Editor loves and inspiration

Make-up artist, Felicity from Ashby Artistry shares her wedding trend predictions for 2025.

"Radiance and glowing skin are taking centre stage right now, and I can tell you confidently that this won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. It’s become a huge trend because it’s achieving the feeling that nearly every single one of us dreams of having on our wedding day. That sense of pure contentment, glee and that ethereal sparkle.

"The beginning of this trend was born with the glass skin created by make-up artist Pat McGrath for the Maison Margiela Paris Fashion Week. But it has snowballed into so much more. It is now so relatable and easy for all of us to play and experiment with. It opened the conversation that it’s good to have fun with your appearance!

"Trends are, by nature, fleeting; what’s celebrated today could feel overdone tomorrow. Radiant skin and glowing shoulders currently add a dreamy touch to your wedding look, but there’s something even more powerful: a look that highlights you in all your individuality, quirks and unique beauty. So, instead of building your wedding look around the trend of the year, why not create a look that feels quintessentially you?"

See more of the latest trends in our Looking Your Best feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

The team at Marc Darcy Menswear share their suit material and colour suggestions for a winter wedding.

"When selecting a suit for a winter wedding, you typically have two standout options: tweed or black tie, each offering a unique charm.

"For vintage-style weddings, a tweed suit is a fantastic choice. These suits often showcase rich, earthy tones such as deep tans, rustic browns and muted greens, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and cosy warmth that perfectly complements the season. The textured fabric adds a charming rusticity that resonates well with the atmosphere of a winter celebration.

"In contrast, the black-tie ensemble is the quintessential choice for modern urban weddings. Characterised by its simplicity and refined tailoring, this option exudes sophistication and class. A classic black tuxedo, paired with a crisp white shirt and a bow tie, creates a sharp and polished look ideal for contemporary settings and evening ceremonies.

"Both options provide a sophisticated aesthetic, marrying elegance with a touch of modern flair, ensuring that you look your best while celebrating your love in a winter wonderland."

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

Caitlin and Will were childhood sweethearts. “We’ve been together since we were 16,” says Caitlin. “It’s hard to remember what attracted us to each other at that age; maybe it was the fact that he was persistent in asking me out for a full year before I said yes. I was a bit of a geek and too focused on my exams to be bothered with a boyfriend at the time.”

Will popped the question at Wast Water in the Lake District in 2021. “The proposal for Will didn’t go to plan, as he’d always planned to propose in Edinburgh; however, the engagement ring for which he ordered special delivery to arrive the day before the trip turned up at his mam and dad’s house just as our train was arriving into Waverley Station,” shares the bride. “This meant that he resorted to Plan B. The day of the proposal, we were due to travel down to my sister’s to go to a Harry Potter Lights Experience. So on the day he had a future sister-in-law wanting to know if she could get the champagne ready and a future wife who didn’t want to get out of bed. We didn’t make it to the actual spot he wanted to propose, but he chose a beautiful spot nonetheless, overlooking the water and surrounding fells. Will got down on one knee, pulled out a ring and made a lovely little speech. As you can imagine, it was a big surprise, but the best one I’ve ever had.”

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

Sarah Nowak, the senior wedding and events coordinator at Shireburn Arms, put together this styled shoot for the venue’s spring wedding showcase. “I wanted to incorporate a lot of florals to complement our countryside setting,” says Sarah. “We have done a lot of rustic styles before, so I decided to go in a different direction. Taking inspiration from Bridgerton, I decided upon a Regency in spring time theme combining pastel tones of blue, green, pink, peach and yellow with gold accent metal. After finalising the styling, I knew that this was going to be beautiful, so we turned it into a styled shoot.

“All of the suppliers took the moodboard and brought it to life, from the floral wedding dress that showed off the concept with a modern twist to the delicate name cards and stationery,” continues Sarah. “To really create the Regency feel, we used lots of florals with meadows down the aisle and a beautiful garden arch, bringing that fresh spring feeling indoors. The flowers were used as a motif throughout the shoot to connect the images and create a full story. Sam from Popsicle Photography saw the inspiration and elevated it by picking out the perfect spots at the Shireburn Arms, which captured the theme perfectly.”

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

Samara and Tom met at work. “Tom was hired to join the same team as me,” says Samara. “We just instantly clicked and became friends, but it quickly developed into something more than friendship!”

Tom proposed during a surprise trip to Paris for Samara’s 30th birthday. “One evening we walked down to the Eiffel Tower and he got down on one knee,” shares the bride. “He asked me to marry him and we were over the moon.”

"For the wedding, we wanted a venue that we could use exclusively for the whole day, as well as somewhere we could stay over," adds Samara. "It also had to be close for our family and friends to travel to, particularly for certain family members that we wanted to be there. Ashfield House is quite unique in the area; the food was amazing, and it had a lovely relaxed vibe, which was exactly what we wanted!"

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

Make-up artist Kacey Walker tells us how to cover fine lines and wrinkles without looking overdone.

"Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! To conceal fine lines and wrinkles without looking overdone, I recommend starting by identifying your skin type to help you choose the right make-up products. Keep your skin well-hydrated with a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, and ensure you use skincare and make-up products that are compatible together. Use a lightweight, hydrating foundation with a natural finish, applied with a damp make-up sponge, and a creamy concealer for extra coverage. A finely milled, translucent setting powder can be lightly dusted on the T-zone to control shine. Cream blush and highlighter will give you a natural, dewy glow without emphasising texture. Finish with a hydrating setting spray to ensure your make-up lasts.

"Test your make-up in natural light to achieve a seamless look. For extra confidence, consider a trial with a professional bridal make-up artist. By focusing on hydration, lightweight products, and a gentle application, you can achieve a flawless, natural look for your special day."

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

We love flowers here at Your North West Wedding, but with so many gorgeous blooms to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are lots of ways to incorporate flowers into your décor, such as bouquets, buttonholes, flower walls, table runners and pew ends, to name but a few. To help inspire you, we’ve asked Sarah Lawton from Wild Thistle Blooms Flower Design to share her trend predictions for 2025.

“If I were to sum up the latest wedding flower trends in two words, I’d say colourful sustainability," says Sarah. "Recently, couples have been focused on creating a memorable and visually stunning experience for their special day whilst encompassing their personalities and relying on sustainable choices within their floral vision.”

See more of the latest trends in our Flowers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Holland Hall Hotel, a Grade II-listed wedding venue, has opened a new bridal lounge. The lounge is the perfect place for bridal parties to get ready, with plenty of space for your hair and make-up to be done in all-natural lighting and a dressing area that’s ideal for the first look or reveal. What’s more, the hotel also had a groom’s room in the works, which will be revealed soon.

Nestled in the picturesque West Lancashire countryside, Holland Hall Hotel has plenty of wedding spaces to choose from, including an outdoor pagoda, a large suite with a private garden area and a modern space with luxury decoration throughout. When you book your wedding at the Holland Hall Hotel, you’ll have access to the bridal suite on the night of the wedding and a master of ceremonies.

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

Amie and Elise met when Elise joined the local women’s football team that Amie had set up. “We quickly hit it off and started hanging out at group outings with the team, enjoying each other’s company more and more,” says Amie. “As time went on, our friendship grew into something deeper, and before we knew it, our group outings turned into dates. One thing led to another, and we fell in love, beginning our beautiful journey together.”

Elise proposed during a family break in Abersoch, Wales. “All of my family had gathered to spend some quality time together,” shares Amie. “It was the first day with everyone together and we had spent time in the hot tub. Elise chose the perfect moment, waiting until the evening. I went outside onto the patio, which overlooks the beach, and was under a very starry sky. There were only us two there at that moment. Elise surprised me with a proposal, pulling the ring from a plant near her feet. I was completely taken aback, and as I stood there taking in the moment and Elise’s words, my family burst out from inside, cheering loudly in celebration. We celebrated together, and it couldn’t have been any more perfect; we cheered so much so that it resulted in a noise complaint, but that didn’t stop us from partying and celebrating our engagement.”

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

Cassandra Lane is a Manchester-based wedding photographer. “I’m originally from the West Country, but I’ve lived in the Manchester and Cheshire area for several years now, and I love it,” shares Cassandra. “I’m definitely a city girl and I enjoy making the most of everything Manchester has to offer. When I’m not photographing weddings and portraits, you’ll find me hanging out with my cat Lizzo, playing tennis or bashing the drum kit I keep in my office! I’ve always loved capturing events and I used to shoot candid pictures all the time when I was a teenager. I went on to study to become a professional photographer at the University of Westminster and set up Cassandra Lane Photography in 2011. I shot my first ceremony and reception just before my husband and I got married. Having the experience of the engagement, wedding planning and being a bride got me started in the wedding industry. And it’s fair to say I’ve been hooked on wedding photos ever since!"

Meet more local photographers in our Photography feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download