Editor loves and inspiration

For those of you who haven't received the news a million times already (yes, we're obsessed), Peach Fuzz is 2024's Pantone colour of the year. And the reason we, along with the rest of the wedding industry, has gone cock-a-hoop for it is that it's the perfect hue for stylish nuptials. We like to think we led the way on this, of course, since well before this announcement rusts, corals and peaches had been trending in the wedding world and Peach Fuzz is the dream addition to this palette. Nowhere is this more beautifully demonstrated than in the breathtaking images of this local shoot.

The team got together with the aim of creating a current photo shoot using the oh-so hot palette of peach, tangerine and blush, showing off elegant fl orals with an edgy vibe thanks to modern dresses and fun colour pops. Florist and shoot coordinator Susan Simcock from Florist By Nature tells us, “We loved the idea of combining vibrancy with soft palettes.”

Download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding for more - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Lizzy and Matt met when working in ASDA during their student days. “We bonded over our love of indie classics and Leeds festival,” Lizzy says. However, the timing wasn’t right then and they decided to remain friends instead of pursuing a relationship. It wasn’t until a few years later that they decided to give it a go and the rest is history! “We had the most incredible first date at the beach and we quickly fell in love,” Lizzy remembers.

Matt proposed in St Ives having taken Lizzy for a picnic and finding a gorgeous spot where they could watch the sun set. Just as the sky was changing colour, he got down on one knee and asked the big question.

Lizzy had seen Scale on Instagram a few years previous and had always admired its aesthetic. She remembered it when they came to look for a wedding venue, thinking what a great blank canvas it would be for creating their own magic. “It was perfect for a winter wedding with lots of lights and candles,” she explains. “It had a cosy vibe even though the room was pretty big.” They were also shown sister venue, Fabric, which was still a building site at the time, it being early days. “We immediately loved the Cove and the thought of what we could turn that into on our wedding day,” Lizzy remembers.

So, the date was set for 5th January 2024. To find out more, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding where Lizzy gives us the lowdown on the big day - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

When Hannah and Chris met online they felt an instant connection. Two years later, now a couple, they travelled to Dublin for the day and Chris popped the question at the castle after fi nding the perfect spot beneath and archway full of flowers in the gardens. “It was such a surprise, my fi rst response was to swear rather than say ‘yes,’” Hannah remembers.

As the Titanic was linked to Cunard, the company Hannah’s grandfather used to work for, tying the knot at the Titanic Hotel meant a lot to the bride. “We felt like he was there almost,” Hannah says. The couple loved the atmosphere of the function room with its exposed brickwork and chic lighting. Once they saw it, they couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.

The date was set for 4th April 2024. Download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding to find out more - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Jo and Jon started out as friends. They were both going through a tough time when they met and became a support system to each other. The two are DJs and instantly had this major part of their lives in common, as well as sharing the same sense of humour. The time was right eventually though, and love grew between them.

Jon had intended to propose New Year’s Eve of 2021, but unfortunately Covid stepped in and forced him to change his plans. Well again, he took Jo on a weekend spa break to Crabwell Manor in the January. Getting ready to go for a meal one evening, he turned to Jo and said: “I have something for you that you can wear tonight,” then got down on one knee. “It was just us in our suite, so it was a really personal and lovely moment,” Jo remembers.

The date for the big day was set for 27th April 2024. Download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding to find out more - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

HELP! WE'RE NOT VERY PHOTOGENIC AND HATE HAVING OUR PICTURE TAKEN! This is the wedding worry Andrew Abrahamson from Andrew AB Photography (www.andrewab.wedding) regualarly finds himself tackling. In Hot Topic though, he as the answers:

I totally understand this, there is a reason I'm usually found on the other side of the camera after all! Generally though, the reason behind this is the worry that I'll be asking you to look at the camera and hold a forced smile while holding your arms in impossible angles. Fear not, this is definitely not what I do!

I found the best way to combat this worry and remove any anxiety over having your photo taken on the actual day is to have a pre-shoot. This normally entails heading to a lovely location like a park, the beach, a wood, somewhere that means something to you and spending an hour or so walking around, finding pretty spots for photos. It's mostly an opportunity for the three of you to get to know each other, for your photographer to see how you are as a couple and for you to see how your photographer works.

With me, it's rarely a big serious pose, although this can be fun, but more just asking you to walk over to a particular place and talk, mess around, kiss, make each other laugh; and I capture that. Come the day, there are no surprises, you've seen how wonderful the photos of you look and not a forced smile in sight!

For more common weddings and how to overcome them, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

So, you've booked your venue, the next thing to think about is how to turn this blank space into the wedding you dream of. With a professional venue stylist on hand this is a piece of cake! From props to palettes, tablescapes to backdrops these folks have a world of wonder at their fi ngertips to help them make your day uniquely you. We caught up with some of the region's experts to find out what's at the top of their hotlists for 2024 and beyond when it comes to palettes, themes, and props.

“I believe couples are becoming braver with their choice of colours and going against what's been deemed traditional in the past. Bright, happy colours are popping up everywhere, especially pinks, oranges, greens and purples.” – Hannah Newman, Spark Alice (www.sparkalice.com)

For more venue styling inspiration download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

From veils to hair accessories, sparkling jewellery pieces and the all-important something new. There's much to consider when it comes to adding those special elements to your wedding look. They're a further way to personalise your attire and oh-so fun to shop for! I love this statement headpiece, Harley, by Glorious by Heidi (www.gloriousbyheidi.com)

For more inspiration when it comes to shopping for your jewellery and accessories, download your free copy of the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding today - www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Originally hailing from South Africa, Gustav Fouche has become one of London's premier hair stylists and salon owners during the course of the last two decades. Known for his innovative 3D Dry Cut, flawless up-dos and blow-outs, he's also created many a jaw-dropping red-carpet look for the likes of Kate Hudson, Gal Gadot and Leanne Rimes. He's a master collaborator when it comes to editorial shoots and TV commercials, but crucially to us, he's a veteran of hundreds of weddings. His TikTok and Instagram tutorials have amassed a huge following too and he's most recently launched his own haircare line, GF Fabulosity.

I caught up with the charming Gustav at Claridge's earlier this year, to learn more about his newest salon opening and product launches, while seeking out his top tips for our beautiful brides. Read the full interview in the May/Jun24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download now.

Ever worried about how to feel your authentic self on your wedding day? A House of Colour analysis is teh first step to discovering your own unique style. For brides, the stakes are high; there's a much wider choice of colours available now. Is white right for you, or would an ivory or blush make you shine? Once you discover your season, you'll have teh answer, and knowing your spectrum gives you the confidence you need when choosing a dress that's right for you on the day. House of Colour consultations are increasingly popular with gents too, so I'd highly recommend booking your session as a couple before you decide on your wedding's palette. If you'd prefer to stick with the girls though, group sessions of three are so much fun, so why not grab your mum and maid-of-honour? I had the opportunity to experience a consultation for myself and haven't stopped talking about it since!

Find out more in the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download now.

We asked Emma Boycott owner of Maria Modes in Macclesfield (https://mariamodes.com) for her top tips on looking utterly fabulous as a curvy bride. She says: "You just need to find the right gown. And what I mean by that is one with the right structure, which is designed to give you support and enhance those curves in all the right places. The best place to start is with a bridal designer known for their structure, like Maggie Sottero. As even though you many find a dress you like in your size it hasn't necessarily got the structure internally to do your curves justice. We've stocked Maggie Sottero for over 15 years and our brides love these dresses, especially the fit. We sell up to UK36 in this designer's gowns. You also need to think about fabric, as the thinner it is the less structure it can generally hide. So, lacy dresses or heavier satin Mikado gowns do tend to offer more than a plain crepe for example."

For more fashion and beauty advice, check out our Fashion and Beauty Q&A page in the current issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding.