Editor loves and inspiration

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

Bijou Bridal Boutique in Honley is an independently run haven for any bride on the lookout for her ultimate dress. Along with one-to-one service from its lovely owner Kerensa Dyson, it offers leading labels in British designer bridalwear, bridesmaids dresses, and accessories including shoes veils and hair pieces.

“I see it as a real honour to be a part of a bride's journey, from choosing her dress to collecting it for the big day,” Kerensa says. “Ultimately, the bride will only have one point of contact throughout her experience in the boutique, which is why I guarantee she'll have the most stress-free experience possible.” Offering award-winning customer service alongside the best in British bridal design, Bijou Bridal Boutique offers a must-visit location when shopping for the one.

We've partnered with this local lovely to offer readers spending July and August in search of their dream wedding dress a very special 10% discount (terms and conditions apply). To claim, simply get in touch with Kerensa to book your appointment on 01484 690 454 or at hello@bijoubridalboutique.co.uk and quote 'Your Yorkshire Wedding.'

Find out more at www.bijoubridalboutique.com. Don't miss your chance to claim offer ends 31st August! 2024!

Download the Jul/Aug issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

In this issue's Hot Topic, local experts offer stellar advice on overcoming the most common planning concerns.

I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FLOWERS; WHERE DO I START?

Kelly Stanford from Fox Flora (www.foxflora.co.uk) says: Here are my top tips for getting started.

Think about the colours you naturally gravitate towards. What does your wardrobe or home look like? What complements your skin tone or personality? Do you love polished neutrals or rainbow brights? Dark and moody or light and airy? Complementary colours or direct opposites can work beautifully. I often like to throw in a colour curve ball adding black to neutrals, brown to peach and blue to make something characterful.

Agree on your wedding aesthetic. The venue sets the tone for your wedding but flowers and styling elevate that to create an aesthetic, a feeling and experience. Whether you’re planning an arty party or calm modern elegance, beautiful boho or rustic romance, have a discussion together about what best represents you. I encourage my couples to think about these keywords to help narrow things down.

Create wow wedding flower moments that add value. Focussing on one impactful floral installation that can be re-used can really add value. A super-stylish arty flower cloud above your ceremony space, later suspended over your top table and after that the dancefloor, can frame beautiful wedding photos that last a lifetime.

Alternatively, what about a floral arch that can be moved to your top table and create a backdrop for guest photos in the event, or aisle flowers that later line the front of your top table? Our signature modular floral arrangements are designed to move with your day. The opportunities are endless but will vary depending on your wedding, the ceremony and reception venue. Speak to your florist to devise a plan.

Budgeting. Costs vary depending on your preferred flowers, season and overall look you’re going for, as well as the impact you’re looking to create. On average, you should be looking at spending 10 to 15 per cent of your budget on wedding florals covering your bridal party, ceremony and reception.

Choosing your wedding suppliers. Pick suppliers that can support you in bringing your vision to life. We work directly with you and your wedding suppliers, so that your florals integrate seamlessly with your day to generate
the greatest impact and add value – this includes wedding planner, stylists, cake designers and even photographers are aware of details ahead of time.

For more wedding worries tackled, check out the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at https://www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Kristian and Matthew met at a New Year’s Eve party. “I was drawn to Matthew’s awkwardness and his jokes that not everyone would laugh at but I just found funny and innocent,” Kristian shares. “I knew from the beginning that he was special, a unique character that deserved to be loved.” For Matthew, Kristian’s nervousness attracted him, as well as his smiles whenever they were together. “He couldn’t do enough for me. I always wanted to be around him, and his personality was so infectious,” he explains.

Five years into their relationship, the couple went on their annual New Year’s Day trip to Filey Brigg. The weather wasn’t the best and Kristian initially refused to get out of the car due to the rain. He’d also made Matthew invite his brother Adam along, which for reasons that will soon become obvious, he wasn’t thrilled about! The trio walked down to the beach and out to sea on the Brigg, with Kristian having no clue what was about to happen. Here, Adam came into his own as he was able to video what happened next as it unfolded. Noticing the camera, Kristian turned to see what Matthew was up to and found him on one knee asking Kristian to marry him. Matthew did originally have grand plans to fl y the ring in on a drone, but the weather rendered that too risky!

Waterton Park was a place Kristian’s mum grew up around, and her grandad would walk her around the grounds. So, once the couple were engaged she told her son about the venue, and it was love at fi rst sight. “The grand building and picturesque backdrop is what sold it for us,” Kristian explains. “It was the only venue we went to see. There’s nowhere else like it in Yorkshire, it looks like a fairy tale.” They were able to hold the whole day there with exclusive-use of the island, and guests adored the location and scenery. Luckily, the venue’s interior design complemented the couple’s chosen navy wedding palette too, so it was meant to be!

That decided they wasted no time in securing their date for 1st September 2023. Join us in the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding as Kristian shares more of his treasured memories of the happy day... Download it free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Sophie and Craig met in York’s Yates while Sophie was up from Brighton visiting a friend. Craig danced over to her to Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl, but his cool moves were hampered by the sticky bar floor! He was dressed in a bright red Rudolf the Reindeer suit jacket and tie at the time... well it was Christmas. After a brief conversation, Craig handed over his number and they parted ways, or so Sophie thought. An hour or so later they bumped into each other again at a different bar and something compelled her to stick around this time, their two groups united. From there, a long-distance relationship blossomed.

Craig proposed to Sophie on her birthday in 2021 at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. “It was the fourth day of an epic week-long surprise trip, and I’d already decided if he didn’t propose, I would,” Sophie tells us. But Craig had it under control, he got down on one knee on the edge of a cliff – “I’m not even sure he got the question out before I started flapping around like a goose,” Sophie continues.

White Syke Fields was everything the couple were looking for in a venue. “It’s the kind of place where there’s a lot to be uncovered, yet a blank enough canvas to make it our own,” Sophie explains. “We had a big wedding, so the variety of different spaces also appealed. We loved it. And bonus points for the focus on sustainability, with upcycled furniture and a strong, local and small business ethos.”

So, that decided, the date was set for 10th June 2023. Download the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding to find out more. It's free at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Jess and Martyn met when she was a professional dancer and he a professional singer during rehearsals for a cruise ship contract in Italy. “We instantly connected,” Jess remembers. “We could talk like we’d known each other forever.” The two began to build a wonderful friendship becoming inseparable, and a few months later realised they were, in fact, much more to each other than friends. Their relationship blossomed from there.

Martyn proposed on Christmas Eve while the couple were staying at Jess’ family home. Jess had popped out for some last minute shopping and returned to a trail of candles and red roses leading her to Martyn who was waiting for her on one knee. “It was such a beautiful surprise,” she tells us. “Martyn knows Christmas is my favourite time of year, and my childhood home is so special to me. He really made it a moment we’ll never forget.”

The Grand Lodge at Oaklands was the first and only venue the couple viewed and secured their date on the spot. “The natural beauty of the grounds blew us away and The Pavilion outdoor ceremony area reminded us of an amphitheatre,” Jess explains. “Not to mention the wedding coordinators, Andrea and Vicky, who are just the loveliest, most knowledgeable people, who couldn’t do enough for us.”

Find out more about W-day from the beautiful bride herself in the Jul/Aug24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding, free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

“Many dresses – probably too many – were tried on!” this issue's real bride Alice says. Eventually, she found the one at the Harrogate branch of Elite Bridal. “I bought one dress in the January but returned it soon after as I felt it was too soon and not what I really wanted,” the bride continues. “My second dress I bought a few months later, a classical off-the-shoulder ballroom style. But ultimately my confidence issues caused me to have a panic last minute and look around at more boutiques.” She made it to Elite Bridal where she tried on a few more styles that made her feel more confident, and she fell in love with the final dress. “It was beautiful with lace details and sleeves, and it still had a train, which I wanted. I also felt it matched the venue perfectly,” Alice explains.

Find out more about Alice's big day in the May/Jun24 issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download

Skin health is more about what you eat than what you put on your face. So, we asked the skincare experts at   Doctors Formula (https://doctorsformula.co.uk) how to adopt this philosophy to achieve flawless skin for your wedding day.

"What you eat significantly affects your skin’s overall health and appearance. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks and unhealthy fats can damage your skin’s appearance. These foods can contribute to inflammation in the body, which may manifest as acne, redness or dull skin. Additionally, diets lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E and omega-3 fatty acids can result in skin issues such as dryness, wrinkles and uneven tone.

"By prioritising a diet focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods, you can support your skin’s health from inside out, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion. For example, nuts are super-rich in various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are the go-to snack for many celebrities.

"Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are collagen-stimulating and contain nutrients such as vitamin C and ellagic acid, which help to provide a youthful glow and ease sun-induced UV skin pigmentation. What about starting your day with a smoothie containing seasonal berries, chai tea, and a bit of almond milk like Megan Fox?

"Green tea is also a good option and it isn’t only great for fat burning but is full of vitamins B2 and E, which help keep the optimum levels of collagen and aid in firming a younger looking skin structure while developing new skin cells.

"Dark leafy greens too are a skincare staple. They contain high levels of chlorophyll, which helps protect your skin from premature ageing and inflammation. The darker the leafy green, the more chlorophyll it contains.

"If you do fancy a treat though, dark chocolate is a healthy choice. It’s filled with antioxidants that help to reduce dark spots on your skin and flavanol that can protect against sun damage. Since it’s loaded with skin-healing nutrients, this sweet treat can aid you in achieving youthful-looking skin."

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

I adore cover bride Kelly's delicate bouquet by Ivy Lane Floral Studio in Hull. "When it came to the flowers, I asked our florist for a colourful and relaxed vibe," she tells us.

You can find out more about Kelly and Mike's big day in the current issue, May/Jun24, free to download now at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download