Editor loves and inspiration

The concept behind this stunning shoot revolved around a contemporary, edgy bridal style appealing to the adventurous, or classical bride. “We wanted to capture the essence of unconventional beauty and fi erce independence while retaining a sense of timeless elegance,” says shoot coordinator and photographer Toni Heath from Cuttlebone Photography.

Discover more of this goregous shoot in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

As a new business owner, about to embark on her fi rst styled shoot, Laura Bond from Belle knew she needed a location that was unique and visually stunning, a place to immediately captivate anyone who saw it. She scoured countless venues on her quest and while each had its own charm, none matched her vision. That is until she discovered E. Street Bar and Grill, a hidden gem with striking décor and a sleek, stylish backlit bar. “I knew I'd found the perfect place from the photos alone,” she explains. “I reached out to the venue manager and was thrilled when she enthusiastically agreed to host my shoot.” Laura was delighted too when she was offered Ryde House in addition for the bride and groom preparation. The two venues, alongside The Angel Inn are owned under the collective name of Petworth Places and are all stylishly decorated with bucket loads of charm and character.

With the venue secured, Laura set about creating a mood board focusing on an intimate, elegant wedding with a romantic ambience. To complement the venue, she opted for a neutral palette accented with greens and pops of peach.

“The final outcome was everything I'd hoped for and more,” Laura tells us. “We were also delighted to have Sophia and her real life partner Tom as our model couple. We staged a fi rst look for them, and their emotions and reactions were absolutely genuine. Their connection really brought the shoot to life in a special way. What made the experience even more incredible was the team of suppliers I had the privilege to work with. Their creativity and dedication brought my vision to life. It wouldn't have been the same without their support and talent.”

Discover more of this gorgeous shoot in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Chloe and Lewis met at Lewis' workplace. Chloe was friends with his boss' sister so they'd go and visit the workshop together. The future couple got on well together straight away with plenty of banter and they became friends. “Everyone wanted to set us up and egged us on to go on a date,” Chloe says. “Once we did, the rest was history.” Indeed, the first date went so well, Lewis tells us, “Afterwards, I knew I was going to marry her.”

Now a couple the two had discussed marriage, so Chloe knew when Lewis had purchased the engagement ring, but didn't know when or where he planned to propose. He chose the perfect moment on a beach in Devon on their first holiday together as a family with their two children. “I was busy taking pictures of our son playing in the rocks, while our daughter was asleep in her carrier,” Chloe remembers. “When I turned around, there he was down on one knee with the ring in his hand. He'd managed to surprise me. I wasn't expecting it to happen then and there!”

It'd been a dream of Chloe's to get married at Frickley Lake since it started hosting weddings. She grew up down the lane and had spent countless hours on the land as a child. Her dad was game keeper and used part of the farm's land for the shoot. There'd also been annual festival events held in what is now the wedding field that she would attend with her family, so it occupies an incredibly sentimental place in her heart. Lewis was more than happy to go along with this since the place meant so much to Chloe and fell in love with it himself when he saw the views and experienced the tranquil surroundings. “We couldn't have found a more perfect venue for us if we tried,” Chloe explains.

Discover the story of Chloe and Brandon's big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Joe proposed to Mary at Disneyland Paris with their daughter, Ava, asleep in her pram. They'd known each other since childhood, having met at infant school.

With their hearts set on a rustic barn wedding they set out on their venue search and fell in love with the beautiful Cissbury Barns in Findon, West Sussex. “We knew we wanted a beautiful, barn that was all enclosed for guests to mingle, especially for a running toddler!” Mary explains.

Discover the story of Mary and Joseph's big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Nicola Williams and Nicola Davies met as members of a Brighton walking group. When a mutual friend, Gill, arranged some walks and meals aside from the main group, the two had the opportunity to get to know each other a bit more. Eventually, Nicola W. asked Nicola D. out for a drink and their relationship grew from there.

Nicola W. proposed at Brighton Pride in August 2019. “We'd been to London for Nicola's birthday in July and I'd bought the engagement ring from Covent Garden then, so she knew I'd be popping the question at some point,” she explains. She then arranged for a group of 20 or so friends to meet in Queen's Park, Brighton, on the morning of Pride for a picnic. Once everyone was gathered, she suggested a game that involved everyone getting into a circle. She asked for a volunteer, pointing at Nicola D. and asked her to join her in the middle. “But unbeknown to Nicola, I had the engagement ring in my back pocket!” she says. “I got down on one knee and proposed to her.” Several hundred people were also gathered in the park who stopped what they were doing to clap and cheer when Nicola D. said, “Yes.” “It was an amazing experience,” Nicola W. remembers.

Discover the story of Nicola and Nicola's big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

The bountiful beauty of nature throughout the seasons has inspired many a wedding theme and palette. So, with the big-day bake being more than a just sweet treat but also a showstopping centrepiece for your reception space, we decided to ask the county's wedding cake designers to show us their favourite seasonally inspired creations. Don't miss the feature, packed with cake-spiration in the Aug/Sept issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download.

Springtime is one of my favourite seasons, and I love the colours in Caritas Cake Design's (https://caritascakedesign.co.uk/) beautiful creation.

Think about how you'll ensure everyone has the best... time... ever, at your al fresco wedding! Alice from Entertainment Nation (www.entertainment-nation.co.uk), the UK's leading entertainment agency, says: “Live entertainment while sipping on a cocktail and chatting in the sunny, scenic gardens of your venue sounds glorious. To make things practical, performers will require a flat, dry and level surface for their performance, which will act as a dedicated space for the band or musicians (although if you've booked a roaming act, there may be some flexibility).

“It's also worth checking if your entertainer requires a power source, or if they can bring along their own battery-powered amp. If not, they may need to be in closer proximity to the venue itself.

“It's also essential that they have a canopy or cover to protect both them and their equipment, come rain or shine, as you can never be too careful or sure of the UK weather! Remember, your wedding venue and/or entertainment will also be able to advise on their usual routine for outdoor performances.”

For our ultimate guide to planning a flawless al fresco wedding, download the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding.

Quinn's Events is a family-run business providing professional wedding and event catering services in West Sussex. The team work with approved venues, or at your desired location, to make your special occasion one-of-a-kind. They're also proud to be in-house wedding coordinators and provide exclusive wedding catering services for two stunning country house wedding venues in West Sussex, Slindon House and Eartham House. They craft unforgettable moments through exquisite cuisine and impeccable service, bringing the finest gourmet experience to your table. Quinn's Events specialises in classical French, British and Italian cuisine with a twist of influence from the rest of the world.

Susan Quinn says, “Our commitment to excellence begins with our ingredients. Wherever possible, we strive to use only the freshest, locally-sourced produce ensuring every dish reflects our dedication to quality.” What's more, Susan and her team believe that every event is unique and tailor the offerings to match your preferences, and from your initial enquiry to the last bite, they're dedicated to providing unparalleled service. “With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for perfection, we strive to make your event seamless and stress-free,” Susan continues.

“Keep it seasonal. There's a fantastic array of local produce available throughout the year. It's also kinder to the planet.” – Susan, Quinn's Events

Meet more of the county's wedding caterers from page 61 of the current issue. Download Your Sussex Wedding free!

Hoping to tie in your bridal look with your wedding's beautiful al fresco setting? Local jeweller Gabriella Casemore (www.gabriellacasemore.com) has the solution. She says, “Floral-themed jewellery and accessories fit perfectly with an outdoor setting, whether in a garden or a woodland and can be subtle or statement depending on your style. Choosing pieces that you'll want to wear again is a good idea, especially as they then become a little reminder of your special day every time you wear them.

“If you're wearing natural flowers in your hair it can be lovely to pair earrings or a pendant with similar shaped blooms. There are some clever designs that have additions like tassels to make earrings into more of a statement and easily removed when you want a more understated look.

For our ultimate guide to planning a flawless al fresco wedding, turn to page 55 of the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download now.

More on this glorious styled shoot from the current issue!

The gents are getting more creative with their personal florals. I love flower pocket inserts, and can we get a “wow” for this showstopping floral lapel by Flowers4Worthing? Simply stunning.

Check out the full shoot from page 51 of the current issue, free to download now.