Editor loves and inspiration

Charlotte Perrott of Beautystyle Wedding Hair & Makeup has won three awards at the Welsh National Wedding Awards. She took home Best Regional Wedding Hairstylist, Best Regional Wedding Makeup Artist, and the National Award for Best Wedding Hairstylist in Wales – congratulations! The awards were voted for by clients, alongside a mystery guest.

Charlotte tells us: “The recognition felt particularly meaningful and unexpected. My work focuses on refined, timeless wedding hair and makeup, with an emphasis on calm, considered luxury and a highly personalised experience for each bride. To be recognised on both a regional and national level has been a very special moment in my tenth year of my career, and I’m proud to represent South Wales within the wider wedding industry.”

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

When we think of wedding dresses, white is often the first colour that comes to mind. Yet this tradition is more modern than many realise. White only entered the bridal world in 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in a white satin gown trimmed with lace. Before then, brides simply wore their best dress, whatever the colour. Although white is now associated with purity, for Queen Victoria it was purely a fashion choice. Over time, that choice evolved into expectation and, by the early 20th century, white was firmly established as the bridal norm.

Thankfully, today's brides are far less bound by a rule book. Colour is once again embraced as an expression of individuality and personal style. Soft, almost-white shades such as champagne, ivory and stone are increasingly popular, offering a modern alternative for brides who want to step away from tradition while still retaining a distinctly bridal feel. Here, we share one colourful alternative.

See more on-trend fashion in the latest issue of Your South Wales Wedding. Download your free copy here.

Carys and Ryan met at work after they both moved to Cardiff, and it wasn’t long before their relationship began to blossom. Ryan proposed during a romantic break away in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, where the couple were staying in a charming cottage complete with a patio firepit and a cosy fireplace that helped set the scene for such a special moment.

When it came to planning their wedding, the couple visited Sant Ffraed House and instantly knew it was the one. “The music playing and the scent of the candles at the venue definitely won us over – they really added to the atmosphere,” says Carys. “We loved them so much that we chose to have them burning on the day as well.”

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

DJ Sound & Lighting is a much-loved Welsh wedding entertainment company built on one simple idea: create nights people never forget. The team’s reputation has been repeatedly recognised, earning Best Wedding DJ in Wales not only in 2025 but also in 2024, along with Best Regional Wedding DJ for an impressive eight consecutive years. In 2025, they celebrated two major wins at the Welsh National Wedding Awards – Best Regional Wedding DJ and the overall Best Wedding DJ in Wales.

“These awards matter so much because they’re voted for by the couples, venues, and suppliers we’re lucky enough to work with,” says founder Darren Tipples. “It’s their trust that keeps us growing.”

The business began modestly – a teenager with a passion, a homemade setup, and parents willing to endure the noise. Darren’s early gigs were youth clubs, school discos, and any event where he could plug in a speaker. “My dad always said that service is what people remember most,” he adds. “Three decades later, that’s still the heart of everything we do.”

Today, DJ Sound & Lighting is known for warm, people- focused service, packed dancefloors, and thoughtful production that fits each couple’s style. Darren credits the team for the company’s success: “They’re the reason each weekend feels special. Their reliability, creativity, and genuine care make all the difference.

“Winning two national awards in one night was incredible,” he says. “But the real reward is being invited into the biggest days of people’s lives.”

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

Norton House Hotel, a Georgian seaside retreat, has won Best Boutique Venue 2025 (South and Central Region) at the Welsh National Wedding Awards – congratulations! The hotel offers the perfect blend of history, comfort, and culinary delight. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a relaxing break, or a base for exploring the coastal region, Norton House Hotel provides an unforgettable experience.

The team shared their excitement about the win: “We are absolutely bursting with pride to announce that we won. This award genuinely means the world to the entire team. It’s a true testament to the dedication, passion, and love we pour into every single wedding hosted here. Thank you to every single person who voted – your support means more than we could ever put into words. This one is for our amazing couples.”

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

Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, filled with choices that define your day and reflect who you are as a couple. To avoid weddings becoming wasteful, more couples are considering sustainability — whether that means reducing waste, supporting ethical vendors, or simply minimising their environmental footprint. The good news? Eco-friendly choices can be seamlessly integrated into every stage of your planning. This guide will help you make sustainable decisions without compromising your style or vision.

One of the first steps in planning your day is defining your overall vision. Discuss the style and vibe you want for your wedding – formal, rustic, or casual. There’s no right or wrong choice, but it should reflect your personalities. For example, if you’re an introvert, a large-scale wedding may feel overwhelming; likewise, if you love big events, a small registry office ceremony might feel underwhelming.

Before booking anything, take time as a couple to define what sustainability means to you. Is your focus on low waste, ethical sourcing, supporting local communities, or reducing carbon emissions? Creating a shared vision ensures your values shine through every decision.

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

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.