Editor loves and inspiration

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

ThinK Wine is a healthier prosecco and sparkling rosé brand. A glass of ThinK Wine has just 75 calories, low carbs, and 0.58g of residual sugar per 125ml. That’s a significant reduction in sugar for the award-winning wine that aims to offer an alternative to sugar-filled competitors. The product contains no artificial sweeteners or ingredients while still retaining an ABV of 11%. ThinK Wine has a fresh and revitalising finish, despite the health-conscious benefits. All of the brand’s wines are 100 per cent vegan and organic and are low in sulphites, meaning less of a hangover too. The brand currently has two main product lines, with more product development in the pipeline for 2024.

What’s more, the company also offers a retro VW Campervan that can be used for weddings. It’s available to hire with or without staff, serving up its low-sugar wines that taste amazing while retaining all of the percentage volume.

Owner Kath Jones tells us: “I know this concept is a winner. I made it for myself, but it’s turning into a hugely popular product. When people try it, they love it! They can’t believe it is a low-sugar product. People are increasingly health conscious; they are more switched on to things like sugar addiction, additives and sulphites, but they also still want to be able to enjoy a drink now and again. With no palatable alternative available on the market, I felt moved to create something. That’s how ThinK Wine was born, and we’ve been growing ever since.”

Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, ThinK Wine is offering our readers a 20 per cent discount off wine when you use the code NWW20 at www.thinkwinegroup.co.uk. Offer ends on 30th November 2024.

See more fabulous offers in our Freebies and Offers feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Amy and Daniel first laid eyes on each other in a nightclub in 2014. “My friend Louis introduced me to his cousin Daniel, and we got talking,” says Amy. “I soon found out that Daniel was the most down-to-earth and kindest person I have ever met. He always said that from the moment we met, he loved me. We literally spent every day together from then until now.”

Daniel proposed in 2017 outside of a restaurant. “It was a big surprise,” shares the bride. “I was told to get dressed up and that he was taking me out for dinner. He later told me after proposing that he was meant to do it in the restaurant but was too nervous! However, I thought him doing it outside was lovely and I would have been happy no matter what.”

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

Sarah Bainbridge from West View Photography organised this styled shoot with the help of talented, local suppliers. “I have loved the black-and- white wedding theme for a while, so I thought I would try it out for myself in a styled shoot,” says Sarah. “When speaking to The Bridal Lounge of Clitheroe, Lee offered a black dress, which I was so excited about, and it worked amazing with the theme. With Holmes Mill being one of my favourite venues, I was happy to be back working there with a different vibe. I love how the posed couple portraits turned out so well.”

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

Lois and Ben met through mutual friends in 2017. “Our relationship blossomed and in August 2022, Ben popped the question,” says Lois. “We were away for the weekend in the Lake District and while on a walk up Loughrigg Fell, he asked me to be his wife. Ben had already secretly asked my dad for his permission the day before.”

"We love walking in the Forest of Bowland, so the Shireburn Arms was the perfect place for our wedding," adds Lois. "It incorporated the beautiful scenery that we love and we adored the intimate feel of the venue. To decorate the space, we chose drapes hanging from the ceiling, an ivory chiffon fairylight background and an ivory skirt hung around the ceremony table. This added to the romantic, soft look that I had hoped to achieve."

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

Belinda from Flower B Florist worked with a team of local suppliers to create this beautiful shoot. “The aim was to create an elegant, summery floral vibe,” says Belinda. “I wanted to show couples how flowers can transform any room, even a classically beautiful hall, turning it into a floral sensation! For the flowers, we used a selection of pastel shades with soft meadow-style textures to create a look that was in keeping with the surroundings, using coral peonies, peach and white daisies, tall pale blue delphiniums and many more seasonal florals and foliage.

“When I first visited Wyreside Leisure Hotel, I was blown away by the opulent building. A private long driveway through the English countryside reveals this hidden gem, a Grade II-listed hall, which has been lovingly restored by the current owners to provide an exclusive hotel wedding venue. For the styling of the lovely real model couple, we wanted to again complement the surroundings, going for an elegant classic look with the groom in a black tuxedo and the bride in two statement dresses with natural make-up and a classic relaxed up do for her hair.”

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