Editor loves and inspiration

New data reveals hotels have emerged as the most popular venue for weddings in the UK. Responding to a surge in demand Hyatt Hotels, including Manchester, Stratford and Heathrow, has reported a significant uptake in wedding bookings, and has launched a new range of wedding packages designed to break with tradition and appeal to the modern, cosmopolitan couple. Hyatt Manchester now offers the new Twilight Package, removing the wedding breakfast and cutting out the speeches, it goes from an evening ceremony straight to the party. The package includes an evening ceremony on the hotel’s 18th-floor with skyline views across Manchester, followed by a grazing- style feast and late-night reception.

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

Hayley and John met at the Chorley Cycling Club in November 2016 – starting what would be a glorious love story on wheels. Hayley recalls, “We bonded over our mutual love of bikes in the sunshine before our relationship started – something that we still have in common today!” When it came to popping the question, John had it all figured out. He asked Hayley to marry him during a weekend break to London, where he also added a surprise trip to a jewellery maker to seal the deal. Town Head Estate in the Lake District is where Hayley and John would pedal into forever and the venue was full of romantic features. Hayley adds, “The feel of the place, the team members we met on our first visit, the blank canvas possibilities, and their drive to deliver the dream – oh and the beauty room! – it was all just perfect.”

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

Like many, Amy and Tony met online and started their romance with the exchange of messages. They spent a short amount of time getting to know each other and jumped straight into the in-person dates. This blossomed into a lovely relationship, and it wasn't long before Tony was ready to pop the question, but how did he do it? Tony's grand plans to propose one weekend were scuppered a couple of times thanks to unexpectedly crowded areas – meaning the Williamson Park and Beacon Fell proposals went out the window. Here Amy tells us how Tony did end up popping the question, “I went into our bedroom, which had its door closed, and Tony was down on one knee! We had always spoken of marriage and so I thought I'd see it coming, but I was completely surprised... it was perfect!”

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

The final step to make your wedding feel like one big party is the entertainment. Booking the right act could make or break the vibe you've been building. So, let's go through the different types of entertainment you can get, our tips for making it blend with your day, and not forgetting the all-important fi rst dance recommendations.

Find out more in the 93rd issue of Your North West Wedding magazine

Shoot coordinator Sarah, of North & Flower, shares her inspiration, “The concept was born from the idea of bringing together two worlds — the charm of nature and the character of the city. Set in the heart of Salford at The Black Friar, we were drawn to the idea of an urban garden, leafy, intimate, and a little unexpected. We wanted to soften the industrial edges of the city with wild foliage, candlelight, and rich, earthy tones, creating a space that felt both grounded and romantic. “The look was all about contrast; a modern, playful bride in a fun, textured dress with bold accessories, cool shoes, and natural make-up, set against a backdrop of layered greenery and warm, heritage interiors. Every element had a sense of personality: oversized details, layered textures, and a balance between relaxed and refi ned. “The whole shoot came together as a celebration of individuality; for couples who love the city, but crave something green, characterful, and a little bit different.” – enjoy!

Be inspired in the 93rd issue of Your North West Wedding magazine

Emma and Siobhan met in modern fashion, on an online dating app! “Emma had recently been catfished and didn't hold out much hope for online dating anymore,” shares Siobhan. “We found out later we actually had a mutual friend – so they could have introduced us!” For their first date, the pair headed to The Castle pub on Oldham Street in Manchester city centre. “We're very different personality wise, but both hold the same values which is important so hit it off straight away.” Emma proposed to Siobhan on their summer holiday in August 2023, outside the small cottage they'd rented in the Loire Valley, France. “At the time our daughter was just one. We were both of the opinion that marriage wasn't for us, but Emma changed her mind after making a podcast earlier that year for BBC Sounds called 'Danny Beard on love and same sex marriage'. Interviewing different LGBT couples from all over the country made her realise how important and beautiful marriage could be.” On the day, after a lovely barbecue and dessert Emma made Siobhan close her eyes and when she opened them, she was on one knee with her grandma's engagement ring. “Despite being in a wine region Emma made a rash purchase in a corner store and we celebrated with the worst wine ever!” laughs Siobhan. “We bought Champagne a few days later and celebrated again!”

Find out more about their sepcial day in the 93rd issue of Your North West Wedding magazine

Joanne and Martin Foster met in traditional fashion through friends on a pub crawl! “We bonded over our love of music and spent early dates going to see live music and bands locally,” shares Joanne. After romance blossomed, a relationship began and a young family started, Martin's surprise proposal for Joanne was on a pram walk with their baby daughter. “He dropped down on one knee on a quaint bridge with the water rushing by underneath,” recalls Joanne. “He did however open the box upside down and so there was a bit of a scramble to make sure the ring didn't fall out into the river!” Luckily that didn't happen, and Joanne was delighted with the antique-looking diamond and sapphire ring. It was a sunny summer afternoon, and the happy couple celebrated by going for a drink in their local and meeting friends there – just like how they met! “We are not into big or loud gestures, so this was perfect in every way,” adds Joanne. “Unfortunately, my cancer diagnosis the following month meant the wedding planning had to be delayed, though when this restarted the following year, it felt extra special given everything we had been through as a newly engaged couple with a small baby!”

Find out more about their sepcial day in the 93rd issue of Your North West Wedding magazine

Q - I keep chopping off my locks in the hope it will help the breakage and split ends, but they still look dry and 'fluffy'! Help, what can I do in time for our wedding day?

Trimming your hair is definitely a good habit to prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft – but if your strands still feel dry and fluffy, it's likely a sign of deeper dehydration or damage. First, take a look at your routine: Are you using heat tools regularly without a heat protectant? Are you over colouring your hair causing damage? Are you getting enough protein and oily fish in your diet to give the hair the nutrients it needs? Have you had your iron levels checked as this can really affect the hair. Try switching your conditioner to a deep treatment mask but use it every time you wash your hair, most of the modern ones now are instants. I'd recommend switching between something with protein like K18 and something super-hydrating like Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Mask. Also, consider adding a lightweight leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum to damp hair before styling. This will help lock in moisture and reduce that fluffy texture. My absolute favourite is 7SECONDS Detangler and Briogeo's bespoke Don't Despair, Repair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase works wonders too – avoiding rough towel-drying and just patting the hair dry can make a huge difference. Healthy hair isn't just about the cut – it's about care, consistency, and choosing the right products for your hair type.

Melissa Timperley, celebrity hairstylist/founder of Melissa Salons http://melissa-salons.com

Read more at: Your North West Wedding - Issue 92 June/July 2025

I've heard about the rise in Rococo-style weddings, and I am obsessed! How do I modernise it for my wedding day?

Armathwaite Hall has noted a 95% increase in 'Rococo wedding' being searched on Pinterest. If you're yet to see this trend for yourself, think Bridgerton to another level! But how can you make your Rococo wedding look effortlessly luxe without tipping over into dated?

1. Timeless elegance over extravagance
Instead of a mass of frills, chiffon and bows for your wedding dress, why not opt for a modern mermaid silhouette and bring in the Rococo references with a corset fastening or pearl-encrusted bodice?

2. Sophistication over showy décor
Think single strings of pearls or a delicate high neck on your wedding dress. Opt for subtle silk bows dotted around your reception area, rather than gaudy, oversized versions stuck to the backs of your bridesmaid dresses! Keep the intricate, embroidered fabric that characterised the Rococo era to larger items – such as tablecloth.

3. Pretty pastels over gilded gold
Make sure gold is used as a secondary accent colour only, keeping your primary focus on fresh pastels – lavender, blush pink and peach. Swap old-fashioned golden gilt candelabras for contemporary glass pastel versions and opt for a cake iced in eye-catching pastel tones.

4. Bridgerton music!
Create that true Baroque era atmosphere by hiring a string quartet or classical band to play at your wedding. But make sure they play Rococo-era-inspired versions of well-known modern songs – à la Bridgerton.

5. The venue is everything
Look for somewhere featuring traditional, ornamental décor, a breathtaking ballroom and rolling grounds. If you're lucky, you might snag somewhere with a sweeping staircase to make your grand entrance.

6. Stay sustainable
Beeswax candles are more environmentally friendly and burn 'clean', meaning they don't produce any harmful byproducts. Biodegradable confetti and reusable faux flowers allow you to add further pops of pastel colour without harming the planet.

7. Embrace high hair
When it comes to hair, think Marie Antoinette but modern! Instead of larger-than-life hair that towers high above your head, opt for a high, messy bun with a relaxed feel. Gentle curls and artfully placed tendrils will complete your contemporary take on the famous Baroque hairstyle.

8. Pearls, pearls, and more pearls
Whether you plan to wear them around your neck, on your wrist or sewn onto the fabric of your dress or suit, pearls are the perfect finishing touch to a Rococo outfit. You can even place loose pearls into coupe glasses or vases and add them to your tablescaping arrangements as the ideal Rococo-inspired ornaments.

9. Avoid sepia filters
While it might be tempting to get a few black and white or sepia-toned photos, your pastel celebration runs the risk of losing its modern edge when stripped of its colour.

10. Keep things playful
When we think of the past, we often think of everyone as buttoned up and stuffy – yet the Rococo period was anything but!

www.armathwaite-hall.com | 01768 776 551

Read more at: Your North West Wedding - Issue 92 June/July 2025

Nadia and Matthew met 11 years ago at JD Sports, Trafford Centre, where they both worked. Nadia oversaw the junior department, and Matthew supervised the changing rooms (conveniently for this love story, the changing rooms were located next to the junior section). Work chat turned to flirty banter, and it wasn't long before the couple were enthralled by one another. Matthew recalls, “we both played hard to get and to this day still argue over who made the first move; although, it was Nadia that slid into my DMs first wanting to 'swap a shift', which was code for do you want to go on a date”. Matthew knew pretty quickly that Nadia would be a keeper, so he asked her to be his girlfriend on New Year's Day 2014 and 10 years later the happy couple would be getting married!

When it came to proposals, Matthew had a couple of planning hiccups to navigate. After just two years of dating Matthew wanted to put a ring on Nadia's finger, and luckily, her friend Becky worked in jewellery! Equipped with an expert friend and his mother, Matthew could begin the hunt. In 2019 he found the perfect ring and was now ready to pop the question, but what location would be the one? Matthew details, “I decided to book us a holiday to Cape Verde for May 2020 and had booked us a private meal on the beach whilst we were there, and that was to be my nerve-wracking moment to pop the question to Nadia... then COVID struck... the holiday was cancelled, and my plans were in tatters”. Suddenly we were all locked in our homes, and for Matthew he had a ring burning a hole in his pocket. Matthew adds, “from our bedroom window you can see Rivington Pike, and I thought that would be nice, we can see the place I proposed every morning when we wake up. So, that's where I popped the question, not quite Cape Verde but still very special nonetheless”.

Dive into the details of their wedding day at: Your North West Wedding - Issue 92 June/July 2025