Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers in the West Midlands.
The Bridal Outlet by Wedding Belles of Four Oaks is a new bridal boutique in Sutton Coldfield. Owners Melanie and Claire have an impressive 35+ years of combined experience in bridal styling, and are owners of the award-winning flagship store, Wedding Belles of Four Oaks, which recently celebrated its sweet 16 milestone.
Melanie and Claire tell us: “At The Bridal Outlet, we firmly believe that every bride deserves to feel like the most beautiful version of herself on her special day without breaking the bank or compromising on style. We are here to redefine the concept of off-the-peg dresses entirely. For too long, off-the-peg dresses have been associated with compromises in quality and luxury. However, we aim to change that perception. The Bridal Outlet offers a carefully selected collection of designer sample dresses that showcase the finest craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Each dress in our collection has been meticulously chosen to ensure an exceptional fit, exquisite construction, and the use of high-quality fabrics. We understand that every bride is unique, and our diverse collection caters to a range of styles, silhouettes, fabrics, and sizes."
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Emily and Nathan met online and hit it off right away. “He was a nice guy to talk to and good looking, which of course, helped,” says Emily. “Nathan proposed to me in July 2020 in the Shropshire Hills. He took the biggest rucksack in the world and filled it with fleeces, waterproofs and everything you would need, even though it was July! I didn't think much of it, but he later said that he didn't want me to find the ring, so he filled it to the brim in case I needed anything! Just before he proposed, there was a steep hill, I remember walking up and turning around, and he was fumbling around with the bag, and I thought, 'I'm just going to carry on as this hill is too steep to wait around!'. At that moment, Nathan was grabbing the ring from the bag and putting it in his pocket! When we reached the top, he took a photo with my back facing him. I remember standing there for ages and saying, 'Are you done yet?' Nathan replied, 'Nearly there', but he sounded like he was standing right behind me, so I responded with, 'You're standing too close, the photo is going to be rubbish!' He soon shouted, 'Done!', and I turned around, and there he was, down on one knee with the box. He hadn't even opened it yet, and I burst into tears.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
The theme for this styled shoot was spring with an editorial twist. Grace, the photographer and organiser, tells us: “We chose a Pronovias gown with a suit-like structure paired with a sleek up do. Later in the day, we created a second look that was more whimsical and traditional.”
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Hair and make-up artist Sophie Sheridan shades how to create a fresh finish for your wedding.
"I always tell my brides that creating a fresh and glowing complexion starts with good preparation," says Sophie. "Glowing skin starts from within. Ensure you're drinking three litres of water a day; this will flush out toxins and reveal a healthy glow that is difficult to create with make-up alone.
"On the big day, begin with your morning skincare routine followed by an illuminating primer, and buff this well into the skin. Follow with a light layer of foundation. Apply a creamy concealer to any areas that need a little more coverage and blend well. Add definition and dimension using a cream bronzer and blush. Finish with a liquid highlighter on your cheekbones and high points and lightly blend. Set your look with a generous amount of setting spray. Remember to keep your setting spray on hand to freshen up your look throughout the day!"
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Like most modern couples, Laura and Rich met online. “We went out for dinner for our first date,” says Laura. “Rich brought a book of conversation starters in case we had nothing to talk about. Luckily, it stayed in his pocket, as we had a lot in common. My first impression of Rich, with his designer shirt, leather jacket and earrings, was, 'Yikes, this guy is going to be way too cool for me', but he turned out to be just as nerdy as I am; I needn't have worried. We bonded over our shared love of sci-fi and fantasy, and he impressed me with the first thing he cooked: chicken and pesto lasagne.”
Rich asked Laura to be his wife while on a walk in Buxton. “We'd gone away for a few days and came across a beautiful monument called Solomon's Temple on the top of a hill. I remember I was in a grumpy mood because of something that had happened at work, so we were looking out over these glorious views of the Peak District, and I was still chuntering away, when he came out with, 'I don't have a ring, but'. I think he only did it to cheer me up and change the subject, but it was still an amazing moment. The fact that it was unplanned also means I got to choose my ring, so it worked out perfectly."
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
The team here at Your West Midlands Wedding adore this luxurious styled shoot at Swinfen Hall. It's full of inspiration, from showstopping fashion to delicious cakes.
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Alex and Dom met in a bar in their early twenties. They already knew each other through family friends but became close when they started working together. “Dom claimed he had always fancied me,” laughs Alex. “He had a great sense of humour and made me laugh. There was quite a lot of flirting at work and a lot of will we/won't we get together until he asked me on a proper date, and the rest is history.”
Dom proposed during a trip to Edinburgh. “It was a surprise, although looking back, I think there were a lot of hints, like how interested everyone was in what we were doing and his mum paying for me to get my nails done,” shares the bride. “It was a complete shock, but we couldn't have been happier.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Keen to show how rich deep hues can create a bold but elegant statement on your wedding day, Nikki Johnson from Lolli & Bean Cakes contacted a host of local suppliers to create this styled shoot. “This was created with romantic flowing florals, a trio of elegant cakes with a mix of hand-crafted sugar and fresh flowers, sophisticated modern stationery and venue styling all tied in to create a stylish winter wedding,” says Nikki. “To give a modern element to the shoot industrial-style plinths, candle holders, flower stem vases and celestial frame were used. We chose Standon Hall, a Grade II listed early 20th century mansion, in the heart of Staffordshire as the venue. We were lucky to have two amazing photographers working alongside each other to capture the images. As a fashion photographer originally, Molly captured the special up-close details of a wedding day and the couple's love through candid shots. Eleanor is a fine art, emotive wedding photographer who combines candid shots with romantic and intimate portraits to capture weddings images full of happy memories."
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Tspcake in Stoke-on-Trent design and make romantic, elegant wedding cakes for couples wanting a modern style but with a nod to the traditional. Owner Heather specialises in sugar floristry and creates show-stopping pieces of art that will keep your guests talking as well as looking forward to eating.
“I love making bespoke wedding cakes and I'm always happy to work with you to design something special,” says Heather. “Wedding consultations take place by appointment only and my dates tend to get booked up quickly, but I will try and accommodate weekday and weekend appointments. The consultations are for up to two people to discuss your ideas and requirements. After an initial chat via phone or email, I will provide a quote and if you'd like to go ahead, I will secure your date in my diary. You will then be contacted closer to your wedding to arrange your sample box and design consultation. I can also provide cake stands, logs etc if needed.”
See more from our Cakes and Sweet Treats feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
The Bank House Hotel has re-opened its stunning new Elgar Suite following a six-figure refurbishment. With a stylish new carpet, electric curtains and redesigned bar area and entrance, the Elgar Suite is once again ready to welcome weddings and events.
New flooring offers a neutral colour scheme and will enable brides and grooms to create a completely bespoke wedding theme. The room can host up to 400 guests but can be divided using the electric curtains to create a more intimate space if needed.
See more from local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download