Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis in local Hampshire and Dorset wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Our magazines are packed to the brim with expert advice!
Q: We're great cake lovers and want a showstopper for our wedding that's right on trend. What would you suggest?
Helen says: Large three- or four-tier cakes are still the most popular choice, however if you're having a more intimate wedding, two tiers can look just as fabulous dressed using a mix of beautiful sugar flowers and natural dried ones to add height. Other key trends include:
Image credit: lovefromlucyphotography.com
Take a historic venue full of character and charm and combine with classic shades of blue for timeless wedding style. This inspirational shoot shows how. Themed around the tradition for brides to incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue on their wedding day, the historic Elvetham Hotel in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire provided the perfect backdrop to showcase a fresh twist on the time-honoured custom. Organiser and florist Hannah Baker explains, “Traditionally the something blue symbolised purity, love and fidelity; elements that are captured throughout the shoot with many romantic touches and moments of tenderness.”
Set up as an intimate wedding using shades of blue and silver accents, the styling was kept simple and minimalist. To switch things up, model Lindsey changed into a cool bridal jumpsuit with her hair in a soft updo to complement the look. The Campervan photo booth was a fun addition for stunning photos in the grounds. “As the sun was setting we had fun with some smoke bombs, introducing something blue in another soft but dramatic way,” adds Hannah.
Check out the rest of this gorgeous shoot in issue 83 which is available now to download for free!
The creative crew
Photography, www.avaloncorbishleyphotography.co.uk; Venue, www.elvethamhotel.co.uk; Flowers, styling and coordination, www.unfauxgettable.co.uk; Dress and jumpsuit, www.quinlancouturebridal.co.uk; Accessories, www.bishboshbecca.co.uk; Hair and make-up, www.makeup-bygabby.com; Suits, www.anthonyblay.co.uk; Cake, www.icedinnovations.co.uk; Campervan, www.vintagecamperbooths.co.uk; Stationery, www.graceandbramble.co.uk; Chairs, linen, glassware and crockery, www.crystalhire.com, Models, Daniel and Lindsey Graham-Keighley
If you're an alternative bride who likes to think outside the box, you're sure to be inspired by this relaxed boho shoot with a whimsical western vibe. Set at Marshwood Manor, a beautiful exclusive-use venue in Dorset's picturesque Marshwood Vale, local suppliers were able to give their creative talents free rein.
Local wedding planner Tiana Hutchinson rounded up the team to help realise her vision. “It all started in my mind with the image of a beautiful bride wearing a white hat sat on a vintage sofa. I wanted to bring this to life and Marshwood Manor was the perfect place with gorgeous meadows and woodland as well as the lovely barn and courtyard to tie it all in. The aim was to create a sense of home, with laid-back vibes to capture the essence of what it's like to be a free-spirited bride with a sense of adventure.”
Check out the rest of this gorgeous shoot in issue 82 which is available to download for free now!
The creative crew
Photography, www.lolarosephotography.com; Venue, www.marshwoodmanor.co.uk; Dresses,
www.bridalreloved.co.uk/shops/dorchester; Accessories, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OliveandOchre;
Hair and make-up, www.amazing-face.co.uk, Suit, www.suitstosuit.co.uk; Cake, www.facebook.com/linzimayscakes; Flowers, www.stemsfloristdorchester.com; Tableware, www.keepingitvintage.co.uk; Stationery, www.ivyinks.com/shop; Props, www.winterbornevintage.co.uk; Sofa, www.belle-modelle.co.uk; Lighting, UglyDuck Designs
Models, www.instagram.com/never.always.couple
Mix it up and add in some angles to give your big-day styling a cool geometric edge. With a blank canvas like Home Farm Barns you can do your own thing and think outside the box. Newly launched, the venue in Ower near Romsey allows couples the freedom to decorate their wedding their way, providing the perfect setting for local suppliers to get together and create this inspirational shoot.
On-the-day wedding and events coordinator Natasha Gilchrist of Dorset-based Tasha-Mae explains, “Working with wedding stylist Carol Slark from Laurel Designs, we decided as many elements of a wedding are typically round, we'd mix it up and go square.” That included everything from the wedding cake, tables and plates, to the ceremony backdrop and even the pudding! Industrial-chic copper elements were also added to accentuate the bright, bold theme.
Take a look at the rest of this shoot in issue 82 which you can download for free now!
The creative crew
Photography, www.atlasphotography.co.uk; Venue, www.homefarmbarns.com; Coordination, www.tasha-mae.co.uk; Dresses, www.thebridaldressingrooms.co.uk; Make-up, www.robynrandallmua.com; Suits, www.charlesgalehire.co.uk; Cake, www.suzyblakecakeatelier.co.uk; Flowers, www.eventflowershampshire.co.uk; Stationery and styling, www.laureldesignstudio.co.uk; Catering, www.gingercateringcompany.co.uk;
Photo booth, www.switswooo.com; DJ, www.yourdj.co.uk; Copper props,
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RustandReclaimStore; Celebrant, www.familytreeceremonies.co.uk;
Table linen, www.365catererslinen.co.uk; Videography, www.moonflowerfilms.com; Bar,
www.NJAC.co.uk, Models, husband and wife Sophie and Dan Baker
Jodie and Duncan first met 10 years before they started dating, at a get together before they left for university and went their separate ways. A decade later their paths crossed again at a mutual friend's birthday party at the Foresters Arms in Gosport. “We've been together ever since and two houses and two children later, we're now married,” says Jodie.
Duncan proposed on Jodie's birthday in 2016. “It was on Richmond Hill, one of my favourite local beauty spots where we often go for picnics. It was a big surprise as we had our first child that year and it was a busy time for us,” she recalls.
They tied the knot on 27th June three years later at St Mary's Church, Alverstoke followed by a relaxed al fresco reception in a field in (Titchfield).
Read more about their big day in issue 82 which can be download now for free!
Photographer | Jessica Hayman Photography | www.jessicahaymanphotography.co.uk
When Emma and Matt tied the knot, his best man James became his brother-in-law too. “Matthew is my brother's best friend, which is how we met. James not only gave our relationship his blessing, he instigated it in the first place,” reveals Emma.
Emma was attracted to Matt because, “I fell for his eyes and the way he commands the room. He's funny and charismatic and I feel safe when I'm with him.” Matt fell for Emma because, “Her hair was the first thing that caught my attention. She's so bubbly and unique, but above all the most caring and understanding person I know.”
Romance blossomed and Matt popped the question in July 2018 during their annual family holiday.
“I had no idea but secretly hoped it would happen,” admits Emma. Matt had already bought the ring with James beforehand and asked her dad for permission. “He booked lunch at my favourite venue just outside Alicante in Spain. It's a beautiful place in the mountains by some waterfalls and he chose it not only because I love it, but it's where my parents renewed their vows. He even arranged for one of the staff to film it, he walked me around the grounds to the church and stopped in front of the main doorway, got down on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage. She said 'yes', of course! They tied the knot at the Southampton Harbour Hotel on 27th September, 2019 and opted for an autumn theme with a striking orange and blue colour scheme.
Read issue 82 for Emma's account of their big day which you can download for free now!
Photography | Lou Osborne Photography | www.louosbornephotography.co.uk
If you're looking for a picture postcard big-day setting, this coastal venue is hard to beat. Perfect for an intimate wedding the charming 19th-century country house is set in four acres of stunning grounds. Your guests are sure to be impressed as they round the bend in the drive to catch their first glimpse of the sweeping views over the bay – a real pinch-me moment!
Weddings here are a bespoke experience, so you can celebrate your day, your way.
The lawn overlooks the sea and with steps leading directly down to the sandy beach, perfect for stunning photos.
You can exchange vows in the Sunken Garden looking out to sea or if you're planning a church service, the Norman Church of St Nicholas is only a five-minute walk away and can hold up to 120 people. Guests can park in the National Trust car park for the whole day and take a leisurely stroll to arrive at the house on foot for maximum impact from the panoramic views. Marquee receptions are held in the grounds, providing a blank canvas to create your own look and style with the historic house and beautiful bay as your backdrop.
We love... that there's a wealth of accommodation on the doorstep for those wanting to stay longer and explore the area.
Contact: 01929 450 212 | harrywarrenhouse.com
Image credit: onethousandwords.co.uk
Read more in issue 83 about local venues to tie the knot in in Dorset, which is available to download for free now!
It may be chilly outside but these heartwarming wedding photos capture all the warmth of love's eternal flame. Winter weddings can provide a wealth of great photo opportunities, whatever the weather. Think flickering candlelight, fun outdoor shots umbrellas or wedding wellies, cosy indoor backdrops, festive decorations, a grand fireplace, fairylights and rich, warm colour schemes. For all this and more, first on the to-do list is to find a professional photographer you can bond with and trust, then relax and let them work their magic.
Image: Lou Osborne Photography | www.louosbornephotography.co.uk
Check out a whole host of local photographers in our Photography feature in issue 82 which you can download now for free!
Our magazine is packed to the brim with expert advice!
Q: We may only be having a small wedding but we want to make the ceremony really meaningful and personal to us. Any ideas?
Diane says: If you've chosen a wedding celebrant to officiate your wedding, you're already well on your way to having a unique and personal ceremony. A celebrant can be completely flexible about the time and the location. As we don't need to carry out the wedding in licensed premises, you might like your ceremony in a place that's really important to you. Perhaps the pub where you first met or family garden, twilight 'I dos' in your favourite woods lit up with magical fairylights and lanterns or on the beach where you shared your first kiss. As long as we have permission, we can officiate your ceremony anywhere.
You can write your own vows and your celebrant may ask what you love about each other and your dreams for your future together so they can share it with everybody on the day.
Smaller ceremonies can be really intimate and even more special. Perhaps you'd like to involve your guests in a reading, performing a piece of music or even taking part in a group vow, all promising to love and support you through your marriage.
Diane Bell | Celebrant | www.familytreeceremonies.co.uk
Diane was part of our Hot Topic feature in Issue 82 which you can download for free now!
Known locally as the 'jewel in the forest' this historic venue creates magical memories from the moment you arrive. Your guests are sure to be impressed as they make their way down the long driveway, lined with Canadian redwood and copper beech trees, to catch their first glimpse of the impressive 19th-century Tudor and Gothic country mansion with its redbrick chimneys and leaded windows.
Set in the heart of the New Forest National Park within 40 acres of private grounds, including two ornamental ponds and a maze, there's a wealth of fabulous photo opportunities. You can host your whole day here and take your pick of a choice of rooms and spaces suitable for weddings large or small. The Keepers Room, with its ornamental fireplace and large bay windows, is ideal for relaxed intimate weddings while Hurst Castle is the venue's largest private wedding space. The fully, self-contained modern suite has its own entrance and facilities as well as an outdoor terrace overlooking the topiary orchard and can host up to 100 loved ones for the ceremony, 120 for the wedding breakfast and an extra 30 for the evening do.
For a truly lavish affair, the Grand Hall provides a wow-factor setting that's hard to beat. A replica of London's Westminster Hall with intricate carvings, oak panelling and striking windows, it provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception.
We love... the magical Forest Garden, complete with Doric temple where you can tie the knot joined by up to 130 seated guests.
Check out 01590 622 922 | www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rhinefield-house
Read more on Hotels in the Hampshire and Dorset areas in issue 82 which is available to download for free now!