, read on for some food for thought There are so many wedding traditions that nowadays, we often don’t have any idea why we still adhere to them. Indeed, many couples are choosing not to. A wedding cake may be one such custom that’s raising a few question marks for you. Unless of course you just love cake and wouldn’t ever question the opportunity to opt for a showstopper on your big day. That being the case, go right ahead and do what makes you happy. For those of you less sure whether a cake is money well spent, let’s meander through the world of wedding cakes to help you decide. Top tip Once you’ve cut the cake, have the venue’s team put aside the top tier of your favourite flavour for the two of you to take home and enjoy. Believe us, it’s all too easy to blink and miss getting a taste of the bake you spent so much time and money on! THE REST IS HISTORY Wedding cakes boast a long and vibrant history, with humble origins in ancient Rome where a simple loaf of barley bread was broken over the bride’s head to symbolise good fortune and fertility. As we move into the Middle Ages through to the Renaissance era, we start to see wedding cakes looking more like, well, cakes! During the 16th and 17th centuries, bride pies or wedding pies were a staple at wedding feasts. Indeed, one of the earliest known recipes for a wedding cake appeared in 1655, while the first recipe for sugar paste was first published in 1609. By the Victorian period, the traditional wedding cake looked much more like the showstopping confections we encounter today. Tiered cakes became popular, as did white icing inspired by Queen Victoria’s nuptials in 1863. In general, the notion of simple food was making a shift firmly into the realm of spectacle, so the once humble big-day bake dutifully followed suit. Royalty carried on inspiring the masses into the 20th century, with King George VI’s 1923 wedding cake being the most sought after – a 10-foot high, 800-pound creation complete with figurines, cherubs and intricate icing. Today, wedding cakes run the entire gambit from single tier cutting cakes, to multi-tier showstoppers. They’re also versatile when served as a wedding breakfast dessert and act as a jawdropping focal point to your venue styling, when dressed to impress. They even offer the key to conveying your personalities as a couple both through flavours and decoration. READY, STEADY, GO So, you’re sold on the idea of a wedding cake? Where do you start? While Pinterest, Google and Instagram are great places to look for inspiration, try not to get caught up in the hullabaloo. There’s 32
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unsplash.com@kristycruzm_ unsplash.com@josuemichelphotography TASTE TEST When many of us think of a wedding cake, the traditional heavy fruit version first popular in the Middle Ages, might spring to mind. Love it or hate it, it’s far from essential at 21st century weddings, so don’t let the idea hold you back. In fact, there’s no reason to let any dislikes give you pause on the flavour front, since the options offered by local bakers are almost as varied as the designs they come up with. Meanwhile, dietary requirements can also be catered for by the region’s talented bunch. And if you can’t decide, why not opt for a tier of each of your favourites? How about a his and hers? We love the idea of combining a light, fruity flavour such as elderflower, Champagne and strawberry with something rich and decadent like salted caramel. Then, for the final tier play it safe with a classic Victoria sponge. Some cake makers will offer a tasting box through the post allowing you to try before you buy. Alternatively, if you can have an in-person consultation, find out if you can try some samples to help you narrow down your choices. Top tip If the day’s a scorcher, bring your cake out later when it’s cooled down to avoid it melting and collapsing. Have your venue store it somewhere cool in the meantime or ask your cake maker to deliver it later. Alternatively, find a place to display it inside away from direct sunlight beaming in from the windows. GO YOUR OWN WAY If, by this point you’re still not sold on the idea of a wedding cake, there are myriad alternatives for you to ponder. Perhaps you simply don’t have a sweet tooth. May we highly recommend a spectacular cheese tower? With artisan cheese boutiques cropping up all over, you may well be able to shop local and have a specialist compile a stack of local cheeses covering every taste from the mild to the blow-your-socks-off strong! Not only delicious, these are worth their weight in gold when you serve them to your guests as the evening meal and dancefloor fuel with a selection of crackers and yummy chutneys. Dessert tables are totally on trend and still offer the opportunity to make a statement. Here, you have much more scope to cater to all tastes, and you can personalise the spread with all your favourite sweet treats – think brownies, cake pops, macarons, millionaire’s shortbread and so much more. Plus, you can still adhere to your colour palette with smaller, bite sized iced confections that are dancefloor friendly. Why not consider an alternative wedding cake if sponge or fruit doesn’t set your world alight? We adore a macaron, doughnut, cupcake or profiterole tower. Again, these treats are easy for guests to grab as they head to the dancefloor, make for a memorable centrepiece, and can be customised according to your theme. Fear not, if all of this sounds much more up your street but you’d lament the loss of the traditional cake cutting ceremony, these alternatives can be paired with a small, single tier cutting cake either as part of a dessert table or as the top layer of a tower. The best of all worlds we say! Top tip Provide your guests with cake boxes so they can take a slice home. After a day of eating, they might not fancy a rich cake there and then, leaving you with more than you can manage left over. Giving them the option to take some home will give them something to look forward to! nothing worse for a cake designer than being presented with an interminable moodboard of images that might appear similar but are actually completely different. Your confusion will only lead to their confusion, particularly if what you’re showing them isn’t even their style. Don’t worry, there’s a simple solution. Scroll through your favourite images for points of similarity. What do you really love about each of the cakes you’ve saved? Make a shortlist and hold onto it. Before racing into a decision and approaching the first cake maker you find, who might not be the right fit for you, try narrowing down your searches with some of the keywords from your shortlist. Add in ‘Somerset’, ‘Gloucestershire’, or ‘Wiltshire’ too and hey presto, you should find the makers who fit your desired vibe and are capable of bringing your vision to life. When you head for your consultation have a realistic idea of budget in mind. The key here is ‘realistic.’ You may want a 10-tier George VI-esque showstopper, but are you prepared to put the financial backing behind it? If not, have a think about how you might be able to incorporate the elements you love into something more palatable for the purse. Be prepared to work with your cake maker on the design to bring the dream in on budget. 34
THE STORY OF US A wedding cake isn’t only a great vehicle for reflecting your theme, it’s also a wonderful way of telling your story. Here are some of our favourite ideas... 1 Personalised cake topper Explore a world of choice from a catchy or cheeky phrase to your names or initials and wedding date. Or why not be extra and ask for an ornate hand painted monogram on one of the cake’s iced layers? 2 Reveal cake Business at the front, party at the back! 3 Newlywed models personalised to be uniquely you They might be designed to mirror your wedding attire or depict you as superheroes, the choice is yours. We love it when couples use Pop Vinyls or Lego minifigs as a loveable nod to the inner nerd! 4 Incorporate your pets Just as you can commission personalised models of yourselves, you can do the same for your beloved fur baby. They could be made from icing or something you can treasure forever. They might be taking a cheeky bite of the sweet treat, or up top with the two of you, looking for a fuss! 5 Palette perfection Be sure to brief your cake designer on your wedding palette to ensure your bake adds to your styling. Depending on who you’ve chosen, they may also be able to create stunning sugar flowers to mirror your bouquet or create an icing texture to complement the lace on your gown. If you’re decorating with fresh flowers, do leave it to the professionals, as many varieties cannot be used near food – it’s best to leave no margin for error! 6 Focal point Wedding cakes aren’t cheap, so make the most of yours by displaying it to the max. Cake meadows are oh-so popular, pairing the bake with a jaw-dropping, Instaworthy floral display. We love cakes displayed on vintage furniture such as a dresser or upcycled side table for a shabby chic vibe. unsplash.com@sugercoatit unsplash.com@kristycruzm_ CAKES 35
Style your day the Bridgerton way Here at CWM HQ, we’ve been waiting on the edge of our seats for series four of Bridgerton to land on Netflix, and the time has finally come! Our obsession has once again gone into full-flight and paired with our love for weddings we felt inspired to combine the two to bring you this guide to creating your very own Bridgerton-themed big day. rosiedalia.com Dearest gentle reader SETTING THE MOOD The Regency period is your key reference point when planning a Bridgerton-inspired wedding. Think the romance of Jane Austen paired with the refinement of the upper crust, and an added touch of whimsy to reflect the much-loved TV series. PALETTE PERFECTION Your styling foundation will be your powdery pastels with the classic, dreamy Wedgewood blue that swathed most of the first series leading the way. Add to this, if you wish, wedding favourites blush and sage green hues, along with a splash of lavender should you wish to take it even further. Ivory is a top background shade to keep things soft, avoiding the starkness of white. ON SET Carefully consider your venue to complement your theme. The good news is that the UK is blessed with an abundance of stunning Regency venues. Look to your historic spa towns including Bath, Harrogate and Cheltenham where you’ll be spoilt for choice. Even outside of these hotspots, you shouldn’t struggle to locate a Georgian manor available for weddings. Characterised by their symmetry, tall, multi-paned sash windows, high ceilings and grand entrances often embellished by show-stopping arches or columns, Georgian properties are picture-perfect and offer the dream backdrop for a wedding. vam.ac.uk/shop unsplash.com/@anitaaustvika rexlondon.com unsplash.com/@itsbrunoagain Daniella, watters.com unsplash.com/@anitaaustvika 36
BRIDGERTON STYLE When it comes to styling your venue the Bridgerton way look to Pen and Colin, and Anthony and Edwina as your gurus. The latter wedding day (spoiler alert) was ill-fated and ultimately called off of course, but the ceremony styling left us swooning nonetheless! So, an abundance of blooms is what you’re striving for. Big, blousy peonies, roses, ranunculus, hydrangeas and wisteria are your go to. Style the aisle with floral showstoppers on plinths to add height, before you reach a dramatic flower arch at the altar. Aim for elegance and opulence with your reception space. Gold accents in the form of candlesticks and candelabras are a dreamy addition to your tablescape but do be sure to check with the venue whether they allow open flame. If not, don’t be afraid to opt for battery power. Gold-chargers, vintage mirrors and frames for your table plan and numbers, with oodles of soft draping and theme-fitting napkins set the scene and paint an atmosphere of Regency splendour. LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE The empire waist epitomises the height of Regency style, but it’s not for everyone, so an A-line gown will set the tone equally well. Opt for soft lace, tulle or silk fabrics with puff sleeves or an off-the-shoulder silhouette to complete the romantic vibe. Don’t miss the Bridgerton Collection by Allure Bridals (allurebridals.com). Finish your look by accessorising with pearls or florals along with gloves and a delicate veil for added drama. If the groom isn’t game for full Georgian-style dress, he’ll look just as at home in a tailored suit complete with waistcoat and a cravat or ascot instead of a modern tie. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED... Calligraphy is key to achieving your Bridgerton stationery vibe, with everything from invitations to place names penned in this cursive style. Depending on budget you can choose to print or enlist the help of a professional calligrapher for a more personal edge. For a true reflection of Regency, wax seals are an absolute must! You can even pen your invitations in a more formal style to mirror Lady Whistledown’s tone of voice. PLAY ON The perfect music to craft your Bridgerton ambience? All together now – a string quartet! Bridgerton is iconic for its string renditions of modern tunes, but this is nothing new as wedding musicians have been doing this forever. So, whether you decide to bring your favourite songs to life with a period-fitting feel or prefer to select your music from the pantheon of classical elegance, the stage will be set for each important moment to unfold. Penelope, allurebridals.com (image courtesy of abbeybridal.co.uk) thewhitecompany.com/uk unsplash.com/@haiha147 deichmann.com/en-gb fableengland.com unsplash.com/@paige_cody unsplash.com/@olivie_strauss favourbrook.com unsplash.com/@patresinger FEATURE 37
Fur-ever AFTER The joy (and reality) of pets at weddings For many couples, it wouldn’t feel right to say “I do” without their four-legged family member nearby. From ring-bearing dogs to horses in engagement shoots, pets are increasingly woven into wedding celebrations in ways that feel both deeply personal and undeniably charming. As traditions loosen and couples prioritise personalisation over formality, dogs, cats, and even more unconventional animals are stepping into ceremonial roles once reserved for humans. For some, pets are the companion adopted together, the constant presence, and the quiet comfort during stressful planning moments. Add in the post-pandemic surge in pet adoptions and the shift toward outdoor weddings, and it’s easy to see why pets now feel less like optional guests and more like nonnegotiable family. Wedding planners report that involving pets is no longer considered niche. Couples aren’t just asking if pets can attend – they’re asking how to include them meaningfully, whether that’s a brief aisle appearance, portraits before the ceremony, or simply having them nearby for the day’s quieter moments. PAWS AND PLANNING As charming as a pet-filled ceremony may be, logistics are where romance meets reality. If you’re planning to include your best friend in your wedding, the first step is speaking to your venue. Many have strict pet policies, size limits, or insurance requirements. Even pet-friendly venues may restrict where animals can go, particularly around catering areas or indoor spaces. If your venue is happy for your furry friend to attend, it’s important to consider the environment. Weddings are often loud and crowded, which can be overwhelming for animals. Professional pet handlers are increasingly common, so consider hiring one. They can manage walks, water breaks, cue your pet’s appearance, and ensure a discreet exit if needed, allowing you to focus on the day itself. FOREVER INCLUDED If your beloved pet can’t be by your side on the day, whether that’s because the venue doesn’t allow it or they’re particularly anxious, that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of the celebration. Thoughtful alternatives include naming a signature cocktail after your dog, incorporating custom illustrations into signage or stationery, wearing a subtle charm engraved with your pet’s name, or scheduling a relaxed photo session on another day. These gestures allow you to honour your bond without placing unnecessary stress on either yourself or your pet. PAWFECT ROLE Not every pet will be comfortable walking down the aisle with the rings and that’s completely fine. The key to a successful pet appearance is matching the role to their personality, energy level, and training. Never pressure your animal into a role they won’t enjoy. Calm, confident dogs may thrive as ring bearers or flower pups, while curious or easily distracted pets are often better suited to a quick photo appearance before the ceremony. Popular options include 38
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