Editor loves and inspiration

The Glass House in Staining, Lancashire, has launched an outdoor bar and dessert table. The table of sweet treats includes cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, doughnuts, macarons and much more, ideal for an evening snack or as an alternative to a cake. While the Shepherd's Hut Bar is a help-yourself bar full of gins and vodkas – a fun addition to the drinks reception or after-party.

Offering picturesque views of the countryside stretching across to the Pennines, the property is an elegant blank canvas decorated with wooden beams, fairylights and floor-to-ceiling windows. The bi-folding doors lead directly onto the enclosed garden, create the perfect set-up for group shots, or the wooded areas and fields of wildflowers make a fantastic alternative.

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Jess and Sam met in drama class when they were both teenagers. “Sam asked if he could help me with my lines one day, and we hit it off straight away, becoming the best of friends,” says Jess. “We didn't become an official couple until we were a few years older and realised our bond was something more than friendship.”

Sam proposed on the day they moved into their first home together. “He originally planned to do it in Italy (my favourite place in the world), however, due to the pandemic, he had to make other plans,” shares the bride. “The day we got our keys, Sam worked with his best friend to set up the front room with candles, fairylights, flowers and rose petals. He was there waiting for me, and it was a big surprise! I never thought he would do it then, considering we had just spent all our money on the house! It was so romantic and intimate. I loved that it was just the two of us, and I cried my eyes out! Sam was very nervous, although I don't know why as we had been together for seven years by this point, and it was very clear we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.”

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

Becky & Josh is a laid-back acoustic duo based in Lancashire, providing music to weddings and events all over the North West and UK, putting their spin on a variety of pop, soul, R&B, Motown, jazz, and rock classics. A blend of acoustic guitar and vocals with additional percussion means you can expect to hear your favourite songs, but not in the way you know them. From your ceremony to the first dance, Becky & Josh will bring an upbeat atmosphere to your wedding day. The duo offers three packages designed to add music throughout the day, so whether you're looking for romantic classics, cheesy pop during your drinks reception, or classic soul and Motown for your wedding breakfast, they have something to suit.

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

Seamstress Rebecca Ferguson tells us how long before the wedding you should book your alterations.

"It's best to contact a seamstress as soon as you've bought your dress – even if it is going to take a full 12 months to arrive into the store. Bridal seamstresses can get booked up to a year in advance, so it's best to be ahead of the game with your appointments. You can also ask for a rough price so you can budget this into your costs.

"You may find that seamstresses work in different timescales and various ways. Generally, I recommend having your first fitting around eight to 12 weeks before your wedding date. This fitting will allow you to discuss any design changes you'd like to make (adding belts, sleeves etc), and we will also pin and measure the work that needs to be done to create the perfect fit."

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Charly and Mark met in Kirkby Lonsdale at a mutual friend's party. “We were introduced by a friend who thought we would get on,” says Charly. “Mark was a keen rugby player at the time, so for me, the physical attraction was instantly there, he then charmed me with his good humour and quick wit! By the time Mark proposed to me, we had been together for over 11 years, had a mortgage together and a young child, so it wasn't necessarily a surprise proposal, but I wasn't expecting it when it happened! We were on a walk at Tarn Hows in the Lake District with our daughter. We stopped to enjoy some lunch while sitting on the edge of the lake, and as we started to think about continuing our walk, Mark got down on one knee and pulled out a box containing a gorgeous ring! It was an immediate yes from me!”

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

A group of local suppliers worked together to create this quintessential tea party theme without it being too on the nose. “We wanted to use pale yellows and blues with a touch of green and cream,” says Sarah Nowak from The Shireburn Arms. “The rectangular, unclothed tables reflected the garden feel and the florals created a light, breezy atmosphere. Jennifer and I worked closely to create the aesthetic and contacted individual suppliers, who all added to the day. The ice cream bike and teacups added the final country feel along with the gorgeous cake design. We felt that the pictures of the bride and her mum were a fresh take on the important people of the day; both looked beautiful with natural hair and make-up and stunning dresses that fit the theme.”

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

Yolanda and Jordan met in 2013 in a nightclub. “He was absolutely obsessed with me,” laughs Yolanda. “After six months, I decided to go on a date with him, and here we are nearly 10 years later! Jordan proposed while we were away for his 30th birthday in Canada. We were at the top of Whistler Mountain when he asked me; it was a massive surprise! He even had a custom engagement ring made, which was stunning!”

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

This styled shoot at Victoria Warehouse was inspired by Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. "I have always loved Baz Luhrmann and appreciated his commitment to maximalism,” says photographer Kate McCarthy. “He has a distinct signature to his work that's instantly recognisable. Whilst all weddings are unique and magical, I like to think my photos are imbued with a thread of romance, a little nostalgia and unflinching honesty. At the start of every wedding season, I bring together my merry band of extraordinary women to stretch our legs creatively and sink our teeth into a styled shoot. This year, I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone, explore the spaces in the shadows and artificial light and with a nod to BA's Romeo + Juliet."

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

Deciding on the food and drink for your big day can be a difficult task, between finding a cuisine that everyone will like, catering for dietary requirements and looking for seasonal produce, it can be overwhelming! To help you decide on a show-stopping menu, we've asked Tender Cow for some of their top tips for creating a winter menu.

"“Bleak and harsh as it may be, winter is nature's invitation for us all to slow down, nourish ourselves and rest our weary bones," says Jess from Tender Cow. "We recommend leaning into the more lackadaisical pace of life and indulging in slow-cooked, nourishing dishes to stave off the winter blues. Think venison ragu served with buttery cauliflower puree and cavolo nero; slow braised feather blade with rich mashed potato and greens; buttered sprouts with chestnut puree and pancetta; chestnut mushrooms with spelt and pecorino or smoked creamed leeks with white fish and broccoli served with almonds and romesco.”

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

The historic Leighton Hall in Carnforth, Lancashire, is celebrating summer with delightful new wedding locations. Romance and weddings have been in abundance for 35 years at this historic hall, which has five indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites designed to sweep you and your guests off your feet. From the moment you arrive in front of the dramatic Gothic façade to saying 'I do' in historic splendour and dancing the night away under the magical Victorian glass, the friendly team will work with you to shape your party and bring your ideas to life.

Thanks to expert-sensitive restoration, the newly refurbished Victorian Conservatory is a truly special location for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Comfortably hosting up to 50 guests for ceremonies and receptions, it's the perfect way to bring the stunning outside in while keeping you feeling snug and serene.

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