Love Our Wedding - May/June 2023

250+ Dresses

Your search for ‘the one’ starts here

ALLTHAT GLITTERS...

GIVE YOUR RECEPTION A GLAMOROUS GLOSS WITH THESE CHIC BUYS, P64

Top tips from those who’ve said ‘I do’

Girl Code Beauty Bites

Treat your maids to the hottest new designs

Eat your way to beautiful skin

With all Pure Bridal gowns retailing below £999, please visit our website to view the entire collection and find your nearest stockist.

www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk

Ed’s welcome

This issue we’re feeling the love! With wedding season in full flow, some of you will be at the end of your planning journey, and we wish you all the best for the big day! For those of you that are starting this exciting time, fear not, we are here to help you every step of the way!

This issue we have so many glamorous details for you to feast your eyes on (page 66), dreamy dresses for every season (page 16) and beautiful photoshoots and real weddings filled with bundles of inspiration for you (from page 72).

Don’t forget to enter our amazing competition with Boux Avenue this issue, too (page 54) where you could win your bridal lingerie and nightwear as well as robes and sets for your maids! Enter now via our Instagram at @loveourwedding. I hope you enjoy the issue!

JADE PEPPERELL Editor

My favourite picks this month!

1. I adore these cool heart-shaped sunglasses from Oliver Bonas, £26 2. This Victoria Jane dress for Ronald Joyce is so chic! A must try for any bride, Style 18701-3906 3. I have one of these gorgeous red lipsticks from Gucci and it really packs a punch! It lasts all day long, too, £37 4. Little Mistress have launched their new range of bridesmaids dresses and they’re stunning. And prices don’t break the bank either! 5. Feather fascinator headbands always look so timeless, like this one from Queen Mee, £39

♥ LOVED LABELS

Top of the frocks

Choose the perfect wedding dress for you from this cherry-picked selection...

PETUNIA LET YOUR BEAUTY BLOOM IN THIS FLORAL DESIGN. THE REMOVABLE SLEEVES MAKE IT SUITABLE FOR EVERY SEASON

PATIENCE

HOW COOL IS THIS LITTLE NUMBER?! WE LOVE HOW PATIENCE SHOWS A CUTE MINI SKIRT HIDING UNDER THE FULL A-LINE, TEAMED WITH A HIGH SPLIT. THE SWEETHEART NECKLINE FINISHES IT OFF PERFECTLY

PARKER FLOATY AND FABULOUS! THE TRAIN ON THE SKIRT OF THIS DESIGN IS OUR FAVOURITE FEATURE, WITH THE LACE/ TULLE COMBO

PHOENIX LOOK PRETTY AS A PICTURE IN THIS FAIRYTALE GOWN. WE’RE GETTING ETHEREAL VIBES WITH THE LEAFY EMBROIDERY AND ILLUSION ARMS

PERRY STRAPLESS IS MAKING A BIG COMEBACK AND PERRY IS A FINE EXAMPLE!

WE LOVE HOW THE DETAIL TRICKLES ONTO THE SKIRT CREATING A SUBTLE HEART SHAPE

LOVE THE COLLECTION

Romantica of Devon

Simple, elegant designs that will never date in your photos.

Romantica have hit every note...

ADORA WE CERTAINLY ‘ADORA’ THIS DESIGN, WITH ITS CHIC OFF THE SHOULDER STRAPS AND SULTRY THIGHHIGH SPLIT

ROSALIND ARE YOU PLANNING A WEDDING IN A COOLER SEASON? THIS IS THE PERFECT WAY TO COVER UP AND LOOK SENSATIONAL

ANTONIA THIS GLORIOUS GOWN REMINDS US OF A BALLERINA ON THE BIGGEST STAGE OF ALL! JUST LOOK AT THAT BODICE DETAIL...

SHILOH

IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOU LOOK AS GORGEOUS AT THE BACK AS THE FRONT, AND SHILOH OFFERS ALL KINDS OF BEAUTY WITH ITS BUTTONED ILLUSION V-BACK AND BOW TO FINISH

TILLY MAKE A STATEMENT BY TURNING AWAY FROM TRADITION IN TILLY – A FUN AND FEMININE JUMPSUIT WITH COOL SPLITS IN THE TROUSERS

LAILA WOW! IS THERE ANY OTHER WORD TO DESCRIBE LAILA?! JUST LOOK AT THOSE INCREDIBLE SLEEVES AND CUFFS

KIMBER THIS DRESS TICKS ALL OUR BOXES WITH A BIT OF SPARKLE, A WAISTBAND TO CREATE A PERFECT SILHOUETTE AND STRAPS TO MAKE YOU FEEL CONFIDENTLY SUPPORTED ALL DAY. FLAWLESS!

Sophia Tolli

Find your perfect Sophia gown at one of the UK’s top bridal boutiques...

ENGLAND

1. The Bridal Mill Botley

2. Serenity Bridal Colchester

3. Satin Bow Bridal

St Albans

4. Coates Couture

Holton Le Clay

5. Bridal Caprice

Shepherds Bush

6. Elizabeth George Bridal Middlesbrough

7. Lotties Bridal Boutique

Lytham

8. Emma Louise Bridal Bolton

9. The Bridal House Of Cornwall Truro

10. The Wedding Company Plympton

11. Confetti & Lace Thurrock

12. Brides Visited Ashstead

13. Olive Blossom Bridal Boutique Overton

14.

16. Claire De Lune Bridal Eastbourne

17. Always & Forever Bridal Houndslow

18. Alta Costura Maidstone

19. Bijou Bridal Studio Sandwich

20. Ava May Bridal Solihull

21. Birdcage Bridal Welwyn Garden City

22. Ferris Bridal Hinckley

23. Sarah Jane Bridal Poole

WALES

24. Cardiff Bridal Cardiff

25. High Society Llantwit Major

SCOTLAND

26.

27. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Glasgow

IRELAND

28. Fiona Todhunter Dublin

Gwennes Wedding Services Edinburgh

Wife To Be Warrington

15. La Belle Boutique

Sutton In Ashfield

LOVE THE COLLECTION

Beloved by Casablanca

Bringing the fun back into bridal, this cool new collection is perfect for the modern woman

STYLE BL406

NEVER MIND YOUR WEDDING, YOU’LL WANT TO WEAR THIS COOL NUMBER EVERY DAY! THAT CORSET IS INCREDIBLE!

STYLE BL403

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SAY YES TO THE DRESS, OPT FOR THIS CHIC JUMPSUIT INSTEAD

STYLE BL401

GET A GLAM GATSBY EDGE WITH THIS TASSELTRIMMED TOP-TOTOE DRESS

STYLE BL399

HUG YOUR CURVES IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES WITH THIS FIT AND FLARE DESIGN, FEATURING A LOW V-NECK

STYLE BL409 MAKE A BEELINE FOR THIS SULTRY GOWN WITH A CLASSIC BARDOT NECKLINE

STYLE BL400 BOHO BABES WILL LOVE THIS FUNKY FROCK WITH FLOATY SLEEVES. THE EMBROIDERY IS SO EYE-CATCHING

STYLE BL404

THERE WON’T BE A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE AS YOU GLIDE DOWN THE AISLE IN THIS PICTUREPERFECT DRESS

LOVE THE COLLECTION

ELBETH GILLIS

Quality and style are never compromised when it comes to this popular South African designer...

KIMBERLY SIMPLICITY IS SOMETIMES THE BEST WAY TO PACK A PUNCH, AND THIS DRESS DOES EXACTLY THAT LOVE THE LABEL

CASSIDY NEVER MIND DIAMONDS, WHEN IT COMES THIS PRETTY DRESS, SEQUINS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

MIA EFFORTLESSLY GLAMOROUS –WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT MIA?!

LIVIA

THE DELICATE PETAL DETAIL TO THIS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN IS JUST THE PERFECT FINISHING TOUCH

IRIS

THIS POWERFUL GOWN WILL GET ALL YOUR GUESTS TALKING, AND IT’S GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR PARTNER’S JAW DROP!

FASHION FOCUS

Little Mistress

For beautiful bridesmaid dresses, look no further than this gorgeous new collection...

When you’re looking for bridesmaid dresses, you’ll want to ensure three things: that your girls feel comfortable, look amazing and you get value for money, because they’ll wear them long after the big day! With such variety in shapes and colours, without ever compromising on quality and style, Little Mistress’ new collection has to be top of your list. And the best bit? The prices won’t break the bank either. Check out the whole collection now at littlemistress.com.

CATERING FOR EVERYONE WITH A VARIETY OF SUPPORTIVE AND FLATTERING STYLES, YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH YOUR MAIDS SO THAT EVERYONE FEELS A MILLION DOLLARS ON YOUR BIG DAY

Win your bridal lingerie & nightwear!

To celebrate the launch of Boux Avenue’s stunning new bridal lingerie range, An Everlasting Love, they’re offering one lucky reader an incredible prize! You could get your paws on a full lingerie set from the collection, a lace garter, the Amelia Chemise or Short Revere set in ivory*, and a matching robe. Plus, you can treat up to four bridesmaids to their own set of nightwear from the Ameila range with matching robes in any colour! Boux Avenue is renowned for their exquisite

and delicate details, due to the collections being designed in-house in London. This bridal bundle will ensure you feel empowered, sexy and confident on your wedding night.

TO ENTER

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is follow @bouxavenue and @loveourwedding on Instagram and comment why you think you should win, whilst tagging a friend or two!

Bites Bright

INGREDIENTS

2 large red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped

2 small courgettes, roughly chopped

1 large aubergine, roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, unpeeled

4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts

1½ tbsp ras el hanout

Low-calorie cooking spray

2 medium red onions, halved and sliced

3 tbsp cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

300g dried couscous

250ml boiling chicken stock

2 medium carrots, grated

2 ripe peaches, stoned and roughly chopped

150g pomegranate seeds

A small pack fresh parsley, roughly chopped, plus sprigs to serve

½ small pack fresh mint, roughly chopped

Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon, plus

slices to serve

All recipes are taken from Slimming World’s collection. Recipes are based on Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan and the liberating concept of Free Food – food that is naturally lower in energy density (calories per gram) and most satiating, so you stay fuller for longer. To find out more about Slimming World and how to join, visit slimmingworld. co.uk or slimmingworld.ie, or call 0344 897 8000 or 01 656 9696.

©Slimming World 2023

‘Slimming World’ is a trademark of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services operating as Slimming World. Images: Slimming World/Andrew Burton, Gareth Morgans, Toby Scott

MOROCCAN CHICKEN COUSCOUS

Ready in 40 minutes

METHOD

Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

Put the peppers, courgettes, aubergine, garlic and chicken breasts in a large non-stick roasting tin or ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with the ras el hanout, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and season lightly, then toss well and cook in the oven for 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the red onions and vinegar in a small bowl and set aside to pickle.

Put the couscous in a large bowl and pour in the stock. Cover with cling film and leave to

stand for 10 minutes, then fluff up with a fork. Set aside the chicken and garlic cloves, and tip the roasted vegetables into the couscous bowl. Add the carrots, peaches, pomegranate seeds, herbs and the lemon zest and juice to the couscous. Squeeze in the flesh from the garlic cloves too, discarding the skins. Toss it all together, season to taste and divide between bowls.

Slice the chicken breasts and pile on top, along with the pickled red onions and parsley sprigs. Serve with lemon slices.

SPICED BURGERS WITH INDIAN BEETROOT SALAD

Ready in 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 4

.2kg raw beetroot, peeled and cut into small chunks (see tip)

Low-calorie cooking spray

2 tsp black mustard seeds

2 tsp nigella seeds

3 tsp cumin seeds

5 tomatoes, deseeded, 3 roughly chopped and 2 diced

Grated zest and juice of 1 lime

A small pack fresh coriander, a few sprigs reserved, the rest roughly chopped

1-2 red chillies (to taste), deseeded and finely chopped

500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

Boiled rice, to serve

1 tbsp ground coriander

METHOD

Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/ gas 7 and light your barbecue for direct high heat.

First make the beetroot salad. Put the beetroot in a non-stick roasting tin, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and season lightly. Cover the tin with foil and roast for 30 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, place a small non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Add the mustard seeds, nigella seeds and 2 tsp cumin seeds and shake for a few seconds, until they start to colour slightly. Tip the seeds into a mixing bowl along with the chopped tomatoes, lime zest, lime juice, chopped coriander, half of the chillies and some seasoning and toss well. Add the beetroot when it’s ready, then cover and set aside until you’re ready to eat.

To make the burgers, put the beef, onion, diced tomatoes, ground coriander and remaining chillies in a bowl, then crush the rest of the cumin seeds and add these too. Add a big pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper and mix well. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.

Spray the burgers with low-calorie cooking spray and cook over direct high heat on the barbecue for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they’re done to your liking. Serve with the salad, rice and coriander sprigs.

The indoor option

Cook the burgers on a non-stick griddle pan or frying pan over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked.

HALLOUMI, POTATO AND AUBERGINE BAKE

Ready in 1 hour SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

2 large aubergines

500g baby new potatoes

1 large red onion, cut into wedges

2 large red peppers, deseeded and cut into chunks

Low-calorie cooking spray

8 tomatoes, roughly chopped

2 tbsp tomato purée

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

½-1 tsp dried chilli flakes, to taste

180g reduced-fat halloumi cheese, cut into 8 slices

Chopped fresh coriander, to serve Salad, to serve

METHOD

Preheat your grill to hot and line the grill pan with kitchen foil. Prick the aubergines all over with a fork, put them on the grill pan and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning regularly, until blackened and tender. Transfer to a bowl, cover with cling film and leave to cool.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

Put the new potatoes, onion and peppers in a large non-stick roasting tin and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Toss well and cook in the oven for 30 minutes or until everything is just tender.

At the same time, place a non-stick saucepan over a medium heat and add the tomatoes, tomato purée, garlic, cumin, paprika and chilli flakes. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.

Peel off and discard the aubergine skins, roughly chop the aubergine and stir it into the tomato sauce. Stir the sauce through the roasted vegetables, top with the halloumi and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the vegetables are done how you like them. Scatter over the coriander and serve with a salad.

♥ TOP WEDDING TIPS ♥

Beauty bites

What to eat to GLOW from within on your wedding day & beyond - The GLOW Coach, Victoria Morgan, gives her top nutrition tips...

When it comes to Nutrition for glowing skin, hair & nails, it’s key to focus on a mostly whole-foods diet, with a good balance of Macronutrients. Add in lots of colourful, fresh foods to ‘eat the rainbow’, because our bodies love getting a wide variety of nutrients. The six key whole-foods categories span vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts & seeds, wholegrains and herbs and spices, so there is plenty of variety and opportunity to experiment and get creative with flavours and trying new things. Also remember that keeping your hydration levels topped

up daily is important for that glow from within.

Although it can be tempting as a bride, there’s no need to go on an extreme diet or skip meals, even if weight loss is your goal and nutrient density - the amount of beneficial nutrients contained in foods, is now widely recognised as being more important than counting calories, or resorting to cutting out whole food groups. A sudden reduction in your calories can slow your metabolism and increase hunger levels - something I see regularly in clients who come to me. Focusing more on what you’re adding in, rather

than restriction, means you can still achieve your goals but in a healthier, more enjoyable way, through focusing on including more whole-foods on your plate, whilst minimising processed foods, refined white carbs and sugar, which can cause havoc with our skin-health and general wellbeing.

Gut Health

Nourishing your gut better is an important first step for increased skin-glow, weight management, better metabolism, brain & hormone health, and so much more! By eating more nutrient dense, colourful fibre

rich whole-foods, we feed the gut microbiome (the bacteria that lives there) plenty of the goodness that it needs to thrive. Fibre is our gut’s best friend and slows the release of glucose from the food we eat, so that we produce less insulin - the hormone that can lead to inflammation and cause skin issues and breakouts. Probiotics (fermented foods such as kimchi & sauerkraut) will add more good bacteria, whilst Prebiotic foods will help them flourish (for example, onions, garlic, artichoke) Vitamins and minerals, plus the colourful compounds from plant based foods called Polyphenols, are essential for a healthy microbiome, for the

production of healthy cells and for glowing from the inside out.

A Good Balance Of Nutrients

A balance of the three types of Macronutrients - Protein, Fats & Carbohydrates is key to getting everything your body needs to feel and look healthy. I often share with my clients a visual guide of a balanced plate of food that’s roughly made up of one half colourful vegetables, a quarter protein and a quarter whole-grains, with a little bit of fats added from olive oil for example, a sprinkling of seeds, or a side of avocado. Our skin loves these healthy fats, especially combined with protein - so this would be my number one nutrition skin-glow tip as together, they keep our skin cells healthy, hydrated and bouncyavocados & eggs combined is a very nutritious example, or oily fish with legumes. Try to have protein with healthy fats at every meal, this will also keep you feeling full for longer, reducing those afternoon sugar cravings.

Load Up On Superfoods For Glowing Skin

There are many foods that are rich in antioxidants and bursting with Vitamins and Minerals (Micronutrients) that are essential for glowing skin and good health. Boost your Vitamin C intake to increase collagen production in your skin, by adding in more portions of fruit and veg. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and leeks will support hormone health, whilst avocados, red peppers and beetroots will boost your skin’s radiance. Go for antioxidant rich foods like tomatoes, spinach and carrots, plus fruits like berries, apples, pears, kiwis and pomegranates. Sweet potatoes are rich in copper, a mineral that boosts collagen production in the skin and has antiageing properties. Zinc is another key mineral for skin-health, which

can be found in seafood, poultry and also in pumpkin seeds. For brighter eyes and to help with dark circles, drink warm water with lemon, add in herbs like parsley and ginger and start juicing, especially a few weeks before your wedding for that extra glow. Beetroot juice is excellent for detoxification - try my favourite skinglow boosting juice recipe below.

1 serving, juice the following:

2 beetroots

2 medium carrots

2 oranges

A thumb size piece of ginger

Small Changes Over Time

Making changes to your diet doesn’t need to happen over night, so give it time and start making small, achievable adjustments a few months ahead of your big day. Remember that our skin regenerates every 28-30 days on average, so by nourishing your body better from within, it will take some time for those healthier, radiant skin cells to show up on the surface. We are all different and unique, so when it comes to your diet, things that worked well for others, might not suit you, or your body. It all comes down to balance and leaving room for the foods you love!

If you would benefit from some support to work out what a personalised pre-wedding Nutrition plan could look like for you, reach out to an expert who can tailor a plan to your goals, preferences and lifestyle and also be there to support and guide you through any changes to your diet, whilst keeping you motivated and moving forward.

Victoria, The GLOW Coach offers personalised Nutrition & Wellness plans for Brides-to-be, through online 121 coaching sessions. To get in touch, email: victoria@theglow.coach/ Instagram @theglowcoach

www.gucci.com

www.ronaldjoyce.com

Victoria Jane Style 18701-3906, £POA www.queenmee.com

Feather headband, £39

Champagne truffles, £14

Colourful pop THEME YOUR DAY

There’s nothing we love more than a bold and beautiful wedding, and this amazing shoots shows you just how to achieve it! Teaming traditional attire for the bride and groom (and can

we just take a second to appreciate THAT Helena Fortley dress...) with bright florals and gold metallic details against the white interiors. It truly is the perfect way to make your details pop! We especially love

how the stunning bride wears bright pink shoes to complete her look – a modern twist that can make for fun photos, too. Why not make them electric blue as your ‘something blue’?! So many brilliant ideas here.

CONTRIBUTORS

Wedding Planner: @weddingsbysherene

Design and Styling: @weddingsbysherene

Venue: @warbrookhousehotel

Photography: @okeks_weddings

Florist: @ali_flanagan_flowers

Cake: @kamara_cakes

Personalised Acrylic Signage: @recreate.laser

Tableware: @ab_event_hire

Dress: @helenafortley

Stationery: @tomarty.stationery

Model: @_patriceelena

Model: @jakebryanamaningofficial

AMERICAN WEDDING

Emma & Dan

How did he propose?

Dan proposed to me on my 30th birthday at home in Surrey. It was a very understated, intimate but magnificent moment. Hopeful that I would say yes, he had ordered me a birthday cake which had written on it “Happy Birthday Emma...”, with my surname switched out for his. He presented this having just been down on one knee in a room full of ‘will you marry me’ balloons.

What dress did you wear and where did you buy it?

Fairmont by Jane Hill, bought at Halo and Wren in Hemel Hempstead (the most beautiful store!). I fell in love with Jane Hill as a designer at my first appointment and knew I had to have one of her dresses - it was just a case of working out which one!

What accessories did you wear and where were they from?

Earrings by Made With Love (also from

Halo and Wren), a gold bracelet my family bought as a 30th birthday gift and a horseshoe ring from a best friend (which she got when we were in Nashville!).

What did the groom wear?

A black Tuxedo, purchased from Gieves & Hawkes, styled with black patent shoes from Loake.

How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle?

So many feelings! I felt excited to see Dan and overwhelmed with happiness and emotion - it felt like everything we’d been waiting for had arrived in the most perfect place surrounded by all our favourite people and just so full of love! I couldn’t wait for us to tie the knot!

Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from?

My sister and three beautiful friends, who all picked dresses from BHLDN in moss

This beautiful couple shared their vows in sunny South Carolina. Bride Emma tells all...

green. They each selected styles which they felt reflected them and suited their personal styles best, which I loved!

What was your wedding theme and how did you create it?

We opted for a modern minimalist vibe themed with gold accents and with soft touches of colour. We also selected dropped lanterns which looked beautiful over the table and the lighting really added to the intimate and ‘cosy’ atmosphere. We were lucky enough to have the BEST planner and the most amazing vendors who pulled it all together better than we even imagined. It felt very reflective of us, and funnily enough people said on the day that they felt it matched our home! It was perfect - and we couldn’t forget to include our dog Ralph, who made an appearance on our napkins!

What was the highlight of your day?

The entire day was amazing. We made sure we carved out special moments throughout the day/evening to disappear and take it all in. These were certainly highlights for us.

What was your best buy?

This is a tough one, but it would have to be the venue by far! It was perfect without anything being added, and we were lucky enough to be blessed with the most

VENDORS

Date: March 21st, 2023

Venue: River House, Charleston, South Carolina

Photographer: Aaron & Jillian

Dress: Jane Hill

Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN

Grooms Suit: Gieves & Hawkes

beautiful sunset for everyone to enjoy (plus the food was just INCREDIBLE!). The styling was just the cherry on top for us and the team we had were just phenomenal - they made our dreams come true. We are so thankful that we were surrounded by the most talented people who made us feel totally special and there’s no way we could ever thank them enough!

What’s your saving tip?

Take a moment to work out the most important things to you and work backwards. The wedding world can be very overwhelming and people’s priorities may well be different to yours, so make sure you take some time to work out what your big-ticket items are and where your compromises will be.

Megan & Hendro

How did he propose?

Hendro proposed in West Palm BeachFlorida. We were working over there at the time. He very thoughtfully had the engagement ring designed and made when he was back home in South Africa, and had brought it over to America with him taped to his leg for the entire journey! For the proposal he took me to a cocktail bar on the beach, then explained that before dinner he’d like to take me somewhere to watch the sunset. He guided me onto a small pier, where he’d set up a trestle table with fairy lights, photos and champagne. He’d asked one of our friends to be the photographer, who I later spotted dressed in camouflage clothing and hiding in a tree! Very special moment.

What dress did you wear and where did you buy it?

I wore a fitted, low back, full length dress, with a detachable train. The dress is designed and made by Made With Love

and it was purchased from a boutique wedding dress shop in Portishead, Bristol, called The White Collection. The experience of actually buying the dress was a dream. I’d been apprehensive as we only had 4/5 months until the wedding and I naively wasn’t aware that this is a short turn around. But, I had an idea of the dress I’d hoped to love, and we came away after my first wedding appointment purchasing the very dress I’d had my eye on.

What accessories did you wear and where were they from?

I wore a full length pearl veil, a bracelet gifted to me by late father, and pearl drop earrings. I kept my accessories to the minimum.

What did the groom wear?

Hendro wore a two-piece stone coloured linen suit, custom made in South Africa by a company called Kale & Co. We also had linen ties made for him and his

A gorgeous outdoor wedding under the South African sun. Bride Megan tells us more...

groomsmen, and a custom made linen shirt. The linen shirt was lovely, as it gave extra length for tucking in at the back. It really suited him, and it was perfect for a South African summer wedding.

How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle?

A surreal sense of calm and peace. It just felt right. We’d been feeling extremely anxious and stressed in the lead up to the wedding, due to the forecast of heavy rain (it never rains in South Africa in January) and our wedding was completely outdoors, but just before the ceremony began, the rain stopped, the clouds parted and the sun shone through. So walking down the isle with my mother by my side and seeing the love of my life at the other end was a wonderful experience.

Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from?

I was completely blown away and deeply humbled that 4 of my closest friends, decided to make the long 12 hour flight all the way to South Africa and give me their love and support. I couldn’t believe it. Very special friends and the most wonderful bridesmaids. I would actually say that one of the most challenging parts of organising our wedding was choosing the bridesmaid dresses. The reason being that I absolutely wanted everyone to enjoy the day and be

VENDORS

Date: Tuesday 24th January 2023,

Venue: Johannesdal Villa, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Photographer: Hewitt Wright

Dress: Made With Love

Bridesmaid dresses: ASOS

Grooms Suit: Kale & Co

completely relaxed and comfortable. There was a lot of back and forth returns to start with. Ideally, I was hoping for something less formal or traditionally ‘bridesmaid’. In the end, we purchased the dresses off ASOS. I chose the colour, which was a light sage, and they chose the style they liked, which worked perfectly! I liked that they got to choose something that they loved and felt comfortable in, and that showed a little of their personality, too. They all shone and looked beautiful!

What was your wedding theme and how did you create it?

The entire duration of the wedding was outdoors. The ceremony took place on a lawn, with a wooden arch covered in flowers, with some breathtaking mountains as our backdrop. Post ceremony was an elegant garden party vibe. We had a cropper outdoor bar, a saxophonist who played with the DJ, sofas, a harvest buffet table. We used a lot of lighter colours and linen material, so the feel was

elegant but earthy. We also incorporated a little South African touch by having the seating plan and name cards mounted onto golden sprayed safari animals which was SO cute, each table got a different animal. The evening meal was under a canopy of fairy lights, on one long table, we had lots of candles, and linen table cloths/napkins, ceramic white plates, crystal glasswear, and gold cutlery. I created the style through a mixture of Pinterest, Instagram and my own style. There are SO many styles to choose from. I quite like that ours was a little mixture that came together.

What was the highlight of your day?

So hard to choose, the ceremony was incredible and up lifting. The vows we promised to each other we personalised, and our officiator Lara brought a calming and lovely energy to it all. She shared some stories of our journey together, and included a hand fasting ceremony towards the end as well. It was emotive and meaningful, we really cherish that moment. Along with

the ceremony, the evening meal was such a special time, we all sat at one long table. Looking around at all our friends and family together from all over the world, enjoying themselves, laughing with one another was wonderful. I also think, just seeing 6 months of detailed planning come together is amazing! I felt a big moment of achievement in a way.

What was your best buy?

Etsy became my best friend for 6 months, there are so many incredible crafts out there, very reasonably priced. One of my favourite purchases was a classic British style royal red, wooden post box, which we had personalised with our details. So guests could pop their cards in there. I also loved some personalised scratch cards we popped onto our guests champagne glasses to give them a chance to win a free drink on us. Etsy is amazing!

What’s your saving tip?

Maybe not the best to give saving tips as we did go over budget slightly in the end. I would say that personally for us, areas I would not be tight on are photography. I spent hours researching the right photographer for us, and it makes a world of difference on the day having someone who makes you feel calm, and that can provide you with quality photos after.

You won’t regret it. I also think if you have a budget in mind then explain this to your vendor. We were very kindly gifted so many free flowers on our wedding day, I think a combination of building a rapport but also explaining the budget we had. Also alcohol, we provided for the champagne for toasting and wine at dinner, but other than this our guests purchased their own drinks. I think a free bar can lead to wastage and guests taking advantage. We found this a good place to not splash out.

Hotel chic THEME

YOUR DAY

Are you opting for a chic hotel wedding? Then take some tips from this cool shoot! You may think it would be harder to get beautiful photos from a hotel, but that’s simply not the case! Hotels

often offer incredible interiors, like this one. Walton View Hotel offers both a gorgeous outdoors and beautiful indoor decor, from stunning metallics and clean white marble to sparkling lights and the most incredible floral

displays, making it the perfect choice for exceptional photos and a wedding to remember! We especially love the incorporation of helium balloons in this shoot – a simple but effective way to get really fun photos.

CONTRIBUTORS

Photographer @ashleyjayne_photography

Venue @waltonviewhotel

Dresses @limelight_occasions

Accessories @pennypearlbridalco

Veils @tulleandflobridal

Flowers @hydeparkflowerclub.by.dotties

Hair & Makeup @kimberleybrookmakeuphair

Model @kayleigh_barry

Balloons @bellesballoons_

Totally traditional THEME YOUR DAY

Many people want to add their own personalities to their weddings and steer away from traditional styling, but this magnificent shoot shows that sometimes the old ways

to dress your wedding are still the best! Bringing the traditional white wedding into the modern day, this shoot incorporates the theme through everything from the stationery and champagne cart to the flowers, and of

course, the dress! Speaking of which... what a stunner! And the best bit about this ethereal colour scheme? It’s timeless, and will never date in your photos. It guarantees sophistication and class.

CONTRIBUTORS

Organiser / Hair & Makeup - @lucillenco

Venue - @swinfenhallhotel

Photographers - @thebostonsco

Dress - @weddingbelles_4oaks

Jewellery - @garterandveil

Stationery - @withlovewedding

Champagne Cart - @theshropshirecandycartco

Flowers - @theflowerkitchenflorist

Cake - @gracenelsoncakeartistry

Venue Styling - @ambiencestaffordshire

WEDDING VENUES IN Charleston

Patrick Properties Hospitality Group’s (PPHG)

five iconic venues might just persuade you to celebrate your nuptials in this ever popular part of South Carolina...

Charleston, South Carolina has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations for both out-of-state and international couples, and Patrick Properties Hospitality Group’s five iconic venues are at the forefront of its appeal. Since 1997, Patrick Properties Hospitality Group has lovingly restored landmark properties and historic estates in downtown Charleston, inspiring unparalleled backdrops

to welcome couples celebrating their big day in a luxurious way. PPHG hosts more than 500 events annually across its suite of properties, and its exclusive in-house coordination, event and design division, Peninsula Events, serves all five of its iconic venues:

AARON & JILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Lowndes Grove is consistently recognized as one of the most sought-after venues for destination weddings in the south. Surrounded by 14 acres of majestic live oak groves and peaceful views of the Ashley River, this downtown Charleston waterfront estate has enchanted visitors to its idyllic setting for more than four centuries. The scenic beauty of the Lowcountry unfolds with Lowndes Grove’s panoramic sunset views. Additional key

features include its 1780s-era architecture, which is listed on the National Register for Historic Places; a sprawling grand lawn; spectacular formal dining room ideal for intimate dinners; glass-enclosed portico; an expansive piazza; terraces of bluestone, brick, and oyster tabby; and a private 700-foot river dock. And now it has a new claim to fame as the Cameron family home on the hit Netflix series Outer Banks. Images Aaron & Jillian Photography

Parcel 32 was originally a family home built in 1837, and has been renovated and restored over the years, serving as a bakery, a shoe repair shop, a restaurant, and most recently, an intimate event venue. Its stunning upstairs cocktail lounge, The Parlour, overlooks Upper King Street and has been uniquely designed to create a contemporary twist on a historic backdrop with designer

furnishings, local décor, and original pieces from the Victorian era. The stunning courtyard entrance with ornate custom-designed tile flooring and a lush plant wall is one of the most Instagramable spots in Charleston, making it perfect for micro weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, baby showers, etc.

♥ LOWNDES GROVE ♥

♥ PARCEL 32 ♥

AARON & JILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

AARON & JILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

AARON & JILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

DIERDRE AND JON

CANA DUNLAP

♥ THE RIVER HOUSE AT LOWNDES GROVE ♥

The River House at Lowndes Grove, also located on the estate of Lowndes Grove, offers a more intimate experience for events of fewer than 100 guests with the same sweeping views of the Ashley River. An open floor plan showcases four sets of French doors opening onto

a brick terrace and expansive, manicured lawns ideal for daytime celebrations. The house features a private, gated entrance with 1,137 square feet of indoor and outdoor waterfront space.

♥ THE WILLIAM AIKEN HOUSE ♥

The William Aiken House is an elegant 1810 estate located in the heart of downtown Charleston in a gated compound. Its finely appointed antiques and collection of museumcalibre artwork create a charming interior reminiscent of the first 100+ years of its life as the Southern Railway’s headquarters. Key features include its vibrant yellow façade; private gardens, manicured lawns, and two spacious

courtyards for outdoor entertaining; a carriage house for overnight accommodations; an elegant pergola next to a reflection pool; first and second floor ballrooms with expansive outdoor covered piazzas; two formal dining rooms; an elegant drawing room; and a gentlemen’s study. In 2004, it was the backdrop for Ali’s memorable wedding dress fitting scene in The Notebook.

AMANDA SEIFERT

AARON & JILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

ANDREW CEBULKA LAUREN JONAS

♥ THE AMERICAN THEATRE ♥

The American Theater opened in the 1940s as downtown Charleston’s premier movie house and was named in honour of America’s servicemen and women. Today, its regal Art Deco design, iconic façade and Old Hollywood glamour make this sophisticated venue worthy of red carpets and dazzling marquees. Key features include the vintage exterior marquee; fully functioning cinema with stadium-

style seating; a luxurious ballroom with entertainment stage; an expansive lobby and concessions ideal for preevent festivities; and intimate lounge with bar. It also played host to scenes in the film based on the Nicholas Sparks book, The Notebook.

Explore more now at www.pphgcharleston.com

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