Onwards and upwards

Well,first things first: Happy New Year. Is it still OK to say that in February? The last time I spoke to you was in December, so I think so! Now, safely in 2023 you’re either on your next milestone to W-day or finally, you’re only months away. And, of course, there are those of you with a shiny, new ring on you finger – massive congratulations to you. Allow me to welcome you to the wonderful world of wedding planning. It’ll be a riot, you’re gonna love it!

So, whether you’re putting your best foot forward and making your first tentative steps into the world of weddings, or you’re well on your way and looking to refine the finer points, we’ve got something for you this issue. The region’s wedding suppliers have got their fingers on the pulse of 2023’s wedding trends and have shared their predictions with us in our Hot Topic and Beauty Q&A specials. Plus, if you’ve chosen your dress already you might want to set your sights on the accessories. In which case, don’t miss our jewellery and accessories feature from page 61 where we’ve gathered together some ideas on adding the finishing touches to some of this year’s fashion forward designs.

Those who’ve been there, done that and bought the T-shirt never fail to inspire. That’s why we’ve brought you another bevvy of beautiful real weddings to marvel at. Quite apart from the fabulous ideas they’re sure to offer, if you’re anything like me you’ll equally enjoy the genuine love stories they share. They never fail to make me smile.

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& Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 sarah@county.wedding

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Lorraine Whitehead | 01376 535 607

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Without any further ado I’ll leave you to dive in to this, our first issue of 2023. I’m incredibly excited to be presenting you with another year of wedspiration.

Enjoy and keeeep planning!

Kelly Andrews, editor

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With more and more pet chaperone services emerging all the time, there’s no need to hesitate over including your fur baby. I’m expecting to see lots more woofers at weddings in 2023 and there’ll be no way I can resist including them in the magazine!

Where The Wildflowers Grow

Launching in May is Emma Dodi Cakes’ new Wild Flowers macaron collection, featuring hand-painted designs inspired by the great gardens of Sussex. Paying homage to local glorious gardens such as Great Dixter, Glyndebourne, Charleston and Gravetye, this stunning collection celebrates the delicate beauty of English wild flowers in summer. Emma Dodi, who lives part time in Camber Sands, was inspired by a recent visit to Great Dixter, with its wild and almost untamed elegance.

The Wild Flowers collection is filled with delicious summer flavours including rose, orange blossom and elderflower ganache. Priced at £32 for a box of six and £64 for a box of 12, they can be purchased from Monday 1st May at www.emmadodicakes.com

Brighton Belle

Brighton Perfume offers a window into real vegan perfumery. Having developed a new, contemporary way of making plant-based perfumes, its vision is to revolutionise the industry. Born out of the ideology of the 70s and 90s fashion and music scene the local brand aims to create a new golden age of perfume. The business’ founder created a machine to spin vegan elixirs in oil, not alcohol, eliminating the need to filtrate using animal products and leaving no wastage.

The brand has recently launched 22 new vegan perfumes in three collections, which although forward-thinking recognise the fact that scent is nostalgic, bringing back memories that make you feel alive and connected. So, relive your wedding-day memories again and again with a local, cruelty-free signature scent and check out https://brightonperfume.co.uk