Editor loves and inspiration

Kirsty and Jack met when Jack’s band was playing at Kirsty’s local pub. “I’m not too sure what his first impression of me was, especially as I was quite sarcastic to him,” says Kirsty. “It was only a brief encounter, as my friend and I called it a night after her father was taken ill. It was only after speaking with the landlord of the pub and having a nose on social media that I managed to track Jack down! We spoke on social media and when we did meet, the attraction was there almost instantaneously. We got on really well and still do."

Jack popped the question in August 2022. “He’d been itching to get me to go to New Quay, West Wales, with him for a little while,” shares the bride. “He proposed on the harbour, overlooking the sea. New Quay was where we’d spent our first holiday together and we’d gone back a few years in a row up until we bought our first home together. It was definitely a surprise, even though I’d been dropping numerous hints! It was a perfect day; the sun had been shining and we’d spent the day on a boat trip to see the dolphins.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Penarth Pier Pavilion is offering a 25 per cent discount on venue hire for weddings held between January and April 2025. Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth, Penarth Pier Pavilion is a romantic venue with spectacular sea views for you and your guests to enjoy. First opening in 1929, Penarth Pier Pavilion is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture, with a vaulted main gallery and several charming wedding spaces to choose from. Hosting a range of events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops.

The Pavilion is licensed for civil ceremonies, weddings and civil partnerships, seating between 10 and 110 loved ones. Everything can be organised for you, from the room layout and place settings to fabulous food, so that you and your guests can relax and enjoy the day.

See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

If you’ve booked your venue, then the next thing you’ll be thinking about is how to style it. With so many options available, this can seem like a daunting task, but the most important thing to remember is that any space can be transformed with even the simplest of details. To give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Gill from Ambience Venue Styling Cardiff how to style a bright and bold theme.

"As beautiful and popular as they are, not all weddings have to be classic sage green or blush pink. Why not opt for something a little different? Something that reflects you as a couple? A wedding full of colour can be a vibrant and joyful celebration, reflecting your personalities and tastes as a couple. To start, select a few main colours that will form the foundation of your design. We loved the teal, mustard and deep red combination that one of our brides recently chose and it worked so well. Choose flowers like peonies, dahlias or tulips (oh, and don’t forget the classic rose) in bright, fun colours. They look beautiful in your bridal arrangements, but for that added impact, use them in floral arches, backdrops or hanging installations; they can create a stunning focal point."

See more from our Venue Styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

The team at The Bridal Boutique Crickhowell share their tips for choosing a stylish but warm wedding dress for a winter wedding.

"Winter weddings can be a magical and romantic affair, with festive decorations adding a touch of charm to the special day. If you’re a bride-to-be planning a winter wedding, you may be wondering how to stay stylish and warm at the same time. Here are some tips on how to wear a winter wedding dress that will keep you looking fabulous and feeling cosy on your big day:

"Choose the right fabric: When it comes to a winter wedding dress, the fabric you choose is key. Opt for heavier fabrics like satin, silk, or a luxury crepe that will keep you warm in the colder temperatures. These fabrics also have a luxurious look that is perfect for a winter wedding.

"Add layers: Layering is key when it comes to staying warm in the winter. Consider adding a faux fur stole, cape, or bolero to your wedding dress for some extra warmth and style. These accessories can also add a touch of elegance to your look. They are removable, so you can always lose them later if you start feeling warm or are hitting the dancefloor.

"Sparkle and shine: Winter weddings are the perfect occasion to add some sparkle and shine to your bridal look. Consider a dress with embellishments like sequins, beading, or crystals for a touch of glamour. These details will catch the light and add a magical touch to your winter wedding dress."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Charlie and Adam first started talking on a dating app. “We enjoyed our first date freezing outside of a restaurant at the end of the second COVID lockdown in April 2021,” says Charlie. “I was attracted to Adam’s aloof east London vibe and his love for houseplants.”

Adam popped the question in December 2022 on the Isle of Skye. “We decided to drive down to Coral Beach on the north of the island,” shares the bride. “It was a beautiful crisp sunny day with a blue sky and sun shining off the white coral beach. Adam came out of the sea after a swim in his full winter wetsuit gear (hood and gloves included) and spontaneously proposed on the beach. It was definitely a surprise; I think for both of us!”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Photographs are more than just keepsakes. It’s a way of reliving those happy memories over and over again and reminding yourself of just how magical your special day was. The run-up to the wedding can be quite stressful and some things, like the weather, may feel out of your control, but try not to worry; you can still have a picture-perfect album come rain or shine, as Francesca Hill Photography shows with one of her favourite big-day shots.

See more in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

The Bridal Boutique Crickhowell is set in a beautiful barn conversion and boasts an airy, modern and exclusive space that specialises in bringing your bridal dream to life. Just one hour from Cardiff, you'll find a full range of luxury and designer wedding dresses at your fingertips in a relaxed setting perfect for any bride to be and their bridal squad.

Owner Yasmine John tells us more: “Choosing your wedding dress is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're dreaming of a classic ballgown, a romantic lace dress, or a chic modern silhouette, our collection is designed to cater to every bride's aesthetic, ensuring you feel your most beautiful and confident self on the day.”

Exclusively for Your South Wales Wedding, The Bridal Boutique Crickhowell is offering readers who purchase any Pronovias wedding dress a complimentary veil. Pronovias create timeless designs that flatter every silhouette, from luxurious fabrics that will feel and look amazing. To claim this fabulous offer, mention the magazine when enquiring or visiting the store. Offer ends 31st December 2024.

See more offers in our Freebies and Offers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Natalie and Keelan met at school. “I always fancied him as he was your typical rugby boy,” says Natalie. “He never really took any notice of me, as I was younger than him and an annoying friend of his sisters, until we bumped into each other on a night out. We went on several dates and dog walks as we both had young Labrador retrievers, and 10 years later, we are married!”

Keelan proposed in December 2023. “It was a complete surprise, as he has always made it clear that he wasn’t interested in getting married,” shares the bride. “He knows how much I would have hated a big fuss in public, so one afternoon, I was in the kitchen making a cup of tea, and I turned around, and he was on one knee with our two labradors holding out the ring box. I thought it was a joke and started laughing! Never did I think we would be married.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Michael Lundbeck from One Vision Photography explains the benefits of booking a photographer who also offers videography services.

"When planning a wedding, capturing the magic of your special day is paramount. One effective way to achieve this is by booking a supplier who offers both photography and videography services. This decision not only streamlines the process but also provides several benefits.

"Having a single team handle both photography and videography ensures seamless coordination on your wedding day. The team shares a unified vision, allowing them to work together smoothly. This collaboration ensures that every critical moment, from the exchange of vows to the first dance, is captured from multiple perspectives without missing a beat.

"A combined photography and videography package ensures a consistent style and aesthetic across your wedding memories. With the same creative team handling both mediums, your photos and videos will have a harmonious look and feel. This consistency enhances the overall narrative of your wedding day, creating a cohesive visual story.

"Opting for a combined service can also be more cost-effective. Many suppliers offer discounts when both services are booked together, providing excellent value for your investment. This option reduces the need to manage multiple vendors, saving time and effort."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Lauren and Rob met through work in 2015. “I thought he was really charming and we got on really well,” says Lauren. “Our relationship grew and in 2023, Rob proposed while we were in Cardiff. We went back to the first hotel that we stayed in together and I had no idea that he was going to pop the question. It caught me by complete surprise.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download