All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in the North West, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Eve and Jonny tied the knot in a fun-filled celebration at New House Farm
Eve and Jonny met at a theatre company in Germany. "Jonny was an actor, and I was a prop maker," says Eve. "He was the second Northern person I'd ever met, so I thought of him as a bit of a celebrity. We got together one night on the dancefloor on the last weekend before Jonny embarked on a nine-month tour around Germany. I told him to stay in touch, and the rest is history." Jonny popped the question during a Sunday morning stroll around Greenwich Park in 2017. "Our two friends were with us and suggested they take a photograph of us under a tree," shares the bride. "When he proposed, I was very surprised and aghast for what felt like an eternity for Jonny, but I finally said yes. More of our friends were hiding in another area of the park with balloons, bunting and a picnic complete with personalised gingerbread men that looked like us."... read more
Posted: 24 September 2021
Three Little Words in Manchester is offering its premises to couples for free!
To celebrate the return of the wedding season, Three Little Words inManchester is offering its premises to couples for free! ManchesterGin's owners Seb Heeley and Jen Wiggins met over their love for gin and tonic and have cancelled their wedding three times due to COVID-19 restrictions but are now looking forward to their new date in 2022. Jen tells us: "We know how difficult it is to secure a wedding venue with so many cancellations meaning that properties are booked up years in advance, leaving limited options for those who have missed out this past year."... read more
Posted: 23 September 2021
Tips for planning a carnival-themed wedding
This is the first time I've heard of someone having a carnival theme, butI think it's a brilliant idea! To plan the perfect wedding, you need to ensure you have a budget in mind, as this will alter the number of choices available to you. Start by getting your guest numbers set in stone, so you know how much money you will have left for decorations and activities. I strongly advise hiring a wedding planner as they can find the most suitable venues and stylists for you so that you don't feel so overwhelmed.... read more
Posted: 22 September 2021
Dance the night away at Imperial Hotel Blackpool
Situated on Blackpool's glorious seafront, the Imperial Hotel Blackpool boasts sweeping views of the Irish sea and a dramatic seascape that looks stunning as the sunsets. The venue's palatial décor is befitting of the royalty, stars and statesmen that have visited over the years. Built in red brick with cream accents, the Grade II listed Victorian gem has retained its historical integrity with beautiful chandeliers and filigreed mouldings. The Churchill Room, Winston Churchill's private lounge during his time at No.10 is an intimate space with lushly appointed dark wood and space for 40 guests.... read more
Posted: 21 September 2021
Gifting etiquette for wedding guests this season
Attending the wedding of a friend or family member is one of life's privileges, so choosing an appropriate gift to honour their big day is an important task. Of course, being a wedding guest comes with its own list of wed-min, from booking accommodation to selecting outfits and more - particularly if you find yourself in the 'inner circle' or bridal party! So, that all-important gift is often left until the last minute. This is why the gifting experts at hampers.com have put together their ultimate guide to finding the perfect wedding present for the happy couple. Spoiler alert: It's not essential to stick to the gift list!... read more
Posted: 17 September 2021
A group of suppliers worked together to create this vintage-themed shoot
Wilderness Bride and Sara Ribera Photography teamed up to ability to create this Bonnie and Clyde-themed shoot. "We've been serving intimate weddings for quite some time now, years in fact," says Stephanie Mitchell from Wilderness Bride. "With the arrival of the pandemic, I was pondering the similarities between modern couples and the smaller weddings of the 1930s and 1940s, which coincidentally is where most of our inspiration derives from for our dress collections. I tend to go for themes with a slightly dark undertone and mischievousness and rebelliousness that isn't so obvious. Bonnie and Clyde came to mind as it encompasses all of the above with sleek sophistication and effortless style. Sara Ribera Photography and I decided to collaborate again and wanted to capture the romance of the city in a large and iconic Manchester building not necessarily known for weddings but ultimately perfect for them.... read more
Posted: 17 September 2021
Harmony String Quartet is offering a jukebox service at weddings
Harmony String Quartet brings an air of elegance to your big day, entertaining you and your guests with a range of musical genres, including modern, film, jazz and classical. As well as at weddings these talented musicians have performed at prestigious venues up and down the country from Glasgow to London. They've also worked alongside various artists such as Michael Ball and Sheridan Smith. The quartet is now offering a jukebox service at weddings. Anyone can choose a song to play, and it will be added to the group's playlist. This offers a chance for some lovely interaction for you and your guests, as well as allowing you to hear a wide range of music from their repertoire.... read more
Posted: 16 September 2021
Your chance to win a honeymoon of a lifetime to the Maldives
Courtesy of the luxury Maldivian resort brand, Coco Collection, is hosting a competition for all those couples that tied the knot in 2020 but were unable to celebrate with a honeymoon due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. The honeymoon competition, launching on 14th September at 12 noon Maldives Time, ending two weeks later on 27th September (also noon MVT) is open to anyone who married in 2020 (proof required) and missed out on a honeymoon; the prize includes: seven nights in a Coco Residence on Full Board including return airport transfers,a refreshing welcome cocktail on arrival, a bottle of Champagne & a tropical fruit platter on arrival, special bed decoration, choice of a complimentary, in-Villa Champagne breakfast or a romantic three-course candlelit dinner,15% discount on all treatments at the Coco Spa and a special gift.... read more
Posted: 15 September 2021
Boots Photo ultimate wedding day gifts
After the last 18 months, when the big day finally arrives you're going to want savour every moment and capture it on camera. After all the hardwork of wedding planning, and spending wisely on your wedding photographer, what more can be done with those memorable wedding pictures? Boots has a new wedding range of photo gifts perfect for newlyweds. From the hen do, to the pre-wedding photo shoot, to the big day and even the honeymoon there will be hundreds of pictures to utilise and make the most of these products...... read more
Posted: 15 September 2021
How to transform an outdoor space for your wedding
With any outdoor wedding, it's important to consider how it will work both during the day and in the evening. We use a lot of festoon lighting hung on shepherd's crooks to create cosy areas. Always use warm white bulbs rather than anything coloured. This effect looks great throughout the day and really brings a space to life after dark. For me, nothing is cosier than a firepit. The warmth and crackle of real logs burning on an open fire creates a great atmosphere.... read more
Posted: 15 September 2021
Say your vows at Calthwaite Hall
Hidden in plain sight in the centre of a traditional Cumbrian village is Calthwaite Hall. This Gothic stone country house has a sweeping driveway, accessed through a majestic wrought iron gate, which leads to a arched stone portico. Outside is a secret garden, historic terraces, curvaceous borders and lots of birds and wildlife. This lovingly restored and private property is perfect for exploring the wilderness of the Lake District, the Cumbrian coast and the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders and Hadrian's Wall.... read more
Posted: 14 September 2021
Ceara and Chris tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at St Catherine’s Church
"In typical modern fay fashion, Chris and I met online," says Ceara. "Our first date was a huge success, and over the next few months, we would meet up to go walking or exploring the Lakes. For the first two years, we commuted between Ulverston and St Bees each weekend, exploring different areas and building our relationship. In 2017, we decided to take the plunge and buy our first home in Eskdale." Chris proposed on Father's Day in 2019. "As we were unable to see our respective fathers that day, Chris suggested we go for a walk up Harter Fell at the bottom of Eskdale Valley," shares the bride. "When we got to the top, Chris told me to shut my eyes as he had a surprise. I genuinely thought he was going to give me a small Lindt chocolate bunny as we had several leftover from Easter, but when I opened my eyes, there was a ring! He asked me to marry him, and we had the most perfect day."... read more
Posted: 10 September 2021
Happy Hampers is offering date night hampers
Happy Hampers, a company providing wedding favours in Blackpool, has started offering date night hampers for couples who have booked with them. The owner Daniella Moody tells us more: "Happy Hampers was founded in November 2019 as a way of earning some extra more money for myself. When COVID-19 hit the following year, sales began to boom as I offer trusted payment plans that are paid directly via bank; standing order or PayPal. Since then, I have registered officially as a sole trader expanding daily with new ideas and products while also working as a health care assistant. I offer couples a fully understanding service.... read more
Posted: 9 September 2021
The latest wedding dress trends
Short wedding dresses are becoming a massive trend. You don't have to wear the traditional tea-length design, you could opt for a high front and low back like Gwen Stefani's Vera Wang gown or something like Lilly Allen's vintage mini Dior dress. If that's not for you, then how about ruffles? It can create extra detailing or you could go big with a ruffle mermaid skirt. Off-the-shoulder gowns are super flattering and very popular among most designers. Square necklines have also made a return thanks to Bridgerton setting a new trend.... read more
Posted: 8 September 2021
Get married at The North Lakes Hotel & Spa
The North Lakes Hotel & Spa is located on the edge of the picturesque town of Penrith and is easily accessible from the M6 motorway. Just a short walk from the hotel is the historic Penrith Castle and a wonderful selection of shops, cafés and restaurants. The venue's beautiful décor was chosen to reflect the rustic environment and rural heritage that makes the region so well known. Inside is a gorgeous spa that has been designed with luxury and comfort in mind, with exposed wooden beams, low lighting and a range of treatments.... read more
Posted: 7 September 2021
Your Confetti has launched a new wedding planning poster
Your Confetti has launched new products. To find out more, we spoke to the owner Louise Harrison: "While planning my wedding, I found confetti options very limited, and was so frustrated I ended up making my own! I wanted to find a way to give couples the perfect confetti, and so Your Confetti was born. We offer couples the option to pick and mix as many colours as you want in classic circles or timeless hearts, allowing you to have confetti that matches your theme and day. We hope that this will give you a stunning confetti moment, the memories and photos of which you will treasure forever. Many of our customers send us photos of their confetti in action, which is so great to see and makes it all worthwhile.... read more
Posted: 6 September 2021
Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!
As our wonderful world of weddings adapts to the new normal, eagerly looking to the roadmap ahead, County Wedding Magazines is here to share our readers' beautiful wedding days whatever the size of their guest list. From pre-Covid nuptials to post-lockdown micro-weddings, we want to feature them all, and we need your help! If you would like to see your wedding day featured across four entire pages of one of our magazines then please do get in touch following the link below.... read more
Posted: 3 September 2021
This glamorous styled shoot took place at the beautifully renovated Stock Exchange Hotel
Set in Manchester city centre is the beautifully renovated Stock Exchange Hotel. This chic venue provided the perfect backdrop for this glamorous styled shoot. "The property oozes style and luxury while retaining its original Art Deco and Victorian features, it also incorporates a modern spiral staircase of dreams and a penthouse suite to rival all others," shares Maria from Detail. "Working with a building where every detail has been considered, the styling needed to be pared back, in an understated yet luxurious way. The roses added a sense of opulence to the table setting with touches of gold through the cutlery, accessories and bridal cape."... read more
Posted: 3 September 2021
Ghyll Barn is a gorgeous new wedding venue in Cumbria
Ghyll Barn is a gorgeous new wedding venue in Cumbria. The property is ideal for couples looking for a rustic setting to say 'I do'. The reclaimed vintage interior has been lovingly curated with vernacular metals and timbers to create a bespoke décor. There are several charming spaces available for weddings, including the barn, which can accommodate 200 guests, the oak-framed gazebo for welcome drinks or the converted railway cabin. Check out www.ghyllbarn.co.uk for more information.... read more
Posted: 2 September 2021
De la Mare Creative, is offering an exclusive 10% discount to any couples that book in 2021
Local photographer, de la Mare Creative, is offering an exclusive 10% discount to any couples that book in 2021. Rachael tells us: "Weddings are full of precious moments, and we believe that our photographs and films are a wonderful way to preserve everything that makes them so special. It's all about people, and our priority is working with couples to capture beautiful memories that are shaped by the personalities of those in them and it's a privilege to do so! We offer stills and motion photography and film to tell the story of the day. We are also passionate about the power of printed photographs!... read more
Posted: 1 September 2021
Say 'I do' at Blaithwaite House
Blaithwaite House is a secluded property set within 30 acres of grounds and 50 acres of woodland. The rear of the venue backs onto a cobbled courtyard that leads onto an established orchard. The former Georgian frontage overlooks the gardens leading to the sandstone summer houses that are surrounded by ornate water. The Barn, with its sandstone walls, oak beams and chandeliers, has a rustic charm, yet the mansion house still holds onto the features of an estate home. The reception rooms have their own character, and the first- floor bedrooms offer fully refurbished en-suite facilities with old fireplaces, beams and sliding sash windows.... read more
Posted: 31 August 2021
What's that? Even MORE wedspiration from CWM!
Here at CMW HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We'd go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we've created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. Find tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings - after all, if we're honest, who doesn't love being a bit nosey! And we haven't stopped there, as you'll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks.... read more
Posted: 27 August 2021
Kat and Tom had a small ceremony at Manchester Register Office followed by a meal at Dukes 92
Kat and Tom met at a salsa dancing class. "Tom joined the class in order to meet me," laughs Kat. "He proposed in Mexico in March 2019. The date was significant as the Chichén Itzá Equinox was taking place, which only happens twice a year, and Tom knew it was my dream to see it. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we had a limited choice of venues and found Manchester Register Office was one of the nicest places in the area. As we couldn't have a reception, we had a meal and a few drinks at Dukes 92."... read more
Posted: 27 August 2021
Sipful has launched a range of wedding bundles
Sipful, a sustainable canned wine and cocktail brand in Cumbria, has launched a range of wedding bundles that would be the perfect addition to any celebration. Created by a husband and wife duo, the company make 250ml, fully recyclable canned wine and canned cocktails, all created using organic wine and 100 per cent natural fruit. The Wedding Bubbly Gift Box comes beautifully wrapped with white and cornflower blue ribbons and contains four organic cans of bubbly. It's ideal for gifting couples after they've made their announcement, as a pick me up for those that have had to postpone, or even to take along when they can finally go wedding dress shopping again!... read more
Posted: 26 August 2021
How to keep your hair in good condition for your wedding day
Planning your wedding is an exciting yet stressful experience that can take its toll on your hair. Healthy locks begin on the inside, so take vitamin supplements at least three months before the big day to help your hair thrive. Don't overuse heat and use treatments to help maintain strength and moisture. Get your tresses cut one month before, giving it plenty of time to settle. Right before your wedding isn't the time to try a drastic new style. Plan any extreme makeovers a year before the big day, allowing your hair time to grow if you don't love it. Aim to have achieved your target shade at least eight weeks before with a touch up the week before to ensure the colour looks fresh.... read more
Posted: 25 August 2021