Editor loves and inspiration

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.

Happily, The Dome in Worthing has reopened its doors once more and is now taking bookings for its event space. A 1911, Edwardian, listed, south-facing cinema it benefits from two fabulous function spaces both with running bars and incredible sea views. It's no surprise then that its local wedding suppliers jumped at the opportunity to collaborate on a shoot set to be captured at such a prestigious building. After all, this home turf icon is one that many of them have spent a lifetime visiting.

Maintaining the original historical features throughout the building makes it a real eye-catching spot and the perfect backdrop for some stunning wedspiration. The windows, Art Deco style, views of the sea, the atrium: its list of charms goes on and on.

Photographer Vix Paine of VP Photography says, “Shooting in natural light was a gift and such an opportunity as a photographer. I can't wait to be the venue's recommended photographer from here and into the foreseeable future.”

Download the latest issue of Your Sussex Wedding for the full shoot in all its glory!

Styled with a nod to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, featuring a sophisticated palette of black and gold, this shoot aims to inspire those looking to create their very own Gatsby style celebration.

The gorgeous bride wears an exquisite fit-and-flare gown with a cascading train edged with scalloped lace that fuses classic elegance with vintage charm. She arrives in style in an elegant Edwardian Laundelette, carrying her statement cascading bouquet. Her low roaring 20s-style bun and red lips combined with bespoke headpiece adorned with delicate crystal and pearl accents, plus feather cape, are reminiscent of the iconic flapper girl look, combining classic elements with contemporary flair. Meanwhile, the dapper groom is dressed in dashing white tie.

The stunning floral arrangements feature plenty of lush trailing dark green foliage and calla lilies, a popular flower with brides of the era. These are styled alongside gold candle holders, decorative gold-rimmed plates and geometric mirrored place names set against a contrasting base of black chiffon and napkins. The tablescape is dramatically elevated by luxurious crystal glassware and silver-plated cutlery. Heavily inspired by the geometric motifs of the Art Deco style, the big-day bake combines bold lines with shapely contours to create a visually striking design, finished with white feathers and intricate sugar floristry.

Download to the latest issue of Your Sussex Wedding for the full shoot and so much more wedspiration!

Sasha and Ted's story is a modern romance having met on Tinder back in 2016. Sasha had just moved back to her parents' in Eastbourne after university, and Ted was working in Lewes. “I will admit, it was the photo of Ted with his family's boxer dog, Bruce, that made me think he seemed like a really nice guy,” Sasha shares. They went for their first date at a local country pub and hit it off right away, soon discovering a similar sense of humour and shared family values.

Ted popped the question during a staycation in Wales as they stood next to the beautiful Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall with their dachshund, Derek. “It was a stunning setting and I loved that we were just in our walking gear – very us,” Sasha remembers. She did confess to having a slight inkling that a proposal might be on the cards, and had her nails done for the trip, just in case!

The couple already had a church ceremony in mind, and knew it had to be somewhere in Sussex. Ted's family had lived in Buxted, and Ted had played for the town's football team for most of his life. They loved how beautiful the historical church there was and received a wonderfully warm welcome from its congregation.

Hendall Manor Barns was chosen for the ensuing celebrations and was actually the first venue they viewed. “We fell in love with it straight away,” Sasha explains. “We forced ourselves to look elsewhere just to prove it really was the one. But it was so peaceful and beautiful there, and we instantly felt in good hands with the owners.” So, nowhere else came close for them, and they booked their date – 17th June 2023.

Find out more from page 38 in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download now.

"I fell in love with Ben as soon as I saw him in a petrol station and he opened the door for me,” Joanna tells us. Later, she randomly found him on Facebook, they met up the next day after exchanging messages, and have been inseparable since. When Ben decided to pop the question, he did so at the Eiffel Tower late at night when it was lit up and sparkled as brightly as Joanna's engagement ring.

Ben's family are from Rye, so the couple looked to the historical town for a wedding venue. In fact, Ben's fourth great grandfather was imprisoned in Rye for smuggling, but his family also had connections with the Norman church, which is why today Ben and Joanna were permitted to marry there. “Rye has always been our happy place. We'd spend days out there and always loved The George,” Joanna adds. So, the choice of reception venue was clear and they didn't hesitate in setting the date for 20th April 2023.

Join from page 34 of the Jun/Jul24 issue of Your Sussex Wedding as we find out more.