Editor loves and inspiration

Gina and Daniel's relationship starts with the overcoming of some very difficult times. With the loss of a dear friend and the approaching lockdown, they had a lot to overcome in a short amount of time. They may have started as flatmates, but the bond that flourished has created what is now, a beautiful relationship. Whilst lockdown was a tumultuous and daunting period for a lot of us, this time gave Gina and Daniel plenty of opportunities to get to know one another and to partake in some of the classic lockdown activities. Gina adds, “we were both locked down in the flat – we used to play lockdown bingo, which made for plenty of our own adventures.” Gina and Daniel now live happily ever after with their son and dog in Cardiff.

But before we jump to the end, how did this gorgeous couple become newlyweds? Daniel and Gina found Gina's engagement ring together when they were travelling in Madrid in 2022. They bought it there and then and carefully carried it around with them for the rest of the day. Daniel then popped the question in Bruges, in September that same year. Gina knew the engagement was coming but wasn't sure when, so this still came as a nice surprise. Daniel even did it on the bridge overlooking Lovers Lake – how romantic!

Read more in Your South Wales Wedding - Issue 104 July/August 2025

What cake trends are we leaving 2024 and what can we expect to see in 2025?

GINGER BEAR BAKERY - I think the ruffle trend is slowing down and will eventually be left in 2024. I made lots of the ruffle-style cakes last year, but I'm not seeing it as much in 2025 orders. There are lots of exciting new trends coming through for 2025; the vintage styling is still huge and lots of my couples are opting for this, choosing to complete their cakes with cherries or bows! Another trend I am excited for is fresh fruit; raspberry topped cakes and oversized single tier cakes are going to be seen a lot in 2025, dressed in all kinds of fruits and fresh florals!

www.thegingerbearbakery.co.uk

I'm looking to be sustainable where possible with wedding bits, and wondered if there was a way to incorporate my wedding stationery dreams and favours? I need something that feels like us but can also serve a purpose.

Kate Lee, of Love-Lee Wedding Stationery by Kate Lee, says: We all reach that point in our wedding planning where we must decide on what is important to us; what is absolutely needed and what is purely aesthetic. But everyone has a budget, and it's vital the budget is adhered to. When it comes to favours, we have to wonder, 'is this personalised candle or shot bottle for every guest absolutely necessary?' Whilst it's a lovely gesture, it can become a very expensive option; so why not use an order of service as a keepsake for your guests instead? Lovelee has just launched a new product called 'Newlywed Life' – your very own personalised magazine! The mag includes your love story, a shout out to your wedding party, an itinerary for the day, your favourite love quote, a link to your wedding gift list, and even a chance to nominate guests for a wedding award! There's also a fun 'Bride and Groom Guess Who' game for your guests to have a giggle over during the wedding breakfast. A perfect memory to hold and a wonderful keepsake for you and your guests.

Love-Lee Wedding Stationery by Kate Lee
www.lovelee-design.com

Like many of us in this modern world, Angharad and Lewis met online through a dating app. Angharad recalls, “As I'm a teacher, I thought I would add a humorous part to my bio and said that there were perks to dating a teacher, one of those being unlimited milk and cookies. Of course, that's what made Lewis swipe right!”. Angharad goes onto add, “We all know that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach (he now has diabetes, so there's obviously such a thing as too many cookies)”. Their time getting to know each other highlighted their shared interests in ice hockey, Formula 1 and spending time outside. These mutual hobbies enabled the conversation to blossom and grow, to a point where their connection was nothing short of natural.

Connection turned to love and in turn, turned into marriage; but how did Lewis pop the question? Angharad answers, “Lewis bought a couple's card game called 'You've Been Served'. We were each allowed to serve one another cards that contained challenges. I served a card that required him to arrange a surprise day trip, which led us to Margam Park. During our day out, Lewis suggested we head to some church ruins to get a picture (Lewis is an avid photographer, so knows a good shot when he sees one). Begrudgingly I obliged, despite the bogged down grass we had to cross; Lewis gets the picture and to my surprise, gets down on one knee. He had written the question on a Post-it note and sacrificed his best card from the card game in the process. Of course, the answer was an easy yes.”

Read more about their special day online in Issue 103

Jessica and Adam met at the University of Reading, in the student union nightclub and it was love at first sight. Within a week of dating, they became official, and they knew they'd found their soulmate. The bond between this couple grew quickly and the 'L-word' was used within a few weeks. Whilst the beginning felt like a whirlwind, the couple felt that they had built a strong friendship and saw Themselves being life partners. Jessica recalls, “What attracted me to Adam was his kindness, compassion and empathy. He always puts me first and cares for me, better than I could have ever wished for!” Adam adds, “what attracted me to Jess was her motivation and determination in life. She is kind, caring, and beautiful and the most wonderful life partner I could have dreamed of!”

Adam popped the question in August 2022, on what was seemingly any regular day. Jessica explains, “I walked in from being out shopping to a trail of rose petals from the front door to our living room. Adam had set the whole room up with balloons, fairylights and rose petals. After a lovely speech on one knee, I immediately said yes, and we celebrated with some champagne and calls to friends and family. We rounded off a perfect night by going out to an Italian restaurant, a favourite of ours and now a cherished location.”

See how they celebrated their specuial day in Issue 103 - available for download online.

Aisling and Liam met during their first week at dance school. “Liam was in his first year of the course and I was doing the foundation year,” says Aisling. “We met at a house party and were friends for about eight months before starting a relationship.”

Liam popped the question at home after the couple had been together just over 10 years. “It was a huge surprise,” shares the bride. “I’d been away for the weekend and then went straight to work, but when I got home I found Liam had decorated our flat with candles, lights, rose petals and Polaroids of us throughout our relationship. I looked at all of them, and when I got to the last one, he kneeled down behind me with a ring.”

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

Rebecca Burt is a jewellery designer based out of her studio in Canton, Cardiff, where she creates textural organic jewellery from silver, gold and gemstones. Working on one-off pieces, small stock collections, commissions and remodels, her jewellery aesthetic features carefully selected gemstones with playful colour gradients.

“My pieces are all influenced by having a directional quality that captures movement and a sense of flow, using mark-making and building up silver grains to create wearable pieces of jewellery,” says Rebecca. “Everything is made and crafted by my hands, allowing for no two pieces to be exactly the same, giving each piece its own individual personality!”

Meet more local suppliers in our Handmade in South Wales feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Jayne Nevins from Camille Accessories shares her trend predictions for 2025.

"As an accessories designer, I follow the trends with a passion because my work serves to complement wedding gown styles. My predictions for 2025 are:

"Individuality and bespoke designs. Unique pieces that add a personal touch to a wedding and emphasise the bride’s individuality.

"Layered pearl necklaces that will work perfectly with the new corseted basque waist ballgown style dresses that we’ve already seen on many runways.

"Oversized earrings are still en vogue and can make a statement on their own without the need for any other accessories.

"Pearls galore! They’re still everywhere, on veils, bags and shoes. Pearls of every size and description, from the larger baroque pearls to the traditional classic string of pearls, remain as the accessory must-have for brides-to-be."

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

Ellie and Ricky met in 2012 at Broad Haven Beach in Haverfordwest. “He was a popular boy who I thought was attractive, but nothing ever happened as he was too old for me at the time,” says Ellie. “Fast forward to 2014, when he took me to a fancy party dressed up as a bobsleigher and we’ve been together ever since.”

Ricky popped the question in 2022. “It was a complete surprise,” shares the bride. “We were visiting Musselwick Beach when he asked me to be his wife.”

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

Fall in love with this ethereal styled shoot at Candleston Woods that features a team of talented suppliers.

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