Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers in the West Midlands.
Now that weddings are back in full swing, we wanted to celebrate with a fabulous photography feature full of wonderful images from some of the area's best photographers.
“This particular couple had been through some real hardships in the build-up to their special day, and it was a close call as to if the wedding would go forward or not. This photo, for me, symbolises them looking at each other as if to say, 'we did it'. They were so in love with one another, and it was a pleasure to capture their special day.” – Meg Quick from Meg Quick Photography.
See more from our Photography feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Kara-Mia Venue Styling in Coventry is expanding its styling range to include Chiavari chairs; these will be available to hire from May and are perfect for weddings and events.
Kara has been in the event industry her whole life, starting with a bridal shop, where she worked with beautiful gowns and listened to clients' needs. Kara began styling boxing venues, and as she says, “if you can add style to a boxing event, you can create luxury anywhere.” Today, Kara and her team style luxurious wedding venues in Coventry and Warwickshire. “As a family-run, independent business, we're committed to being reliable and trustworthy,” adds Kara. “We make sure Kara-Mia Venue Styling is available and responsive from our first consultation to when we collect our things from your venue. Our goal is to create a wedding space that reflects your unique love story.”
Kara-Mia Venue Styling will be hosting a wedding show at the Royal Court Hotel in Coventry on Sunday 8th October, 2023. It will include handpicked local suppliers and is a must-visit for couples planning their big day.
See more from local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Emily and Martin met in 2018 when Martin stopped by the pub where Emily was working. “Martin has always said he was attracted to me as soon as he saw me, so much so that when he came to order his drink, he wanted to say 'hi' and 'how are you?' but instead, he fumbled his words, and all that he said was 'how?',” laughs Emily. “This made me laugh, so we started to chat, and things grew from there. Martin proposed in June 2021 whilst we were having cocktails at The Shard in London. We've always loved weekends away in London, but this was a complete surprise. It was a really hot day, and Martin was wearing a suit and sweating a lot which I thought was because of the high temperature, but it turned out it was actually down to nerves.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
When organising your wedding budget, entertainment is something that's going to take a large share. Nothing brings people together more than laughter and shared experiences, so it's essential you hire a supplier who will keep your guests smiling throughout the day.
If you have a venue with a stunning outdoor space, why not make the most of it with some garden games? Not only are they fun for your guests, but you will also be amazed at the photos you get too. FeteStall Attraction has a selection of pretty and fun garden games that are perfect for cocktail hour. Whether you want a classic game of croquet at a stately home or some competitive hook-a-duck in the countryside, they have different games to suit every venue.
See more from our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
The team at June Peony Bridal Couture tell us what style of dress would suit a manor house wedding.
"A sophisticated A-line silhouette is elegant and flatters almost every body type. Look for a dress made from plain fabrics, like satin or Mikado, to create a fuller and more dramatic look.
"Lace and tulle will create a softer and more feminine look, perfect if you envision tying the knot in a magical garden or by the tranquil river outside a manor house.
"If your venue has a grand feature staircase, opting for a gown with a cathedral-length train will help you get some stunning, timeless wedding photos.
"Avoid overly sexy bodice details and opt for more understated ones instead. For example, a semi-sheer bodice covered in lace appliqué is preferable to a plunging neckline that reveals lots of cleavage."
See more from top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Summer and Samuel met during a night out in a pub. Their relationship blossomed and in May 2021, Samuel popped the question. “I was pregnant with our first child, and we had just been to our first scan,” says Summer. “Once we got home, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.”
Every time we drove past Ansty Hall, we always said that we wanted to tie the knot there," adds Summer. "It's so beautiful and overlooks a lovely view. We decided to stay there one night after we got engaged and knew instantly that it was the place we were going to get married.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Ettington Park was chosen for this styled shoot due to its Gothic architecture and beautiful décor. “We wanted something rich and suited to the Gothic theme,” says shoot coordinator and celebrant, Louise Goode. “We wanted to create a theatrical vibe with a touch of the rebellious and outrageous, and I think all the collaborators did just that. Our hair stylist, Dionne's Hair & Beauty, was right on cue with the wild and messy up do that she created for our model, Sarah, and we topped off the look with the perfect necklace and tiara from Uptight Clothing. The make-up artist Rachel from Finnella Beauty knocked it out of the park with her dark and sultry looks for both models. The boots from New Rock and jacket from Niamh Designs added a rebellious edge and the showstopping cake from Amy Bakers Cakes was striking, with red roses cascading down and inscribed with gold leaf. To finish the whole look, we invited fiddle player, Ralph Allin, to bring some electricity to the event with his skeletal red violin.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Sarah and Don met through mutual friends. “We hit it off right away and haven't looked back since,” says Sarah. “Years later, Don proposed in Rhodes, Greece. He took me to see the sunset at Kritinia Castle, and as I turned round after taking a picture, he was down on one knee.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Madi Baugh from Blush Floristry organised this styled shoot at High Grosvenor House to showcase three different wedding experiences. “Everyone is going to have a different type of day, but that's totally fine,” says Madi. “We showcased a mum with her children, a beautiful bride who wore what she wanted and a younger bride that opted for something a bit different to the standard white dress. We wanted to show a realistic perspective and that you can have what you want on your big day. We met with the team at High Grosvenor House for a private viewing and fell in love with the staff, the views and how easy they were to work with. We wanted to work with new suppliers, so I contacted local companies that had amazing socials. Everyone was so easy to work with, and it was a dream to create these images alongside them. The theme was set around the venue and dresses. We wanted to see what our models were drawn to whilst sticking to our rustic/boho vibe. The only thing we knew we wanted to incorporate was dried flower elements as the team loves pampas and natural-looking blooms.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
If you've booked your venue, then the next thing you'll be thinking about is how to style it. With so many options available, this can seem like a daunting task, but the most important thing to remember is that any space can be transformed with even the simplest of details. Kristie McCullough from Sorella Florist & Event Stylist tells us: "If you're after a rustic feel, consider hiring wooden tables instead of using linen, which can make it feel more traditional. Chairs are a big deal nowadays, and for a rustic theme, the wooden cross-back chairs are a must, couple this with foliage laid on the tables and beautiful wild, meadow-style flowers to complete the look.”
See more from our Venue Styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
