Editor loves and inspiration

Amber Cox from Weddings with Amber Cox worked with a team of local suppliers to create this wintry styled shoot at Minstrel Court. Amber tells us: “We wanted to create a stunning winter themed shoot, showing that even if you’re having a wedding near Christmas, it doesn’t need to be full of reindeer and snow. Keeping it some-what traditional with red and green hues, we tied in glitter tablecloths and pearls that brought that extra winter sparkle. The golden hour in the gorgeous winter sunshine was the perfect backdrop for a champagne spray.”

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

Katy and James met through work and quickly became friends. “We got in touch again a few years later and that initial friendship meant we just felt comfortable together, but it was still so exciting,” says Katy. “I just remember on the first date non-stop smiling and being big kids together at the funfair.”

James proposed on a beach in Hastings, in the same spot where the couple met for their first date. “He had put together a treasure hunt, which led us to discover the ‘treasure’ aka the engagement ring and he popped the question,” shares the bride. “The whole day had been so thoughtfully planned out – it was such a surprise that he had kept very well hidden.”

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

Hannah from Coco & Pearl tells us her wedding dress trend predictions for 2025.

"The mix-and-match approach offers a level of customisation that appeals to modern brides. It’s a trend that allows more flexibility in tailoring the top and bottom to the bride’s unique shape. Why not opt for a separate top for the ceremony and a chic, easier-to-move- in option for the reception, so you can dance the night away?

"The return of the princess-inspired ballgown is a beautiful twist on traditional bridal fashion. Layered skirts will allow brides to embrace drama, volume, and a sense of fairytale magic, all while adding a modern flair."

Head over to our Bridal Boutiques feature in the current issue to see more trend predictions. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Boutique Cambridgeshire wedding venue, Swynford Manor, has been named the UK’s most romantic location to tie the knot by the Nation’s Wedding Awards. With more than 250 finalists across 28 different categories, Swynford Manor was announced as the most ‘Romantic Wedding Venue of the Year’ at the awards ceremony.

Sian Parry, the venue manager at Swynford Manor, said: “The Swynford Manor team works incredibly hard to deliver one-of-a-kind weddings to all of our couples on a weekly basis. We are ecstatic to be recognised for our dedication and commitment – not only by the English Wedding Awards but also by The Nation’s Wedding Awards – and this achievement is a real testament to all our hard work.”

Originally built in the 1800s, Swynford Manor is an elegant exclusive- use wedding venue with a striking monochrome interior, plush furnishings and views across the Cambridgeshire countryside. A delightfully elegant and enticing space, Swynford Manor is fast becoming a popular and versatile wedding venue, licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies with up to 150 day and 220 evening guests.

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

Kate and Dan met at school. “Dan spent the next 10 plus years chasing after me,” says Kate. “We have been friends since secondary school but have been dating for the past eight years.”

Dan popped the question during a birthday trip to Iceland. “He booked a trip to see the Northern Lights in November 2022 and proposed to me on a beach at sunset in front of a lighthouse,” shares the bride. “It was a complete surprise and I only had the first idea something was up when he asked a group of girls to take a photograph of us both, as we never take photos together!”

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

Originally established in 2015 as Pheasant Catering, Holland Hospitality is relaunching the brand, bringing fresh opportunities and innovative catering solutions to East Anglia. “At Holland Hospitality, we believe that every event deserves exceptional food and service,” says the team. “Driven by a passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to outstanding service, we have built a reputation for creating memorable moments. Our journey began with a vision to elevate event catering, and we’ve since expanded our offerings to include a diverse range of services, from weddings and corporate events to private dining and bar hire.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to exceptional, personal service. Our experienced team ensures that every detail is managed seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy your event without worry. From our catering event manager overseeing the day to our skilled chefs and attentive waiting team, we are here to bring your vision to life. Additionally, our wedding coordinator service ensures your special day is executed flawlessly.

“At Holland Hospitality, we prioritise quality, creativity and personalisation. We source fresh, local ingredients and focus on innovative dishes that reflect seasonal flavours and your preferences. Our friendly staff are trained to provide exceptional service, making sure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.

“As we embark on this new journey as Holland Hospitality, we look forward to connecting with venues and clients who share our passion for outstanding hospitality. We invite you to join us in creating unforgettable moments filled with great food, laughter and joy.”

Head over to our Catering feature in the current issue to meet more local caterers. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Stephanie Cawley from Stephanie Aexandra Bridal tells us what hair and make-up looks will be popular for weddings in 2025.

"For 2025 weddings, we will see brides favouring glowing, healthy skin with soft sculpting that enhances their natural features without looking overly contoured. Brows have taken on many forms over the last few years, but in 2025 brides will continue to choose full, groomed brows with a more natural shape.

"Blush is definitely back; applying it to the high points of the cheeks and sweeping toward the temples adds a romantic, soft-focus effect, perfect for creating a flushed bridal glow.

"Eyes are the focal point, but for 2025, we will see much softer shades like taupe and bronze as well as cooler tones. Brides will gravitate towards a diffused, smokey eye look that really celebrates ‘less is more’.

"While neutral tones remain popular for lips, we will see deeper shades like mauves, rosewoods and soft berries, enhancing the classic bridal look without overshadowing the make-up.

"Hair trends are leaning towards elegant up-dos, loose waves and textured half-up styles, often accented with delicate accessories. Sleek, low ponytails can also be seen in Vogue, providing a chic yet understated option for a fashion-forward bride."

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

Cally and Paul met at work where Paul was working as a chef and Cally as a civilian contractor. “We worked together then parted ways as friends as we both moved away,” says Paul. “We were both from the Bury St Edmunds area and seven years later we contacted each other online and reconnected.”

Paul popped the question in 2023 while the couple were travelling from Central Canada to East Coast Vancouver. “We spent nights in different campsites along the way, visiting lakes, waterfalls and all the scenic views,” shares the groom. “For our last night, we decided to go back to Banff, which we fell in love with on our second night there. We set up a camera at the campsite overlooking the mountains and waved goodbye to Canada. We took a few pictures together from the tripod, and I told Cally I needed to change the angle on the camera, but I changed the setting to video and then ran back and got down on one knee and proposed on video in front of our favourite mountains. She had no idea!”

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

Fall in love with this dramatic styled shoot organised by photographer Veira Studios at their studio.

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

Emma and Bradley met each other online. “We had a short first date due to being interrupted by a pub quiz,” says Emma. “I was attracted to Bradley because of his kind nature and good looks.”

Bradley proposed in Portugal on Emma’s birthday. “It was a complete surprise,” shares the bride. “In fact, I had no idea and he kept insisting that we went for a walk along the beach after dinner, but at this point it was really dark, so I questioned it. He ended up proposing back at the hotel and I was in complete shock, but it was perfect.”

“Swynford Manor was very different from what we had been looking at; we had explored rustic and converted barns, but they just weren’t ticking all the boxes,” explains Emma. “We walked into Swynford Manor and just fell in love with it. The fact that it had bedrooms on-site meant that we could extend the festivities and have loved ones stay and share breakfast with us the next day.”

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