Editor loves and inspiration

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.

Hays Travel, a travel specialist with stores across the UK, has helped hundreds of couples plan the honeymoon of their dreams.

“Whether you’re dreaming of lazy days on sun-kissed beaches, candlelit dinners under the stars, or once-in-a- lifetime adventures in far-flung places, we’re here to make it happen,” says the team at Hays Travel. “No stress, just complete peace of mind with more choice, value, and award- winning service than ever. Our expert travel team can help you plan a honeymoon that’s just right for you, whether it’s a romantic getaway in the Maldives, dreamy sunsets cruising in Santorini, couples’ safaris in South Africa, or chic city breaks in Paris. We customise every detail of your holiday romance by learning your story, style, and must-haves. From handpicked hotels and dreamy destinations to thoughtful extras like private transfers, room upgrades, and romantic surprises, we’ll make sure your honeymoon is as unique as you.

“Whether you want all-out luxury, something a little more off the beaten track, or a cosy hideaway with plenty of sun and sea, with Hays Travel, your honeymoon will be full of magic, memories, and moments to treasure.”

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

The Watches of Switzerland Group has announced the opening of Mappin & Webb’s new jewellery showroom in Manchester. Located in St Ann’s Square, the stunning Grade II listed building sits within a designated conservation area, and the exterior shopfront has been carefully restored in line with the original structure, including its distinctive pink façade.

Spanning an impressive 700 square metres, this is the largest Mappin & Webb showroom to date, offering customers a high-quality experience across luxury jewellery brands in an environment that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship and modern luxury retailing.

Located over two floors, the showroom seamlessly blends luxury jewellery with a designated hospitality experience space, including a lounge, feature bar and private shopping rooms.

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

After the proposal, it’s not long after the cork’s been popped on the Champagne that thoughts quickly turn to wedding planning. Even though many couples say to themselves, ‘We’ll just enjoy being engaged for a bit,’ colour charts, themes and cake flavours very quickly become the topic of conversation.

Of course, choosing a time, date and location are essential, but it’s who you will be sharing the day with which should be paramount. Whittling down your friends and family to your nearest and dearest is no mean feat, especially if your budget doesn’t allow for a huge guest list. There’s also the added pressure of who you think you should invite, rather than who you want to invite. Remember that no one’s opinion matters; if you don’t want Aunt Doris, then don’t invite her. If you don’t want your friend’s new boyfriend of two weeks there, you don’t have to – it’s about you and your partner, and that’s it!

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