Editor loves and inspiration

Olivia and Luke met in 2018 at work. “I was Luke’s boss,” says Olivia. “He convinced me that he was a qualified personal trainer, so we started going to the gym together, became best friends, and ended up falling in love.”

Luke surprised Olivia by popping the question in 2021. “He took me on a treasure hunt to all of the key places in my life, such as where I was born, where I went to school, and where we like to double date with our best friends,” shares the bride. “He took inspiration from the movie Love Actually by writing out cards that had poems on them that my loved ones were holding at each stop. These poems would give me clues on where we were going next. There were 12 stops in total and the final stop was a beautiful picnic set up in a field next to where we’d just bought a house. The final poem said: ‘You asked for a house, and there it came. Now will you share my last name?’ He got down on one knee and I burst out crying! He’d also planned an engagement party at our favourite restaurant for that evening, where we celebrated with our friends and family.”

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

David Rucker Photography worked with a team of talented suppliers to create this stunning styled shoot. “Being a qualified mountaineer, it’s little wonder that I shoot the majority of my weddings in the Lakes or the Highlands of Scotland, where I’ve been in constant wanderlust since I was a young boy,” says David. “I love being surrounded by nature, so when my favourite venue in The Lake District, New House Farm, asked me to photograph a photo shoot with some of their favourite suppliers, I jumped at the opportunity. New House Farm is no ordinary venue; quite simply, it is something else. Nestled in the incomparable Vale of Lorton, surrounded by fells, it feels like you are detached from the hustle and bustle of places like Bowness, Grasmere and Keswick. A date was set, and little did we know that as the time came around, it would be the hottest day of the year. After many cold drinks and a cheeky ice cream later, we hit the slopes of Latrigg above Keswick, where fortunately there was a slight breeze in the air.”

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

Sam and Iain met through a mutual friend and instantly hit it off. “We really enjoyed each other’s company and shared a similar sense of humour,” says Sam. “It felt so easy and natural talking to one another.”

Iain proposed during a trip to Paris. “When we arrived, we had a few drinks before heading back to our room,” shares the bride. “We decided to go out to the balcony and enjoy the view. I turned around and Iain was down on one knee. It was a complete shock, as we have always said we wouldn’t get married as it isn’t really our thing.”

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

Fish 2 Photography is run by the talented Christina Davies. Based in Preston, she travels all over the North West, capturing stunning weddings. “I started taking photos when I was really young on my dad’s camera and it has always interested me,” shares Christina. “After studying at college and university, I decided to try and explore the TV world and ended up working at the BBC and a few other random jobs, but I missed taking photos. I decided in June 2008 to quit my job and start Fish 2 Photography and I’m so glad I did. I really love photographing weddings; no couple is the same and no wedding is the same and I enjoy capturing personalities and special moments. My style is quite relaxed and natural; I want to capture the day as it happens – every moment, every laugh, or even the tears. I really want couples to feel comfortable, even though having your photo taken isn’t an everyday thing for most people, so I try to make your couple photos as relaxed as possible, picking up on how you naturally interact with each other and reflecting that in the photos.”

Christina offers six different packages, covering everything from micro-two-hour weddings to full-day coverage. Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, Fish 2 Photography is offering our readers 10 percent off any packages when you email Christina at info@fish2.co.uk and mention the magazine. The offer ends on 15th April 2024.

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

Andrew Slinn from Phenomenal Fireworks tells us how to choose a fireworks display provider for your wedding.

"Planning a fireworks display can add a dazzling touch to your special day. To ensure a memorable and safe experience, here are our top tips for couples seeking the perfect wedding fireworks:

"Start early: Begin your search for a fireworks display supplier well in advance. Quality providers may get booked quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Aim to secure your supplier at least six months before your wedding date, where possible.

"Check reputation and reviews: Research potential suppliers thoroughly. Look for reviews, testimonials, and feedback from previous clients. A reputable supplier should have a history of delivering exceptional displays and reliable service. They should also reply promptly to messages and emails during working hours.

"Insurance and permits: Confirm that the supplier is fully insured and holds the necessary permits and training for your wedding venue. Compliance with local regulations ensures a safe and legal display."

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

Gretna Green, the award-winning, family-owned wedding, tourism, and hospitality destination, has announced a new space for weddings. The Elopement Marriage Room offers a modern and intimate space to say your vows. It can hold up to 20 guests, providing a cosy atmosphere for couples and their closest loved ones to share in their joy.

The executive chairman of Gretna Green, John Holliday, said: “Gretna Green has always been a place of love and celebration. With our new Elopement Marriage Room, we’re taking that tradition to new heights, creating an even more special experience for couples.”

Gretna Green has also been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Best Unique Wedding Venue’ category at the 2024 Confetti Wedding Awards. John adds: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been named a finalist for the ‘Best Unique Wedding Venue’ at the 2024 Confetti Wedding Awards. Gretna Green occupies a special place in the hearts of couples around the world and this recognition is a testament to the magic our team strives to create for our cherished guests.”

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

Izzy and Ryan were brought together through unusual circumstances. “The first time I met Ryan, we were introduced by my previous partner in a nightclub, as he was one of his friends,” says Izzy. “I met him a couple of times after that, but we didn’t really speak much. A few years later, we found out that our partners were seeing each other behind our backs! Ryan and I started to message each other about it and the more we chatted, the more we realised we had lots in common and very similar values. Once I got to know Ryan, I discovered we went to the same high school and knew a lot of the same people.”

Ryan organised a surprise birthday party for Izzy’s 23rd birthday. “My birthday gift from him was a surprise holiday with two of our friends to Las Vegas,” shares the bride. “Fast forward to the holiday and Ryan and his friend insisted we book a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. After flying around for a while, we eventually landed and enjoyed a little picnic. Ryan called me over to one side for a photo. Before I knew it, Ryan was giving a speech about how there was a reason we’d come to Vegas and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. In absolute shock, I said, ‘Is this a joke?!’ My friends and the other tourists on the helicopter all laughed. I obviously said ‘yes’ and we then proceeded to have our little picnic with added champagne, which I couldn’t drink because I was on cloud nine. We finished the evening by flying down the Las Vegas strip at night.”

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

Sarah Bainbridge from West View Photography created this pink, disco-inspired shoot. “After staying at Holmes Mill, I fell in love with the venue,” says Sarah. “I wanted to create a bright shoot, so I went for different shades of pink with a slight disco vibe.”

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

Make-up artist, Ella French tells us the top bridal make-up trends for 2024.

"As a bridal and occasion make-up specialist, I believe that the prevailing make-up trend in 2024 will be timeless glam and natural elegance. Brides are gravitating towards looks that enhance their features with a touch of sophistication. Imagine radiant skin, subtly defined eyes with bronze tones, rosy cheeks and a focus on the lips.

"As the demand for pared-back foundations and skin tints increases, we can expect to see more looks that conceal and treat the skin simultaneously. Brides will be opting for fresh, second-skin-like make-up that accentuates their individual beauty, steering away from overly dramatic styles."

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

Melisa and Josh met in 2018 at Valley Church. “Josh had been going there for years, but I had just joined,” says Melisa. “I saw him playing bass with the worship team and I was attracted to him right away. I loved how funny he is and that he lights up a room.”

Josh proposed in October 2021 in the Lake District. “He knew of a couple who had a sailboat, so knowing how much I loved the water, he arranged to take me on the boat,” shares the bride. “It was all misty and you could see the hills and mountains in the background – it was beautiful. I was admiring the view and when I turned around, Josh was down on one knee! I knew that Josh was going to propose at some point, but it was definitely a surprise.”

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