Editor loves and inspiration

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.

Amie and Tom’s paths crossed when Tom’s brother started dating (and eventually married) Amie’s best friend – talk about the ideal double date! Their relationship blossomed, and Tom got down on one knee and proposed to her at Keldas, with the beautiful views of Ullswater as their backdrop. Tom, with the help of their one-year-old, Louie, asked Amie to spend the rest of her life with him. Amie was caught completely off-guard; luckily, her stepdad wasn’t and was hiding out of sight to take pictures of the proposal.

When it came to choosing their venue, they wanted something that was “beautiful, relaxed, and with outdoor options,” commented Amie. Ghyll Barn was perfect and would set the scene for their special day. To bring the venue to life, they chose a theme of wildflowers – wanting to harness a boho vibe that was relaxed and not overly formal. Tom and Amie enlisted the help of their mothers and family members to style the venue. Tom built the arch that they would later stand under, and they had the help of Amie’s cousin for the flowers on the special day.

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

At The River Barn the creators of this stunning styled shoot brought a slice of Tuscany to the North. Sonje from Sonje Jones Design Team shares her inspiration behind the concept, “We transformed the aisle with The River Barn's amazing crossback chairs, organza bows, olive branches and a good helping of lemons (because nothing says 'I do' like a bit of citrus fruit). Foliage, roses, candles, and that little pop of yellow, made everything feel like a warm Italian breeze. “The ceremony space was framed with floaty organza, pampas grass and sunflowers, bold, breezy, and a little bit fabulous; while the wedding breakfast was banquet-style with long tables, foliage runners, candles, and ends styled with crates and Tuscan vases full of lemons. “The dessert table? A vintage cart piled high with an array of lemon cakes by Mel's Cakes – dangerously good if we do say so! – and even pancakes courtesy of The Pancake Box for the sweet-toothed romantics. “Our bride Reah, dressed by Amelia's Bridal, was a vision in two beautiful gowns, with flawless hair and makeup from OAH Hair & Makeup captured beautifully by George Foy Films around the barn and gardens. “Even the stationery (from Signed by Jen) brought it's A-game, chic, elegant, and not a Comic Sans in sight!” Enjoy!

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

Set in the heart of the Cumbrian coastline, The Dunes Hotel is surrounded by picturesque countryside and rolling greenery. The landscaped grounds provide a serene backdrop for photographs, with open spaces perfect for drinks receptions or quiet moments. Nearby, scenic coastlines at Roanhead Beach add to the romantic atmosphere, ensuring couples and their guests enjoy a tranquil yet memorable setting.

The hotel boasts a sleek, modern exterior with a timeless appeal, framed by the natural beauty of its Cumbrian setting. Large windows flood the building with light and offer striking views of the surrounding landscape.

The outside area is both impressive and inviting, creating the perfect first impression for guests arriving to celebrate. Its stylish façade blends seamlessly with its countryside charm.

Inside, you’ll find stylishly decorated areas with soft, neutral tones complemented by chic lighting and modern furnishings. Spacious function rooms create the perfect setting for weddings, while the Coast Bar & Restaurant offers a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Every detail inside the hotel feels fresh, refined, and designed for unforgettable celebrations.

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

It would be very easy to sit here and say, 'a picture is a picture, why do I need to care about the different styles', but in this approach, we lose the magic of photography. If you and I took a picture of the same thing – yes, the subject would remain the same, but the style would differ completely! Mine might be more slap-dash and yours may be artistic. The same applies to wedding photography – what one artist views as improper, the other will see opportunity and vice versa. There are countless different types of photography, so in this issue we have broken them down into the current most popular types: traditional, dark and moody/ flash photography, documentary/photojournalistic, light and airy, and fine art.

Find out more about the different types of photography in the latest issue of Your North West Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Take a break from the wedmin and enjoy a luxurious break at Storrs Hall, Cumbria. Surrounded by woodland, the Lakeside Suites are vast in size, just metres from the waters of Windermere, and come complete with private terrace and Japanese-style cedar wood hot tub, plus loungers and blankets – perfect for enjoying the breathtaking lake views in comfort and privacy.

Designed with relaxation in mind, the suites are a contemporary contrast to the Georgian charm of the main house, providing seclusion while maintaining access to the hotel’s renowned services and dining. Guests can order everything from hot chocolates and cocktails for al-fresco evening drinks, to hamper breakfasts and decadent dinners – all to the accommodation!

A host of activities on and around the lake can be arranged to, from guided paddle-boarding to clay pigeon shooting – and some of the Lake District’s best walking and cycling routes are nearby!

An Autumn stay in a Lakeside Suite costs from £469 per night including breakfast and arrival treats.

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

Flowers are the unsung heroes of weddings and contribute a lot to the overall theme. Their delicate beauty speaks more than just breathtaking colours and shapes; they are rich in history and can send a very romantic message. Understanding your chosen blooms helps with the overall decision-making process. It all depends on whether you want to send a message with your fl orals or if you're more focused on the colour story. We'll unpack everything you need to know about big-day blooms and also help you pick the right florist.

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