Editor loves and inspiration

The team at Hensol Castle share what wedding insurance and corkage fees are.

"Before booking your wedding venue, we advise making sure they have up-to-date insurance, but it is also a wise decision to invest in your own wedding insurance once the contracts are signed. It offers peace of mind against unforeseen circumstances like vendor cancellations or extreme weather, allowing you to focus on celebrating without financial setbacks.

"A corkage fee is when a couple pays the venue so that they can bring their own drinks on-site. We don’t offer a corkage fee at Hensol Castle; however, we do provide a comprehensive selection of drinks to accommodate your guests and your fairytale wedding celebrations."

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Rachael and Sam met through social media. “Sam had not been in New Zealand long and we instantly struck up a friendship,” says Rachael. “We chatted for a few months before we finally organised a date. It was truly love at first sight. All though our connection was instant, our relationship was a slow burn, as I have two daughters who were six and ten at the time. I had to make sure Sam was a keeper before he met Ava and Amelia, but he had me at hello, and his morals, ethics and loyalty would last me a lifetime.”

Sam proposed in a seaside village called Akaroa in New Zealand. “It was my birthday, so Sam had booked an apartment for the weekend right on the waterfront,” shares the bride. “On the Saturday morning, he was bouncing around wanting to go watch the sun rise at the lighthouse, while I wanted coffee in bed! Finally, I gave in, and I must admit, looking out across the water was a beautiful start to the day. I turned around and there he was down on one knee, pale as a ghost. While I contemplated in shock that he was proposing, I noticed his face. Apparently, I was taking too long and the poor guy actually thought I was going to turn him down, which of course I did not. That night friends and family turned up and my birthday dinner turned into an impromptu engagement party.”

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

The expert team at Diamond Centre Wales share the latest wedding jewellery trends.

"The allure of oval diamond engagement rings is trending upward, with modern couples seeking a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. At Diamond Centre Wales, we’ve witnessed this trend first-hand, with an increasing number of clients drawn to the distinctive appeal of oval diamonds for their bespoke engagement ring designs. Here we explain why oval diamonds have captured the spotlight:

"Brilliant sparkle: Oval diamonds are cut similarly to round diamonds, which means they share the latter’s ability to catch and reflect light spectacularly. This brilliance is a key factor in their popularity, as the cut maximises the stone’s fire and sparkle, making it an eye-catching centrepiece of any engagement ring.

"Versatile design: The versatility of oval diamonds is unparalleled. Its unique shape complements a wide array of ring settings and styles, from classic solitaires to more intricate vintage designs and modern minimalist pieces.

"Illusion of size: Compared to round diamonds of the same carat weight, oval diamonds often appear larger due to their elongated shape. This feature offers the allure of a more substantial diamond, providing excellent value and aesthetic appeal."

Meet more local experts in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Claire from Claire Louise Cake Studio shares one of her favourite cake designs.

"I have been a cake designer for a few years now. Designing wedding and celebration cakes is my passion and I love being a part of someone’s special day. The first cake is from a recent shoot for Le Wedding Fayre in Le Pub, Newport. The theme was Vegas meets retro! I was so excited about this theme that I went with a two-tiered lambeth style in a very pale peach and topped it with Maraschino cocktail cherries. I love the look with its delicate swirls and I think it fits well with the theme."

Meet more local cake makers in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Wedding planning can be stressful and even lead to sleepless nights. To help, Hotpod Yoga Cardiff has launched a new sleep-focused class. The class will offer a calming and restorative flow that is suitable for all and draws from different yoga styles to deliver ultimate relaxation, all set within the nurturing environment of a patented pod: a peaceful cocoon helping you to relax deeply and find calm.

Dr. Sophie Bostock, who has partnered with Hotpod Yoga to support the launch of Sleep Sessions, says: “Many people struggle to switch off at night or wake up in the early hours with a racing mind. Yoga combines physical movement, breathwork and meditation techniques, which develop the skill of deep relaxation. Research shows that yoga helps people gain awareness and a sense of control over their minds and bodies, and there is evidence that regular yoga practice can help to improve not just strength and flexibility but also immune function, mental health, sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Sleep sessions will help people practice yoga in an environment curated for recovery with dim lights, relaxing music and pleasant aromas.”

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

Beth and Alex met on a dating website. “We have both been married before and gone through difficult separations and divorces,” says Beth. “Alex was incredibly charming and to this day, I still call him my Charming Mr Alex. We had a lot in common, as we both love the outdoors and enjoy walking, paddleboarding, the beach and coastal areas. Our love for life was what really shone through. We had an immediate connection and I know it may sound cheesy, but I know that we were meant to meet. He is what I had been waiting for my entire life! He treated me like an absolute lady from the start and spoilt me rotten in every way and still does. He completely swept me off my feet and the first year was a total dream come true. It is incredible to meet someone who respects you so much for who you are and who will love you unconditionally. I feel so lucky to have met Alex and to now have the family that I do with him.”

Alex took Beth to Iceland for her birthday in January 2022 and proposed at a Michelin-starred restaurant called Dill. “We had seen the restaurant on our favourite programme called Down to Earth,” shares the bride. “I had dreamed of going to Iceland for so long and we had so much fun exploring it together. It was one of the most amazing holidays and one I will never forget.”

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

Huw and Dale Photography are a husband-and-husband team based in the captivating landscapes of South Wales. “Our journey together not only thrives in our personal lives but also fuels our creative path behind the camera,” say Huw and Dale. “With years of experience, we have become familiar faces at the enchanting venues of South Wales, trusted by many to capture their most cherished moments. Our photography style is all about capturing genuine, unscripted moments. We believe in the power of natural and documentary-style photography, where every click tells a unique story. Our approach is to embrace the authenticity of the day, but we’re also more than happy to compose elegantly posed shots when the moment calls for it. For us, it’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about making your wedding day as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We always go the extra mile to help create an atmosphere where everyone feels at ease, allowing us to capture genuine, heartwarming moments. We pride ourselves on being open, friendly, and approachable, as we believe that building a connection with our clients is essential to capturing their most authentic and beautiful moments.”

Exclusively for Your South Wales Wedding, Huw and Dale Photography are offering a 10 per cent discount on wedding bookings. To claim this offer, email Huw and Dale at info@huwdale.co.uk and mention the magazine. Offer ends on 30th June 2024.

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

Rachel Parry from Brecon Bridal Boutique shares her top tips for planning your first wedding dress appointment.

"First of all, don’t be nervous; it’s not as daunting as you might think. Finding the right boutique can really help with any nerves you may have. Consider heading to a wedding fair to meet the boutique’s owners in person before booking an appointment. That way, you can get to know the team before you visit.

"Each boutique may run their appointments slightly differently, but here at Brecon Bridal Boutique, you are welcomed into the boutique with a pot of tea waiting for you and your guests. We’ll tell you a little bit about the dresses and ask you a few questions about anything you might like or dislike in a wedding dress. We’ll also ask if you’ve been anywhere else before and if there is a dress to beat. We’ll also ask you about your wedding; all this is so we can get a feel for what it is you’d like in a wedding dress.

"After this, we let you go through the dresses and pick out five to six dresses to get your appointment started. You’re not limited to just trying on these gowns; it’s just to get you started. If we can see you favouring a certain style, we’ll pull more similar dresses for you to try throughout the appointment."

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

Bethan and Sam met through mutual friends. “We messaged each other for a few months and eventually went on a date,” says Bethan. “We went to Winter Wonderland in Cardiff and instantly clicked with each other. After we met, Sam went back to his local pub and met up with his friends, and when they asked how it went, his response was, ‘I’m going to marry her.’ We went on several dates after this; however, lockdown then happened in March and we made the decision to move in together rather than not see each other.”

Sam proposed at Edinburgh Castle in September 2021. “Edinburgh Castle is my favourite place and we were having a weekend away there for my dad’s 60th birthday,” shares the bride. “My mum, dad, sister and her partner were there, which was important because I’m so close to my family.”

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

Local photographers Huw and Dale explain the benefits of having two photographers on your wedding day.

"Weddings are busy days with lots going on, usually in multiple places at once. While a good photographer knows where they need to be to get the shots that you want, they still can’t split themselves in two. When your photographer is shooting the formals, they could be missing important moments or funny candid shots with the rest of the guests. This is where a second photographer becomes invaluable, as they can capture moments otherwise missed.

"A second photographer also gives a second view of the day; your main may be at the front of the church while the second is at the back, and your main may be capturing close-ups of the speeches while the second is capturing the audience’s reactions.

"Ask your photographer if they offer a second shooter, and if they do, ask questions such as: How long have they been shooting weddings? Have you worked with them before? Can I see some work they have shot for you?"

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