Editor loves and inspiration

This styled shoot celebrates the timeless charm of classic bridal beauty, reimagined through the lens of modern romance and rustic sophistication. Set against a picturesque countryside backdrop, the shoot brought together 16 talented creatives, each contributing to a cohesive, high-style vision. Lush greenery draped throughout the setting, adding natural drama, while olive-toned chair sashes and raw textures introduced warmth and depth. Fashion-forward bridal looks, featuring silhouettes gracefully making a comeback, were paired with a new bridal jewellery collection, adding a refined touch of modern luxury. A stunning artisanal cake, echoing the organic palette, tied the entire concept together. Every element was thoughtfully curated to strike a balance between elegance and earthiness – a fresh perspective for the bride who honours tradition but lives for elevated, design-led style.

See more from the styled shoot in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Lee Tombling Photography is a wedding photographer based in Lancashire. He offers comprehensive wedding photography that captures both intimate and grand moments, transforming them into timeless treasures. In addition to weddings, Lee also provides event photography, portraits, charity work, motorsport photography and fashion shoots – offering a diverse range of services with something for everyone.

Lee offers a wedding package that includes full-day coverage, an online gallery, and a selection of high-resolution, beautifully edited images, along with a complimentary keepsake photo book and a specially presented memory card containing your wedding images, allowing you to look back on your special day with fond and lasting memories.

Lee tells us: “We specialise in capturing the beauty and emotion of weddings and special occasions, transforming fleeting moments into cherished memories. Our approach is both professional and personal, ensuring your experience with us is enjoyable and stress-free. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, we deliver stunning images you will treasure for years to come. We believe in the power of storytelling through imagery and strive to reflect the unique essence of every event we cover. Whether it’s a beautiful wedding, a lively celebration, or a personal portrait session, our goal is to provide photographs that truly reflect your story. I combine technical expertise with a creative eye to deliver high-quality photography services tailored to your needs. I recommend booking our services at least six months before your big day to ensure your preferred date is available.”

See more local companies in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Holland Hall, a Grade II listed manor in Lancashire, has been named Hotel of the Year in the North West at The Wedding Industry Awards. Dating back to 1654, the venue offers a perfect blend of history and elegance, with many original features lovingly preserved to captivate couples and their guests. From beautifully appointed wedding suites to luxurious bedrooms, every detail has been carefully designed to make your special day unforgettable. Following an extensive restoration, Holland Hall now combines heritage with modern luxury, retaining its original period charm while offering the contemporary amenities needed to create the perfect day.

See more local news in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Styling your wedding is an exciting but often overwhelming process. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. A good starting point is your venue. If your venue is already rich in character or heavily styled, lean into its existing décor and architectural features rather than competing with them. In these cases, try not to over-style the space – sometimes less really is more, and allowing the venue to shine can create a far more elegant result.

If your venue is more of a blank canvas, styling it from scratch may feel daunting. To make the process more manageable, break it down into what matters most to you as a couple. Is it the colour scheme, the overall theme, or the personal details that tell your story? By prioritising what’s most important, you can build a cohesive vision without becoming overwhelmed.

See more venue styling trends in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Vanessa and Ben met in 2024 at The Elite Awards in Carlisle. Ben was performing alongside Boyz on Block, a last-minute addition after Boyzlife were forced to cancel. As Vanessa reflects, “If Brian and Keith hadn’t stepped back, Ben wouldn’t have been on that stage – and we might never have met. After the show, we found ourselves chatting, nothing planned or forced, just two people connecting in a room full of energy and celebration. That conversation sparked something real and everything changed from there.”

Since that night, the couple have packed a lifetime into a single year – from award shows and festivals to exploring Spain and Dubai together. Then, in February 2025, during an unforgettable trip to New York, Ben asked Vanessa if she would be his wife.

See more from their big day in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Town Head Estate is a romantic wedding haven on the shores of Windermere. Set within 130 acres of private grounds, it offers a serene walled garden, an original glasshouse and exclusivity for you and your guests. Here, you can wander along half a mile of private lake frontage, explore the boathouse, enjoy luxury accommodation, and set sail on the estate’s motoryacht.

Thoughtfully modernised yet full of character, the venue blends natural beauty with contemporary comforts. The Wedding Barn perfectly marries rustic charm with elegant details – exposed stone walls, oak beams and underfloor heating create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A traditional stone bank barn, it offers entry from both the lower and upper levels. The lower level is home to a stylish bar and a relaxed lounge area, ideal for gathering with loved ones. Open stairs lead to the upper floor where an airy, light-flooded space awaits, ready to seat up to 120 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Outside, the former farmyard has become an elegant terrace, with a sweeping staircase leading to landscaped gardens and a romantic bandstand. Even the old outside WC has been beautifully reimagined as a charming cocktail and gin bar, with decking that overlooks the gardens – perfect for sunset toasts.

Once the housekeeper’s cottage, Town Head Estate’s Honeymoon Cottage has been transformed into a luxurious retreat. Its open-plan layout features a cosy log burner, sumptuous wallpaper, sparkling chandeliers and a freestanding copper bath in the bedroom. From here, steps lead directly to your own private hot tub, tucked away in a secluded clearing overlooking the barn and orchard.

See more local companies in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

String Infusion has launched a new side of its business called Fusion Live! Fusion Live specialises in high-energy, tailor-made DJ experiences that transform any event into an unforgettable celebration.

The team at String Infusion shared: “Whether you’re looking for a solo DJ to set the vibe or a full-scale Ibiza-style orchestra to create an electrifying atmosphere, we deliver world-class entertainment designed around your vision. Our team consists of top-tier musicians and performers with years of industry experience, ensuring a seamless blend of live instruments, DJ sets, and interactive energy that keeps your guests engaged from start to finish. From luxury private parties and corporate events to large-scale productions, Fusion Live is your go-to entertainment partner. Let us bring your event to life with a fully customised, dynamic performance that stands out from the rest. Let’s make it unforgettable.”

See more local news in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

There are four types of brides, which one are you?

The timeless, classic bride: You’re the embodiment of elegance with refined details, luxurious fabrics, and a love for tradition. You’ll never have to look back on those photos and cringe! Your look is refined with classic, soft blush pinks and a romantic air. The beautiful low bun adorned with an accessory will be your go-to.

The vintage bride: You’re a nostalgic soul who’s drawn to the romance of the past. Whether it’s 1920s glamour or 1950s charm, you bring old-school beauty with a twist. For your makeup, think bold, defined eyes, a sultry red lip and groomed brows, and when it comes to hair, Hollywood waves will give you a Golden Era edge.

The free-spirited bride: Down-to-earth and whimsical, you love a laid-back look that feels effortless. Nature is your backdrop, and your heart is full of wildflower vibes. Let your natural beauty shine through with a no-makeup look focusing on flawless, glowing, lit-from- within skin.

The fashion-forward icon: You set trends instead of following them. This may well be you if you’ve opted for a city centre black-tie affair. You love bold shapes, unexpected fabrics, and a runway-ready style. Your wedding is your personal fashion statement. The modern bride favours a sleek ponytail or high bun, a sexy, smoky eye, a nude lip, and glowing, glass-like skin.

Take our looking your best quiz in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Olivia and Ryan met like many of us, online, and it was love at first swipe. When the time came to pop the question, it was Ryan that got down on one knee – choosing to ask Olivia on a rowboat in Knaresborough.

For any couple, choosing a venue can feel like a mighty task; however, Olivia and Ryan had a clear vision in mind. Olivia comments: “We love spending long weekends exploring The Lakes, so we wanted our wedding to feel like the perfect getaway in the great outdoors.” Long Acre Barn set the scene for their nuptials and perfectly embodied the rural aesthetic they wanted. The chosen theme for their big day was rustic, chic pastels – perfectly displayed throughout their stationery and tablescapes.

See more from their big day in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Harnessing the timeless chic of “old money,” this styled shoot at The Midland Manchester blends classic elegance with modern sophistication. The refined colour palette and bridal silhouettes pair perfectly with the contemporary tablescape. The bride showcases a variety of dress styles that highlight the venue’s elegant halls, while the groom embraces a city-chic look in a black suit. The avant-garde shape of the tablescape is showstopping and demands attention, dressed in lavish textures and understated floral displays.

See more from the styled shoot in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.