Editor loves and inspiration

Rebecca Burt is a jewellery designer based out of her studio in Canton, Cardiff, where she creates textural organic jewellery from silver, gold and gemstones. Working on one-off pieces, small stock collections, commissions and remodels, her jewellery aesthetic features carefully selected gemstones with playful colour gradients.

“My pieces are all influenced by having a directional quality that captures movement and a sense of flow, using mark-making and building up silver grains to create wearable pieces of jewellery,” says Rebecca. “Everything is made and crafted by my hands, allowing for no two pieces to be exactly the same, giving each piece its own individual personality!”

Meet more local suppliers in our Handmade in South Wales feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Jayne Nevins from Camille Accessories shares her trend predictions for 2025.

"As an accessories designer, I follow the trends with a passion because my work serves to complement wedding gown styles. My predictions for 2025 are:

"Individuality and bespoke designs. Unique pieces that add a personal touch to a wedding and emphasise the bride’s individuality.

"Layered pearl necklaces that will work perfectly with the new corseted basque waist ballgown style dresses that we’ve already seen on many runways.

"Oversized earrings are still en vogue and can make a statement on their own without the need for any other accessories.

"Pearls galore! They’re still everywhere, on veils, bags and shoes. Pearls of every size and description, from the larger baroque pearls to the traditional classic string of pearls, remain as the accessory must-have for brides-to-be."

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

Ellie and Ricky met in 2012 at Broad Haven Beach in Haverfordwest. “He was a popular boy who I thought was attractive, but nothing ever happened as he was too old for me at the time,” says Ellie. “Fast forward to 2014, when he took me to a fancy party dressed up as a bobsleigher and we’ve been together ever since.”

Ricky popped the question in 2022. “It was a complete surprise,” shares the bride. “We were visiting Musselwick Beach when he asked me to be his wife.”

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

Fall in love with this ethereal styled shoot at Candleston Woods that features a team of talented suppliers.

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

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