Editor loves and inspiration

Local photographers Huw and Dale explain the benefits of having two photographers on your wedding day.

"Weddings are busy days with lots going on, usually in multiple places at once. While a good photographer knows where they need to be to get the shots that you want, they still can’t split themselves in two. When your photographer is shooting the formals, they could be missing important moments or funny candid shots with the rest of the guests. This is where a second photographer becomes invaluable, as they can capture moments otherwise missed.

"A second photographer also gives a second view of the day; your main may be at the front of the church while the second is at the back, and your main may be capturing close-ups of the speeches while the second is capturing the audience’s reactions.

"Ask your photographer if they offer a second shooter, and if they do, ask questions such as: How long have they been shooting weddings? Have you worked with them before? Can I see some work they have shot for you?"

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

Sarah and James met at a bar in 2015. “I’d decided to have a spontaneous drink with one of my good friends, Jess, after work,” says Sarah. “It’s fair to say that Jess had a few too many to drink by the time we met James. I was ordering drinks and when I turned around, I saw an overly sociable Jess had started chatting with James’ friends. One of his friends pointed James out to me and asked if I was single. I’d sworn off men at that point and Jess was engaged, but we continued to chat and eventually I got talking to James. I could tell he was a very kind, interesting and intelligent soul and we got on well immediately.”

James proposed in 2019 in their kitchen. “We’d discussed getting married previously, but as we’d bought a house and had our son Oscar, things took a bit longer than usual,” shares the bride. “We’d actually chosen the ring together beforehand, but it had been locked away until James had asked for my dad’s permission. It’s safe to say we’ve done things pretty backwards, but it’s worked out perfectly.”

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

Located in the upper Swansea Valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Craig Y Nos Castle is a romantic wedding venue that’s offering two new packages. The Tea and Evening Buffet Wedding Package includes welcome drinks and canapés, followed by a delicious afternoon tea and a hot evening buffet.

The Twilight Wedding Package includes an evening buffet for your guests, a professional DJ and equipment, the use of a dry-ice machine, mood uplighting, a selfie pod and accessories, a dancefloor and a dancing on the clouds moment. The Twilight Wedding Package fulfils your evening entertainment needs for a fraction of the cost if purchased separately, providing a standard evening buffet and extras for a small portion of the individual price.

Those of you looking to stay the night will love the 36 en suite bedrooms; there’s also an on-site gym with high-quality apparatus.

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

Revelry Disco is a DJ based in Swansea that serves the whole of Wales. “We can offer music for your ceremony, wedding breakfast, or just your evening disco,” says the team at Revelry Disco. “Leading up to your wedding day, we will work with you to understand what vibe you want to create, whether it’s a calming, laid-back affair or glow stick waving, festival-high energy! Armed with this information, our DJs grace the decks to curate playlists that can span genres and eras, from classic disco to contemporary electronic dance music.

“Over the years, to meet the demand of our clients, we have diversified to offer extra services such as silent discos, magic mirror photo booths, roaming photo pods and light-up letters. This keeps your guests involved and enables us to provide cost-effective packages from one supplier. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services with prompt communication, so you can rest assured that your evening is in safe hands. It’s your day, so let us take the pressure off so you and your guests can relax and enjoy yourselves.”

Meet more local musicians and entertainers in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Solva Flowers By Maggie is a florist located in the beautiful coastal town of Solva, only five minutes from the city of St. David’s, Pembrokeshire. Run by Maggie Julien, the company offers a range of services, including wedding flowers, gifts and accessories.

Maggie tells us: “I have a passion for being creative with flowers and creating designs for all occasions. At Solva Flowers By Maggie, I don’t just use fresh flowers; I use my creative flair to produce something special using artificial and dried options. Dried and preserved flowers are perfect for weddings and make great gifts that can be kept long after the big day. I understand that everyone’s wedding day is special, and so it is important to me that your wedding flowers enhance your venue and look stunning in your wedding photographs. Whatever venue you choose, whether it be a large hotel, a castle, or a small, intimate wedding at your local hall, I would consider it a real honour to be a part of your wedding day. I will work with you to choose the perfect flowers and create your dream style and colour scheme.”

Exclusively for Your South Wales Wedding, Maggie is offering one lucky reader the choice of a dried or fresh flower bouquet in a colour of your choosing worth £80. To enter this fabulous competition, visit www.yoursouthwales.wedding/giveaways

The closing date is 30th April 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Please see our website for full details.

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

Jess and Sam met nine years ago via a dating app. “I moved to Oxford after meeting Sam and we started a long-distance relationship with him in Pembrokeshire and me in Oxford,” says Jess. “I would get the train to Pembrokeshire after my night shifts and he would drive up every Friday night after work and drive back every Sunday. We travelled long distances for three years before Sam moved to Oxford.”

Sam proposed during lockdown. “Sam bought the ring the Sunday afternoon before we went into the first lockdown in March 2020,” shares the bride. “We couldn’t go abroad, so we planned a two-week road trip around the north coast of Scotland in September. Sam wasn’t sure when to do it on the trip, so he kept the ring hidden in his sock as we travelled around. Our last stop was Loch Torridon on the west coast and the place where we were staying had its own private beach. He knew straight away he wanted to do it, so he took me down to the beach and asked me to marry him. He cried, I cried, and it was very magical.”

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

You said ‘yes’, the ring is on your finger, so what’s next? The dress, of course! For many brides-to-be it’s one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey and it’s tempting to rush out to the shops straight away and start trying on gorgeous gowns. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance, right? Not wanting to sound like a killjoy, but taking the time to do your homework first can help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many factors to take into account to make sure your dress is not only the right fit for you, but that it ties in with the style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and the venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment you’re planning. To help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Stephanie Allin Couture to send in one of their favourite dresses.

Made from silk taffeta, Kendall by Stephanie Allin Couture (pictured), is a one-shoulder gown has a draped bodice and the shoulder is adorned with a bow, available in ivory or black.

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

Hair stylist Ria Rosen shares how to get thicker hair for your big day.

"There are a diverse range of hair types, and for those with finer hair, achieving thickness and volume for your bridal look is entirely possible with the right approach. Let’s start with a little prep magic! Start by using a volumising shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair. Then blow-dry section by section with a round brush, lifting those roots for maximum volume. Incorporate products like heat protection and specialised products for fine hair to both protect your locks while styling and create a fuller look.

"When it comes to styling, my go-to is the fabulous Volumising Dry Texture Mist by Umberto Giannini. Trust me, it’s a game changer! Create further volume by backcombing and consider exploring the option of clip-in hair extensions for achieving thicker locks. Elevate an up do by using hair padding.

"Select textured and loose styles when choosing your bridal hair look, as they naturally accentuate volume."

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