£3.55 JUL/AUG 2025 Picture this Styled shoot inspo A luxury break in Bath worth £1,250 SOUTH WALES WEDDING BOOKED Find your local venues A guide to navigate wedding stress WIN! Get it Planning SOS TRUE LOVE Be inspired by real weddings
Fall in Love with Caer Llan 01600 860 359 info@caerllan.co.uk www.caerllan.co.uk Caer Llan is a beautiful old family run country house set in the heart of Monmouthshire on a secluded hillside in 25 acres of garden, field and woodland. Far away from any traffic noise, the house enjoys idylic grounds and gardens with far reaching and mesmerizing views over the valley and distant Welsh mountains. Owners Vicky and Jake Carpenter offer you exclusive use of the house and grounds for an intimate celebration with friends and family. Along with their experienced in house food and drinks team, they will be here to see your wedding day dreams come true. The stunning location provides indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception all framed by a sensational backdrop for your wedding photographer to capture those special moments in all their glory. Our 2 night packages offer the chance to relax and enjoy the moment. “If you want an intimate, classy and private wedding, we can’t recommend Caer Llan enough.” Five star reviews on Google and Trip Advisor, Bridebook, Hitched etc. Ceremony and reception capacity 80 | Evening 120 | Accommodation for 50, across 16 rooms
ISSN 2054-5231 Your South Wales 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 South Wales Wedding is published six times a year. @CountyWeddingMagazines @countyweddingmagazine @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com 37 15 Choose the right photography style Be inspired by Hollywood glamour for your bridal look The planning guide for brides-to-be 64 Now that the summer has finally arrived, my love for stately home tours and garden centres has been reignited! Nothing screams perfect Sunday, then bumbling around a stunning historic home or gorging myself on farmshop delicacies. In fact, I think this may be when I recharge my dopamine levels for the year! The sense of fulfilment, having spent an obscene amount of money on local artists’ goods, should be studied as an antidepressant. Goodness knows where I’ll keep it all at home, seeing as we are up to our eyeballs in paraphernalia; but that’s a problem for future Issy – present Issy is just glad she got another notebook with a hedgehog on it. If this resonates with you, and your dopamine levels are reliant on a garden centre mooch, then it might be time to stockpile. Planning a wedding takes a lot out of you, so you’ll need to be able to approach it with as much calm and organisation as possible. In this issue, I’ll help you combat the planning stress and give you top tips on booking your photographer; along with loads of other inspiration to get you wedding ready. So, grab a slice of cake, a refreshing drink and sit down with me while I guide you through this busy time. Chat soon! ADVERTISING Account Manager Julia Owen | 01376 538 495 julia.owen@county.wedding 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 Th Garde o Lov EDITORIAL Features Editor Issy Chamberlain | 01376 535 611 issy.chamberlain@county.wedding I sy Issy Chamberlain, Features editor www.adeledebruyn.com Read all about Chloe and Dan’s special day 24 www.kemradfordphotography.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 3
REGULARS 3 EDITOR’S LETTER Issy Chamberlain shares her top picks from this issue 6 NEWLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the region 77 COMPETITION Win a luxury mid-week break for two at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Worth £1,250 CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2025 On the cover... This issue’s cover features Gina and Daniel’s glorious wedding at Margam Park in October 2024. Their wedding day images were captured by Luke Hassall (www.lukehassall.co.uk). VENUES 9 SPOTLIGHT ON PEMBROKESHIRE TO SWANSEA Find your local venues 9 FEATURES 15 HOW TO GET TO ’I DO’ With so much choice in the wedding world, what’s the next step? 37 PICTURE THIS Choosing the right photography style to suit your wedding 40 WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE Wedding guest advice to help you avoid the classic blunders 42 UNCONVENTIONAL WEDDING HACKS TikTok creator, Anna Konstantopoulos, who runs the page @unseenandbelieved, created a viral video for users to reveal their innovative wedding hacks 15 33 4
FASHION & BEAUTY 44 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal news, buys and launches 45 100 DRESSES Searching for the one? Swoon over 100 of our favourite dresses sure to inspire your style – you’re welcome! 57 SUNSET DRESSING These pieces deserve a place in your honeymoon suitcase 58 ROMANCE RUNNING WILD Add an ethereal touch with these bohemian styles 64 RED-CARPET READY These aisle-approved styles ooze Hollywood-inspired glamour 68 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the latest must-haves 70 SKINCARE THROUGH THE AGES Experts reveal the best skincare treatments for every decade 18 REAL WEDDINGS 18 HAPPILY EVER AFTER Gina and Daniel’s classy and colourful wedding was hosted at the stunning Margam Park 24 CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS Flecks of emerald accented Chloe and Joe’s romantic day at Sant Ffraed House 31 THE DIAMOND OF THE SEASON Hayley and Gary’s Bridgerton-inspired wedding was a very royal celebration GROOMS 72 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 73 GET A WHIFF OF THAT Explore the hottest men’s fragrances on the market 74 FAMOUS FIVE Here are five completely different looks – which one takes your fancy? 76 GROOMSMEN GIFTING Find the perfect present for the man of the moment, fathers-of-the-bride and -groom, best men and ushers HONEYMOONS 78 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 80 THE MAGIC OF MERSEA ISLAND Rachel Westall enjoyed a stylish stay at The White Hart Inn, Essex’s best kept secret 81 A HIDDEN GEM Take a moment to relax at the delightful Bush Hotel Farnham 82 SAIL AWAY Experience the high life aboard a luxury river cruise along the Rhine 84 AVA MOMENT IN MEXICO Richard Jones tells us all about his time at two all-inclusive heavens on the Yucatán Peninsula 86 EXPLORE ITALY From world-class accommodation to memorable excursions – here is your ultimate guide to honeymooning in Italy 31 57 24 84 5
THAT SMELLS DELICIOUS! Nothing stirs the senses quite like the smell of freshly baked pastries – and now, Simon James Home is inviting fragrance lovers to savour those cosy moments every day with their beloved Bakery-Inspired Candle Collection. Designed to evoke the warm, delicious aromas of your favourite bakery, this luxurious range features five irresistible scents: Le Croissant – Buttery, flaky pastry layers wrapped in golden warmth. Pain au Chocolat – A sweet, rich blend of melted chocolate and baked pastry. Maple & Pecan Danish – Toasted pecans and sticky maple syrup in a deliciously comforting aroma. Gingerbread – A classic blend of festive spices, brown sugar, and soft baked ginger. Orange Biscotti – Bright, zesty orange with the comforting sweetness of almond biscuits. As people continue to crave comfort and connection at home, “edible” scents, in particular warm ones, and nostalgic bakery notes are surging in popularity. These fragrances tap into feelings of home, happiness, and heartfelt memories, offering a powerful mood boost. Whether it’s the rich scent of chocolate or the comforting warmth of fresh pastries, bakery-inspired candles provide a sensory escape that feels both luxurious and reassuring. Each candle is priced at £22 and be purchased at https://simonjameshome.co.uk OXWICH BAY HOTEL HOSTS WEDDING OPEN DAY Occupying a serene location along the Gower Peninsula in Wales, Oxwich Bay Hotel combines outstanding natural beauty, historic charm and world-class hospitality to provide couples with an unparalleled coastal setting for weddings. From golden-hour vows to a reception beneath the stars, the hotel offers a selection of event spaces to suit all visions; such as the 17th-century Chestnut Room, with exposed stone walls and a fireplace carved from the trunk of a 300-year-old Chestnut tree, and the purpose-built wedding Marquee, surrounded by unspoilt woodlands with uninterrupted views across one of the UK’s most celebrated beaches. There’s range of packages to suit all budgets and preferences; from memorable evening nuptials to weekend-long, or hoteltakeover celebrations. Packages start from £5,000 for twilight weddings, with just a few slots left in the 2025 wedding calendar, and bookings now being taken for 2026 and 2027. To show off its fantastic wedding facilities, Oxwich Bay Hotel hosts regular open days and events throughout the year which you can keep an eye out for at oxwichbayhotel.co.uk/events A SONG TO REMEMBER HIM BY Richard Burton was a Welsh actor and a household name during his peak popularity in the 1960s. To honour his centenary birthday this year, Jenny Bray will be performing a tribute song Mr. J (Jenkins) in Swansea, Port Talbot and other venues in South Wales. Jenny Bray is a singer, songwriter, and pianist and has many connections to the actor. Jenny even played on Richard Burton’s home piano as a young girl, which later inspired her to explore a career in music. Jenny has also written an original poem, being published in Poems for Rich and will be performing her tribute song at the book launch at the Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea on August 1st and again in Port Talbot Taibach Rugby Club on 10th November – Richard Burton’s birthday. If you would like to attend the book signing of ‘Poems for Rich’, then it is free to enter, and all book profits will be donated to charity. Please check out Jenny’s website for more information on her style of music and a taste of her work! If you want to dive straight in, then find one of her three albums on Spotify titled: Jenny Bray, Me and One Hare One Owl. There is a contact form on her website, should you like to enquire about booking Jenny for special events. Visit jennybray.co.uk NEWS Nearlywed Catch up on news in your area 6
DISCOVER SOMETHING LAINGS BLUE Laings’ Cardiff showroom invites you to step into a world where love knows no bounds. Each exquisite piece of wedding jewellery in Laings’ collection is a testament to love’s unrivalled commitment. Born from the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, Laings Cardiff offers a myriad of elegant wedding bands and jewellery pieces that capture the essence of your unique story. New for 2025, the collection matches Laings 185 years of expertise, with the timeless styles of wedding jewellery from classic pearls to the perfect something blue. Laings Bespoke is proud to offer the re-imagining of heirloom jewellery, allowing cherished pieces to be transformed while preserving sentimental value. With exceptional artistry and a deep respect for tradition, Laings helps clients breathe new life into treasured family items; ensuring that your something old is beautifully tailored to reflect modern tastes, yet honouring the story and legacy it carries. Laings welcome you to visit its Cardiff showroom today and discover a world of fine jewellery creations. Each exquisite creation is presented in the signature Laings Blue jewellery box, a keepsake and a graceful nod to the something blue tradition. Visit laingsuk.com THE BIG PEMBROKESHIRE PANTOMIME GAINS FAMOUS CAST MEMBER The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime is thrilled to announce that Welsh rugby legend, Gareth Thomas, will be joining the cast of this year’s spectacular production of Aladdin taking on the magical role of the Genie. The former Wales rugby captain, who earned 100 caps for his country, will be bringing his larger than-life personality to the pantomime stage this December, joining the previously announced Drew Baker as Widow Twankey (who also directs the production) and Tom Dyer from Pure West Radio as the villainous Abanazer. The Big Pembrokeshire Pantomime team expressed their excitement about welcoming such an iconic Welsh sporting hero to their production. “We are absolutely over the moon to have Gareth Thomas joining our pantomime family,” said a spokesperson for The Big Pembs Panto. Drew Baker, who will both direct the production and don the outrageous costumes of Widow Twankey, commented: “Working with Gareth is going to be absolutely brilliant! He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to everything he does, and I know audiences are going to be utterly spellbound by his performance. It’s going to be our biggest, boldest and funniest pantomime yet!” Aladdin will run from 10th to 31st December 2025 – perhaps you’re looking for a quirky hen do at that time of year! Tickets can be purchased from the official website at bigpembspanto.com SIP, SIP, HOORAY! The Orangery, at Margam Park, have announced a new cocktail menu as part of their outstanding services. The impressive menu includes espresso martini, passionfruit martini, mojito, pimms & lemonade, strawberry daiquiri, pina colada, twinkle / hugo, ginberry fizz, and aperol spritz. All of the included cocktails have something for everyone, and even the current favourite, aperol spritz! Whilst pimms and lemonade screams Wimbledon days and summer pub gardens, all the drinks work for any wedding, at any time of the year. The Orangery is nestled in over 850 acres of gorgeous parkland, and whilst visiting is always possible, they offer exclusive venue hire. So, on your special day, enjoy a cool glass of strawberry daiquiri while you mooch around the stunning grounds. To see more of the venue, or to get in touch about booking your big day, please visit www.margamorangery.com BLOOMIN’ EXCITING NEWS Flowers, gardens (and labradors) are Rhian’s absolute passions. From the moment she had her very first garden, she knew it was her happy place. After working as a landscape designer for sixteen years, Rhian made the decision to delve full time into floristry and share the joy that flowers bring. Having trained with the Bath Flower School, the White Horse Flower Company and Sabine Darrell - her love to learn and grow created a business overflowing with knowledge and expertise. Based in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, and sourcing the majority of their blooms from local, British flower farmers wherever possible, Wild and Fabulous Flowers place emphasis on seasonality and style. Sustainability is at the forefront of everything they do - they make responsible choices for all their work, to ensure their floristry doesn’t cost the earth. When they’re not creating floral magic with their clients, Rhian hosts workshops in her orangery – check out Wild and Fabulous’ website for more info on joining in. Rhian from Wild and Fabulous Flowers has commented, “we are so excited to announce that Wild and Fabulous Flowers now offer a full styling service for your wedding day. We decided to expand our services to include styling as we want our vision to be carried across all the elements of the day, from tablecloths, candles, lanterns, our own scented candles, as well as sourcing table and glassware. Our very own artist, Alice (@blankalice), can design everything from your save the date cards, invitations, menus, cocktail hours, and has even painted tablecloths with your guests’ names! A truly bespoke service. Of course, we still create the most beautiful floral displays too!” For more information, email wildandfabulousweddings@gmail.com or visit their website https://wildandfabulousflowers.com www.joshuapenrosephotography.com www.huwanddale.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 7
Your Wolfscastle Wedding Journey. Capture the magic of your love story in our enchanting boutique, award winning wedding venue. Whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a large celebration, we are committed to creating your perfect day, your way, complete with impeccable service. Wolfscastle Country Hotel is nestled in the idyllic Pembrokeshire. Countryside in the village of Wolfscastle, a hidden gem in West Wales. You are guaranteed a perfect setting for your dream wedding day. Our ceremonies are held in our modern garden room, which offers a spectacular setting with views overlooking our beautiful private gardens, whilst you say your vows to create a truly magical life together. With 4 star service and outstanding 2 rosette food, you can be assured that your first meal as a married couple will be unforgettable. Our bespoke wedding venue is renowned for its sensational food that your guests will eulogise and drinks tailored specifically to your wishes. Why not finish the day in luxury! Our newly refurbished, stunning bridal suite offers a romantic setting with a stand alone roll top bath, a twinkling fire and gentle customised lighting and music, accompanied with our other bedrooms, a warm relaxing stay is assured for all your guests. From the moment you arrive for your first visit, your very own personal wedding coordinators will take you on your Wolfscastle Wedding Journey to ensure your magical day is what you have always dreamed of - enchanting and unforgettable!! You’ve said ‘Yes’ to your forever partner, now say ‘Yes’ to your dream venue! For information including pricing, menus and availability or to book an appointment with our wedding coordinators for a personal tour and informal discussion, please contact us 01437 741225. Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, SA62 5LZ | www.wolfscastle.com WINNER OF ‘WELSH ROMANTIC HOTEL OF THE YEAR’ 2019 WINNER OF ‘WELSH ROMANTIC HOTEL OF THE YEAR’ CONTACT US TODAY YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING “I DO” Escape to the heart of the Welsh countryside and celebrate your love at the UK’s most renowned gothic castle. With breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons, our historic venue offers exceptional catering and exclusive use of its stunning grounds, luxury accommodations and unforgettable spaces for both your ceremony and reception. Starting at just £5,000 for 50 guests! Rates includes a 3-Course Wedding Breakfast, Welcome Drinks, 2 glasses of wine per guest, sparkling wine for toasts, Evening Finger Buffet, chivari chairs with bows, a cake stand, napkins, tablecloths, gold or silver candelabras and a banqueting room with enchanting ceiling fairy lights. craigynoscastleweddings.com weddinginformation@craigynoscastle.com Breycon Road, Penycae Nr swansea SA9 1GL
Pembrokeshire Located in south-west Wales, Sir Benfro (Pembrokeshire), is a region with lots of stunning wedding venues. Here, you can find a list of considerations for your nuptials... TREFLOYNE MANOR www.trefloyne.com | 01834 842 165 Trefloyne Lane, Penally, Tenby, SA70 7RG WOODHOUSE BARN woodhousebarn.com | 07870 353 287 Barn Lane, Rosemarket, Haverfordwest, SA73 1LH THE IMPERIAL HALL theimperialhall.co.uk | 07949 406 624 Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, SA73 3JN MONK HAVEN WEDDINGS monkhaven.co.uk | 07392 602 975 St Ishmaels, Haverfordwest, SA62 3TH HITON COURT hiltoncourt.co.uk | 01437 710 262 Roch, Haverfordwest, SA62 6AE CRUG GLÂS crug-glas.co.uk | 01348 831 302 Abereiddy Rd, Haverfordwest, Solva, St Davids, SA62 6XX WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL & SPA https://wolfscastle.com | 01437 741 225 Wolf’s Castle, Haverfordwest, SA62 5LZ GELLIFAWR WOODLAND RETREAT gellifawr.co.uk | 01239 820 343 Pontfaen Road, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9TX PLAS PANTYDERI MANOR pantyderi.com | 07932 956 099 Pantyderi, Blaenffos, Boncath, SA37 0JB RHOSYGILWEN retreat.co.uk | 01239 841 387 Cilgerran, SA43 2TW BEGGARS REACH beggars-reach.co.uk | 01646 600 700 Burton, Milford Haven, SA73 1PD LAMPHEY COURT lampheycourt.co.uk | 01646 672 273 Lamphey, Near Tenby, SA71 5NT MANSION HOUSE mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk | 01267 241 515 Mansion House Llansteffan, Pantyrathro, Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, SA33 5AJ PLAS HYFRYD COUNTRY HOTEL LTD plashyfrydhotel.com | 01834 869 006 Moorfield Road, Narberth, SA67 7AB SLEBECH PARK slebech.co.uk | 01437 752 000 Slebech Park Country Estate, Slebech, Haverfordwest, SA62 4AX WEST REGWM FARM westregwmfarm.wales | 07737 133 315 West Regwm Farm, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 0EB Swansea Abertawe (Swansea) is a coastal town, and being the second largest city in Wales, it holds a lot of wedding gems. Please see the below list of some of their lovely venues. CRAIG Y NOS CASTLE craigynoscastle.com | 01639 731 167 Brecon Road, Craig Y Nos, Pen-y-cae, SA9 1GL THE GLYN CLYDACH HOTEL glynclydach.co.uk | 01792 818 411 Neath Abbey, Neath, West Glamorgan, SA10 7AJ PEMBROKESHIRE TO SWANSEA Spotlight on... CRAIG Y NOS CASTLE 9 LOCAL VENUES
MANOR PARK manorparkcountryhouse.co.uk 01792 846 999 Manor Park Country Hotel, Clydach, SA6 5NR BRANGWYN brangwyn.co.uk | 01792 475 715 Guildhall, SA1 4PE PARC LE BREOS parc-le-breos.co.uk | 01792 371 636 Parkmill, Gower, SA3 2HA THE OXWICH BAY HOTEL oxwichbayhotel.co.uk | 01792 390 329 Oxwich, Gower Peninsula, SA3 1LS FAIRYHILL oldwallscollection.com | 01792 391 468 Fairyhill Reynoldston, Gower, SA3 1BS MORGANS HOTEL morganshotel.co.uk | 01792 484 848 Somerset Place, SA1 1RR SWANSEA MASONIC HALL wanseamasonichall.com | 01792 643 601 152 St Helen’s Road, SA1 4DF THE GRAND HOTEL thegrandhotelswansea.co.uk | 01792 645 898 Ivey Place, High Street, SA1 1NX TOWERS HOTEL & SPA hetowersswanseabay.com | 01792 814 155 Jersey Marine, SA10 6JL OLDWALLS GOWER oldwallscollection.com | 01792 391 468 Oldwalls, Gower, SA3 1HA CRUG GLÂS MORGANS HOTEL 10
To book an appointment, discuss your plans and discover how we may help, please get in touch. I drefnu apwyntiad, trafod eich cynlluniau a dysgu mwy ynghylch pa gymorth y gallwn ei roi i chi, cysylltwch os gwelwch yn dda Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PE 01792 635432 / brangwyn.hall@swansea.gov.uk www.brangwyn.co.uk
SAVE UP TO £2000 OFF YOUR WINTER WEDDING* Photo: sophiecollinsphotography.co.uk
YSWW.04A.25 01443 665803 | www.hensolcastle.com Hensol Castle Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JX †Excludes Hensol Castle Distillery & Atrium. *Terms & conditions apply, new bookings only. Valid on winter 2025/26 weddings, minimum guest numbers apply. Subject to availability. There are many wedding venues in South Wales - but only one in a Grade 1 listed castle. Think majestic turrets, sweeping staircases and gothic towers (perfect for photo opportunities!). Our gorgeous castle is nestled in luscious, landscaped grounds with it’s own lake and jetty. Exclusive† use of Hensol Castle Complimentary bedroom for the happy couple 15 complimentary bedrooms for guests Complimentary getting ready room Complimentary Hensol Castle Gin favours for day guests Complimentary white dance floor and light-up love letters Complimentary chiavari chairs WEDDING FAYRE SUN 21ST SEPT 11AM - 4PM PRE-REGISTER ONLINE FOR FREE
BARKWORKS WEDDINGS Taking the Lead to make your Day Pawfect O�� ���� ��� ��� ������ ��� �� ������ �� ���� ���� �� ��� W������, ���� �� ����� B���W���� ��� ����. We ���� ���� ��� ���������� ����������, ��������� ��� ���� �������� ����� �� ���� �������� ��� �� ����� ���������� ��� ���� ������� ��� �� �� �������� �� ���� ������� ���. J��� ����� ��� ���� ���� �� �� ��� ���� ������� ����� ���� ��� �������� ���� ���� ������ ��������� �� ������, ������ ��� ������� ��� “I Do” 07581 327 323 • B������@B���W����.��.�� ���.B���W����.��.�� We work with you to make your dream day a reality wildandfabulousweddings@gmail.com • wild.and.fabulous.flowers wildandfabulousflowers.com WILD & FABULOUS FLOWERS
Different types of weddings and how to plan them How to get to ‘I do’ INDOOR WEDDINGS The expected location for a wedding and a classic for a reason. Wandering the halls of a gorgeous mansion or letting your hair down in a converted barn are all reasons we have grown to love a good old wedding. But it’s not as straightforward as setting some tables and ordering flowers – there are still lots of things to consider for your big day. Have you got entertainment for the party that won’t take up too much room? Do you have any games to keep your guests occupied? Is the dancing area overhanging the eating area? Have the pictures got the potential to be as beautiful as the ones you’d get outdoors? The faҫade of buildings stands the test of time, it’s how they are decorated inside that can show their age. So, in getting married indoors, do you run the risk of your wedding album being ’out of date’ in 10 years? Not to mention that with indoor weddings, you inevitably have the divide of a ‘party in the smoking area’ and ‘party on the dancefloor’. OUTDOOR WEDDINGS As we bask in the summer months, your mind will naturally fall on an outdoor wedding for your nuptials. Whilst this is a great option, and a popular one, there are lots of things that go into the planning, that you may not have considered before. First and foremost, you need a plan B, should the weather take a classic British turn. Have plenty of covered spaces in case the heavens open or if the sun is too relentless to be in. Pair this with mini umbrellas and hand-fans to prepare for both extremes. Next up, have you got stable ground for your guests to walk on? You may have elderly guests that need more support getting to the ceremony area. To light the way for everyone on your day, you’ll also need to consider some romantic lighting; like fairylights, festoon lights, and lanterns. Finally, to keep your guests entertained, you’ll need some awesome games to fill the time and space. These could be anything you want, as you have less restrictions on space and don’t have to worry about expensive interiors. So, you’re engaged...what’s next? Firstly, a massive congratulations to you both! Now comes the tricky part of trying to organise a killer wedding that your friends and family will remember. There are many different types of weddings you could go for, and you may have already thought about it. But here’s a breakdown of each one, things you need to consider when planning, and options you may not have explored before, but which one is right for you? www.550park.com www.adeledebruyn.com FLOWERS 15 PLANNING SOS
INTIMATE WEDDINGS Intimate weddings, otherwise known as micro-weddings, are a step between a traditional wedding and elopement and are ideal for couples who don’t want too much fuss. For a wedding to be classed as micro, it needs to have 50 people or less; they became popular during Covid when big days were capped at 30 loved ones and it’s a trend that’s stayed. The positive, is that you’ll have half as many favours to buy or place names to make, and you don't need to worry about renting out a massive venue. However, many micro-wedding-lovers see the opportunity to keep the budget but chop the guest list. So, spend the same amount as a regular wedding, host a lavish affair, and spoil those on your short guest list. ELOPEMENT Back in the day of shotgun weddings and scandalous pregnancies, wedding elopements were saved for couples on the brink of ’ruin’. Thanks to our social liberation (to an extent), couples who elope now are simply people who just want to do the legal bit and don’t care about the big fuss. They invariably take a couple of witnesses with them and leave it at that. Although, if you were considering dumping the whole wedding idea, you probably wouldn’t be reading this right now. But where in the UK do you run away to? Cornwall, Gretna Green, and the Lake District are all popular choices! thechaffins.co YOUR VENUE BOOKING TIMELINE 1 YEAR BEFORE •Set your budget – how much are you realistically willing to spend on your venue? •Attend wedding shows. It’s a great way to get to know venues in your area and get a feel for their potential. •Book your venue! •Confirm guests with your partner and send out save the dates. 9 MONTHS BEFORE •Decide on key décor pieces and start leaning on your mood board for inspiration. •Confirm with caterers your guest numbers and dietary requirements. •Book transport to the venue, if necessary. •Visit the venue again to view the rooms/ space you’ll be using. 3 MONTHS BEFORE •If your venue is doing the catering, now would be the time to do a menu taste test. •Create a seating plan for your loved ones – this one can be quite time consuming! •Ensure you have enough place names, table decor, and favours. You’ll also want to check you’ve included a guestbook table and a cake table. 1 MONTH BEFORE •Reconfirm with suppliers – this means cake delivery as well! •Finalise your wedding day timeline and seating plan. 16
stilclassics.com QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENUE The whole planning process of any wedding, big or small, can feel very intimidating. To help guide you through, David Leathem, CEO of The Weddings Group, has some stellar advice on questions to ask your venue. Guestlist logistics: Venues have different capacity limits for daytime and evening guests, so clarify these numbers early on. Some places also have multiple ceremony spaces, so check how many people each one can hold to make sure it aligns with your plans. Knowing the available layout options can also help you plan how to create an intimate or grand feel, depending on your wedding vision. Don’t forget about overnight stays! If your venue offers accommodation, find out how many guests can be hosted onsite – especially if it’s in a remote location where finding hotels nearby might be tricky. Getting ready in style: Check out the getting-ready rooms and consider the lighting, décor and overall space – these will all affect your photos and the comfort of your wedding party. Make sure there are enough mirrors, power outlets and seating to accommodate your bridal party, hair stylists and make-up artists without feeling overcrowded. Also, find out whether another wedding is happening at the venue the day before or after. This could impact the time you have in the prep space, so knowing in advance will help you plan accordingly. If the venue isn’t exclusive and has multiple events happening together, ensure that there’s sufficient privacy and no risk of overlaps affecting your experience. The wedding feast: Most venues offer classic wedding menus, but some might have more unique culinary options. Ask if you can arrange a tasting (and whether there’s a cost for this) to ensure the menu is exactly what you want. Also, consider asking if the chef can accommodate special requests, such as cultural dishes or a specific signature cocktail that reflects your personal tastes. Ask about table shapes, top table arrangements and seating configurations. You might also want to consider décor options and whether the venue provides centrepieces, tableware and linens, or if these need to be hired separately. Party time! Ask about sound limiters, curfews and space for DJs or live bands. Experienced entertainers understand these things and can work around restrictions, but knowing in advance will help you plan the perfect night. Be sure to check if there are any noise regulations in place that might affect outdoor receptions or late-night festivities. Also, check whether fun extras like fireworks or confetti cannons are allowed – some venues have restrictions, so it’s best to ask before making grand plans! NEXT STEPS When doing anything wedding related, being organised is a key ingredient; you need to be on top of everything from budget to floral arrangements and glassware. Moodboards are a fabulous way to envision your theme and to stick to it. It’s all well and good setting one in your head, but without visual cues, it can be hard to picture it all together. Before anything gets purchased, make a moodboard to ensure your vision works. This will also encourage a cohesive look on the day; free from random objects thrown in that you found while shopping. High organisation also helps to combat any last-minute changes; you can’t prepare for everything, but if everything else is organised, one thing changing won’t bring the whole event down. Being organised will not only help you, but your suppliers as well! Sharing with them the vision for the day, and a timeline, will help them keep on track and understand what they are working towards. Your suppliers want to get it right just as much as you do! Now that you’ve hopefully decided on a style and theme, all you need to do is plan the rest... sounds easy! Some of your next steps include deciding on a guestlist (size of venue dependent), the time of year to get married, and the date! Once these are out of the way, you can think about details like who’s in your bridal party, the honeymoon and the hen/stag/sten (will these be separate events or will you combine forces and have a big blowout?). Despite all the stress, this is a very exciting time in your life – don’t forget to soak it all in and relish in the celebration. www.comelitonmx.com FLOWERS 17 PLANNING SOS
Happily Ever After Gina and Daniel’s wedding at Margam Park was a classy affair with lots of fun elements Images courtesy of Luke Hassall 18
Gina and Daniel’s relationship starts with the overcoming of some very difficult times. With the loss of a dear friend and the approaching lockdown, they had a lot to overcome in a short amount of time. They may have started as flatmates, but the bond that flourished has created what is now, a beautiful relationship. Whilst lockdown was a tumultuous and daunting period for a lot of us, this time gave Gina and Daniel plenty of opportunities to get to know one another and to partake in some of the classic lockdown activities. Gina adds, “we were both locked down in the flat – we used to play lockdown bingo, which made for plenty of our own adventures.” Gina and Daniel now live happily ever after with their son and dog in Cardiff. But before we jump to the end, how did this gorgeous couple become newlyweds? Daniel and Gina found Gina’s engagement ring together when they were travelling in Madrid in 2022. They bought it there and then and carefully carried it around with them for the rest of the day. Daniel then popped the question in Bruges, in September that same year. Gina knew the engagement was coming but wasn’t sure when, so this still came as a nice surprise. Daniel even did it on the bridge overlooking Lovers Lake – how romantic! The date was set for 18th October 2024, here we find out more about their special day... SETTING THE SCENE When it came to selecting their venue, Gina and Daniel started with a wedding fair at Margam Park in 2023, it was here that they found their dream venue. Gina recalls, “as soon as we walked in, we knew it was perfect! It felt really special, but the main thing for us was that we could visit in the future, unlike an exclusive-hire venue.” Whilst some couples like the idea of having a venue to themselves, it can be beneficial to have frequent access to your venue, to be able to visually plan the day out. For transportation to the venue, Gina and her father had a very important chauffer. Gina’s grandad from Ireland drove them from Swansea to Margam Park in his 1995 Mercedes – his pride and joy. Gina adds, “my grandad is a very special man to me, so it was very important that he drove me and my dad to the wedding. The months before the wedding, he was making sure it was in tip top condition – which was just so sweet.” When it came to setting up on the day and for the general vibe of the wedding, Gina and Daniel wanted the day to feel like one big party. Starting off with the table plan, they opted to name each table after pubs with sentimental value. For example, The Duke of Sussex was their local pub in Chiswick, where every week they took part in the Sunday quiz. Who doesn’t love a pub quiz? They then paired the table names with simple sketches of the pubs. For wedding favours, Gina and Daniel gave everyone a scratch card and a silver coin, engraved with the couple’s initials, for people to use and then keep as a memento. Gina adds, “Dan loves collecting coins, so that was an important touch!” Along with the scratch card, each guest was also given a drinks voucher to redeem before the speeches. The voucher came with a note saying it was a drink from the father-of-the-bride – Gina details that her dad was known for always buying people drinks, so this felt like a natural addition. Their cake was laced with sentiment and was quite the showstopper! Daniel’s sister, Laura, baked and decorated the cake for the big day and included homemade blackberry jelly in the bottom vanilla layer; this delightful addition was made by Gina’s nanna, Delia. The vanilla and blackberry bottom layer was accompanied by a top layer of red velvet and the exterior of that cake was decorated with white, green and gold marbling. All finished with some spectacular blooms provided by the florist. To enable other aspects of the wedding to stand out, Gina and Daniel kept the centrepieces minimal. They didn’t want the table to be overcrowded, they wanted to ensure people could see the table names, and they wanted the venue to speak for itself. With this in mind, three of the nine tables had tall pillars with spheres of greenery and the other three 19 REAL WEDDINGS
9 Enjoy special rates on accommodation for your guests, complimentary menu tasting and complimentary anniversary stay Regional Winners of a Welsh National Wedding Award for Best Boutique Venue 2023 Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 5TQ 01792 404891 www.NortonHouse Hotel.co.uk Weddings at Norton House Hotel Our traditional accommodation, exquisite dining facilities, excellent service, in-house wedding co-ordinator and picture perfect grounds means that your special day can proceed without a hitch!
tables had a collection of small vases with stems in them. For the top table, they had a window box with jars of flowers in it. This was later filled in with the bunches of flowers carried during the ceremony. Gina adds, “the arch that had been behind us for the actual ceremony, we moved to be behind us at the top table. We were keen on making sure that we were reusing flowers and taking a more sustainable route.” The naturally open and white style of the venue meant that the colourful flowers could really pop! The confetti for after the ceremony was made by Gina’s friend’s mum and were petals from flowers in her garden. Luckily, she could match the theme of the wedding perfectly with the flowers she had collected! LOOKING THE PART Gina’s dress was actually a lucky find at a trunk show that she decided to go to last minute! It was a Mori Lee dress called Philomena and was paired with a long veil adorned with a leafy pattern and then a small crystal belt to tie it all together. Daniel wore a Toree Uomo suit from Hawkes in Cardiff, in a rich green colour. They also got a matching suit for their son – Gina adds, “seeing them together in their matching suits was beyond perfect.” The bridesmaids all wore green dresses but in varying styles, so that they could feel comfortable on the day. PARTY TIME! Gina and Daniel outlined that their wedding was designed to be one big party and it’s safe to say they fulfilled the brief. To walk Gina down the aisle and to welcome everyone to the drinks reception, they had a pianist, and she played an acoustic version of Everlong by the Foo Fighters, to soundtrack Gina’s walk to newlywed bliss. The next part of their entertainment for the day was a pub quiz! In case you can’t tell, Gina and Daniel are big pub quiz fans, so it was only right that this would be a part of their big day. Their friend and former flatmate, Gavin, was the writer and host of the quiz and Gina states, “he absolutely smashed it!” The winners were, of course, the newlyweds which they claim isn’t fixed – when you’ve had as much experience as this couple, at a quiz, then you’re bound to outshine others. To capture the day, this couple also hired a polaroid selfie pod where people could bundle in and get some classic photo booth pictures. The machine printed two copies of the images, so that one could go in the guest book and one could be taken home. For evening entertainment, they had a band and a DJ; the band did a garage set to get everyone up and dancing and this was followed by the DJ, Chris. Gina and Daniel met Chris at a wedding fair, and it was here that they knew he would be the one to perform at their wedding. He played requested songs on the night but also performed songs from his festival set. He also played their first dance song, which was In for the Kill by La Roux (Skream remix). MEMORABLE MOMENTS For both Gina and Daniel, the day felt overwhelming with emotions, in a good way! “The excitement is bursting out of you, as well as love and happiness and nerves. I wish I could bottle that feeling.” – Gina The blur of a wedding can feel like a euphoric rush, but there will always be moments that stand out. For Gina, it was when she arrived at the venue and recalls, “people were being ushered inside and Luke, our photographer, came out to us in the car and said ‘OK, when the bridesmaids’ car leaves, you drive up to the door. This is it’. That moment felt like the top of a roller-coaster, when you’re about to drop off the top. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling in that moment.” The calm 21 REAL WEDDINGS
GINA AND DANIEL’S SUPPLIER LIST Venue, The Orangery, Margam Park, margamorangery.com | Photographer, Luke Hassell Photography, lukehassall.co.uk | Bride’s dress and accessories, Cardiff Bridal Centre | Grooms suit, Hawkes Bespoke Outfitters, hawkesbespoke.com | Hair stylist, Anna Williams Bridal Hair, annawilliamsbridalhair.com | Make-up artist, Kathryn Kift Make Up Artist, @kathrynkiftmakeupartist | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Azazie, azazie.com | Flowers, Petal Power Wales, petalpowerwales.co.uk | Stationery, V Wedding Stationery, vweddingstationery.co.uk | Band, The Compilation, thecompilationband.co.uk | DJ, Reverly Disco, revelrydisco.co.uk | Selfie pod, JD Entertainments, jdentertainments.co.uk before the storm of hurried thank yous, loving hugs and a sea of tearful eyes. For Daniel, it was when the doors of the Orangery opened, and he saw Gina walk down the aisle. For both, these moments briefly paused time and nothing else mattered anymore. Now when it comes to the guest list, you have the classic attendees such as cousins, friends, etc. However, how often can you say that you had the Grim Reaper in attendance? Gina and Daniel’s wedding just so happened to be the first of the Fright Nights that Margam Park hosts; and in the late afternoon, when they were taking pictures, they ended up with an unexpected photobomb. The Grim Reaper joined them for a couple of shots and it’s safe to say, it’s certainly a unique addition to the wedding album. But thanks to Luke, the photographer, they blended with the pictures he had captured throughout the day. Gina and Daniel praised Luke as the one who stood out as making the day extra special. Gina adds, “we knew from our first phone call with him that he would be great, but on the day, I couldn’t have asked for a better ally! When I think about the wedding, he’s always front of my mind.” HONEYMOON The perfect nuptials were rounded off with a four-night stay at a five-star (adults only) resort in Rhodes. Gina’s mum looked after their son, so that the newlyweds could have some well-earned rest. Whilst the wedding may be all about the couple, it’s rare they get to share an extended of period of time together. It’s important to run off, whenever you can, and reconnect with quality time. 22
www.noveltyspirits.co.uk office@noveltyspirits.co.uk Tel : 07831 171003 BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY PERSONALISED GIN & VODKA WEDDING FAVOURS YOUR NAMES YOUR WEDDING DATE YOUR PHOTOGRAPH FOR A MEMORABLE WEDDING LET'S CREATE SOME SPECIAL WEDDING FAVOURS EXPERTLY DESIGNED, BEAUTIFULLY PERSONALISED. I'm all about capturing the real and relaxed moments of your wedding day - no posing, nothing weird, just you and your guests having an awesome time. Also, I stay long past the first dance to capture that party! We'll still capture the family shots that Nan wants for the mantlepiece. The rest however, will be the candid moments and the unique connections that are created on a wedding day. I don't want you or your guests to see me as just 'the wedding photographer'. I want you to see me as your wedding mate - someone who'll help you through your day, answer questions, give you tips and get involved to help you have the best day EVER. hello@lukehassallphotography.co.uk www.lukehassall.co.uk
Flecks of emerald would tie together Chloe and Joe’s romantic day at Sant Ffraed House Images courtesy of KEM Radford SWEETHEARTS Joe and Chloe met when they were 15 and in school, their puppy love would stand the test of time and on their 10year anniversary, they would tie the knot. The 17th September has remained an important date to this couple, it was the day they became boyfriend and girlfriend, it was the day Joe proposed, and it was the day that they got married. But how did Joe pop the question? Chloe details, “He proposed at the Lake District, and it was unexpected, but I was hoping it would happen! He was acting strange all day, so I had my suspicions.” The date was set, and the venue was picked; here bride Chloe tells us more about the special day... Childhood 24
For my bridal bouquet, I had white roses, and my bridesmaids had white gypsophlia. So that they stood out against the white, we had black acrylic place names. I attended a wedding at Sant Ffraed House just before we got engaged and instantly fell in love. I took Joe to have a look, and he loved it too! We both felt it had the right balance of everything. As the room was filled with all our favourite people, we labelled the table plan as such. It was a big board that had all the table numbers and who was sitting where – this was titled with ’Our favourite people’. To represent Joe’s love for West Ham, we had bubbles as wedding favours decorated with a black ribbon and a tag that said, ’forever blowing bubbles’. Our centrepieces were provided by the venue, and they consisted of simple white roses on a mirror – we wanted to keep things basic and elegant, so this was perfect! REAL WEDDINGS 25
Hi, my name is John Wellings. I am a documentary wedding photographer in Swansea, South Wales. Storytelling through photography is my vibe. Blending in is my special move. I want your day to feel completely yours, no posed cheese, just good vibes on a great day. If this sounds like something your’e looking for, I'd love to hear from you. Wedding Photography you can feel. www.wellingsweddings.com A vibrant venue in the heart of Penarth Penarth Pier Pavilion, the most romantic of venues with spectacular sea views for you and your guests to enjoy. Licensed for civil ceremonies; weddings and civil partnerships for 10 to 110 guests, the iconic Pavilion is the perfect location for your special day, with dedicated staff to ensure your wedding runs seamlessly. Our experienced team look forward to hearing from you – call today to arrange a viewing of this beautiful venue! For more information contact pavilion@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk 01446 725236 @PenarthPavilion
Joe wore a black suit with a light grey waistcoat and an emerald tie. We wanted to incorporate emerald into our day, and I had planned to have this colour for my bridesmaids... until two months before the wedding! So, we decided that the groom and his groomsmen would wear green ties. The groomsmen wore the same suit as Joe, but they had black waistcoats instead of grey. We also dressed our 18-month-old in a similar style! I chose a chic white dress from a bridal boutique in my local village called Jasmine-Rose Bridal. I fell in love with the fit and style, I decided to have a sparkly overdress designed for the evening by a local designer as I didn’t want to change the shape or style of my dress. Kay (from Lavande) created the perfect one for me to slip on and it was beautiful! The bridesmaids wore fitted off-the-shoulder black dresses – super elegant and worked perfectly with the emerald hue! We kept things simple and opted for a classic number system for our table names. To continue the theme of elegance, we opted for a simple two-tier white cake with ruffles down the side and our initials front and centre in a stand-out black. 27 REAL WEDDINGS
JOE AND CHLOE’S SUPPLIER LIST Venue, Sant Ffraed House, oldwallscollection.com | Photographer, KEM Radford, kemradfordphotography.co.uk | Bride’s day dress, JasmineRose Bridal, @jasminerosebridalnewport | Bride’s night dress, Lavande Designer Wear, lavandedesignerwear.co.uk | Hair stylist, Hair Granted, @hairgrantedhairsalon | Make-up artist, Jenna McDonnell, jennamcdonnell.co.uk | Groom and groomsmen suit, Dyfed Menswear, dyfedmenswear.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Quiz, quizclothing.co.uk | Cake, Dottie May Bakes, @dottiemaybakes | Flowers, The Willows Florist, thewillowsflorist.com | Entertainment, Satori Weddings, satoriweddings.co.uk | Videographer, Kris Butler, krisbutler.co.uk The speeches were one of our favourite parts of the day – we loved every moment. We loved having both our families together in one room, celebrating us. My top tip? Stress less and live in the moment! Emily (my hairdresser) and Katie (our photographer) were particularly helpful to me in the morning; they helped calm my nerves and help me feel relaxed. They were more than a hairdresser and photographer and I’m so grateful to them both. We had Jeris and her band perform in the evening and so many guests commented on how amazing they were. Jeris really engaged with the audience and got involved on the dancefloor! We went on to have the Sant Ffraed DJ who played everybody’s requests. We asked every guest on their invite for a song request, which the DJ made his way through – it was a lovely touch! We were both very nervous but so excited to see each other at the end of the aisle. We both gave each other a box of gifts to open in the morning – perfume/aftershave, jewellery/watch, and a letter signed by the West Ham captain wishing us luck. 28
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