Editor loves and inspiration

Sophie and Hywel met in school when they were 16. They sat together in science class and became closer, which led to Hywel asking Sophie to go to prom with him. Sophie tells us, “We spent all summer talking and made it official on bonfire night and have been inseparable ever since.”

Hywel proposed in September 2022 during a holiday in Cape Verde. They were celebrating purchasing a house together and wanted a short break before moving in and dealing with all the stress that comes with it. Sophie continues, “Hywel wanted a beach proposal and was checking the weather all week to get a nice, clear sunset. Halfway along the beach, which was completely deserted, Hywel got on one knee and popped the question. I thought it was a joke at first as I was in shock! After the proposal, we went back to the hotel and booked into one of the upmarket restaurants for a celebratory dinner.”

See more from their wedding in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Perched high above the Dyfi Estuary, with sweeping panoramic views of the rolling Welsh hills and the glistening waters below, this styled shoot at Glandyfi Castle captured the essence of timeless elegance. Thoughtfully designed to showcase the versatility and enchanting charm of the castle, the shoot unfolded through four captivating design narratives.

The first embraced a classic palette of white and green – refined, romantic, and echoing the natural beauty of the lush landscape. Set against the castle’s rugged exterior, crisp linens, tall taper candles, and abundant white blooms created an air of sophistication.

The second transitioned indoors to the castle’s atrium, where soft draping, textured stone, and accents of blue reflected the sea beyond, cultivating a serene and ethereal atmosphere.

The third burst into life with vibrant colour – florals in vivid hues danced along the tables and climbed the castle walls, embodying joy and celebration.

Finally, the Mediterranean-inspired setup brought a slice of Italy to Wales, with sun-kissed lemons, rustic charm, and warm golden tones evoking long al fresco evenings under the stars.

Photographer Lauren Webster tells us: “None of this magic would have been possible without the incredible team of suppliers who brought their talent, creativity, and heart to every detail across the two-day shoot. This project stands as a testament to what can be created when passionate, dedicated people come together in an extraordinary place.”

See more from the styled shoot in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

EDIT Photography is run by the talented Elina Thomas, a specialist in wedding photography. We asked Elina what piece of advice she would give couples to help their day run smoothly and look great in photos.

She shared her expert insight: “If you start to feel nervous or a little awkward in front of the camera, the best thing you can do is turn toward each other and reconnect. Hold hands, share a touch, lean in – anything that brings you back into the moment together. Your body language shifts the second you focus on each other instead of the camera. And remember: your photos will reflect the energy of your day. If you’re soaking it all in and genuinely enjoying yourselves, that joy will naturally shine through in every image.”

See more local companies in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

The Welsh National Wedding Awards, now in its 15th year, shines a light on the incredible Welsh wedding industry, with categories ranging from Best Bridal Retailer to Best Venue.

Throughout the summer, thousands of votes were cast by couples and their families, who took time out of their busy lives to thank the suppliers that helped make their dream day extra special.

Almost 400 shortlisted businesses from every region of Wales attended the Welsh National Wedding Awards ceremony at Brangwyn Hall. The event was opened by awards founder Jessica Rice, who then handed proceedings over to broadcaster and mental health activist Matt Johnson.

Jessica said, “Having hosted the Welsh National Wedding Awards for 15 years, we are passionate about shining a light on the industry, recognising and celebrating suppliers from every corner of Wales — many of whom work incredibly long hours, providing exceptional services for a day that will be one of the most special in a couple’s lives together.”

See more local news in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

We’re truly spoiled in South Wales, surrounded by beautiful beaches seemingly made for dreamy seaside ceremonies. If you’re imagining vows framed by soft sand and rolling waves, a few practicalities are worth keeping in mind – starting with the weather. The UK is famously unpredictable, and strong winds, high tides or a sudden downpour can quickly interrupt your perfect moment. High tide may shrink your ceremony space, while low tide can reveal seaweed or rocks that aren’t ideal for photos. Always have a backup plan: by all means dream of the beach wedding you’ve always wanted, but is there a sheltered space nearby if the weather turns?

Think, too, about the nature of your chosen beach. Is it a busy public spot filled with families, or a quieter stretch of coastline? Some coastal venues offer the best of both worlds, beach access with added privacy, and can guide you on timings, secluded locations and logistics.

Facilities are also crucial. Are there toilets nearby? Is there shade for children, elderly guests or anyone sensitive to the heat? Consider parasols, fans, plenty of water or welcome kits with sunscreen, flip-flops and towels.

See more inspiration in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Leah and Simon met at school, but after losing contact, they later reconnected through a dating app. Leah tells us, “We always laugh about the fact that modern romance can start with a swipe – proof that finding your lifelong partner can happen in the most unexpected ways.”

Simon proposed in August 2019 at Symonds Yat, one of the couple’s favourite spots overlooking the river. He brought a picnic hamper filled with Leah’s favourite foods and a bottle of bubbly to celebrate. It was an intimate and meaningful moment that was perfect for them.

See more from their wedding in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Thérapie Clinic is delighted to announce the official opening of its first-ever clinic in Wales, marking a major milestone in the brand’s continued expansion across the UK and Ireland. The new location is Thérapie Clinic’s 81st clinic and is situated in the bustling heart of Cardiff City Centre. This exciting launch brings Thérapie Clinic’s renowned expertise in aesthetics to the Welsh capital, offering clients in Wales direct access to premium, doctor-led treatments. The Cardiff clinic will feature two highly experienced medical aesthetic doctors specialising in anti-wrinkle injections, polynucleotides and dermal fillers, ensuring clients are in safe, expert hands.

The new clinic comprises of five purpose-built treatment rooms, delivering a wide range of advanced non-surgical aesthetic services. Clients can look forward to comprehensive treatments, including cosmetic injections, laser hair removal, skin theory peels, and microneedling.

See more local news in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Located on the beautiful esplanade in Penarth and looking out over the Bristol Channel is the iconic Penarth Pier Pavilion, a romantic venue with spectacular sea views for you and your guests to enjoy.

First opening in 1929, Penarth Pier Pavilion is an impressive example of Art Deco architecture, with a vaulted main gallery and several charming wedding spaces to choose from. Hosting a range of events throughout the year, the venue offers live music, art exhibitions and workshops, with a team of dedicated staff on hand to ensure your event runs seamlessly.

The Pavilion is licensed for civil ceremonies, weddings and civil partnerships, seating between 10 and 110 loved ones. Everything can be organised for you, from the room layout and place settings to fabulous food, so that you and your guests can relax and enjoy the day.

See more local companies in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Picking a theme for your wedding is one of the hardest decisions to make when planning. There are too many choices and the overwhelming fear of getting it wrong is impossible to ignore. Rococo is a theme that can be quite easily defined as any episode of Bridgerton; we’re talking soft pastels, ornate décor pieces and everything 18th-century inspired. Rococo is an interesting theme; it’s elegant and ornate without being over the top (which I appreciate sounds like a contradiction). It’s all about finding the balance between pearl elements and gold detailing, offset by soft pastels and muted tones. This theme is very romantic and would certainly suit an editorial photography style. However, this theme could be considered “out of date” in a few years, when the trends move on.

For décor, you’ll want to reach for fine china with gold detailing, long-stem candles, candelabras and intricate details throughout the venue and on the cake. Lots of couples typically reach for ostentatious gold-framed mirrors for their table plan and welcome sign and will choose a venue that exudes 18th-century luxury.

Rich textures for the bridal party would also contribute to the overall look of the day, with fabrics such as silk, lace, velvet and satin being key players. Some well-placed classical musical players throughout the venue would do wonders to finish off the look and bring the Bridgerton look to life.

See more inspiration in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

The best friends to lovers trope is the crème de la crème of romance novels, and for Ben and Daisy, this is their reality. They started off as best friends in school in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2015 that they sparked a relationship. As if their story couldn’t get more perfect, Ben also pulled it out of the bag with his proposal in 2023. He popped the question on Verde Beach in Dubai, in front of the Burj Al Arab, and asked Daisy to spend the rest of her life with him.

It was a natural “yes” for Daisy, and here we get to see their stunning wedding unfold. Llanerch Vineyard would set the scene for the climax of their storybook romance and what a beautiful venue to say, “I do” in. Their reason for picking this venue was its locality to their home, the breathtaking setting, the outdoor celebration spaces and photo opportunities, and the spacious marquee in the evening.

See more from their wedding in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.