Editor loves and inspiration

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.

Emma met and became friends with Vic and Lee in the Philippines while travelling and arranged to meet up with them again in Melbourne at a music event. Unfortunately, or fortunately as is turned out, they couldn't make it having decided to stay on in Vietnam and instead put Emma in touch with Jack. They both did a little Facebook stalk before meeting up and decided they weren't interested romantically, but both now agree that this all changed the moment they sat down together in that bar in Melbourne. They became inseparable from that night on. “Jack made me laugh so much and had such a good energy, I just wanted to be around him all the time,” Emma says.

Jack proposed in April 2021. He dragged Emma out of the house on one of the last nice days of autumn to watch the sunset. “I'd been at home with the kids all day and was pretty shattered, but he convinced me,” Emma remembers. “We went to Williamstown beach and Jack laid out a picnic blanket while I chased our eldest around who in turn was running after a stranger's dog!” She had absolutely no idea what was about to happen and couldn't believe it when he got down on one knee and pulled out a magnificent engagement ring. She first checked whether he'd asked her dad first, and when he replied that he had, she reacted without further hesitation: “Yes!” Jack had been saving for the ring without Emma's knowledge and had designed it himself.

Before long the date for the big day was set for 28th July 2023. Join us in the May/Jun24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding where the bride tells us all about it...

One of our favourite things about this region is the scenery. It literally has it all. From the urban-chic, truly iconic backdrops of Liverpool and Chester, to the stunning countryside of Cheshire; not to mention the showstopping interiors of the stunning local venues. Best of all, it's there waiting for you, ready to provide some breathtaking settings for your wedding pics. Here, the region's wedding photographers showcase Cheshire and Merseyside at its finest for us, such as this stunner by Jaine Briscoe-Price Photography.

Enjoy all of the breathtaking images in the May/Jun24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Nathalie Somerset from Somerset Blooms had some sound advice for our flower feature in the May/Jun 24 issue, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

"If you haven’t yet chosen a florist, look for one close to your venue, this reduces travel time. There has been a rise in the number of UK flower farms in recent years, so search for a local flower farm, some have florists working with them so this is great way of shopping local and using locally grown flowers too. If sustainability is important to you, I would recommend using fresh flowers over silk flowers as they leave a significantly lower (carbon) footprint and you have no waste after your wedding which is another factor to consider. With fresh flowers, some florists will remove them for you after the wedding and add to the compost heap. Or, you can get your fresh flowers pressed to keep as a momentum for years to come."

For more answers to our top wedding flowers questions, download the latest issue.

Lydia and Ben met through mutual friends, and as Ben was in the RAF, they were only able to spend the odd weekend together in the early stages of their relationship. “We'd travel for hours just to see each other for a few days,” Lydia remembers. It was all worth it though as their love was strong, and Ben proposed in 2021. The couple had gone to the Lake District for the night and at sunset they walked along Thirlmere Water where Ben got down on one knee. “While we were so wrapped up in the moment, we hadn't noticed our puppy jumping into the lake to have a little swim,” Lydia laughs.

Lydia is quite fortunate in her career as a hairdresser to see many local wedding venues up close during her bridal bookings. One day, she was to attend a bride at Colshaw Hall, and when her client showed her around, she fell in love. So, when she and Ben came to look for their own wedding venue, this was already top of the list. With the date set for 3rd June 2023, planning began in earnest.

Find out more about their big day in the May/Jun24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Jamie proposed to Sarah in Edinburgh where they were enjoying a picnic in the castle gardens. Soon after, they started to plan the big day in the Caribbean, which was something they'd both dreamed of. Still keen to celebrate with friends and family though, they discussed the possibility of booking a UK venue too for a reception. The Titanic Hotel immediately sprung to mind as this is where they met at a Christmas party. So, they went along to enquire and were shown West Bay. “The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, even without being dressed for a wedding,” Sarah says. “The brick, the lighting, the size of the room...”

After chatting with the wedding coordinators, the couple loved it so much that within two days they'd cancelled the Jamaica beach wedding and booked their entire day in Liverpool at the Titanic Hotel for 16th November 2023! We got the lowdown from the bride...

Find out more in the May/Jun24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Knowsley Hall is steeped in history and still retains its original features with its marble fireplaces, and carved wood panelling. The rooms are filled with original works of art and cherished antiques, and although grand the Hall feels welcoming and homely with a selection of smaller rooms to relax in, dressed in beautiful soft furnishings.

Discover this and more Knowsley and St Helen venues in the May/Jun24 issue, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Focusing on two distinct themes, autumn and winter white to showcase the beauty of the property, this shoot was particularly memorable for all involved. The stunning barn with its exposed brick walls and wooden beams was the ideal complement to the autumnal vibes, while the grand but cosy Soughton Hall itself provided the backdrop to the wintry nuptials.

The main house's grandeur was the perfect setting for this glamorous wedding. The decadent wallpaper, plush carpets and chandeliers added a touch of opulence to boot. With a monochromatic table setting, the team incorporated a palette of ivory, pearl and white, accentuating the setting with candlelight and a hint of festive cheer.

Don't miss the full shoot in the Mar/Apr24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

This local team set out to create a stunning selection of bridal looks to inspire the undecided.

When Jessica Charlotte Bridal Hair and The Wedding Fairy and Friends joined forces on this styled shoot collaboration the idea was to capture three bridal looks. “I wanted to create a variety of looks, offering inspiration for brides out there who're unsure what road to take,” Jessica tells us.

Check out the full shoot in the Mar/Apr24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download

Sophie and Harry met through mutual friends while attending university in Liverpool. There was an instant attraction, thanks to their similar sense of humour.

In July 2021, Harry proposed in the Trough of Bowland, Lancashire, where the couple were away on holiday. “It wasn't a complete surprise, as we'd discussed marriage, and Harry doesn't usually book the holidays!” Sophie tells us. The exterior of Shrigley Hall is quite magnificent and is what enticed Sophie and Harry to investigate it further as a potential venue for their big day. When they had the chance to look around, they soon discovered that the interiors were equally as impressive and were quickly sold on the idea. “The wedding team were also fantastic and made our planning stress free,” Sophie says. The pair opted for the venue's All Wrapped Up package, which included the services of the venue's recommended suppliers, making life even easier.

With the date secured for 27th October 2023, planning was in full swing. Find out more about the big day in the Mar/Apr24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, free to download at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download