Editor loves and inspiration

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 However, this theme could be considered “out of date” in a few years, when the trends move on.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.

As the wedding day approaches, many brides-to-be crave more than just a wild night out. Enter the new wave of hen weekends: soulful, grounding, and joyfully restorative. These aren’t about hangovers and high heels — they’re about heart.

Imagine a weekend nestled in the Carmarthenshire countryside at Stables Wellbeing Centre, where laughter echoes through yoga studios and shared stories linger around candlelit dinners. Where mornings begin with gentle movement and herbal teas, and afternoons are spent in sound baths, forest walks, or crafting rituals that honour friendship and transition.

This is a celebration of sisterhood — a chance to reconnect, reflect, and revel in the beauty of female connection. It’s a space where brides and their closest circle can truly exhale, embracing the kind of joy that doesn’t need alcohol to sparkle.

Wellbeing hen weekends offer a meaningful alternative: one that nourishes the soul, deepens bonds, and leaves everyone feeling radiant, inside and out. Because the best kind of party is one where you wake up feeling more alive than ever.

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

This styled shoot at Canada Lodge and Lake was born from the desire to create something timeless yet natural – a love story that feels free-spirited, grounded, and deeply romantic. Inspired by the effortless harmony between meadow flowers and the venue’s lake, the vision was to capture both the wildness and serenity that love embodies. The meadow flowers featured offered a display of untamed and delicate beauty, representing freedom and spontaneity. In contrast, the stillness of the lake brought calm, reflection, and intimacy. Together, these elements formed the heart of the story – a reminder that true love is both grounding and infinite.

At the heart of the shoot was wedding planner Chloê Ridgway-Pring, from The Aisle Planner, who carefully curated the concept and guided the creative team from start to finish. Chloê’s vision was to bring together the raw beauty of the setting with modern, editorial styling – ensuring each detail worked in harmony with the landscape. From pulling together the right team of vendors to coordinating the flow of the day, her expertise ensured the shoot told a seamless, cohesive story.

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

It would be very easy to sit here and say, ’a picture is a picture, why do I need to care about the different styles?’, but in this approach, we lose the magic of photography. If you and I took a picture of the same thing – yes, the subject would remain the same, but the style would differ completely! Mine might be more slapdash and yours may be artistic. The same applies to wedding photography – what one artist views as improper, the other will see as an opportunity and vice versa. There are countless different types of photography, but for the sake of this issue, we have broken them down into the current most popular types: traditional, dark and moody, documentary/photojournalistic, light and airy, vintage, and fine art.

Find out more about the different types of photography in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Kate and Cara met at Cardiff University while studying for their undergraduate degrees. Cara lived with Kate’s brother, Sam, for the first two years of her degree, and when Kate joined her brother, she started to build a beautiful relationship with Cara. Kate popped the question to Cara after they moved to Swansea. Kate adds, “Our favourite walk during lockdown became the one between Langland and Caswell Bay, so it felt like the perfect spot to propose after a meal in our favourite Swansea restaurant, Nishimura. We then headed home, where all our family and best friends waited for us to celebrate.”

Kate and Cara got married at The Wholehouse, choosing the venue because they adored the vibe, and Cara grew up a few towns over from Talgarth – making it feel like a home away from home. The venue offered the classic areas and photo opportunities, but it also had a party bus, hot tub, assault course, and zipline! Talk about a lot of bang for your buck. They both decided they wanted their wedding to be bright and joyful – with Kate’s love for pink, this made for a natural inclusion in the décor. They paired pink with orange and red – a bold choice but one that clearly worked! This also paired perfectly with the design of the venue and its iconic wall reading “a whole lot of love”.

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

Caring Companions Pet Sitting in South Wales has expanded to now include a wedding day service for your furry friends. The Wedding Dog Chaperone service means that you can have your four-legged best friend in attendance at your wedding without having to worry about the minor details – just the joy of them being near and their all-important feature in the wedding album. Caring Companions’ service includes chaperoning your dog to and from your wedding, pet care and supervision, support with photos, walks and cuddles, a pre-wedding meet and greet, and finally, tailored care — from arrival to happily ever after.

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

Step inside Hensol Castle and discover timeless elegance; grand staircases, opulent chandeliers, and historic features blend beautifully with luxurious modern touches. From intimate oak-panelled rooms to a breathtaking banqueting hall, every corner offers romance and charm. Bathed in natural light and steeped in history, it’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding day. Hensol Castle’s exterior is the epitome of fairytale romance; its grand 17th-century stone façade - complete with castellated towers, arched windows, and elegant detailing – exudes historic charm and timeless beauty. Set against a backdrop of mature trees and a tranquil lake, the castle offers a truly majestic setting for your wedding day; unforgettable from the very first glance. Surrounded by rolling countryside, Hensol Castle’s gardens and grounds offer a peaceful, picturesque escape. Manicured lawns, a serene lake with a romantic jetty, and ancient trees provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and stunning photos. With sweeping views and tranquil walkways, the grounds are a dream setting for couples seeking natural beauty and timeless elegance. Exchange vows under the elegant bandstand, surrounded by nature and overlooking the serene lake. With space for 150 and a seamless indoor option if it rains, it’s the perfect blend of style, flexibility, and timeless charm. Inside, say ‘I do’ in the romantic Oak Room, seating up to 100 guests beneath ornate ceilings and historic wood panelling.

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

Micro-weddings have seen a notable rise since 2020 and have taken the wedding world by storm. People are ditching the large lavish affairs, trimming their guestlist and opting for more intimate celebrations – with just 50 people or less in attendance. But is this the right choice for you? Whilst you may save some pennies, what are you losing in the process? You may not know hundreds of people, but in stripping back your guestlist, you could be missing some key players. To decide if an intimate wedding is the one for you, here's a list of pros and cons to help weigh-up the most important decision of your wedding. Once, we've ascertained if this is the celebration for you, we can then dive into guestlist suggestions and the catering – two factors greatly impacted by the decision to keep things small.

Find out more in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding magazine - Issue 105

Pontcanna Market has teamed up with The Install Co and Mary W-Thomas Photography to create this breathtaking styled shoot. The amazing team transformed Pontcanna Market into a vintage dream, featuring burnt oranges, wildfl owers, pampas, and lots of candles. The autumnal explosion is a treat for the eyes and goes to show the luxurious wedding style you can replicate at your venue. With lots of romantic lighting and expert styling, the market transforms from an already stunning location into one found on the pages of a romance novel. The dress changes show the flexibility of vintage style weddings and highlights the natural beauty of understated venues. Paired with a showstopping Lambeth-style cake and gorgeous table settings, this shoot is bursting with inspiration for this time of year!

Be inspired in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding magazine - Issue 105