Editor loves and inspiration

Wedding cakes are quickly becoming something more than just a sweet treat. They are works of art that can incorporate your personality and the time of year. With so many options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic; there is something out there to suit everyone. To help give you heaps of inspiration, we’ve interviewed Sally Cooper from Sally Cooper Cake Artist to find out more about her business.

"My name is Sally and I’m an award-winning cake artist specialising in creating elegant and delicious wedding cakes that are designed and made from my home, which is just a stone’s throw from the Lake District. My passion lies in creating bakes that are little slices of edible art. Using ganache as my primary medium, I love exploring different textures and adorning cakes with beautiful arrangements of fresh and dried flowers. My designs often range from classic and timeless to modern and whimsical in a wide range of flavours, including traditional options like Victoria sponge and lemon, as well as more unique combinations such as white chocolate and passionfruit and sticky toffee pudding. Crafted to be visually stunning but also to taste exceptional, it will leave a lasting impression on your guests."

See more from our Cakes feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Make-up artist Felicity Ashby shares her favourite classical bridal look that you'll love for years to come.

"The best place to start is to ask yourself some key questions to really pinpoint your niche. Essentially, decipher exactly what you don’t want first. Doing a one-size-fits-all look is not the way to go; what works for one person almost never works again for the next, and we need to celebrate our unique appearances!

"Personally speaking, I love to keep my wedding make-up looking true to the client. I want them to feel comfortable with themselves as well as empowered and confident. So, if you feel most like yourself when wearing false lashes and bronzy skin, that’s the direction you should go. Equally, if you never use make-up and only wear a smidge of mascara on special occasions, something minimal and more editorial would be perfect."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Kate and Paul met online. “His good looks are what first attracted me,” says Kate. “Once I got to know him, I was drawn to his caring and funny personality.”

Paul proposed in the couple’s living room. “It was Valentine’s Day,” shares the bride. “We went out for a meal and he asked his mum to fill our living room with candles. He made a scrapbook of all our memories together and, at the end, asked me to marry him. It was eight years after he asked me to be his girlfriend and it was a huge surprise.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Donna Brown from Pure Elegance Weddings & Events gives her top tips for stying a manor house.

"If you’re considering a manor house wedding venue, below are some ideas to help you style it to impress your guests:

"Create a breathtaking entrance to the manor house with a red carpet, floral arches, or even a horse-drawn carriage.

"Adorn the interior of the manor with lavish decorations such as crystal chandeliers, draped silk fabrics, and fresh flowers in abundance. Consider incorporating gold accents or vintage furniture to add to the luxurious ambiance.

"Set the tables with fine linens, elegant china, and crystal glassware. Add a personal touch with custom-made place cards, monogrammed napkins, or small gifts for each guest.

"Fill the venue with extravagant floral arrangements featuring roses, peonies, orchids, and other lush blooms. Consider tall centrepieces for a dramatic effect or floral chandeliers hanging from the ceiling."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Laura and Phil lived in the same apartment block when they first met. “I moved in 2013 and kept noticing Phil,” says Laura. “I lived in the top-floor apartment, so I had a view of the whole street and I kept seeing him. I decided one day, after a night out with my friend, to put a note on his car. The note read, ‘I think you’re lovely; here is my number.’ The next day, he texted me and we decided to meet up. He was in the army at the time and had to go away for three months, so we had little to no contact. Once he got back, we went on our first date to watch a Manchester United vs. Stoke City match, and the rest is history.”

Phil proposed on Laura’s 30th birthday. “He hired out the whole balcony at the Hotel Gotham in Manchester and got down on one knee,” shares the bride. “It was around the time of lockdown; we had originally planned to go to New York, but the trip had to be cancelled. We then planned to go to Edinburgh, but again, plans were cancelled and so the proposal was a complete shock.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Low Hall The Lakes was the backdrop for this romantic styled shoot. Inspired by Valentine’s Day, the talented team of suppliers incorporated pinks and reds into the styling and chose two oh-so stunning dresses.

See more from this styled shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

We love flowers here at Your North West Wedding, but with so many gorgeous blooms to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. To give you some inspiration, we've asked local florist Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design to send in one of their favourite creations.

See more from our Flowers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Luxury wedding venue, The Gibbon Bridge Hotel has refreshed its outdoor wedding space. The team repainted the bandstand, which is used for weddings, at the start of the year, transforming it from a wood stain with a red carpet to white with a cream carpet to brighten the space and create a more modern vibe. As well as the new look, there are now Twilight Wedding Packages available that can be tailored to suit varying budgets.

What’s more, the team has also welcomed back a spa offering. Lizzy from Bowland Spa offers manicures, pedicures, massages, and facial treatments, as well as nails, for guests, members of the bridal party and family to enjoy.

Read more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Rebecca and Kyle met over 10 years ago. “Kyle first spotted me on New Year’s Eve, but we never spoke,” says Rebecca. “A few weeks later, on my birthday, Kyle came up to speak to me and have a dance and the rest is history.”

Kyle proposed while the couple was in London. “The year he proposed, he didn’t give anything away at all; he was so calm,” shares the bride. “It was December 2021. We always go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and have a few drinks beforehand. He was desperate to go to our favourite rooftop bar, so much so that we were there when it opened. He went to the bar and I went outside onto the terrace and found us a table. Little did I know he was telling the girl at the bar that he was going to propose and could she record it? She didn’t get a chance, of course, because he came back to the table so fast and got it over and done with that she was still busy getting us a bottle of champagne! We drank the champagne and he told me the stories about getting the ring and how he chose it.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Toms Table is an award-winning bistro in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Chef Tom hails from Bashall Eaves, just outside of Clitheroe, and comes from a local farming family.

The team explains: “Our wedding and events menus are born from Tom’s experience in banqueting in the French Alps, tailoring menus to guests’ tastes from all over the world. We offer bespoke catering with a personalised approach and work closely with clients to create tailored menus and experiences that suit their specific needs and preferences. We are passionate about using locally sourced ingredients. Prioritising working with local farmers, growers, and producers to obtain the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available in Lancashire. This commitment to local sourcing ensures that the food is not only delicious but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainability. Tom pays meticulous attention to every aspect of the catering experience. He focuses highly on presentation, ensuring that dishes are beautifully arranged and visually appealing, and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and exceeding client expectations.

“Every celebration is different and our menus reflect just that. No matter what you envisage for your event, we will help you create a menu that’s perfect for you and just for you.”

See more from our Catering and Drinks feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download