Editor loves and inspiration

Calling grooms-to-be, check out this suit inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz. Discover showstopping attire in our February/March issue, available to download for free now.

This stunning photo shoot, organised by the Warwick Arms Hotel, showcases a range of local businesses, from bridal couture to flowers, tablescapes and jewellery. Floss&Bea Lifestyle Photographer captured these stunning images that perfectly portrayed the romantic and atmospheric ambience of an autumn wedding.

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

Nicky and Scott met on a dating website. “Our first date consisted of drinks and a meal,” says Nicky. “We found that we had a connection straight away and Scott consistently made me laugh and was a complete gentleman.”

The happy couple went away to Wales with their family when Scott popped the question. “It was a real surprise, as Scott always struggles to keep a secret at the best of times, so the fact that he had hidden it from me for so long really shocked me,” shares the bride. “Scott had given me a telescope and named a star after me on a previous birthday, so his original plan was to point the telescope at the star and ask me to marry him, but, due to poor weather, he ended up proposing in the bedroom of our lodge.”

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

TDR Bridal organised this photo shoot to highlight diversity within the wedding industry and to reflect on the wide range of customers that the boutique welcomes through its doors. The owner of TDR Bridal, Rebecca Baddeley, tells us: “I have known for some time that I wanted to do something, needed to do something, to address the elephant in the bridal world room. I remember around eight years ago questioning why there were no black models at a trade show. Things are improving, but the diversity shown in the aesthetic we offer to the world of engaged couples is seriously lacking, and, as uncomfortable as it may be, we, the collective bridal industry, need to reassess our reflection to brides. Don’t get me wrong, we are getting better, but there is still so much work to be done. On shoot day, the moment the first model came out of the changing area, I knew that this would be something special. It is my hope that people’s perception of what a bride should look like is challenged and may be changed, so that we can all, as a collective, ensure that diversity in all its forms is represented in the bridal industry.”

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. To help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked Emma Wall from Emex Events for her 2024 trend predictions.

"Thinking about the space as a whole can really help create maximum impact. We're seeing brides and grooms opting for varied-height centrepieces rather than matching ones to draw the eye around the room and create interest at different height levels, creating that real wow factor.

"Statement florals, whether these are floral gateways or statement urns, are going to be big and wild in 2024. Couples are bringing the outdoors in and creating the wow factor with installations that reflect the way in which flowers grow."

See more trend predictions in our venue styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download

Voted as the UK’s number one venue by Hitched, Brinsop Manor House and Barn is a historic wedding venue nestled in the heart of Herefordshire in the West Midlands.

This stunning property has 86 five-star reviews from happy couples and encompasses over 800 acres of ancient woodland, a newly built event barn and a 12th-century moated manor house. Here, couples and their guests can enjoy beautiful event spaces, attentive services and delightful accommodation to complete any special day.

Weddings and special events manager Daisy Bishop says: “We really do emphasise how important it is to have ‘your wedding, your way’ and with so many different options here at Brinsop Manor House and Barn, it makes it easy for everyone to have the best day ever!”

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

Staci and Adam met at a networking event at Worcester Racecourse. “A couple of years later, we matched with each other on a dating app and our relationship quickly blossomed,” says Staci. “Adam is a big horseracing fan and I’ve started going with him occasionally, which is funny since we first met each other at the races.”

Adam proposed as a surprise on Christmas morning in 2021. “He had filled the ceiling of our lounge with balloons and streamers,” shares the bride. “When I saw him, he was there on one knee, surrounded by rose petals in a gorgeous tuxedo, with the most amazing ring in his hand.”

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

Stylist, planner and wedding stationery designer, June Glackin tells us how to style an intimate wedding.

"I get beyond excited when couples choose to have a small and intimate wedding. Don't get me wrong, I love a good old wedding with guests galore, but there's something magical about having just your nearest and dearest, your 'select few' in one place to celebrate with you. But don't be fooled into thinking that being small and intimate means a lack of style or class. Just because couples are opting for a smaller guest count doesn't mean that they aren't wanting their day to look or feel like a wedding; in fact, some of the small and intimate weddings I've worked on have really played on the intimacy of it, having personalised printed love notes to each guest, really drilling down to the intimacy and the aesthetic of the day, being able to pay attention to the finer details, yet also having fun with it. Having a beautifully decorated space, a large table for all to gather around, no formalities, just letting it be, with linens, candles and florals, to then feast on pizza and prosecco and party into the night!"

See more top tips in our intimate wedding feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download

The team at The Wedding Club share their wedding dress trends predictions for 2024.

"Last year, we saw the return of the structured corset, whereas 2024 is all about dual wedding pieces. We’re talking detachable lace arms and puff sleeves that take one dress and elevate it into a different look midway through the wedding.

"Not too far from this will be the mix-and-match look. We are seeing more and more designers creating modern two-pieces that all cohesively work with one another; think power suits with interchangeable tops.

"Last but not least, bold mini dresses are charging up the poll, becoming increasingly popular as a wedding reception choice, allowing a bride more freedom to socialise and show off their moves on the dancefloor."

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

Kara and Robbie met nine years ago when Kara signed up to take part in a charity boxing match that Robbie was coaching. “The first thing he ever said to me was 'how many fingers am I holding up?' after a roller derby girl smashed me in the face while sparring,” says Kara. “Our relationship blossomed and in May 2022, Robbie proposed during a weekend away in Amsterdam.”

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