Editor loves and inspiration

Don't know where to start with your big-day catering? Ashley Whittington-Orford, events manager at Chester-based Elite Bistro Events has a few pointers...

"What will guests have eaten already that day? Did they skip breakfast and lunch? Are you serving canapés? What time of day will it be when they sit down? Weddings can be a long day so make sure guests are suitably sustained. If this will be their first meal of the day, you might want to go for something a bit more robust. Alternatively, if they've been snacking for most of the day already, something lighter that won't overwhelm or go to waste might be a good option. Three courses can be a lot to manage after endless canapés and a few glasses of fizz!

"It's never good to feel like an afterthought, so try to incorporate some vegetarian or gluten-free options into your menu naturally, perhaps with the starter or dessert. There are some wonderful gluten-free and vegan desserts that are sure to be crowd-pleasers and impress your guests who are plant-based or have intolerances."

See more from our Catering feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Ali Hamilton from Blue & Sixpence tells us how you can incorporate a festive nod into your wedding dress.

"You may be wary of your wedding becoming lost amid the seasonal decorations and activities, but there are ways of acknowledging the spirit of the season, without turning your big-day into Father Christmas' grotto!

"Colour schemes can play a wonderful part – don't just think of the traditional red, gold, green of the Victorian Christmas. How about something more subdued? Frosty palettes such as pale blues, silver, pewter, pastel pinks and even the palest of greens can look stunning together.

"You could use a favourite Christmas tree decoration as a bouquet charm, this could be really poignant if it's a family heirloom. Perhaps you could incorporate a splash of the season into something usually unseen. I'm thinking of an embroidered wedding dress appliqué sewn into the lining of your gown. Or maybe your underskirt or shoes could bring a festive flash of colour."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Ceri and Michael both belonged to North Wales-based running club The Nightcrawlers when they met, and it was during one of their runs through the muddy, wet woods and mountains of North Wales that they started chatting for the first time. Ceri works for Snowdonia Cheese Company and was telling her auntie about her day at work as they jogged along. Michael overheard this and boldly proclaimed: “I don't like cheese!” Certainly a conversation starter!

Michael proposed in the couple's favourite spot on Anglesey, Rhoscolyn's headland. “He got down on one knee on the cliffs above a beautiful rock archway. I was photographing it when I turned to find him presenting me with the most incredible engagement ring,” Ceri remembers.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Chloe and Alex met doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award at school. “He was two years older, but I was early in completing my bronze and silver awards, so we ended up meeting at a gold award session when we both became part of the same group,” Chloe explains. The pair trekked through North Wales together, climbing Snowdon and slowly fell in love as they went. They obviously shared a love for the great outdoors and being active, but as time went on, they discovered even more similarities and interests. Plus, says Chloe, “I love that he's a real cheeky chappy and makes me laugh every day!”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Bursting with ideas for showing off a grand, historical wedding venue, and looking for the right moment to showcase a fabulous lockdown project, owner of Liverpool-based Thornton Events Lindsey Hanson was inspired to put together a styled shoot. “It was a massive success and I'm so excited about the future of the business. We have a lot of exciting things happening and I can't wait to share them with everyone,” she says.

See more from the styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Map out an itinerary of the big day – how much time will be spent where and when – and share this with your transport company. Here, you'll want to take time to consider if there are any factors along the way that will affect your transport, such as whether your ceremony and reception are in different locations and if you want the car to stay for photos. We recommend seeking out suppliers who will only book your vehicle for your wedding for the day, meaning they won't be constantly clock-watching.

Discuss travel times with your transport provider and bear in mind some vehicles can travel faster than others! Just because your car can get from A to B in a certain time, it doesn't mean a vintage motor or horse and carriage can cover the same distance as fast!

Finally on this note, be prepared! Check in with your driver or company the week of the wedding to make sure they have the correct address, timing and emergency phone numbers.

See more from our Transport feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Bellissima Brides in Brimstage, Wirral, is excited to launch Blanche Bridal in the UK and is proud to be the designer's first and only stockist outside of the U.S and Australia. Blanche (@blanchebridal) is an Instagram phenomenon and the team at Bellissima has already seen brides booking flights to the UK to come and see this new collection at the boutique.

The new drop of Blanche gowns is expected in November, including the bestselling Esmee, Odette and Janelle. Prices range from £2,500 to £4,000 and the dresses are customisable allowing you to create your perfect look.

To find out more and book an appointment head over to www.bellissima-brides.co.uk

See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Jo and John met while working at the same Liverpool law firm. At the time John was going through a difficult time due to the sad passing of his father and Jo, who was unaware of his struggles, asked him on a date – not once, but twice! Understandably he wasn't looking for love, his focus being purely on trying to overcome his grief, but Jo's persistence helped him through that in a way, and the couple have never looked back. John proposed in New York on a helicopter ride over the Hudson River seven years later, which was a complete surprise to Jo.

The pair chose Blessed Sacrament RC Church in Walton Vale, Liverpool for their ceremony. Jo had attended the church with her nan and grandad as a child and it was always her dream to get married there since it holds such special memories for her. The Titanic Hotel would host their celebrations – “Its rustic vibe was perfect for us,” Jo explains.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Outdoor weddings have been trending for some time now, having been helped along by pandemic restrictions and now the new law surrounding exactly where you can legally say “I do.” While tying the knot al fresco is an undoubtedly worthwhile experience in the end, it doesn't come without its pitfalls and planning difficulties, so we turned to some of the region's experts for the answers.

Did you know from 1st July, 2022, the law changed allowing you to say “I do” anywhere within the grounds of an approved wedding venue. Whereas under the previous version, the legal ceremony was required to take place in a licensed room or permanent structure such as a gazebo, bandstand or pavilion if outside. Jennifer Walker of JW Ceremonies says, “This move gives couples and the wedding industry more choice and flexibility for those who dream of an outdoor wedding ceremony.”

See more from our Outdoor Weddings feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Heather Laver from The Bridal Lounge tells us how to avoid overheating in a wedding dress.

"The last thing you want to be is overheating on your wedding day! Quite often brides forget to think about the weather or temperature, which is why visiting a bridal boutique exaclty one year before the big day is a good idea. It will give you a good understanding of the weather, or at the very least, the temperatures you can expect.

As for the dress itself, it’s worth knowing what you want to prioritise. If comfort is important, then look for a gown with fewer layers. Chiffon, for example, is a great way of keeping the floating movement of a dress, but is light and breathable. If you have your heart set on a ballgown or princess style, an underskirt or hoop will keep the lining and inner layers of it away from your legs, helping you to keep cool. You’ll feel much more comfortable and it’ll also prevent you tripping over the skirts!"