Editor loves and inspiration

Rosie and Michael met, like most modern couples, online. “We were attracted to each other’s sense of adventure and love of the outdoors,” says Rosie. “Michael almost missed out though, as he cancelled our first date at short notice because he’d found a lost dog while out on the fells and, in the process of reuniting the dog with his owner, managed to get sunstroke. It was only because my mum persuaded me to give him another chance that I agreed to reschedule!”

Michael proposed on Hopegill Head. “It’s one of our favourite skylines and the view from the top looks down on the venue where we wanted to get married,” shares the bride. “He’d planned it for a beautiful November day, but the bad weather suddenly set in, and by the time we’d had breakfast, it was a full blizzard. We set off in the snow and had a slow, cold and windy climb to the top, where he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a complete whiteout; we couldn’t see the view and the dog’s whiskers were frozen, but it was magical nonetheless.”

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

To help you find the perfect flowers for your wedding, Sarah Cox from Wild Ivy Floral Design shares her top tips:

"My advice to couples who are planning an intimate wedding is to find suppliers who you are really compatible with, who understand your aesthetic, and who will enable you to achieve your dreams on the day.

"Small weddings are by nature intimate events and don’t tend to have the usual wedding props of larger-scale events, such as lighting, statement cakes, bridesmaids, etc.; they are more pared back, and therefore all the details are more visible. For us, the florals are so important; our style is wild yet elegant and is ideal for those couples who are looking for a wild elopement which they can take to the Fells for their photographs and enjoy the beauty of the Lake District landscape."

See more tips in our Intimate Wedding Inspiration feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Make-up artist Megan Hartley reveals how to get your skin looking its best in the run-up to your wedding.

"You can’t have a flawless face without putting in the work behind the scenes. Your make-up is only as flawless as your skin is. Be sure to cleanse (twice if removing make-up) and moisturise twice daily with the relevant products for your skin. If you have dry skin, look for moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid. If you have an oilier complexion, consider products with salicylic or niacinamide as an ingredient.

"Drink water and lots of it! If you don’t already, start now. Make sure you implement these regimes as early as possible; it may take weeks, even months, to see visible improvement in your skin. If you have major skin concerns, seek professional help from a skincare specialist.

"On the day, for a flawless base, be sure to make sure your skin is hydrated. Extra emphasis on moisturiser, even if you’re prone to being oily. All skin craves hydration! Alcohol is a diuretic, so keeping that to a minimum is very beneficial."

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

Olivia and Luke met in 2018 at work. “I was Luke’s boss,” says Olivia. “He convinced me that he was a qualified personal trainer, so we started going to the gym together, became best friends, and ended up falling in love.”

Luke surprised Olivia by popping the question in 2021. “He took me on a treasure hunt to all of the key places in my life, such as where I was born, where I went to school, and where we like to double date with our best friends,” shares the bride. “He took inspiration from the movie Love Actually by writing out cards that had poems on them that my loved ones were holding at each stop. These poems would give me clues on where we were going next. There were 12 stops in total and the final stop was a beautiful picnic set up in a field next to where we’d just bought a house. The final poem said: ‘You asked for a house, and there it came. Now will you share my last name?’ He got down on one knee and I burst out crying! He’d also planned an engagement party at our favourite restaurant for that evening, where we celebrated with our friends and family.”

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

David Rucker Photography worked with a team of talented suppliers to create this stunning styled shoot. “Being a qualified mountaineer, it’s little wonder that I shoot the majority of my weddings in the Lakes or the Highlands of Scotland, where I’ve been in constant wanderlust since I was a young boy,” says David. “I love being surrounded by nature, so when my favourite venue in The Lake District, New House Farm, asked me to photograph a photo shoot with some of their favourite suppliers, I jumped at the opportunity. New House Farm is no ordinary venue; quite simply, it is something else. Nestled in the incomparable Vale of Lorton, surrounded by fells, it feels like you are detached from the hustle and bustle of places like Bowness, Grasmere and Keswick. A date was set, and little did we know that as the time came around, it would be the hottest day of the year. After many cold drinks and a cheeky ice cream later, we hit the slopes of Latrigg above Keswick, where fortunately there was a slight breeze in the air.”

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

Sam and Iain met through a mutual friend and instantly hit it off. “We really enjoyed each other’s company and shared a similar sense of humour,” says Sam. “It felt so easy and natural talking to one another.”

Iain proposed during a trip to Paris. “When we arrived, we had a few drinks before heading back to our room,” shares the bride. “We decided to go out to the balcony and enjoy the view. I turned around and Iain was down on one knee. It was a complete shock, as we have always said we wouldn’t get married as it isn’t really our thing.”

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

Fish 2 Photography is run by the talented Christina Davies. Based in Preston, she travels all over the North West, capturing stunning weddings. “I started taking photos when I was really young on my dad’s camera and it has always interested me,” shares Christina. “After studying at college and university, I decided to try and explore the TV world and ended up working at the BBC and a few other random jobs, but I missed taking photos. I decided in June 2008 to quit my job and start Fish 2 Photography and I’m so glad I did. I really love photographing weddings; no couple is the same and no wedding is the same and I enjoy capturing personalities and special moments. My style is quite relaxed and natural; I want to capture the day as it happens – every moment, every laugh, or even the tears. I really want couples to feel comfortable, even though having your photo taken isn’t an everyday thing for most people, so I try to make your couple photos as relaxed as possible, picking up on how you naturally interact with each other and reflecting that in the photos.”

Christina offers six different packages, covering everything from micro-two-hour weddings to full-day coverage. Exclusively for Your North West Wedding, Fish 2 Photography is offering our readers 10 percent off any packages when you email Christina at info@fish2.co.uk and mention the magazine. The offer ends on 15th April 2024.

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

Andrew Slinn from Phenomenal Fireworks tells us how to choose a fireworks display provider for your wedding.

"Planning a fireworks display can add a dazzling touch to your special day. To ensure a memorable and safe experience, here are our top tips for couples seeking the perfect wedding fireworks:

"Start early: Begin your search for a fireworks display supplier well in advance. Quality providers may get booked quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Aim to secure your supplier at least six months before your wedding date, where possible.

"Check reputation and reviews: Research potential suppliers thoroughly. Look for reviews, testimonials, and feedback from previous clients. A reputable supplier should have a history of delivering exceptional displays and reliable service. They should also reply promptly to messages and emails during working hours.

"Insurance and permits: Confirm that the supplier is fully insured and holds the necessary permits and training for your wedding venue. Compliance with local regulations ensures a safe and legal display."

See more tips in our Planning SOS feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download

Gretna Green, the award-winning, family-owned wedding, tourism, and hospitality destination, has announced a new space for weddings. The Elopement Marriage Room offers a modern and intimate space to say your vows. It can hold up to 20 guests, providing a cosy atmosphere for couples and their closest loved ones to share in their joy.

The executive chairman of Gretna Green, John Holliday, said: “Gretna Green has always been a place of love and celebration. With our new Elopement Marriage Room, we’re taking that tradition to new heights, creating an even more special experience for couples.”

Gretna Green has also been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Best Unique Wedding Venue’ category at the 2024 Confetti Wedding Awards. John adds: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been named a finalist for the ‘Best Unique Wedding Venue’ at the 2024 Confetti Wedding Awards. Gretna Green occupies a special place in the hearts of couples around the world and this recognition is a testament to the magic our team strives to create for our cherished guests.”

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

Izzy and Ryan were brought together through unusual circumstances. “The first time I met Ryan, we were introduced by my previous partner in a nightclub, as he was one of his friends,” says Izzy. “I met him a couple of times after that, but we didn’t really speak much. A few years later, we found out that our partners were seeing each other behind our backs! Ryan and I started to message each other about it and the more we chatted, the more we realised we had lots in common and very similar values. Once I got to know Ryan, I discovered we went to the same high school and knew a lot of the same people.”

Ryan organised a surprise birthday party for Izzy’s 23rd birthday. “My birthday gift from him was a surprise holiday with two of our friends to Las Vegas,” shares the bride. “Fast forward to the holiday and Ryan and his friend insisted we book a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. After flying around for a while, we eventually landed and enjoyed a little picnic. Ryan called me over to one side for a photo. Before I knew it, Ryan was giving a speech about how there was a reason we’d come to Vegas and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. In absolute shock, I said, ‘Is this a joke?!’ My friends and the other tourists on the helicopter all laughed. I obviously said ‘yes’ and we then proceeded to have our little picnic with added champagne, which I couldn’t drink because I was on cloud nine. We finished the evening by flying down the Las Vegas strip at night.”

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