Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 13

Alice in Wonderland Feature Shoot

(Features)

How to Choose your DJ

Photographers featured:

Sophie TC Photography

Contacts

Editorial editor@matrimonymag.co.uk

Advertising advertising@matrimonymag.co.uk

Cover Photo : Sophie TC Photography

Venue: Bennetts Willow Barn

Front Cover Model: Emily Pugh

All Graphics & Frames: www.rawpixel.com

In this issue we are taking a look at Wedding Insurance and whether it is necessary.

This is perhaps the smartest way to do things; realistically, you should be insured as soon as you start putting money towards your wedding, or at least as soon as possible. This way, none of your wedding money is at risk at any point, besides the amount set as an excess by your provider.

Usually the largest expense for any wedding is the venue, so a good time to take out wedding insurance is when you have paid the deposit for this

In these tough economic times, with smaller wedding businesses going under, it is well worth the investment of taking out Wedding Insurance.

Also I this issue we have 2 special features on Elopement Weddings and a Elopement and Disney Weddings.

Choosing your wedding DJ

Choosing a wedding DJ can be a difficult task - there are so many of them out and prices vary wildly. So here are some tips to help you set things up so that you can relax and enjoy the music you want to hear on your big day!

Ask around – you really can’t beat recommendations from people you trust. Even better, if you’ve been to a wedding recently where the music was fantastic, contact the couple and ask them who their DJ was. There’s no better audition than seeing the DJ perform first-hand. In fact, about 75% of our bookings are from couples who have already seen us play at a wedding.

Contact the DJ for a quote and judge their response before you commit to them for your big day. Do they respond to your Facebook message or email quickly and in a friendly and professional way? If so, they’re likely to behave the same way in all of your dealings with them. If they reply late, answer in a rude or pushy manner or don’t reply at all, perhaps it’s not worth taking a chance on them behaving professionally at your wedding.

Some DJs have a ‘wedding play list of songs that they’ll play at every wedding…in the same order! If a DJ is willing to meet up with you in advance to discuss the music you’d like to hear and to take into

account your likes and dislikes, they’re more likely to get everyone dancing on your big day.

For some DJs, music is a way of life. For others, it’s just a job that pays the bills. When you meet up with your DJ in advance, do you get the feeling that they actually want to play at your wedding? If not, it might be best to look for someone who really enjoys their job.

Unless money is no object, you’re likely to have a budget for your wedding entertainment and it’s important that you stick to it. However, it’s just as important to remember that you get what you pay for. Generally speaking, those who charge very little tend to offer very little. Ask around and choose a DJ who has a good reputation but doesn’t charge way too much or far too little.

Q3. Do you use lighting or special effects in your package?

Q4. How do you ensure a comfortable sound level for all of our guests?

Q5. How many hours are usually included in your packages?

Q6. Can you act as our Master of Ceremonies?

Q7. How many weddings do you typically do in a year?

Q8. What is your ‘back-up’ plan if there’s an equipment malfunction?

Q9. How do you motivate a shy crowd onto the dance floor?

Q10. What is your cancellation policy?

Q1. Do you check what the acoustics are like at our chosen venue?

Q2. Can you play the songs that are important to us?

1. I Loved Her First - Heartland

2. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

3. The Way You Look TonightFrank Sinatra

4. You are So Beautiful to Me - Joe Cocker

5. You Raise Me Up - Westlife

6. Dance with my Father - Luther Vandross

7. My Girl - The Temptations

8. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

9. Daddys Little Angel - T Carter

10. My Little Girl - Tim McGraw

11. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion

12. Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle

13. Daddy’s Little Girl - The Shires

14. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

15. How Sweet It Is - James Taylor

16. Daddy Dance with Me - Krystal Keith

17. Sweet Pea - Amos Lee

18. Daughter - Louden Wainwright III

19. In my Life - The Beatles

20. Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

21. Stealing Cinderella - Chuck Wicks

22. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

23. I Turn to You - Christina Aguilera

24. Thank You - LED Zeppelin

25. Through the Years - Kenny

Rogers

26. To Sir With Love - Lulu

27. For my Dad - Nancy Sinatra

28. Just the Way you Are - Billy Joel

29. Daddy - Beyonce

30. Wind Beneath my Wings - Bette Midler

31. She’s Leaving Home - The Beatles

32. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

33. That’s How Strong My Love IsOtis Reading

34. I’ll Be There - Jackson 5

35. It Had to be You - Ray Charles

36. There Goes my Life - Lenny Chesney

37. A Wink And A Smile - Harry Connick Jr.

38. Michelle - The Beatles

39. Your Song - Elton John

40. Hero - Mariah Carey

41. Close to You - The Carpenters

42. Not While I’m Around - Barbra Streisand

43. Father & Daughter - Paul Simon

44. There She Goes - The LA’s

45. Can You Feel the Love Tonight -

Elton John

46. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Rod Stewart

47. Always in All Ways - Kenny Loggins

48. Stand By Me - Ben E King

49. You’re My Best Friend - Queen

50. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper

51. Love is All Around - Wet Wet Wet

52. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

53. Sweet Child of Mine - Guns ‘n Roses

54. Heart of Gold - Neil Young

55. You’ll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins

56. Father’s Eyes - Amy Grant

57. More Than Words - Extreme

58. You’re Still the One - Shania Twain

59. How Deep is Your Love - The Bee Gees

60. True Colours - Cyndi Lauper

All Images: Sophie TC Photography

ALICE

Matrimony UK®

- Common Wood Flowers

Hannah the Mad Hatter

Sophie TC Photography

- Bennetts Willow Barn

Maddison Rocks (Alice theme)

Forget me Not Flowers (Nuts & Berries)

- March Hare Events

- White Ivy Events by Stacy

-Make-up by Kay-Louise

- Glitterbugz Hair & Beauty

Dear Emma Wedding Stationery

- Cakes Especially

: Phase Eight

Irregular Choice

Emily Pugh

See more of our team on the next pages in our Alice in Wonderland Shoot

Meet Dan Sullivan the Creator of Irregular choice …..

Irregular Choice was created by Dan Sullivan in 1999 as a reason to stand out from the crowd.

Back in the late 90's Dan saw that the footwear market was becoming very neutral and black, yet there was a global demand for something different and individual, something to wear with pride.

Born in London, England, and growing up on the Kings Road in the 70’s during the Punk era, Dan was fortunate enough to travel the world throughout the 70's and 80's with his family.

Whilst his parents developed their own irregular footwear collections, including “Transport” and “Chaos Creators”, Dan got to visit the most amazing and inspirational locations, allowing him to soak in everything that surrounded him.

He had left home by the age of 15 and opened his first shoe shop in Covent Garden at the age of 18, which soon turned into 6 stores, until at 23 he decided to close the stores so he could travel and add to his already extensive knowledge of what the rest of the world had to offer.

During his mid to late 20's Dan chose to go back to the far east to meet with factories and understand the opportunities that were being offered from that part of the world.

“The culture, architecture and foods were big influences for my first collection in 1999, and that’s where I got the inspiration for the split toe shoe, which is still incorporated into my designs today.” Dan Sullivan.

The opportunities that Dan discovered in China allowed for detailed & creative manufacturing, at an affordable price & small quantities. This gave Dan the chance to

combine the resources of the far east with the experiences he had gathered spanning the most creative times, and countries, of his generation.

And from this Irregular Choice was born.

Dan has stuck very determinedly to his philosophy throughout the past 22 years, which is to keep Irregular Choice as something that is not influenced by passing trends, but original and set apart from the crowd.

His fearlessness translates into the design of the shoes, and an Irregular Choice shoe is not like any other you’ll find. Dan doesn’t listen to what’s happening in the fashion industry or what another brand may be doing.

This is what makes Irregular Choice designs completely unique and truthful.

From embellished heels, ornate wood carvings, tiny intricate charms and lavish fabrics, to the memorable colour combinations, everybody has an Irregular Choice favourite shoe or story.

Each year Dan creates over 600 different styles, and is constantly jotting down styles, photos and sketches, it’s an ever expanding creative process reaching to what is now over 10,000 different options.

Irregular Choice has evolved with great strides over the past decade. The brand is now sold through hundreds of stockists around the world, and has nine of its own stores across the globe, with more in the pipeline.

Every Irregular Choice customer has their own favourite designs, and with such a huge collection to choose from each season there is always something to tempt every shoe addict.

Many famous faces from around the world are fans of shoes, here are just a few of them.

● Nicki Minaj

● Katy Perry

● Rita Ora,

● Jessie J

● Gwen Stefani

And their biggest fan seems to be Whoopi Goldberg!

Accessories

Glorious by Heidi

Lovett & Co

Mason Blue Designs

Elizabeth Terzza

Irregular Choice

Di at Diane Hassall

Hannah the Mad Hatter

Hello! I'm Heidi, designer of cool, contemporarywedding and special occasion accessories.

If you're looking for accessoriesthat help you expressyour style and individuality; you're someone who understandsthat the right accessorycan take your outfit from ordinaryto extraordinary; someone looking for timeless, high quality, statement accessoriesto complete your wedding day, or special occasion look - then I'm here for you!

Working from myCheshire studio, I create unique designsusing high-end, ethically sourced materials.

Myethosisto create eye catching hair accessoriesfor modern, sassybrides, that draw the eye up through your whole look, topping your outfit with a final, unforgettable flourish.

www.gloriousbyheidi.com

Emmaus Manor Offices

Drove Road

Portslade Brighton BN41 2PA

Telephone: 01273 230114

Email: info@lovettandco.co.uk

www.lovettandco.co.uk

The brand started from very humble beginnings, founder Rachel Lovett worked out of her kitchen building up a small team until she was able to move to offices in 2014 to a most fitting historical building in Brighton. In 2015 Rachel won The Forward Ladies Women in Business Award for the South East region and was shortlisted for The Gift of the Year 2020 award. Previous to this Rachel worked in fashion buying for the likes of House of Fraser and Arcadia where she gained her experience in retail and sourcing.

Rachel has a real passion for the past and takes her inspiration and references from the decadence of the 1920’s to the fun and fabulous 1950’s through items found in vintage fairs, antique stores and treasures given with love. Designing in this way ensures vintage authenticity is at the heart of everything Lovett & Co do.

www.masonbluedesigns.com

Welcome to Mason Blue Designs

Based in the centre of Hereford, I offer handmade tiaras, stunning bridal accessories and jewellery. Also gorgeous jewelled bridal flowers featuring artificial flowers and hand embellished with fabulous brooches, pearls & crystals.

jewellery for all occasions, ethically made in rural Herefordshire’

www.elizabethterzza.com hello@elizabethterzza.com

Beautiful jewellery is the perfect way to complete your wedding day look and there are so many different options to choose from… Go all out and have a bespoke tiara made with all the sparkles, keep it classy with a beautiful pair of earrings, or try something a little different like a contemporary statement bracelet! Your to-be might opt for quirky cufflinks, a tiepin, or perhaps a hatpin?

If you’re looking for something unique, bespoke jewellery is a great way to tell your story on your wedding day, you can really get the most out of your jewels by choosing a piece that you’ll be able to wear again and again after your special day.

Your personalised design can be inspired by the place you first met, your favourite holiday together or your wedding flowers… The possibilities are endless. I love working on jewels like this because they have such a beautiful sentiment!

‘Lifelong

www.dianehassall.com

Diane Hassall’s passion for shoe artistry began at a young age, and her dedicated pursuit of shoemaking has resulted in some major achievements, including designing with Jimmy Choo, and having shoes in the V&A Museum’s permanent collection. Since 2017, Di’s focus is now on designing and hand-making the most gorgeous wedding shoes you’ll ever wear.

www.dianehassall.com

Hannah the mad hatter

Fascinators and headpieces for all occasions

By Hannah Bendall

www.hannahbendalldesigns.co.uk

From bespoke designs to a simple redress or your existing hats and Fascinators or even hiring a hat the possibilities are endless, from Feathers and Felt to Sinnamay and flowers I offer an extensive millinery service to suit your every need and budget.

With very competitive prices and a loyal returning customer base I can source a vast range of materials and will finish your design to the highest quality working closely with you to achieve your vision.

I look forward to welcoming you into my home studio with uninterrupted views of the Severn Estuary and as I collaborate with friends in the boutique clothing industry why not let us style your whole outfit for you?

Alternatively hire a hat or Fascinators from me and then you can dazzle at every occasion with something different.

Do you have an older hat you would like new life to be breathed into? Why not purchase a unique feather pin to wear on your fedora or trilby or on your jacket, the ideas are endless please get in touch at anytime.

BEAUTY HUB

Bobbi Brown

Charlotte Tilbury

Urban Decay

Guerlain

Pretty Please by Katie

SJM Beauty

Glitterbugz

Make-Up by Kay Louise

Wedding Hair Styling Advice by

Harriet from Glitterbugz

As a bridal stylist I have had many different brides ask me to do their hair for their special day, and the most common thought that goes through most brides’ have is usually “what style will suit my hair”. Each bride is unique in their own way, all have different styles from boho chic to classically glam, and most importantly each bride has different hair! There are many hair types to think about, Afro, Caribbean, Chinese, Caucasian, Indian, Biracial to name a few. Along with textures, fine and thin hair, course and thick, combined with short, medium and long lengths, when you try to narrow it down the list is endless. That’s where I come in, I can help advise you on how to break it down, navigate the technical jargon and help you decide on a style that will suit you for your big day!

– With shorter hair options are a little limited due to the length restriction, however there are still choices you can make. If you have your heart set on an up-do then the use of clip in hair extensions (human hair for the best quality) are highly advised to give you the length you may

need. Extensions are not always needed though, so by incorporating some twists and braids, an intricate up do can be constructed with your natural hair, even if you think your hair is short an updo is doable! Alternatively, the use of straighteners to give a sleek bob finish, curling irons to create a soft curled boho look or a blowdry to create volume at the root and a nice finish at the ends.

– When the hair is a little longer there are more options, however sometimes the more hair you have the harder it is to put into an up- do, purely because there is more hair to secure which can then become quite heavy, especially as some medium lengths hair tends to be quite coarse. Half up half down styles are brilliant with medium hair, whether its soft, loose or wavy, this style can create volume and intrigue by incorporating many different elements such as braids, twists and back combing to add that wow factor. If you have your mind on an updo there are some updo styles that can be achieved, a French pleat, smooth chignon, low boho bun and a bouffant style to name a few.

Wedding Hair Styling Advice

by Harriet from Glitterbugz

Long Hair – With long hair, there are lots of styles you can choose from as you have the length to achieve these styles. Hollywood glam waves are very effective with longer hair, with the extra length you can get more definition in the waves, curled half up half down styles also look beautiful as it can flow down your back to give you that “princess” look! Ponytails and long braids are also viable options, now when I say ponytails, I don’t mean the type that you wear to the gym! A sleek pony or a curly low pony are the perfect addition for a modern bride. Along with what we call a Mermaid Braid, these are beautiful thick braids that start from the roots of your hair right down to the ends and are perfect for a relaxed boho vibe. Again, there are many different options for up-dos, Russian technique styling can also be added as a technical element onto boho and classic styles. High buns with braids, twists and back-combing can be combined to create a regal style whilst you

can limit the curls and keep the hair neat and constructed to create more of a statement style.

When you book your stylist, they will be trained to answer all your questions whilst also being able to suggest ideas as to which they feel will suit your hair and your personality. Having your hair styled is a personal thing, especially for your big day and you need to be able to feel and look the very best version of yourself whilst also having your own distinct style displayed.

– while its great to surf the internet and arrive at your hair trial armed with inspiration photos to show what you would like, always keep in mind that they are just INSPIRATION. While your stylist may not copy the photos exactly she will adapt it to suit you by working with the hair you have.

Hair vines from www.libertyinlove.co.uk

www.bobbibrown.co.uk

www.facebook.com/BobbiBrownUK

www.instagram.com/BobbiBrownUK/ www.pinterest.co.uk/bobbibrown

Bobbi Brown are undoubtedly one of the most trusted makeup brands when it comes to finding that all-round and perfect formulation, which is why they will always have a place in our makeup bag.

Founded in 1991 by makeup-artist-turned-entrepreneur Bobbi Brown, the brand offers universally flattering products created with uncompromising quality and an intuitive sense of what every woman wants: to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident.

With over 28 years’ experience, Charlotte has distinguished herself as a true creative visionary and innovator. She has revolutionised the face of the global beauty industry by decoding her expertise into transformative makeup tricks and tools that are easy to use, easy to choose and easy to shop, for everyone at every age!

Charlotte believes that everyone deserves to look and feel like ‘the most beautiful version of themselves every day through the power of makeup. Today, Charlotte is one of the UK’s most famous makeup industry exports and continues to push boundaries with her Award-Winning, record-breaking, eponymous, universally-loved makeup and skincare company.

Before starting Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, Charlotte worked with Industry leaders to create best-selling products and to launch entire beauty lines, leading creative product devlopment for brands including Helena Rubenstein, MAC, Armani, Burberry and Tom Ford.

Having worked up to 40 shows a season, Charlotte has started trends on the runways of New York, Milan, Paris and London, acting as show makeup director for brands such as Prada, Miu Miu, McQueen, Cavalli, Lanvin and Chloe among many others.

www.urbandecay.co.uk

www.facebook.com/urbandecayUK

https://twitter.com/urbandecay

www.instagram.com/urbandecayuki/

URBAN DECAY

“THE FACES BEHIND THE NAME”

Urban Decay is beauty with an edge™—high-performance cosmetics in an insane range of shades. Created by makeup junkies, for makeup junkies.

Founded in 1996 by Wende Zomnir, Sandy Lerner & David Soward, Urban Decay is now a subsidiary of L’Oreal.

Today, Wende steers Urban Decay's ongoing growth as Chief Creative Officer along with Tim Warner, Chief Executive Officer. Tim (aka “The Zen Master”) perfectly counterpoints the frenzy of activity in the office with his quiet, penetrating approach to running a beauty business. And although they push the teams at headquarters and on the sales floor to new heights, they do occasionally still leave time for old school UD pranks and hijinks.

Urban Decay Cosmetics are . badass cruelty-free, high-performance makeup. Born in Southern California. Colour that goes all day and lasts all night.

www.urbandecay/co.uk

Urban Decay is certified by PETA as cruelty-free that avoids and committed to ending animal testing. Therefore, they do not test their products on animals nor allowing others to test on their behalf. Furthermore, Urban Decay also demands the suppliers to confirm that their products were not tested on animals

Since 1828, Guerlain has explored, innovated and elevated beauty in Fragrances, Skincare and Makeup. Guerlain's bold creative talents have crafted mythic creations, drawing on timeless savoir-faire. Nature and Art are our inspirations and the Culture of Beauty is our signature.

Our perfumer-explorers travel the world tirelessly, in search of extraordinary raw materials. For Aqua Allegoria Harvest they have chosen their materials from a selection of very specific, ethical harvests that are unique in the way they reflect exceptional terroirs.

The Aqua Allegoria fragrances are contained in an unscrewable refillable recyclable bottle made in France from at least 15% recycled glass.

Website: www.prettypleasebykatie.co.uk

Email: info@prettypleasebykatie.co.uk

Instagram: @prettypleasebykatie

Tel: 07540 444327

I’m Katie. I’m a wedding hair and make up artist, specialising in hair up styling and airbrush make up, based in Kent. As well as being a wedding hair and make up artist I’m also wife and mummy. I’m married to documentary photographer Simon Hawkins, and we celebrated our own wedding day at the beautiful Lympne Castle on New Years eve a few years ago. We live in the beautiful Kent Countryside with our cute white fluffy dog and our very cute five year old daughter. When I’m not playing with peoples hair or decorating faces with all the new make up I like to buy, then you’ll find me walking the dog at the beach or hiding away somewhere in a coffee shop ( Caramel latte please! ). You can keep up to date with the latest from me over on my Instagram page

As a bridal specialist I understand that when it comes to your wedding hair and make up it’s not just about making you look good, it’s about making you feel good too. You don’t need to look different to look like a bride and it’s important that you still feel like ‘you’.

Whatever type of bride you want to be, anything from boho festival chic to classic vintage glam – and everything in between! It’s about enhancing your beauty and making you look and feel like the very best version of yourself.

www.sjmbeauty.com

Tel: 07896748209

Email: sjmbeautyshropshire@gmail.com

I am proud to be based in the beautiful Shropshire Countryside in the West Midlands I have always had a passion for Art since I was young. I never really knew where to go with it until in later life I found a love for Make-up.

After being self-taught for some time I decided to enroll for the IMA Qualification in Professional Makeup at the Central School of Make-up in Birmingham. I am very proud to be an accredited Make-up Artist for the world renown International Make-up Association.

Previously I have had my work published on the front cover of regional bridal magazines and online wedding blogs, I have worked on numerous styled wedding photo-shoots with some top photographers in my area and most of all I have had the absolute pleasure to work with hundreds of beautiful brides.

Myself and my team travel UK wide and Destination creating flawless hair and make-up with a modern flair. Published in various bridal magazines and online blogs my team's one goal is to always enhance your natural beauty and make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day.

SJM Beauty | Make-up Artist

E,mail: Harrietthorpe12@outlook.com:

www.harrietthorpe12.wixsite.com/glitterbugz

Hi, my name is Harriet. I am a level 4 Beauty Therapist, Level 3 Hairdresser, Educator and I am an Award Winning, Published Bridal HairStylist.

Firstly I bet you are wondering why i chose the name "GlitterBugz" as a name for a hair and beauty business? Well, I used to dabble in face painting in the early stages of my career and a friend of mine suggested the name, I instantly loved it! I then went onto expanding my business and felt a pang of guilt about choosing another name, I then thought why should I? A quirky, out there name for a quirky woman! And that is how my little "Bugz" was born.

Since starting my business I have only gotten more and more passionate about pampering people and making them feel happy and uplifted with every appointment we have together. My passion is Hair Up Styling, whether it is for brides, proms or photoshoots nothing makes me happier than creating a beautiful style for my client.

I am a calm, friendly woman who does love to chat and catch up with everyone, however I also understands that sometimes when your being pampered you would just like to switch off and enjoy your appointment silently. Feel free to have a mooch around my page, check out the links to my social media pages, see photos of my work and if you have any questions at all, I am only a message away!

Your wedding day is special, and you deserve to look and feel incredible from head to toe. Helping brides-to-be discover their inner and outer beauty, is what I adore. I believe that wedding make-up should be a reflection of you, just the best possible version.

It is an experience that will stay with you……not just for the day, but for a lifetime. I will work with you closely to find and create the best version of ‘you’ there is. Using only the best tried and tested cruelty free brands, you will feel confidence you’ve never felt before. I know just what it takes to achieve perfection on every face.

My Bridal makeup style is natural, timeless and oozes elegance. Everyone’s perception of a natural look is different. So, whether you are a minimal makeup wearer, love a bold lip or wear nothing at all day to day, I will help you find your ‘natural’.

With Instagram makeup looks saturating our feeds with contour and layers upon layers of heavy foundation, I stand proud in producing beautiful makeup looks that are unique to you and your personality, makeup that will not only enhance your features but look flawless in life and in your photographs.

“I believe makeup should not mask you or change your features” Bridal makeup especially, should be used to enhance the face and bring your features to life. It should be timeless, and you must still look like you, just the best possible version of ‘YOU’ there is so you look and feel every inch the blushing bride on your wedding day.

BRIDALWEAR/ Groomswear

Anny Lin

French Collection by Wendy Makin

Suzanne Neville

Sassu Holford

Phase Eight

Bill Child Formal Wear

Kings Menswear

Receiving critical acclaim from bridal press and retailers alike, We are proud to introduce Anny Lin Bridal.;

Anny is the second generation of designer in her family and has had a growing following for the past few years.

Inspired by the tradition,the Anny Lin collection weaves together modern and classic designs Incorporating contemporary tailoring with creative design reflecting a unique, modern style with elegant and innovate flair.

By emphasizing attention to the finest detail, Anny Lin Couture truly represents originality and is a breath of fresh air in the bridal market.

Anny Lin Bridal offers professional bridal consultants understand your individuality, guide you to your perfect gown only by your imagination.

These beautiful dresses from the Love letter Collection are by the avante garde designer Anny Lin, for brides looking for something totally different.

Ethereal, whimsical and utterly unique, they are perfect for today’s bride. Using unusual textures, patterns, lace, beadwork and colourful fabrics making Anny Lin a one in a million designer and a true visionary of the bridal industry.

Style: Lilya

Style: Lindie

Style: Lena

Style: Megan

TROPICALE HIDEAWAY

Top Left: Anais

Top Right: Soline

Bottom Left: Cecile

Bottom Right: Bardot

RIVIERA

Top Left: Holly

Top Right: Valencia

Bottom Left: Bella Rosa

Bottom Right: Savona

Suzanne Neville started the fashion business after graduating from the prestigious London College of Fashion 30 years ago when she was just 19, fulfilling a childhood dream to be a fashion designer.

Her very first bridal collection was bought by Harrods propelling Suzanne into the spotlight of the bridal and fashion industry at a very young age. Business partners Jane and Tony Hampton invested in Suzanne and took the business to the next level, opening two shops, incorporating evening wear, and taking on over sixty wholesalers around the world.

Suzanne’s love of structure and pattern cutting has earned her the nickname ‘Corset Queen’ for her incredibly flattering silhouettes. For Suzanne its all about creating the best possible shape for any figure no matter what dress size the client may be. Based at the London studio which is one of only a handful of British made couture houses left in the UK, Suzanne overseas her very talented team of Pattern cutters, Dressmakers and Hand finishers. Quality is key with only the best fabrics sourced from Italy, France and Switzerland.

The effortlessly flattering dresses have a huge celebrity following and can often be spotted on the red carpet and on television shows. Recently dressing Jennifer Hudson, Millie Bobby Brown and Little Mix, alongside stars such as Elle Macpherson and Kate Winslet.

Working with talented Stylists who know Suzanne can create a dress of the highest quality even if there is a quick turn around has made Suzanne the go to designer for the best Stylists in the business. Strictly come dancing, X factor and Britain's Got Talent have requested Suzanne Neville dresses for the last few years and all asked Suzanne to dress their lead female presenters for their final shows of the series, giving Suzanne’s dresses an audience of millions and turning Suzanne Neville into a household name.

Photo: David Venni/Hello Magazine

Thalass from Opulence Collection

Raffles from Opulence Collection

SASSI HOLFORD LET THERE BE LOVE COLLECTION

ABOUT SASSI

The Sassi Holford label has become synonymous with luxury fashion. Designer Sassi herself is an icon of British style and is firmly established in the high-end market through her innovative design. As well as creating award-winning and highly acclaimed bridal gowns, Sassi has made an impact on the fashion world with her classic and versatile pieces – both bespoke and ready-to-wear –that are aimed at the discerning, stylish woman.

Today Sassi’s designs attract clients from across the globe, it all began in 1981 with a wedding dress that she designed for a ‘friend in need’. Growing up with this love of design and a dedication to perfection, it was inevitable that the designer would soon establish her name. With a desire to produce luxury clothes for women, bridal was an obvious starting point and a decision which has led to her distinguished success.

Since the brand’s launch, Sassi has celebrated many milestones and has developed the label into an influential fashion business. Alongside multiple awards, including three times Best British Bridalwear Designer, Sassi has also hit the spotlight for dressing A-list and royalty alike.

Let There Be Love, Sassi Holford’s 2023 collection, is the re imagining of modern femininity, pairing innovative fabrics with confident, clean silhouettes. The combination of organic textures, defined lines and intricate detail showcase Sassi’s unrivalled talent and instinctive understanding of the female form.

SASSI HOLFORD

LET THERE BE LOVE COLLECTION

CAMILLA

The perfect wedding dress should make you feel confident and, crucially, like your best self. Camilla is a gown that imbues unbridled femininity with grace and elegance. The timeless deep wrap-over Bardot collar crafted from micro Jacquard will leave a lasting impression. This elegant princess line bridal gown is perfect to dance the night away.

NECKLINE: Bardot

SKIRT: Full Skirt

BACK: V-back

SASSI HOLFORD

LET THERE BE LOVE COLLECTION

HARPER

Harper’s strapless corseted bodice features abstract, hand-placed pleating, making it unlike any other gown. Finished with a full A-line skirt and pockets, Harper has been designed for the refined bride.

NECKLINE: Strapless

SKIRT: Full A-line

BACK: Strapless

SASSI HOLFORD

LET THERE BE LOVE COLLECTION

OPHELIA

Ophelia is a match made in heaven for those who seek stunning simplicity with something extra special. Ophelia’s elegant silhouette is defined by its corseted strapless bodice and full A-line skirt. It is adorned with laser-cut satin leaves embroidered onto its wistful tulle. Ophelia is the epitome of grace that will take you from the aisle to the dance floor in an elegant sweep.

NECKLINE: Strapless

SKIRT: Full A-line

BACK: Strapless

Sleeves sold separately.

SASSI HOLFORD

LET THERE BE LOVE COLLECTION

ABIGAIL

Truly unforgettable, Abigail has been crafted from beautiful guipure embroidered floral tulle. With its ruched bodice and memorable low V back, it has been designed to sculpt and flatter. The beautifully adorned detachable tulle bell sleeves with delicate shoulder and cuff embroidery wistfully flow into a full skirt to finish the ethereal look.

NECKLINE: Low V

SKIRT: Full Skirt

BACK: Low V Back

Make an unforgettable entrance updates wedding dress traditions for the modern-day bride. Designed with short sheer sleeves, a hand-beaded belt and a line of decorative fabric-covered buttons trailing down the back, this exquisite halter neck dress is embroidered throughout in delicate floral details, sure to leave your guests in awe. The silhouette falls gracefully into a small train that's perfect for both small or large ceremonies. own the aisle in our Mariana Wedding Dress. Designed in a flowing maxi silhouette, this style is pleated throughout for the most wonderful movement. Lace details decorate the sweetheart bodice which is framed by a pintuck V-neckline and semi-sheer long sleeves. The skirt is designed with lace godets for a romantic finish and a matching detachable waist tie has been added to highlight your silhouette.

Poppy updates wedding dress traditions for the modern-day bride. Designed with short sheer sleeves, a hand-beaded belt and a line of decorative fabric-covered buttons trailing down the back, this exquisite halter neck dress is embroidered throughout in delicate floral details, sure to leave your guests in awe. The silhouette falls gracefully into a small train that's perfect for both small or large ceremonies.finish and a matching detachable waist tie has been added to highlight your silhouette.

This style is responsibly sourced. This style has been made from recycled polyester, giving materials that would have ended up in landfill a new lease of life.

Mariana Wedding Dress - £299

Poppy Wedding Dress - £450

www.phase-eight.com

Infused with classical glamour, this elegant, timeless design is perfect for your special day. Inspired by the Grecian silhouette of the 1920s, our Evalina Wedding Dress combines vintagestyle with contemporary details, like the keyhole cut-out on the blouson bodice and split back skirt. Evalina showcases a breath-taking array of hand-sewn pearlescent beads and sequins in delicate lines and floral arrangements that is sure to have your guests wanting a closer look.

This style is responsibly sourced. This style has been made from recycled polyester, giving materials that would have ended up in landfill a new lease of life.

Perfect for the modern bride, this contemporary off the shoulder wedding dress is designed with a delicate, trailing embroidered floral lace, and finished with a boned bodice and romantic draped shoulder detail and a soft train.

Evalina Wedding Dress - £395

Annabel Wedding Dress - £450

HR4 9BX

Tel: 01432 344700

Email: info@billchildformalwear.co.uk

www.billchildformalwear.co.uk

Bill Child Formal Wear, Hereford's only Specialist in men's and boys' formal wear to hire.

We have one of the largest selections of Men's and Boys' Wedding, Evening & Highland Wear available for immediate hire. We’re committed to providing the very best in choice, quality, and above all service.

As well as offering traditional Morning Wear we also have a wide range of alternative & Contemporary outfits in a selection of colours and styles.

We have a large collection of Waistcoats & Neckwear in a huge range of colours to complement your theme. We also have a varied selection of accessories to buy: Bow Ties, Cummerbunds, Braces, Cufflinks & Shirt Studs, and much more.

We also have arrange of tweed & contemporary suits available to buy.

KINGS MENSWEAR

Highland Wear

Welcome to Kings Fashion where we offer quality clothing for the discerning Individual, our range of clothing is selected by our experienced team and changes to reflect the seasons and meets our high standards for quality, affordability and style. If you can not find what you are looking for please reach out to us and we will be more than happy to help.

Kings is an independent fashion business based in Telford, Shropshire. The store is located Market Street in Oakengates. Kings selling and hiring of formal wear for all occasions, from weddings to Ascot, and corporate events, and proms.

13 Market Street

Oakengates

Telford TF2 6EL

Tel: 01952 371526

Formal Wear

Cakes & catering

Cakes Especially

Rosette Event Catering

McGowan Luxury Wedding Cakes

Leading Lady Cakes

The Pocket Bakery

My name is Jenny and I am a cake designer/ maker and Cake decorating tutor with over 20 years experience of teaching and making special occasion cakes. I work from home, baking and decorating cakes that are as individual as you.

I believe that flavour is every bit as important as style, and have worked on getting my cakes luscious, flavourful and perfect for you. I have a wide range of decorating skills, particularly specializing in sugar flowers, but do character modelling and various other techniques too (have a look at the pictures). Every cake is designed and created with care, love and the finest ingredientsdefinitely only ever free range eggs. (my hens are pampered, and I can't bear the thought of caged hens!)

Your wedding cake is the centrepiece of your wedding. Come to me with your dreams and ideas (or lack of ideas - that's what I'm here for!), and I will take you through the process, from choosing an appropriate size and flavour/s, to designing a finish that will be perfect for your day. Leave this with me, and I will bake, ice, stack, decorate, deliver and set up your cake for you. Hassle free!

Tel: 01432853028

07398939025

Email: rosettescatering@gmail.com

www.rosettecatering.co.uk

Rosettes is a premium, multi national award winning mobile caterer based in Herefordshire.

We deliver the finest seasonal local produce, in a restaurant style to large scale events throughout the UK.

We provide our expertise, passion & commitment to every event! Our dedicated team is 100% committed to delivering the perfect event by going above & beyond your expectations, Rest assured our highly skilled team will look after your every need.

At Rosettes we understand that choosing the catering for the biggest day of your life is not always an easy decision, for this reason we offer a complete bespoke service that is tailored to your needs alone. We are 100% committed to making your day not only memorable but magical in every way.

mcgowanweddingcakes.com

I offer an individual service, working closely with my couples to achieve their dream wedding cake. Having trained in the specific areas of baking & sugarcraft, it became clear that my skill and passion lay firmly in the small detail & intricate designs of sugar flowers, beautiful finishes complemented by delicious flavours.

Based in the fine food County of Herefordshire, I use only the finest ingredients, local eggs, preserves, Belgian Chocolate and Madagascan Vanilla extract. Every cake is freshly baked in my country kitchen.

I believe every cake should not only look incredible but taste amazing too, which many of my clients will attest to.

I am a preferred wedding cake supplier for Eastnor Castle, Hampton court Castle, Lemore Manor, Brinsop Court, Dewsall and many more amazing wedding venues in Herefordshire.

I have enjoyed being able to make some very extravagant wedding cakes, and to date have had the joy of working with couples from Australia, America, Asia, Canada, Japan, London, and of course our own beautiful county of Herefordshire.

www.leadingladycakes.co.uk

If you are wanting a classically elegant bespoke wedding cake, in East Sussex, Kent or Surrey, then look no further.

Annie will work with you to create your perfect cake, making sure that every detail is covered, from initial design to liaising with venues and other suppliers.

Your wedding cake planning starts here...

- Contact us for an initial chat. Let us know your wedding date, and venue, if you know them, and we'll start to get a feel for the style of cake that will be perfect for you.

The Pocket Bakery Wedding Cake Artistry

www.thepocketbakery.co.uk

Phone: 07881 627151

Email: sharon@thepocketbakery.co.uk

Established in 2011, The Pocket Bakery create beautiful, one of a kind Wedding Cakes whether this be classic, contemporary or vintage styling, all with the personal touch to make your day even more special. You are welcome to meet with us at our professional kitchen premises in Crick, Monmouthshire so we can design your Wedding Cake together, ensuring it has special touches that make it unique to you.

We are the Recommended Wedding Cake Supplier for many Wedding Venues in Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire and have won several awards including Regional Finalist in the Cake Designer of the Year 2022 TWIA (The Wedding Industry Awards). We're so proud of this as this is the only award that is voted for solely by past Clients.

We specialise in handmade edible decorations and sugar flowers and can also cater for special dietary requirements, so all your guests can celebrate with you. We also make delicious cupcakes and edible Wedding Favours including iced biscuits, macarons and cake pops.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Chip Shop Boys

Matt Harris ‘Jack Sparrow’ Lookalike’

Rock my Reception

Even though The Chip Shop Boys are used to performing to big crowds, they do love nothing more than a lively wedding! Over the years, some of the boys' best nights have been on someones special day.

They have over 20 years of experience in getting crowds up on their feet. The boys play rock & pop covers live and loud and will guarantee your guests will be wanting more!

The Boys have performed at events all over the world, including the wedding of TV presenter Kate Garraway, England world cup winning rugby player Phil Vickery and International footballer Michael Duff to name a few…. all of whom booked directly with band.

The boys have also toured Dubai, Bahrain, throughout Europe and the USA, playing with some of the biggest names in the business, most recently Westlife star Shane Filan and Peter Andre.

www.rockmyreception.co.uk

ABOUT US

Rock My Reception- Award winning wedding band. Looking for a wedding band with a difference? Rock My Reception offer packages to suit your day, including live acoustic music, DJ sets and our unique, late afternoon ukulele set.

WHAT WE OFFER

We play acoustic guitars and sing.

During the daytime, this can be 'unplugged', which means we are not restricted to one area and can play without electric.

But for the evening party, we will amplify our music, this has a live band sound.

We have an emphasis on upbeat and energetic live songs... perfect for getting all the guests on the dance floor

LIVE CEREMONY MUSIC

We pride ourselves in being diverse with our live sets. We can play during the ceremony, drinks reception and evening reception.

We use modern mixing and lighting gear. We have a vast array of songs to hand, or you can simply send us a song list of songs that you would like to hear.

www.magicalmemories.co.uk

Email: enquiry@magicalmemories.co.uk | Tel: 07814 691036 Facebook: @magicalmemories.co.uk

Since established in 1996, Magical Memories have been helping clients hire the best, most reliable Magicians and Caricaturists for Weddings, Parties and Corporate Events all across the United Kingdom

Our superb team of entertainers have been hand picked by our team of experts and all have to comply to a strict criteria to ensure they are of an extremely high standard.

Magical Memories customer representatives will ensure smooth running from start to finish, from planning through to event success! When only the very best will do, Magical Memories will achieve the desired results.

FLORISTS

Catkin Studio

Maddison Rocks

All Bunched Up

Common Wood Flowers

The Fabulous Florist

Foxglove & Moss

Forget me Not Flowers Shrewsbury

www.catkinstudio.com

Catkin Studio is a floral design studio based in Glasgow, Scotland. It was founded by Louise McWilliams in 2019 who’s background in visual design led her to follow her passion for all things floral.

Louises’ nostalgic connection with flowers is the power that drives her contemporary and dynamic creative practice. She sources unusual seasonal flowers, known for her saturated vision and striking floral designs. Her work exists between floristry, sculpture and installation art.

I take on weddings of all sizes & budgets, from small, simple bouquets through to full event styling and installations across the UK. I am recognisably bold and fearless when uniting blooms, colours and textures, basing every design on how I can best represent your personalities and spirit as a couple.

I encourage our couples to embrace seasonal and locally grown flowers wherever possible and consider interesting minimalist design alternatives and the incorporation of dried everlasting flowers and foliages. I can completely transform your day and venue by adding as little or as much beautiful foliage and flowers as you wish.

Working on a wedding is an exceptionally personal process. Starting with an initial consultation, in person, by phone, or on a video call, we can discuss your day fully before I come up with the design proposal and inspiration boards with various options and possibilities for your flowers and styling. An estimate of prices will also be given at this point too.

When it comes to wedding florals, budget is a very important factor in bringing your vision to life. An enormous amount of time, labour and equipment costs are involved in bridal bouquets, arrangements and event installations. All arrangements are priced according to size, shape, flower choice, colours, amounts and availability and are priced according to your requirements. Delivery charges apply, so if possible, please include all locations and delivery requirements at the time of

MADDISON ROCKS FLORAL SCULPTURE

www.etsy.com/shop/maddisonrocks

There is something so strangely satisfying about being able to physically touch something you have created from scratch, that the two dimensions of a flat image just doesn't allow you to do. These days you are most likely to find me absorbed in sourcing eclectic items of beauty for my quirky brooch bouquets and carefully cutting and delicately scouring sheets of card for use in my giant paper flower backdrops than spending hours behind the lens and computer. Its almost as if I've come a very big circle learning and developing new talents and skills along the way, which I hesitate to have made me into the crazy, neurotic (skull obsessed) creative I am today.

Why not take a look at my Etsy Store or better still visit me at my Facebook page

www.facebook.com/MaddisonRocksFloralSculpture

Hi! I’m Jane from Maddison Rocks Floral Sculpture.

www.etsy.com/shop/maddisonrocks

Here are just some examples of my work which is also featured in the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ feature piece

Email: kathy@allbunchedup.co.uk

Phone: Phone: 07947 509561

www.allbunchedup.co.uk

Welcome to All Bunched Up! Our floral designs are created to represent your personality and style, whether it’s soft & floaty, country garden style or clean & elegant.

Working with couples on weddings throughout the East Midlands, we work from our studio close to our cutting garden. We work with nature and the environment using local or our own grown flowers where possible.

Here at All Bunched Up I can help you achieve the perfect flowers for your perfect wedding by providing beautiful bouquets, Church and venue decorations and venue dressing including chair covers and more. Your wedding day is an event to remember for the rest of your life, beautiful flowers and stunning decorations will create a wonderful lasting impression for everyone to enjoy.

Photographer: Samantha Hook Photography

Photographer: Fraser McGee Photography

Welcome to Common Wood Flowers

As an independent floristry business based in Gloucestershire, we pride ourselves on a personal service and beautifully bespoke flowers for all occasions - birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, sympathy flowers, venue dressing and everything in between.

We are inspired by the seasons and what we can pick fresh on the day, so we can assure you each bunch is created with the upmost care and attention to detail.

We would love you to get in touch to discuss your next floral vision.

Email: kat@thefabulousflorist.co.uk

Phone: 07748 746156

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefabulousflorist

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefabulousflorist

www.thefabulousflorist.co.uk

Hi, I’m Kat, and welcome to The Fabulous Florist!

I have been lucky enough to have my dream job for almost 20 years, and in that time, I have become a multi award-winning florist, and have worked with some of the most incredibly talented & again award winning florists, that Herefordshire as to offer!

I live in the beautiful market town of Ledbury, Herefordshire, but I cover areas including Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, and for the right price, we can go even further, you just have to ask.

Hi, I'm Lauren, I run Foxglove and Moss from my studio in Blakeney, Forest of Dean. My business started in September 2021, although by that point I had already been a florist for 7 years.

I've always been into arts and crafts and knew that one day I wanted to have a creative job. After school and college I applied to do a floristry course and was accepted for an interview, but later told there wasn't enough people to keep the course running and that floristry was a dying art (which just isn't true!). I went on to complete a degree in Illustration but afterwards still knew I really wanted to become a florist. I was lucky enough to find a flower shop locally who were willing to take me on to begin an apprenticeship and I fell in love instantly!

Early on in my training I was advised that if I ever wanted to start my own business I should work in lots of different places... I went on to work full time in 5 different shops as well as doing freelance work. I also entered a few competitions in the early days and in 2016 I won a bronze medal at Chelsea Flower Show.

I'm now lucky enough to be following my dreams and running my own floristry business!

I absolutely love creating wedding florals!

From bridal bouquets to button holes, archways to flower girl wands...

Each wedding is unique so my flowers are personalised for each couple. Beginning with an informal consultation, we will chat about when you're getting married, the venue, what you're wearing, colour themes and favourite flowers.

I'll go through every part of the day with you, so you don't need to worry about a thing! A bespoke quote will then be worked on, giving several choices if you require, including options to suit all budgets.

It may seem daunting making big decisions about your wedding day, but at Foxglove and Moss I am here to go through lots of options with you and work out which florals will perfectly compliment your day

We offer a wide range of exquisite floral arrangements for all occasions , whether your looking for a perfect gift for that someone special ,just to say i love you or to celebrate the life of a loved one ..

We understand that time is of the essence which is why we offer same day delivery on orders placed before 2pm

So why choose us ???

Our passion for creating stunning flowers is second to none , and our commitment to quality means that you can always rely on us

Design Aventure

Skuba Boats

The Stag Company

The Mobile Gin School

Should I have a Stenparty (or Henstag)?

But first of all we should explain exactly what a ‘Stenparty/’Henstag’ is for those of you who have never heard of it. A Sten do is a gender neutral version of a ‘hen’ or ‘stag’ do. The couple may decide that they will forego separate hen or stag do’s and instead come together for one big party.

Traditionally stag and hen nights have been an all-male or all-female gathering to celebrate an engaged waving goodbye to their life as a single person. This tradition of a ‘stag-do’ has been around since Ancient Greek times and the ‘hen-parties’ came about in the 19th century. There are a few advantages of having a ‘Sten-do’ or ‘Sten-party’ for example:

● Share the Cost - Rather than two expensive weekends, everyone can pool their resources for one massive weekend to remember.

● A Proper Party - Weddings are a mix of different ages and family members. A Sten Party will give the younger members of the wedding party the chance to let their hair down and celebrate the couple’s upcoming big day

● Stag and hen celebrations can be be a cause for concern with the couple worrying about what is happening at each others ‘stag’ or ‘hen’ do’s. Having a joint Sten Party means no fretting. Win win for everyone involved.

We have put together a few ideas for those of you who fancy trying à Sten Party, so why not take a look at the following pages

Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

Stocks House, Wellington, Herefordshire HR4 8AZ

Email: info@designaventure.co.uk Tel: 01432 830000

www.designaventure.co.uk

From your initial contact, throughout the planning process, and to going on your weekend or break, one thing is paramount, DesignaVenture are with you every step of the way.

If you're the best man, your main duty (in our eyes) is to book AN EPIC stag do, the best lads weekend the groom will ever have. We take the time to design your stag do trip, ensuring that we tick every box, helping you, the organiser, get legend status!

Equally, a chief bridesmaid rides the emotional wedding rollercoaster with the bride-to-be, the hen party should be top of the list. We worry about the little things before you even think of them, trust us – we’ve done this before.

These are one off celebration moments, DesignaVenture knows the only hitch should be in the Church, not on the stag do or hen weekend.

You don’t need to be going on a stag do or hen party to book with DesignaVenture, we offer a great selection of activity breaks, so if you're after an adventure with a difference, our group deals and activity packages are sure to tempt you.

Enjoy

www.skunaboats.com

Phone: 020 7205 2827

Email: info@skunaboats.com

BBQ BOAT

With 100 minutes 'on the water'. Our BBQ Boats can host up to 10 guests, this is a shared experience.

www.thestagcompany.com

Here at The Stag Company, we understand that organising an incredible weekend that all the lads will enjoy can feel like a bit of a challenge. Don’t worry, we’re here to make the planning process as fun and stress-free as possible. We have over fifteen years of experience in planning incredible weekends, so you can rest assured that your stag do will be in safe hands, if you choose to book with us.

So, if you’ve been given the huge but honourable task of planning an incredible stag weekend, and you have no idea where to start, just let one of our dedicated Event Planners take the stress away for you! In the meantime, we’ve collated some of the most important things to consider when you’re planning a stag weekend into this handy guide. Visit our website for some inspiration…

www.themobileginschool.com

Phone: 07703 392197 | Email: info@themobileginschool.com

Our Story

Once upon a time Charlie booked the Rare Bird Distillery Gin School class for her and her fiancé Jamie to go to on date night. Just a few days before they had found out Charlie was pregnant, rather than make a gin to open that night they decided to call the gin ‘September’ and didn’t open it until after George was born (which was very tough for Jamie). After the class Jamie couldn’t stop talking about how great it was, but how much better it would be to be able to make the gin school travel to venues, they were planning their wedding at the time and due to their love of gin thought it would be excellent entertainment for their guests and so the idea of The Mobile Gin School was born.

photography

Dearest Love Photography

Sophie TC Photography

Kayley Bulll Photography

Samantha Hook Photography

Nicola Legg Photography

www.sophietc.photography

Hi, I am Sophie and thanks for visiting! I am a Gloucestershire Wedding Photographer covering the whole of Gloucestershire and the UK. I live in the beautiful Stroud Valleys but love to travel so I also offer destination weddings. Whether you are planning a wedding in a beautiful Cotswold Barn, in a Manor house up in the Lake District or on a Beach in Spain, then get in touch!

I believe in making memories last a lifetime and what better way to go this than with vibrant, bright and natural photography? I offer a range of wedding collections to suit the needs of every wedding – no matter the size or location.

My biggest aim is to deliver a beautiful collection of photos that tell the story of your day that you can cherish forever. All whilst making you laugh and feel as relaxed as possible.

Email: info@dearestlove.co.uk

www.dearestlove.co.uk

The faces behind Dearest Love photography are Jim & Kerri, Hi! We are two best buds, (no we’re not a couple and we’re not married, although everyone always assume we are, so we will forgive you if you thought we were!) Kerri is more like Jim’s annoying little sister! We are a photography duo based in Worcestershire, capturing epic weddings, family, portrait, pregnancy, new-born and special occasions.

We met at Hereford Art College whilst studying for our photography degrees back in 2007! (Man, that makes us feel old!) We became best buds and worked well due to Jim’s technical geekiness and Kerri’s arty creativeness. We joined forces officially in 2012 and formed Dearest Love Photography. The name came together inspired by a vintage love letter. We love capturing love, and our photos are all about love, so there it is.

We love creating photos and memories that are a little bit different. Quirky, dreamy, chilled out, epic love stories are our JAM. We love capturing people’s unique personalities and enhancing everything great about them.

kayleybullphotography.co.uk

Wedding & Family Photographer based in Bedfordshire

Instagram: @kayleybullphontography

www.samanthahook.co.uk

Samantha Hook is a Nottingham based wedding photographer working across the UK but primarily around Nottingham, Lincoln, Newark, Grantham, Stamford, Rutland and Northampton and is recommended by some of the East Midlands leading wedding venues. Samantha is also available for destination wedding photography and international wedding photography. Samantha fuses fashion inspired portraits and natural wedding photography to tell the story of your wedding day. By building a relationship with couples and pre-wedding shoots as part of the wedding collection, Samantha works with couples to create wedding collections and wedding photographs that reflect a couples style and personality. Each Wedding Collection is as individual as the couples getting married.

About Nicola Legg Photography; www.nicolaleggphoto.mypixieset.com

Instagram - @nicolaleggphoto

FaceBook - @nicolaleggphoto

Based in Cirencester in the heart of the Cotswolds, Nicola specialises in creative, documentary-style photography. She is Mummy to a mischievous 8-year old and a passionate animal lover, Nicola and her husband share their home with a variety of four-legged friends.

stationery

Loom Weddings

Abbie Worton Designs

Dear Emma Wedding Stationery

Copywrite

www.loomweddings.com

Our unique Invitation makes a lovely introduction to your wedding day. This design focuses on a variety of abstract arches paired with beautifully illustrated foliage, set with a soft cream speckled overlay. The main card holds the fine details of the day which can be supplemented with a RSVP card, an additional information card and an elegant band that holds the stationery together.

Our delicate Invitation is a lovely way to welcome your loved ones into your special day. This ethereal collection consists of a muted sage background adorned with delicate white wildflower illustrations. All the essential information is printed on the invite which can be embellished with a wrap-around band, RSVP card and an additional card for finer details if needed.

www.loomweddings.com

Our is a sophisticated way to welcome your loved ones into your special day. This atmospheric design features a scattering of bold winter flowers and greenery atop a contrasting black background. There's space for all the important details on the main card with optional extras such as RSVP card and band wrap to create a unique wedding invite.

Our is a sophisticated way to welcome your loved ones into your special day. Beautiful floral illustrations frame your information in the centre of the card. All the essential information is printed on the invite which can be embellished with a wrap-around band, RSVP card and an additional card for finer details if needed.

www.abbieworton.com

I’m Abbie and for as long as I can remember, I have had a love for stationery and design and of course weddings. Abbie Worton Design is a small design studio based in the Midlands, creating bespoke wedding stationery and paper goods.

My aim is to create truly beautiful and personalised stationery to match the unique style of your special day.

I take great pride and feel very lucky to play a part in what is often the most important day of so many people’s lives. Designing and sending out your stationery is usually done at the early stages of the planning process and it should be a really exciting time for you both. I will make this process as enjoyable and as smooth as possible for you so you can really begin to enjoy the planning!

Bespoke hand crafted paper goods, gifts and stationery made to suit any requirements

With almost 10 years of experience in the Event & Wedding Industry and having worked in one of the UK's most prestigious wedding venues, I have the experience of working alongside many couples leading up to their special day!

After leaving school I trained at Hereford Art & Design College with a strong interest in Fine Art and Graphic Design from a very young age.

In September 2017 I married my Husband and hand made many of our wedding supplies for the day itself. From that moment on, I always wanted to help other couples in delivering the wedding image they had always dreamed of and after the birth of my daughter in March 2019...... Dear Emma Wedding Stationery was born!

Venues & Venue styling

Crumplebury

Bennetts Willow Barn

Stanford Farm Weddings & Events

March Hare Events

www.crumplebury.co.uk

Crumplebury is a state of the art, modern events venue with 11 spoiling bedrooms, a celebrated farm-to-fork, fine dining restaurant – Green Cow Kitchens and fifteen hundred acres of rolling Herefordshire countryside. Set on the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we’re surrounded by splendid woodland, luscious green fields and the happy animals on our organic home farm.

At Crumplebury, we pair the warmth of a family service with a deep care for culinary excellence, we celebrate seasonality and showcase the freshest produce grown in our woods, our fields and our kitchen gardens. We curate bespoke events and delight in the extraordinary. From unique and beautiful weddings to inspiring corporate off-sites, from intimate board meetings to whole company gatherings, from birthday parties to product launches and fashion shoots. Whatever your curiosity, we have the space and the imagination to make it a reality.

www.crumplebury.co.uk

Gather your herd for a wedding celebration like no other. At Crumplebury, we delight in the extraordinary. Pop the corks and soak up stunning countryside views from our wood fired hot tub as you toast to “one more sleep!” From farm tours to clay pigeon shoots, cookery courses to 10-course tasting feasts, wine tasting to cocktail making, woodland foraging to expert flower workshops… together let’s craft a unique and wonderful wedding experience that’s entirely personal to you.

Manor Farm

Malvern Road

Lower Wick

Worcester WR2 4BS

Email: hello@bennettswillowbarn.co.uk

www.bennettswillowbarn.co.uk

For a fun and relaxed wedding venue, experience your wedding breakfast in our unique and spectacular yurt marquee and its outdoor area, before moving into our brand new barn-style party room for music and dancing. Located on our working farm, our wedding venue area includes outside space for you and guests to enjoy. Let the kids (and big kids!) Enjoy outdoor fairground games, whilst you sit on bales for a catch up with friends. Once dusk falls, enjoy the warmth of our fire pit. With marshmallows provided for toasting over the fire.

We have a range of catering options, all of which are prepared in-house by our catering team. Choose from grazing and picnic boards, afternoon tea, hold and cold buffet feasts, bbqs and a build your own burger station.

Our wedding celebration packages can include overnight and weekend glamping accommodation at our adjoining glamping site, Worcester Glamping. Let you guests make a real event of your wedding and offer them a night or two away in comfortable yet quirky yurts and bell tents, next door to Bennetts Willow Barn.

Our yurt marquee is only available April to September for weddings due to weather limitations, but if you would like to celebrate your wedding here at Bennetts Willow Barn, our barn is available for weddings all year round.

.Stanford Farm, Halfway House, Shrewsbury. SY5 9DW

Cindy - 07729 180630

Email: cindy@stanfordfarm.co.uk

www.stanfordfarm.co.uk

At Stanford Farm you now have the option of getting married in the Stables or outside in our Lakeside Wooden Pergola. You can have, chairs, benches, bales, bunting , flowers. Your wedding, your choice. You can keep your options open and decide on the day, after you have checked the weather. Both options are included in your 3 day exclusive use package. You will be invited back to our Open Days to add a lasting memento of your wedding, by adding a Love Lock to our Lovelock Bridge next to the lake. Maximum capacity 200 seated.

www,sttewdricshouse.co.uk

Phone: 01291 627378

Email: weddings@sttewdrics.co.uk

St Tewdrics House is a 19th Century luxury Italianate Villa nestled in 10 acres of idyllic Monmouthshire countryside. Approached by a tree-lined driveway and with a stunning seasonal wildflower meadow, St Tewdrics House is the perfect venue for your wedding.

As the 2023, 2022 and 2021 Winner of the Wedding Industry Awards Best Venue (Historic Building) in the South West we are delighted to have been recognised as a premier wedding venue that consistently delivers the very best experience for our couples.

St Tewdrics House can be hired exclusively for the day of your wedding or you can extend your stay for two or three nights, allowing you to relax and make the most of your wedding celebrations. We always listen to the wishes of our couples and we aim to be as flexible and as helpful as we can, to ensure you have a truly special day.

Our luxury boutique accommodation in The House and The Lodge, combined with our stunning location and total exclusivity, makes St Tewdrics House the ideal choice.

Email: hello@eventcuration.co.uk

Phone: 07906 705191

www.eventcuration.co.uk

About us

We are genuinely proud every time a client chooses to welcome us and our amazing team into their celebration. We will always work closely with you, to learn your needs and desires, become your friend and confidant so that when you have no time, we can do it all, we become your trusted team.

With backgrounds in corporate event management, exquisite customer service and five star hotels, whether they are anticipating every need on your special day, or working behind the scenes to assist in the evolution of your event, our team are devoted to delivering our core message of planning with you in mind.

We’re here to make you feel at ease and truly supported as we call upon long-trusted suppliers, carefully design and manage your celebration with respect, discretion, meticulous planning and, of course, a lot of fun!

As London party & wedding planners, we promise to curate a flawless event for you, but always with a smile. We take our work seriously, but we will never be serious. Laughter is one thing that must be involved in the planning process. No negotiation.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

A true style perfectionist, Victoria brings her creativity to all things business and events for VC Event Curation, with a detail driven approach.

Inspired by the arts and with a background in theatre, Victoria’s designs and creative vision centre around a sensory experience. When you want your guests lost in a jungle, but you’re in the heart of the city, she will transport you.

Victoria is passionate about creating with people in mind. For her, connecting with you is invaluable and will allow her to deliver an exceptional event, thoughtfully designed with you at the core.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

With a leadership background in corporate events and project management, Caroline is key to the logistical planning of VC Event Curation.

No idea is too grand with Caroline at the logistics helm. Whether it’s flying in your favourite champagne or bringing a Broadway cast to your party, it’s not a challenge, but her pleasure.

Caroline brings a level head and calming approach that will reassure and guide you. She looks to the big picture, ensuring it comes together with every element and detail working in harmony.

March Hare Events

By Hannah Bendall

www.hannahbendalldesigns.co.uk

Hannah offers a wedding planning and venue dressing service through her links with interior design and millinery. She has a vast array of skills to make your wedding or party go with a swing.

From sourcing props to making your day extra special and completely different, she can take the stress out of the exciting day ahead making it one of a kind.

From finding your dream venue, to favours and flowers, nothing is too much trouble. However small or large, she will endeavour to meet your every need.

If you have an idea I can work with you and create the perfect setting. From flowers to favours, hire to hats, a personal bespoke package.

www.facebook.com/dresstoimpressbyjulie

So what does a Wedding Stylist Do?

A stylist’s aim is to bring a couple’s vision of their big day to life. We spoke to Julie Bethall from Dress to Impress by Julie and asked her about her wonderful job.

My role is to guide our couples to be able to transform their venue from dull to dazzling and to be able to create something personal and unique to them without blowing their budget.

Creating your perfect setting can be daunting, but the key is to chat and agree on the theme/style that the couple love. Have some fun exploring wedding fayres for inspiration. Take photographs of the ideas that wow you and take advantage of the free expert help.

Visit a vast variety of venues to get a feel for the size of rooms, outdoor areas and importantly the prices of packages they offer. By doing this it will help set the all important budget.

Here are my top tips on venue styling to get you started:

www.facebook.com/dresstoimpressbyjulie

Do lots of it! This will help you to consider the look and feel you are trying to achieve. Visit wedding fayres, suppliers premises and online for inspiration. Why not start a scrapbook or create a pinterest board. More than likely you will want everything you see, but remember simplicity is key and having a few feature pieces will make the day.

Once you’ve found your dream venue set yourself a styling budget and stick to it. Some couples like to dress the venue themselves to give it that personal touch.

But why not consider hiring centrepieces and other styling pieces as it can work out more cost effective and stylists have so many more options they can show you.

This can change the styling of your venue dramatically. If you are looking for more dramatic colours, rustic shabby chic look, or want to dazzle your guests with sequins and lavish centrepieces, then colour will change the effect.

There are literally hundreds of colour ideas out there so the ‘skies the limit’.

Email: whiteivyeventsbystacy@gmail.com

Phone: 07450 201302

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whiteivyeventsbystacy

Instagram: www.instagram.com/whiteivyeventsbystacy1 www.whiteivyeventsbystacy.co.uk

If you’re here, that probably means you are planning a special event or you’re engaged. Congratulations!

Wedding and Event planning can be very stressful, but that’s where I can help

With your ideas and my experience I can make your vision come to life, my passion is turning a venue into your dream day

Weddings, Baby Showers, Christenings, Birthday Parties, any event is worth making beautiful.

If your looking for a Wedding Planner I am more than happy to help in anyway. If you want to be stress free or want someone there on your big day over seeing suppliers and timings, I also offer this service.

Looking forward to hearing from you or chatting about your vision over a coffee !

Stacy

ELOPEMENT WEDDINGS

While the technical meaning of eloping is to “run away secretly in order to get married”, there's lots more nuance today to the definition. The new understanding of elopement is more accurately a couple travelling somewhere to legally get married, without telling or inviting any/many of their friends and family.

It’s becoming more and more popular for couples to elope instead of having a big wedding day. In Gretna Green alone, more than 3,000 couples elope every year, and 2021 was the year of elopements and micro-weddings, thanks to the COVID restriction rules. As more couples love breaking traditions and wedding costs are on the rise, the trend of throwing small, quick weddings sees no sign of slowing down. But eloping is nothing new. People have been doing it since forever. Even celebrities do it.

Here are our Top 10 celebrities who eloped.

● Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor

● Frank Sinatra & Mia Farrow

● Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart

● Daniel Craig & Rachel Weisz

● Demi Moore & Bruce Willis

● Billy Bob Thornton & Angelina Jolie

● Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin

● Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck

● Ryan Reynolds & Scarlett Johansson

● Lily Allen & David Harbour

Matrimony UK® spoke to Samantha Lloyd of Elope Kent/Wedding Owl to ask how modern elopements work.

Have you ever wondered about alternatives to hosting a big wedding but want to avoid using a council registry office, eloping to Scotland, climbing over a glacier, hiking up a mountain or even flying to Las Vegas? Well, now there is a truly precious and romantic alternative, whereby you can book an exclusive use castle in Kent for an amazing wedding experience. With team E-Lope, all you need is your rings, an outfit, a Pinterest Board, a Spotify account, and 32 days to book your legal ceremony.

E-Lope is a small team of award-winning and accredited suppliers who celebrate all things weddings, but on a tiny scale. With a shortage of work during lockdown, team E-Lope created elopement packages that would enable couples to marry after the curfew was lifted. Team E-Lope was so successful that they have continued to deliver tiny weddings for happy couples who say, 'Wow, that really reflected us!

Team E-Lope has hand-picked Castles in Kent, normally reserved for large weddings, and made them available to hire Monday to Wednesday during British Summer Time, and Monday to Thursday in late autumn, winter and early spring at a fraction of the cost. And here is the inside Matrimony Magazine scoop! Team E-Lope have just added the stunning Allington Castle to their portfolio of romantic Castles.

Sam Lloyd, The Wedding Owl, the multi-award winning founder, organises everything, bringing together the overarching concept and styling. Ruth, of House of Mimi Fleur, is a talented accredited florist who provides a stunning bouquet, buttonhole, and tablescape for every elopement. Serena of Cobi and Coco is a national award winning wedding cake designer who creates a two-tier wedding cake that the couple can cut and then take away. Fleur Challis Photography, an elopement specialist, captures the whole event with all the intricate details. And Hanna from Full Plate Catering joins the team to provide the most delicious, quintessential afternoon tea or morish grazing boards.

Elopement Weddings by KENT

If you want to book a three-hour castle elopement for you and up to eight guests in Kent, England, there are nine simple steps:

1. Choose one of E-Lope’s romantic Kent castles; the one that feels right for your elopement

2. Pick between a daytime or a romantic twilight elopement package

3. Reserve a date with team E-Lope, and don't forget you only need 32 days or more notice

4. Complete E-Lope's online form, pay the retainer, and four weeks before your elopement, pay the final balance

5. Pay Kent County Council your deposit and then your final balance for the legal marriage

6. Curate your Pinterest Board

7. Create your Spotify list of music

8. Select your wedding rings

9. Buy or hire your wedding outfits.

All the venues that team E-Lope works with are approved licened wedding venues. On completion of team E-Lope's online form, your chosen castle gives Kent County Council (KCC) notice that you

intend to marry on a particular date and time. Once reserved with KCC, you are issued a reference number by team E-Lope and details of who will contact you. If you live outside of Kent, you must contact your local council and give them the reference number, but you are still expected to pay KCC, as they will perform your legal ceremony. After paying your deposit to KCC, you will need to visit your local ceremony team (the details will be included in KCC’s instructions). You will need to take with you:

1. The name and address of your wedding venue and the reference number given

2. A valid passport or UK birth certificate for both of you

3. Proof of your address or addresses, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement

4. Proof of any past name changes (if applicable), such as a copy of a deed poll

5. If you've been married before, proof of your divorce (decree absolute or final order), or your former spouse’s death certificate.

6. And if you or your partner is from outside the UK, you must provide additional documents. Your local authority will be able to specify these, but don't worry, the team helped Niccole, a bride from the States, elope at The Castle Westenhanger in Kent!

Elopement Weddings by

Once the meeting with KCC or your local council has been completed, you must decide on your legal vows, which you will recite during your wedding ceremony. You must also choose your two witnesses. Your witnesses must:

1. 'Have the mental capacity’ to understand what they are signing and must be able to understand English

2. Be over the age of 16

3. Not be registry office staff members. Most elope couples pick their best man and the maid of honour or their parents. But don't worry if it’s just the two of you, Sam and a staff member from your chosen Castle will witness the signing of your marriage schedule.

On the day of your E-Lopement, you are interviewed by the registry staff separately, and then your binding vows must take place in front of your chosen witnesses in an agreed licenced part of the castle or grounds. At The Castle Westenhanger, the E-Lope team persuaded the castle to alter its Venue licence to include a medieval dovecote - perfect for intimate weddings! You can now say we do at Allington Castle, just the two of you in the stunning large medieva lhall or in the grounds of the castle.

Few places are more inspiring and romantic than a castle. The history and how they have stood the test of time make castles such magical places to marry. You only have to arrive at Allington Castle and drive over the water to see what we mean!

We love that couples are creating their own traditions and enabling us to create charmingly original weddings. Within the framework of the three hours, couples are making the day about them, from ultra-formal to informal, including first looks and walking down the aisle together. Couples are bringing their pets, arriving on motorcycles, or in campervans, Rolls-Royces or E-type Jaguars and eating outside (something many wedding venues wouldn't entertain). One couple even included fireworks at the end of their twilight wedding.

Couples are loving team E-Lope's tiny wedding packages. Here are some of their comments taken from over 30 five-star Google reviews:

“Perfect day! Everything was arranged for us after giving the team our colour choices, music choices and style of cake we wanted” Jamie Helene.

“We cannot say enough about Team E-Lope; without doubt, they put the 'Special' into our Special Day” (Melanie Hyde-Smith).

“With only a couple of months to plan, they absolutely pulled it out of the bag, and every detail was perfect....we didn't feel even a drop of stress from start to finish!” (Bethany Austin).

“When booking, we knew it would be good, but we had absolutely no idea just how much fun we'd have and how beautiful the day would be”. Lucy Anne

So, if you are looking for a tiny wedding with some five-star magic at a romantic castle in Kent, team Matrimony has found the perfect team to deliver your precious tiny day.

I have worked in and with multi-award-winning wedding venues for over 15 years. I have managed the wedding process and the couples’ journey, from the initial, excitable enquiry to closing the sale, generated opportunities to upsell, through to delivering the event on the day. And, post-wedding or event, importantly receiving positive feedback and some amazing images to generate future sales.n drizzle wedding cake centre stage!

From the trenches, to down the aisle!

I have always loved events from my early days working at The Imperial War Museum. When the latest exhibition opened, or when the latest building was opening, (The American Air Museum and The Imperial War Museum of the North), if we weren’t already on the project

management team, we were all ‘roped in’ to ensure the events were a huge success.

Whilst managing retail and admissions, on these big occasions, I secretly loved the opportunity to work alongside the press, publicity, marketing and exhibitions teams; meeting and greeting our distinguished guests; ensuring the press got everything they needed, and the launch parties were a huge success.

It was, therefore, no surprise to find myself jumping from my successful front of house roles, across to weddings and events as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Now as a wedding industry expert, I’ve never looked back!

www.theweddingowl.co.uk

www.fleurchallisphotography.com

If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your wedding or engagement who dares to be different, then look no further. Based in Kent, Fleur & Kevin Challis are experienced, innovative and professional wedding photographers, working across London and the South East.

Working as a team they can ensure that no element of your wedding day is missed. “We will ensure that you get the key group shots, as we are happy to compile a list of recommended groupings. But we understand that you will want to spend time together, to socialise and party and be in the moment, so we tend to go easy on the posed shots.”

Welcome to The Castle Westenhanger in Kent, a castle wedding venue nestled in 14 acres of magnificent countryside. Romantic and regal with breathtaking ruins to be found at every turn, The Castle Westenhanger is your medieval fairytale dream. Located near the historic market town of Hythe, the castle is a scheduled ancient monument with a Grade 1 listed manor house. It enjoys a rich history and has been connected to many notable figures throughout history, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

With weddings run by the exceptional team at Glow Events, The Castle Westenhanger is exclusively yours for your wedding day. Enjoy a choice of three stunning ceremony options, from the purposebuilt thatched gazebo on the castle lawn, the large marquee, or the beautiful indoor ceremony area. After the ceremony, toast your nuptials in our private bar before feasting on an unforgettable wedding breakfast in the marquee, with its views of the castle ruins and manor house.

You’ll love the endless photo opportunities that can be found at The Castle Westenhanger, including our ornate medieval dovecote lit up by candlelight. Once the sun sets over the castle, enjoy a dramatic firework display above the ruins of Rosamond’s Tower before dancing the night away with your guests surrounded by amazing history.

Elopement Weddings by KENT

Email: e-lope@e-lope.co.uk

Elopement

Top Left and photo to the right of this text: Wedding of Hannah & Simon

Top Centre: Wedding of Rhyain & Shykul

Top Right: Wedding of Keith & Daisy

Bottom Left: Wedding of Lucy & Adam

Bottom Centre: Wedding of Louis & Christa

Bottom Right: Wedding of Emma & Dom

Weddings by E-Lope Kent

All photographs by Fleur Challis Photography At The Castle Westhanger

Elopement Weddings by KENT

Email:

Top Row: The Wedding of Kirstie and Steve

Bottom Row: The Wedding of Victoria and Lily Right: The Wedding of Bethany and Armand

All photographs by Fleur Challis Photography At the Castle Westhanger

Elopement Weddings by E-Lope Kent

ALLINGTON CASTLE, KENT

WWW.ALLINGTONCASTLE.CO.UK

Email: e-lope@e-lope.co.uk

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Maidstone, Kent, Allington Castle offers a stunning and unique setting for your special day. Steeped in history and charm, our medieval castle provides an unforgettable backdrop for elegant civil weddings and civil partnerships, drawing couples from surrounding towns in Kent and beyond.

We are committed to being a diverse and welcoming venue for all couples, proudly celebrating love in all its forms, and are happy to offer a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ weddings and civil partnerships.

The heart of Allington Castle, the Great Hall, boasts a grand and historic atmosphere with its

impressive stone walls and high wooden ceilings, creating a unique and enchanting space for your ceremony. A beautiful Steinway piano is available for your chosen pianist to play, adding an extra touch of sophistication to your event. The Great Hall also features a minstrel gallery, perfect for harpists, string quartets, jazz, blues, or swing ensembles, taking advantage of the amazing acoustics. This remarkable space is ideal for a romantic and elegant ceremony, wedding breakfasts or for smaller intimate weddings as an alternative to going to the registrar’s office.

Allington Castle has also been added to the portfolio of romantic Castles at E-Lope Kent. To book contact E-Lope Kent.

www.mimifleur.co.uk

Email: info@mimifleur.co.uk

Tel: 07714 172424

At Mimi Fleur we love a floral style referred to as French Country Rustic styling. We love big, beautiful, elegant, feminine, pretty blousy scented roses. We adore France’s luxury, and charm, loving both ostentatious accents, with our inspiration taken from the Louis XIV grand French Chateaus and Parisian apartments, as well as ‘pops’ of understated rural comfort, like French lavender, and ‘weathered’ charm.

Our unique style of wedding floral décor fits well in elegant country houses, rustic, weathered barns and white spaces. Our creative décor helps you to transform your venue to wow your attendees.

www.cobiandcoco.com

At Cobi & Coco, we work closely with every client to understand each and every detail of your event.

Every cake we create is designed in complete collaboration with you, incorporating your inspirations and visions translating them into your dream cake. Our goal is to create a one of a kind cakes tailored to you and your wedding, no two cakes are ever the same.

From the initial cake consultation to the set-up of the cake on your special day, we will walk through your cake journey with you to create an experience to cherish and remember.

Every Cobi & Coco cake is individually designed, baked, decorated, and delivered by Serena to ensure excellence at every stage of the process.

Serena Chin - Cobi & Coco

Did you know that @full_plate_catering is a sister company of Hannas cake creations? We supply delicious quintessential afternoon teas and modern antipasto grazing boards for the amazing @elopekent.

@cobi_and_coco_cakes produce the amazing wedding cakes and @hannascakecreations help with supplying bespoke wedding cakes to cover during busy peak season.

We are very happy to be an accredited supplier for this fabulous team. If you are looking for a small bespoke intimate wedding contact @elopekent.

Feature

Every girls dream is to be a Fairytale Princess on their wedding day and now your dreams can come true.

Following the well received launch In the USA and Canada in 2020, the Disney© inspired dresses are now heading for UK shores with these beautiful collaborations by ALLURE BRDALS and Disney©.

Styles include those inspired by Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Rapunzel and Aurora.

Whether you’re looking for fishtail, ballgown, flowing lines or basque, there is something for everyone.

Selected Stockists in the UK

● Ava May Bridal, Solihull, England - www.avamaybridal.com

● Belle of the Ball, Melksham, England - www.belle-ofthe-ball.co.uk

● Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, East Kilbride, Scotland - www.bibbidi-bobbidi-boo-bridal-boutique.co.uk

● Brides by Solo, Newmarket, England - www.bridesbysolo.co.uk

● Cinderella's Closet, Cork, Ireland,- www.cinderellascloset.ie

● J&J Designs, Newcastle-under-Lyme, England - www.jandjdesignsbridal.com

● Perfect Day Bridal, Lurgan, Northern Ireland - www.perfectdayni.com

● Serenity Brides, Colchester, England - www.serenitybrides.com

● Victoria Elaine Bridal, Maidstone, England - www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk

The Ariel Collection

This Ariel-inspired gown is playful, yet elegant. A subtle flared train is reminiscent of a mermaid's silhouette, while sparkling sequins mimic the play of light across the moonlit sea.

The Aurora Collection

Our Aurora inspired gown features a delicate fitted waistline, accentuated with Alencon lace detail. The strapless, soft-sweetheart bodice is layered in sparkling beaded lace. Tulle and sparkling tulle combine in a romantic ballgown skirt. Echoes of Aurora are also found in a diaphanous, lace detailed bridal cape. The cape is detachable and beautifully accessorizes the strapless gown.

The Cinderella Collection

Our Cinderella-inspired Platinum ballgown is a dream come true! Inspired by Cinderella's magical transformation, this graceful gown is embellished with intricate silver embroidery, delicate crystals adorn a strapless bodice and trail down the full ballgown skirt. All you need to complete the look is a pair of glass slippers!

The Snow White Collection

Capturing Snow White's gentle grace and beauty, this classic-inspired ballgown features a bouquet of 'apple' blossoms on the bodice that gracefully cascade down the skirt and cluster at the hemline.

The Pocahontas Collection

Our Pocahontas inspired gown is a beautiful and empowering silhouette. A sleek, slim design is layered in all-over cotton lace applique that features a stunning motif. Accented with a sweetheart neckline and detailed spaghetti straps this gown accentuates and flatters. The covered buttons down the back of the gown add another glamourous detail.

www.disneyweddings.com

Memories to cherish forever are about to be made. Each Disney wedding destination offers something unique, something any couple can get excited about and something all your guests can enjoy. World-famous theme parks, award-winning Resort hotels and luxury ocean liners can't help but make your celebration magical and the perfect celebration of your love.

Destinations

● Florida

● California

● Hawaii

● Cruise

www.disneyweddings.com

Memories to cherish forever are about to be made. Each Disney wedding destination offers something unique, something any couple can get excited about and something all your guests can enjoy. Worldfamous theme parks, award-winning Resort hotels and luxury ocean liners can't help but make your celebration magical and the perfect celebration of your love.

Memories to cherish forever are about to be made. Each Disney wedding destination offers something unique, something any couple can get excited about and something all your guests can enjoy. Worldfamous theme parks, award-winning Resort hotels and luxury ocean liners can't help but make your celebration magical and the perfect celebration of your love.

Minimum spends start at $7,500 and go up to $50,000, depending on day of the week and the locations themselves. For example, an intimate wedding for ten people at Crescent Cove starts at $3,500 for a ceremony venue hire and you would need to spend an additional $4,000 to meet the minimum spend requirement.

www.disneyweddings.com

Whether you'd like to make a grand gesture or simply create a magical moment, Disneyland Resort in California is the perfect place to either pop the question or even get married. Discover a dazzling array of proposal/wedding locations across 2 theme parks, the Downtown Disney District and uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels.

Wedding events at Disneyland California are priced with a ceremony fee and a reception food and drink minimum spend. Per-person minimum spends are based on mealtimes: brunch $145pp, lunch $165pp, dinner $190pp.

www.disneyweddings.com

Affiliated with the Disney Vacation Club, the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii is a 21acre Disneyland resort with a plethora of spots perfect for hosting a fairy-tale Disney wedding.

The Aulani weddings team offer two packages: the L kahi Package for a tailor-made ceremony and full reception, and the Pilialoha Package for an intimate destination ceremony for up to 20 people including the couple.

L kahi celebrations start at $10,600 and include a one-hour ceremony, an officiant, four-hour reception, two hours of professional photography, white garden chairs and a white wedding arch, citrus water for guests and an indoor ballroom reception space.

Pilialoha Packages start at $5,400 and include an officiant to perform the ceremony, one hour of professional photography, white garden chairs and bottled water for guests.

www.disneyweddings.com

From bow to stern, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy brim with the restaurants, nightclubs, shops and recreational facilities that turn the celebration of your union into an exhilarating cruise vacation that you and your guests will never forget. With their distinctive designs and gold-swirled bows, the fleet of Disney Cruise Line ships inspires awe wherever they pull into port. Mixing grand elegance with an element of fun, each stately vessel offers a one-of-kind environment to embark on your lifelong voyage together.

Disney Cruises offer two wedding options: Onboard Celebrations and Upgraded celebrations. Onboard Celebrations start at $3,500 and Upgraded Celebrations start at $4,500.

Both packages include the services of an on-site ceremony coordinator, personal flowers for the couple, an officiant and pianist, cake and champagne celebration, dinner for the couple and commemorative Disney Cruise Line wedding certificate.

A big wedding is expensive, so it’s really important to put protection in place in case something goes wrong. From cancellations to a supplier going bust, buying the right cover sets your mind at ease and helps to make sure the day goes off smoothly. As with any kind of insurance, it’s important to shop around and make sure you have the right limits in place. Read our guide to make sure you know everything you need when it comes to choosing and buying wedding insurance.

What is wedding insurance and how does it work?

It can cover the cost of your wedding if you’re forced to cancel, or if something else goes wrong like one of your suppliers fails to fulfil their commitments.

It also protects against damage or theft to your wedding attire, gifts, cake or flowers and can cover the cost if you have to retake your photographs or if you have a problem with your wedding cars. Wedding insurance can give you valuable protection, especially if your big day costs a lot of money. Typically, you’ll pay a one-off sum for a policy, which will then pay out if something goes wrong.

What does wedding insurance cover?

Different policy will have different levels of cover and exclusions, but most wedding insurance policies typically cover certain things as standard:

Cancellation or rearrangement

Most insurers cover the cost of cancellation or rearrangement if:

● Your venue has been damaged by fire, flood or another natural disaster

● The bride, groom, civil partner or a close relative dies, is ill or injured

● Any booked and paid for professional suppliers do not turn up

● The wedding clothing is damaged and cannot be used

● You are made redundant at least eight weeks after buying your policy

● The officiating minister or registrar does not turn up

● Bad weather means the wedding party and guests cannot reach the venue

Problems on the Day

You will also be covered for individual things that go wrong leading up to your wedding, or on the day itself, including problems with:

The cost of arranging alternative suppliers, and any deposits you have paid, if your supplier cannot provide their service.

The cost of replacing or repairing any wedding attire, like the bride or groom's outfit and bridesmaid dresses, that has been lost or damaged while in your possession.

The cost of retaking your photos or video if your photographer does not show up, or if they lose or damage the film.

The cost of arranging alternative transport and getting back any deposits paid if your hired car cannot get you to the venue.

You can also claim if you lose or damage certain items, including:

● Wedding gifts

● Wedding rings

● Flowers

● Wedding Cake

You usually also get third-party liability cover. This covers any claims against you following an incident that results in an injury or damage to someone else's property.

Check the terms and conditions of the policy to see if there is a time limit for you to make a claim. For example, you may not be able to claim more than 48 hours after your wedding day.

What are the main exclusions for wedding insurance?

There are some things wedding insurance will not protect you against that you should be aware of before you buy a policy. These include:

If you or your fiancé decide you no longer want to get married, the cancellation will not be covered by your insurance.

You also cannot claim if you decide that your wedding is too expensive, and you cannot afford to pay for it.

Most wedding insurance policies do not offer cover for your honeymoon. Some wedding insurers allow you to pay extra and get add-on cover for this, but you will usually get better protection at a more reasonable price by shopping around for a separate travel insurance policy.

Any arrangements made for your hen or stag do will not be protected by your wedding insurance.

If you are going abroad for your party, make sure everyone going has travel insurance.

You cannot claim if any of the services you receive do not meet your expectations, for example, if you are unhappy with the photos, or the food is burnt.

If this happens, you should complain to whoever provided the service and ask for a refund.

When should you get wedding insurance?

Ideally, you should get your wedding insurance as soon as possible, particularly since some things won’t be covered if they happen within two weeks of you buying your policy. You definitely want to purchase a policy before you start making any bookings or paying any deposits. For example:

● Booking your venue

● Buying a wedding dress

● Ordering the cake

How much will wedding insurance cost?

It depends on how much you are spending on your wedding. The more you spend, the more expensive the policy you need will be.

Most wedding insurers offer a choice of cover levels, with a set claim limit for everything they cover.

For example, a basic policy could offer up to £5,000 for cancellation, but a premium policy could give you up to £100,000 of protection.

Work out how much you will spend (or have spent) for each area and make sure you choose a policy that can refund the total cost if you need to claim.

You could pay anything from £20 to £300 for a policy depending on the insurer and the level of cover you choose.

You pay for wedding insurance as one payment, and policies start from when the cover is taken out and end once your wedding is over.

Most insurers let you take out a policy two years before your wedding, so you can get cover well in advance of your big day.

here are many things that could happen that mean your wedding day has to be cancelled or rearranged.

Why Get Wedding Insurance?

For example, the venue could go out of business or a member of your wedding party or a close relative could fall ill and be unable to attend.

Without insurance, you could lose all the money you spent on your wedding. You may have some protection if you paid by credit card, but this will not cover everything wedding insurance can.

Section 75 can protect any payments you make by credit card between £100 and £30,000, but it only covers certain scenarios, such as if your venue goes out of business.

Think about whether the peace of mind of knowing you are protected if anything goes wrong is worth the cost of buying a policy.

What cover do you need?

Wedding insurance policies offer fixed amounts of protection, so work out how much your wedding costs by using a budget tool and then find a policy that gives you enough cover. For example, if the total cost of your wedding is £20,000, get a policy that offers at least this amount of cover for cancellation or rearrangement.

The lower the cover limits offered, the cheaper the policy will be.

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Wedding insurance is there in case your special day doesn't quite go to plan. Let's face it, sometimes even the best planned events can go wrong due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, venue issues or supplier failure.

Wedding insurance is here to ensure you're financially protected should something go wrong that is out of your control.

Covermywedding offer wedding protection that saves on cost but not on cover, meaning you can focus on what matters knowing your venue(s), suppliers, rings, flowers, attire and more are covered

You can purchase a CoverMyWedding Wedding Insurance policy up to two years before your big day. Getting a quote is easy, simply select the level of cover that matches the total cost of your special day, add any extras, and we will provide you with your quote. Easy as that!

Once your policy starts, you will be covered for ceremony and venue damage, you, your partner, or your relative falling ill, or wedding cancellation/rearrangement.

Our wedding insurance also protects you if a service provider such as a wedding car operator, photographer, or wedding band becomes unable to provide their service.

We even cover you for theft or damage to ceremony attire, flowers, rings, gifts, and the all-important wedding cake!.

AUGUST MOST POPULAR MONTH TO GET MARRIED

August is the most popular month to get married, with almost a fifth (17%) of weddings taking place then*, according to wedding insurance provider, CoverMyWedding.co.uk.

All the summer months from May onwards are incredibly popular, with twice as many weddings taking place in May (12%) compared to April (6%). January is the least popular month to get married.

Karen McCullough, CoverMyWedding.co.uk said: “Summer has always been the most popular time of year to get married, and 2023 is no exception, which is perhaps surprising given the cost-of-living crisis. Couples still clearly prioritise celebrating on a warm summer’s day, or at least the possibly of one, above finances as deals can often be found from vendors during the quieter off-season months.”

She continues, “Wedding insurance offers financial protection against a range of mishaps should your special day go wrong. This cover includes cancellation and rearrangement, which are the most common claims, but also theft or loss of wedding gifts and rings, failure of suppliers such as florists, problems with bridal attire, transport, cake, photography and video, and also legal expenses and personal liability on the big day.

CoverMyWedding.co.uk policies start from just £44, and cover weddings up to £50,000 in value including UK and overseas ceremonies and receptions.

* CoverMyWedding.co.uk analysed policies purchased between 16 January - 23 May 2023.

Next Issue Out March 2024

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