Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers in Cheshire and Merseyside.
The beautiful and impressive Dorfold Hall in Nantwich is wrapped in a long, dramatic, tree-lined drive, with rich red leaves adorning the front balustrade. Inspired by the venue's natural palette, photographers Jaine Briscoe-Price and Lauren Hollamby agreed on a country gentry vibe with a mythical edge. So, their model brides mounted their trusty steeds in showstopping, hand-painted ivory gowns and prepared to ride off into the sunset.
See more from the styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
When Rachel moved to Liverpool to work, her first port of call was to find a Thai boxing gym so she could keep up her favourite hobby. She found one quickly and it also offered CrossFit classes. Although she originally had no intention of lifting weights, she decided to give it a go nonetheless – in for a penny in for a pound! It's a good job she did, as it was there she spotted Jack across a crowded gym. Despite clocking each other they didn't talk until a gym Christmas night out and they hit it off right away.
The couple knew early on in their relationship that they wanted to be together forever, so after one year they moved in together and after two years Jack proposed. He'd planned a super-romantic trip to Rome for them both, but sadly Covid struck and not wanting to delay his all-important question, he quickly set about changing his plans. So, while Rachel was out one night, he created a romantic atmosphere at home with fairylights and candles leading her into the living room upon her return, and it was there she found Jack waiting on one knee to propose with a beautiful diamond ring.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
The Giraffe Shed is a venue like no other,” says shoot coordinator Daljeet Hewitt from At Home Bakes. “So, I knew that whatever we did with it, it had to be something never been done before!” Settling on a bold, contrasting palette of black and pink, the team worked together to bring a chic and moody, yet romantic feel to the resulting images. The juxtaposition of the soft, dreamy wedding dress against the dramatic black gown makes everything pop and we love it!
See more from the styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Cheshire-based Lee Gordon is a singer/songwriter with years of experience playing, writing, recording and touring all over the country to rave reviews. He is now also one of the most sought-after musicians and singers in the UK for weddings. Since starting out in the wedding industry in 2019, he has sung, played and DJed at over 300 big days, winning national awards along the way thanks to the five-star reviews from his clients. He can also list amongst his achievements BBC Radio 2 songwriter of the year finalist.
See more from our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Everything is coming up roses for Nantwich-based floral designer Jacqui O who has been accepted as a full member of the exclusive Good Florist Guide, the gold standard in floristry and the only merit-based guide in the world. The Guide was founded by Caroline Marshall-Foster, editor of The Florist Magazine, as a way to ensure customers always receive top-quality floristry from businesses that value excellent customer service.
Jacqueline Owen, owner of Jacqui O was acknowledged with this accolade by the Guide's advisory panel and is absolutely delighted. You see, unlike any other directory of florists, no-one can just buy their way into the Guide. To be part of it, florists undergo a rigorous evaluation process before being approved and invited to join. Jacqueline says, “We're delighted to be accepted into the Guide. We're passionate about quality flowers, breathtaking designs, and the outstanding service we give to each of our clients, so it's wonderful to have this recognition. As a qualified designer with a passion for wedding florals my mission is to help couples discover how to showcase their style in flowers developing floral confidence and creating their own memories to treasure forever.”
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Heather Laver from The Bridal Lounge tells us how to choose your entourage for your bridal appointment.
"Bring people you can trust to give you an honest answer. Bringing the entire bridal party can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming, and you might find your own thoughts about the dresses are lost in the babble going on around you. Sometimes, an intimate appointment with just yourself, or one trusted friend or family member is better than lots of people who end up making the choice harder.”
See more from our Bridal Boutiques feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Vicky and James met through their best friends. Maid-of-honour Poppy met her true love, Mike, many years ago and he's best friends with James. The pair knew they'd be perfect for each other and how right they were. Vicky says, “As soon as we met that was just it for the both of us. We have the same daft sense of humour and we're not afraid to be ourselves.”
James proposed in Paris just before the first national lockdown in 2020. They went out to explore the city of love their first evening there and when they got back to the hotel after enjoying a night of champagne, James got down on one knee. “It was so intimate, so perfect, but he was so nervous he asked me to be his husband,” Vicky laughs.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Heather Laver from The Bridal Lounge tells us her dress trend predictions for 2023.
"More and more over the past few weeks, I've been seeing one particular trend that's caught my attention and that of my brides. There's something fun about wowing your guests in a gorgeous ballgown, only to stun them further when you take off your overskirt to reveal a sexy, fitted dress underneath. Detachable elements to dresses are sure to help you make a statement; whether you go for the matching overskirt or the fully-removable sleeves, or even a lace bolero/jacket that sweetly complements your dress, you can't go wrong. And if you don't like it on the day, don't wear it! That's the beauty of detachable items. You still have the option of choice even on your big day."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Isabella and Samuel met while working on a hospital ward. Despite a mutual attraction they started out as friends, but it didn't take too long for the relationship to blossom into something more. Samuel proposed on a trip to Dublin. On the Ha'Penny Bridge, a spot they'd visited on their first mini-break together, he got down on one knee. Isabella remembers, “It was the middle of winter and blowing a gale, but I couldn't stop laughing with excitement. Of course I said, 'Yes!'”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
Although Gemma and Paul officially met online, Gemma already knew of Paul from their local area. They clicked right away and the rest is history. During lockdown, on their seven-year anniversary as a couple, Paul proposed at home over a cheese box. “It was a huge surprise,” Gemma tells us.
Conveniently located close to the couple's home, they immediately fell in love with Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa and set the date to celebrate their big day there on 30th December, 2021. Here, the newlyweds share some of their gorgeous, festive, wedding album.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
