Editor loves and inspiration

Molly and Chris met when they were both working at a racecourse. “We had a team-building day, at which point we had never met and were partnered against each other,” says Molly. “Sparks soon started flying, and we found out we are very competitive! A few months after dating, we travelled to New Zealand and Hong Kong in a van with a tent on top of it. Chris soon learnt my love of planning everything and I discovered Chris’ love of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Wine! Everyone thought it was going to be a disaster trip, but it was the start of our amazing adventure in life together and we can’t wait to take our two boys back.”

Chris proposed in Saint Lucia while the couple were on a family holiday. “It was a complete surprise and totally magical,” shares the bride. “We drove around the island looking for waterfalls, and by the third attempt, with Chris becoming more agitated, we decided to settle for a beautiful beach, where he went down on one knee and asked me to marry him. What is so special is that he designed the ring with my uncle, who is a jeweller in Hatton Garden, London. He asked my mum for permission the night before, as she wouldn’t be able to keep a secret!”

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

Hair stylist Rebecca Clark shares her suggestions for an October wedding.

"Personally, I think the time of year shouldn’t affect the hairstyle that you choose. With the right hairstylist and products, your dream style can be created at any time of the year. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and that you feel like you! Don’t choose a style because you think it’s bridal or will last all day. Choose your style because it’s the hair that you’ve always dreamed of. I would quite often recommend my brides to use clip-in hair extensions to ensure that the style holds all day, including all of the dancing in the evening."

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

Julie and Steve met on a dating site, and over time, their relationship blossomed. In 2022, for their one-year anniversary, Steve got down on one knee and proposed, which was a big surprise for Julie.

"Steve and I tied the knot at St Peter's Church in Carlton Colville, Suffolk," says Julie. "We went to a wedding fair at the Wherry Hotel and just loved it for our reception. We wanted a summer wedding, so we chose to incorporate flip-flops for our guests and flower seeds with our names on them. We also gave our friends and family scratch cards and sweets."

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

Photographer Simon Watson organised this styled shoot. “I met Kim, who owns Ormesby Manor,” says Simon. “I fell in love with the venue right away. It’s stunning and offers so much, so I knew I wanted to organise a styled shoot there.”

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

Gemma and Adrian were instantly attracted to each other. “We have a lot in common, with many of the same interests,” says Gemma. “I liked Adrian because he always had something interesting to talk about. He was also nicely dressed on dates and always made an effort.”

For Gemma, the proposal was a complete surprise. “After having dinner at a restaurant in Brantôme, France, Adrian and I walked to the end of a bridge where we’d often go get ice cream when we went on holiday there,” shares the bride. “He asked me to be his wife and it was wonderful.”

"Woodhall Manor was gorgeous and had plenty of space for our guests," adds Gemma. "The rooms and the grounds were immaculate! We really enjoyed the venue’s menu tasting day, where we tried some of the courses, pre-drinks and wine. The venue manager, Lorraine, and wedding coordinator, Beth, were incredibly helpful and we couldn’t have done it without them! We also really liked that the venue had a separate bar and dancefloor to separate the night and day. Everyone really enjoyed it there and we still talk about it now!"

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

This multicoloured festival-inspired shoot was organised by the team at Minstrel Court and Amber Cox from Ambers Bakes and Cakes. Amber tells us: “The aim of this shoot was to pull together all of my favourite local suppliers and create a fun, festival wedding. Using disco balls and an array of bright colours, we used Minstrel Court as our blank canvas to bring our vision to life. It was the perfect collaboration, with all of the suppliers bringing their strengths to the table and showcasing what they do best. I wanted to emphasise that not all weddings have to be white and formal; you can add colour, flare and personalisation and have an exciting, jam-packed day! Real couple, Saskia and Ben, were our models and the images show the true spark between this gorgeous couple.”

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

To help make your wedding stand out for all the right reasons, it pays to get the entertainment right. For the happy couple, the big day may go by in a flash, but for family and friends, especially travel-weary guests or those with young children, any lulls in the proceedings can dampen the feel-good factor. Nothing brings people together more than laughter and shared experiences, so it’s essential that you hire a supplier who will keep your guests smiling throughout the day. To help give you heaps of inspiration, we’ve interviewed Bertie Anderson, also known as Bertie Bow, to find out more about her business.

Bertie Anderson, also known as Bertie Bow, is a musician with more than 20 years of experience. “I know exactly how to provide that magical musical sparkle to your day,” says Bertie. “I have curated an ever-expanding programme of violin repertoire, especially for weddings. Inspired by Bridgerton, I love playing pop and rock covers on violin with high-quality piano and guitar backing tracks, creating a sophisticated, contemporary atmosphere for a ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast. I can provide my repertoire list on request, which also includes a varied selection of classical, film, music theatre and jazz music.

“I’m based in Cromer, Norfolk, but am happy to travel around East Anglia. I’m always keen to perform specific requests during the ceremony, for the bride or groom’s entrance, signing of the register and exit, to create your perfect soundtrack.”

Head over to our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue to see more. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Salon Nine, a hair and beauty salon based in Suffolk, has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024 at the illustrious Hair and Beauty Awards (The HBA). Founded in 2021, Salon Nine has quickly established itself as a premier destination for brides-to-be, offering hair and beauty services tailored to create unforgettable wedding day experiences.

Rebecca Clark, the owner of Salon Nine, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award: “Winning the Bridal Salon of the Year award is an incredible honour for our team at Salon Nine. We are passionate about making every bride feel beautiful and special on their wedding day, and this recognition is a testament to our dedication and hard work. We are immensely proud and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients.”

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

Chloe and John first laid eyes on each other at work. “Chloe complemented my car one morning as we were arriving to work,” says John. “We spoke briefly and I rushed into work, not fully embracing her comment. We then met again during a work party. I set my eyes on her and thought she was lovely, but that I had no chance – not in my league! That turned out to be a false assumption and in summer 2016, we started exchanging messages and we went from there!”

John proposed on Christmas Eve. “We were warm and cosy at home by the Christmas tree,” shares the groom. “I think I surprised her by getting down on one knee and asking her to be my wife.”

“I worked at Hintlesham Hall Hotel for nine years overseeing weddings,” explains John. “We looked at several venues, but once we visited Hintlesham Hall Hotel, we agreed it had to be there. It’s a stunning, majestic location and I don’t think you can do any better. Tracy at the Hintlesham Hall Hotel gave us a tour of the beautiful hall and discussed all the highlights and what to expect to make our day as perfect as it was. We cannot thank Tracy, Yuriy, Jade and John enough for looking after us and all our guests for helping us have the best day of our lives!”

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

Make-up artist Lily Thomas reveals the latest make-up trends.

"Most brides want to glow and not look like a shiny disco ball; a pearlescent glow is the easiest way to get the youthful lite from within. Use a liquid pearlescent product like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter for an all-over glow or Iconic London Illuminating Drops; lightly dab it over the skin with a beauty blender or brush once you’ve finished your foundation. I’d recommend avoiding the forehead area and focusing on the cheeks, nose and brow bone to enhance your features.

"Blush has made a real comeback in recent years and it’s definitely not just a trend. Use a liquid or cream blusher for a long-wearing look; apply a little more than you usually would to avoid looking washed out on your wedding day. I love Nudestix Nudies Cream Blush in shades Picante, Nude Peach and Cherie as it adds colour back to the cheeks.

"Dreamy matte skin is seamlessly blended to achieve healthy, fresh- looking skin without any shine. Use matte or satin-finish foundations and bronzers, set with a pressed setting powder like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Setting Powder and Setting Spray to minimise shine. To add colour to the cheeks, buff a matte cream blusher using a fluffy brush. Soft pinks and browns work really well with this look."

Head over to our Looking Your Best feature in the current issue to see more. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download