Editor loves and inspiration

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.

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