Editor loves and inspiration

Harriet and Bernie met at young farmers and connected over their shared sense of humour. After their relationship blossomed, Bernie proposed to Harriet on Christmas Eve at Waxham Beach. “It was a complete surprise and he had picked out a beautiful opal and diamond ring,” says Harriet. “It was lovely getting to visit our friends over Christmas to share our exciting news.

"We always talked about the things we’d like to have at our wedding, creating a day completely personal to us as a couple,” adds Harriet. “We wanted to handcraft as many elements as possible and work with lots of local small businesses. So, it felt right to marry on our family farm, The Old Vicarage Campsite, where we have a field for such events and have hosted weddings before. Our ceremony was held in the woodland, which means a lot to us as a couple. When we discovered a clearing under a beautiful oak tree, we knew it was where we wanted to start our married life. It felt very special to be among the trees and natural surroundings. Our reception was held nearby at Bluebell Corner, just a short walk away, in a marquee provided by Dottie Events & Hire. Within our marquee, we kept the décor simple, opting for wooden trestle tables, folding chairs and natural tablecloths. Each table was decorated with a mix of vintage glass and earthenware bud vases, filled with airy grasses and flowers to mirror the colours of my bouquet."

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

Celebrant Dawn Rees explains why you should book a celebrant for your wedding.

"A wedding celebrant is a professional trained to undertake weddings for couples who choose to have a ceremony in addition to their legal register office ceremony. I am a humanist celebrant, which means I am trained, accredited and insured by Humanists UK. As a humanist, I do not include religious elements in my ceremonies. An independent celebrant is often trained by other professional bodies and often includes religious elements within the wedding ceremony if the couple requests it.

"What’s the difference between a celebrant-led ceremony and other wedding ceremonies? I’d say it’s all about the relationship you build with your celebrant. By getting to know you, they can weave your story into the most wonderful pattern of words and symbolism. It enables you to have a ceremony that truly represents who you are. The biggest difference is probably the level of personalisation you can build into a celebrant-led ceremony. If you choose to have a registry office marriage for the legal bits, consider having a brief ‘you plus two witnesses’ ceremony that deals with the legal aspect, and choose a celebrant-led ceremony for the personal aspects. Most of my couples tell me that they consider their humanist ceremony to be their real wedding day."

To meet more wedding planning tips, head over to our Planning SOS feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Jeweller April Dace shares her tips for incorporate the spring season into your wedding jewellery.

"There are so many ways to add a little spring to your wedding jewellery. My first thoughts are to incorporate some subtle hints of colour. Look for jewellery in mixed metals, such as rose gold and silver or yellow gold and white gold, to bring some warmth and freshness. If you’re not shy about colour or sparkle, look for jewellery with gemstones such as tourmalines and sapphires. These gemstones have a beautiful range of tones, ranging from bold and vibrant to soft and subtle. Pale pinks and woodland greens are my favourites and showcase the beauty of the season perfectly.

"Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more traditional or prefer things simple, diamonds are a classic and timeless addition to any dress or suit and won’t clash with your hair, make-up, or other wedding day accessories. If you’re a pearl lover, even better! Pearls are a great way to add subtle colour and softness without breaking the bank."

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

Tilly and Jordan met when they were teenagers. “We got along really well and had lots in common,” says Tilly. “Jordan proposed in 2017 at Centre Parcs. He bought our daughter a babygrow that said, “mummy, will you marry daddy?” It was a complete surprise and I was very shocked.”

"We chose Hungarian Hall for our reception because the hall was perfect for our chilled-out, relaxed day and the grounds were just beautiful. The owners were also very kind and attentive to our needs."

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

Matthew Dawson from Swynford Manor put together this summer-themed shoot with the help of some talented local suppliers. “Our main dining room is called the Garden Room, so we decided to bring the garden and trees inside,” says Matthew. “We felt the olive trees worked with our high ceilings and large glass windows. We chose golden charger plates and glassware to keep the set-up classy and luxurious. The main and new addition for this shoot was the Lady Augusta Pavilion for outdoor ceremonies. This is our second outdoor licensed ceremony area and can hold up to 150 guests. We decorated it with olive trees lining the aisle and large floral urns.”

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

Katie and Darren first laid eyes on each other when they became next-door neighbours. “We always got along well whenever we bumped into each other, but Darren moved to another house and soon after, so did I,” says Katie. “A few years later, we met at work after I started a new job at the same place as Darren. We were put on the same team during a period of 12-hour shifts and instantly hit it off. There was a mutual attraction and an instant spark between us. We would laugh and talk and we realised we had loads in common. We started meeting outside of work for yoga classes and walks and eventually got together after Darren cooked me an irresistible dinner. That was seven years ago and we have since bought a house together and had twin boys.”

Darren popped the question for Katie’s 40th birthday. “He took me away for a hotel break; we had a fantastic time and he spoiled me rotten,” shares the bride. “I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I had secretly hoped he might propose, but it didn’t happen. I just told myself to be patient. The next day we came home and I was instructed to get ready for a late birthday lunch at a restaurant with my parents. I was taken to the restaurant, where I was led into a private dining room. To my utter shock and amazement, there were about 40 of my closest family and friends shouting surprise! There was a buffet, cake and presents. Darren had organised the whole thing. To top it all off, he gave a lovely speech and called me up, only to get down on one knee and propose with a gorgeous ring in front of everyone! I was in tears and, of course, said yes. It was lovely to be able to celebrate with everyone straight away and show off my bling!”

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