Editor loves and inspiration

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.

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