Editor loves and inspiration

MEET NATALIE WILLINGHAM
Natalie is a bridal make-up artist and hair stylist based in Leeds.

NATALIE'S SIGNATURE LOOK
“Barely there, natural beauty that enhances your features. It's fresh and it's pretty.”

NATALIE'S WORDS OF WISDOM
“It's essential that your skin and hair are in the best condition possible; this makes a huge difference to your artist as we're not needing to spend time and products correcting issues. For example, investing in a decent shampoo and conditioner may cost two or three times more than you'd normally spend but your hair won't be loaded with silicone deposits, and you'll likely be able to leave longer between washes.

“The skincare market is vast and there's a product range to suit every skin issue and budget. Consistency is key though once your correct routine has been identified.”

2025 TRENDS
“Bridgerton continues to influence bridal fashion with lots of romantic styling, lightweight fabrics, fitted bodices and florals. I anticipate make-up and hair to reflect this with skin fresh, pretty and modern with minimal coverage and sheer blush, plus pastel colours on the eyes, all finished with rosebud lips. “Hair will be softly curled and mostly unstructured meaning half up styles may be favoured as opposed to sleek updos.”

MUST-HAVES
“Oh, I can never just pick one product I can't live without! I'd have to say concealer and blush are my must-haves since they're both so versatile. Concealer can be used to cover spots, dark circles and more, or it can be used instead of a foundation. It can help to shape your face and add light to your features. Similarly, a great cream or gel blush can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyelids to create a beautiful monotone look.”

Meet more local bridal hair and make-up specialists in the current issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

I've always dreamed of a dress that's unique and 100 per cent me. What are my options if I go down the bespoke route?

Sarah Ashton from Thimbelina of York (www.thimbelina.co.uk) says: The options are many and varied in choosing a bespoke dress that will be as individual as you are. Here at Thimbelina you're invited to a free and friendly consultation to determine your preferred choice of style. This will result in a sketch of the dress, together with a selection of fabric samples, any colour, any lace, tulle, sparkle, colourful inserts, or crystals or beading.

A choice of style from the traditional, elegant, classic, silhouette with no embellishments to a 30-layer crystal encrusted highly decorated design is possible, or any alternative, showcasing your personal style, taste, preferences and fit. We'll offer suggestions but ultimately it will always be based around your dream dress, and in choosing a made to-measure dress you'll know it will fit you perfectly and comfortably for your big day.

You'll see your style of dress when a toile (mock-up) is made to your measurements, using our personal pattern-making skills. Changes can be made at this stage, for example sleeves, neckline, back opening etc before the dress is cut out in the fabric.

There are many other opportunities too when choosing a bespoke dress. You can have an over-top of lace made, or bolero, even removable sleeves. Also matching mini versions for flowergirls or accessorise their dresses using some of the fabric from your bridal dress. A popular and wonderful preference just now, when it presents itself, is to use some of the fabric from a relative's clothing, giving that extra special family significance to your own wedding dress.

For more fashion advice and inspiration, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Rebecca Barker from Dine (www.dine.co.uk) says: Bring the outdoors in! Embrace the natural colours of the season within your palette. It's the ideal time to showcase burnt oranges, deep forest greens and touches of velvet reds.

Celebrating with confetti is a must, so why not bring an autumn twist with some leaf confetti?

Planning a seasonal menu that showcases the tastes of autumn will have your guests enjoying a real feast, so end your meal with a sticky toffee pudding for an extra hit of warmth. Guests also love an edible wedding favour! So, treat loved ones to some luxurious fudge, a toffee apple or even a s'mores kit for roasting by the fire.

Finish the evening with drinks around the firepit and fireworks in the sky makes for a perfect nod to autumn. Adding in a sparkler photo for the added touch always makes for a fun finale to the evening.

For more stellar advice on planning an autumn wedding, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Jordan and Mark met via friends while studying at university and would often see each other at parties. In fact, it was one birthday party in particular where they really hit it off, but it was just when Jordan was about to move to London for work. However, they didn't give up and met up in London for a few dates, as well as embarking on a long distance relationship with Mark remaining in Leeds. Happily, everything worked beautifully for the couple and seven months later, Jordan moved back up to Yorkshire.

Mark popped the question in their kitchen one day with the words: “I wanted to begin our next big adventure in the place we started our first one.” The two had purchased a big renovation project a year before, intended to be their forever home, so it's sentimental to them. “I wasn't expecting a proposal, but obviously I said 'yes',” Jordan says. “He'd already put Champagne in the fridge, ready to celebrate.”

Setting out on their venue search, the couple had only visited one venue before meeting the staff at Escrick Park. “They took us to look at Skipwith Hall and we immediately fell in love with the gardens there,” Jordan explains. “So, when we found out we could get married in the gardens, we were sold!” The two are both fans of the great outdoors and Jordan adores wildflowers, so they quickly knew it was the venue for them. “We were able to make it really personal to us and knowing they only had a few weddings there each year meant it felt extra special. An extra bonus was that the day we had our first date was available, so we were married five years later to the day,” Jordan continues.

To find out more, download the latest issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Spain is a place very close to Verity's heart having spent every summer there as a child. So, when Jonny decided to propose, this was where he took her. Hiring a boat, they went out to sea to watch the dolphins. Mesmerised as they swam past, Verity didn't initially notice until she turned around that Jonny was down on one knee holding out her engagement ring. “It was the best surprise ever and a very magical moment,” she remembers.

Dunedin Country House is local to Verity and had plenty of accommodation for Jonny's family who were travelling down from Newcastle. “It's a beautiful venue and the gardens are wonderfully kept,” Verity explains. “The food is also outstanding, and we do love our food!” So, they secured their date for 16th June 2023.

Discover the story of Verity & Lee's big day in the current issue, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Sinead and Harry met online in 2016 and quickly discovered a mutual love/hate relationship with Bradford City, as well as a passion for music. Responding to the many hints Sinead had been dropping, Harry casually proposed in 2023, which suited the couple perfectly.

The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa captured both their hearts. “It's our top choice for a weekend getaway and spa break, and after Katie gave us a personal tour of the Estate, we knew it was the perfect wedding venue for us,” Sinead shares. So, they confi rmed their wedding date and paid their deposit that same day. “Knowing they have a highly-experienced wedding team meant we wouldn't have to stress about minor details, which was a huge relief,” Sinead continues. As well as the friendly and accommodating team who went above and beyond to make sure the couple had the wedding they dreamed of, the stunning 1,400-acres of grounds complete with picturesque lake truly made their day.

Discover the story of Sinead and Harry's big day in the current issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Welcome to one of Sheffield’s newest venues, which opened in 2023: Steel City Chapel, the ultimate Vegas-inspired elopement chapel venue! Nestled in the heart of Kelham Island, this funky and vibrant space is where dreams become reality and love takes centre stage. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or a lively vow renewal, this oh-so cool space has you covered.

So, step into a world of glitz, glamour and electric energy, where the spirit of Sin City meets the undeniable charm of Yorkshire’s very own Sheffield. Get ready to say “I do” accompanied by 16 of your nearest and dearest in a place where every moment is a celebration. This is your passport to an unforgettable experience that combines the magic of Vegas with the warmth of the Chapel’s vibrant community. Get ready to roll the dice on love and immerse yourself in a truly extraordinary celebration at Steel City Chapel!

For more Sheffield venues, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Founded as a monastery in 1145, Newburgh Priory is a magnificentstately home surrounded by picturesque grounds, lakes and ancient woodland. A Grade I listed Tudor building near Coxwold, North Yorkshire, steeped in history and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the house provides uninterrupted views across the lake to the Hambleton Hills and the White Horse of Kilburn.

With a character and charm all their own the house and grounds have an intriguing past with links to the English military and political figure Oliver Cromwell. The Priory benefi ts from almost 40 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the house, while its formal lawns, topiary and borders create a breathtaking location for your special day. Dotted throughout the grounds are also several hidden romantic gardens, such as the magical Water Garden and the Walled Garden with roses tumbling over archways leading to the lily pond.

Elegant and south-facing, the Large Drawing Room with its magnificent Cortese ceiling offers a grand, yet welcoming, setting for a ceremony.

Proceeding down the central aisle to the bow-fronted windows looking out to the gardens beyond, framed by two pillars, it makes for a spectacular start to the day. It can host 100 loved ones.

The Small Drawing Room is a beautiful space with delicate plaster ceiling and wealth of portraits with room for 40 nearest and dearest. It also makes for a quiet retreat as well as a beautiful location for group photos.

The Long Gallery Ruins allow you to enjoy a blessing or humanist ceremony in their midst for an indoor/outdoor wedding. Choose to say your vows here and do the legal formalities in one of the three licensed Georgian rooms, the local church or elsewhere, then you and 200 of your loved ones can enjoy an informal gathering in the great outdoors. A marquee will also nestle nicely here allowing you to enjoy your dinner and dancing surrounded by the ruined walls, a dramatic and memorable setting.

Finally, with the house as the backdrop together with views over the spectacular parkland, The Ancient Lawns is the perfect spot for those requiring a little more room with space for up to 300 guests in a marquee.

For more pitch perfect, under canvas venues, check out the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

The wedding cake: sweet treat, reception dessert or showstopping centrepiece? Who's to say it can't be all three? Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, the big-day bake has been an enduring tradition and wedding stalwart since couples first said “I do.” Its origins are thought to date back to Ancient Rome when a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to signify good fortune. Thankfully, you won't be forced to wear the delicacy today, so it's something that's well worth thinking about. The modern cake maker is now more versatile than ever and can whip you up a sweet showstopper big enough to take the place of your wedding breakfast dessert, or be served at your evening reception. Handing out the slices is also a lovely way of making sure you get round to see all of your guests. Alternatively, there's the option to have a spectacular tower made up of cupcakes or macarons, even doughnuts if you prefer. And don't forget, a cheese stack is a great choice if you fancy something savoury.

What we love best about the modern wedding cake is its capacity to act as a work of art and form a key focal point in your venue styling. Displayed on its own table, adorned in your wedding flowers, set against a neon sign or flower wall backdrop it'll be a feature to remember, helping to bring your theme together. Super-talented bakers can even decorate these centrepieces to illustrate your own unique love story. So, it's with their showstopping styling quality in mind that we bring to you a showcase of breathtaking bakes with the help of local talented cake makers.

I love this delicate design by Poppy Pickering Cake Design.

For more stunning bakes, download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

So, you've booked your venue, the next thing to think about is how to turn this blank space into the wedding you dream of. With a professional venue stylist on hand this is a piece of cake! From props to palettes, tablescapes to backdrops these folks have a world of wonder at their fi ngertips to help them make your day uniquely you. We caught up with some of the county's experts to find out what's at the top of their hotlists for 2024 and beyond when it comes to palettes, themes, and props.

Nicola Whiteley, Styled With Grace, says, “There's been a recent trend in couples adding pops of colour in two contrasting tones, for example, pink and green. This is then echoed in the bridesmaids' attire featuring different bright shades.”

For more venue styling inspiration download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download