Editor loves and inspiration

Catherine and Steve met on a dating website in 2011 and had their first date at a pub in Brynmill, Swansea. “We were both single parents, so we had that in common,” says Catherine. “We hit it off right away, and I loved his eyes and that he liked my laugh.”

Years later, the happy couple went to look at wedding rings together. “I liked one, but it was very expensive, so we decided to leave it and go home,” shares the bride. “That weekend was our anniversary, and we celebrated by going back to the pub where we first met. Steve proposed to me that night with the ring that I had fallen in love with.”

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

The team at Emily Kate Bridal tell us what type of dress would be ideal for a summer wedding.

"Firstly, you need to feel comfortable and like the best version of yourself. The last thing you want is to feel hot and bothered in your dress. If it's a destination wedding or taking place in the height of summer, look at fabrics like chiffon that are cooler to wear.

"Lots of girls love sleeves; however, as a way of staying cool during the day, we can put sleeves and arm accessories on that are detachable so you can take them off when you wish.

"Fit-wise, it depends on the bride herself and what silhouette she wants. Try to avoid anything satin or heavy in fabric and instead look for lace, crepe, high-leg split dresses, and sparkles that will look beautiful when glistering in the sun."

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

Siân and Adam met online. “Adam's sisters persuaded him to give online dating a go, and luckily we both swiped right,” says Siân. “We hit it off, and within two months, we were living together. Of course, I fancied him, but I also fell in love very quickly with his sense of humour, his kind and gentle nature, and his academic achievements. We're both quite geeky, and I think this is what cemented our relationship, as we can both name specific moments when we realised the other was 'the one'. For me, it was not long after we met in 2016 when I mentioned a musician I really admired, and Adam pulled out his phone to show me that he had her, and my favourite song no less, on his playlist. This may not sound extraordinary, but the musician was the Ukrainian Eurovision winner from 2004!”

Adam popped the question on Christmas Day. “I had previously said if he was to propose, to make sure there was a puppy as well as a ring,” shares the bride. “He followed through, except the puppy was a soft toy! It looked exactly like my family's dog, Tehya, and I was bowled over that he had remembered and put so much thought into the detail. He poured his heart out before asking the question, but I was so emotional I can't remember a word of it! On the plus side, it meant I prepared myself to listen intently to every word of his speech on our wedding day.”

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

The 1950s were the inspiration for this styled shoot, with the model wearing a short dress, sunglasses, and pearls that resonated with the Hollywood era. Organiser and photographer Kate Richards tells us more: “I asked Amy Louise MUA if she could help us find a real couple, and that's how we discovered Morgan and Olivia, the perfect models for our styled shoot. I wanted to end the photo shoot at Ogmore-by-Sea as it has beautiful sunset views, so we chose Ewenny Priory as it was close by and very versatile with arches, florals, and a gorgeous stone coach house. After a few weeks of planning, Morgan contacted us as he wanted to propose to Olivia at the end of the photo shoot, and that's when we knew this was going to be an extra special day. The secret wasn't easy to keep, but we managed it well. There were tears of joy, and not just from the couple, and in that moment, we all knew how lucky we were to be doing our jobs.”

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

The Glen Yr Afon House Hotel in Usk is the ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy some time to yourself, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery and sights of Monmouthshire. It sits on one of the finest salmon-fishing rivers in the country, the River Usk. A regular winner of Wales in Bloom, the pretty and well-cared-for town has charming shops, a castle, 28 sites of historic interest, the Museum of Rural Life, and a Town Trail.

The bedrooms at Glen Yr Afon House Hotel are furnished to a high standard, with every guest bedroom room being well equipped and most having views of the hotel's spacious gardens.

Exclusively for Your South Wales Wedding, Glen Yr Afon House Hotel is offering our readers a 10 per cent discount on its Luxury Break Package. The break includes a prosecco afternoon tea, a four-course dinner in Clarkes Restaurant, a one-night stay in a standard en-suite double or twin room, a full Welsh breakfast, complimentary parking, and wireless broadband. The discounted price is £207. The price is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Valid for stays up to 30th November 2023. Subject to availability.

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

The Welsh National Wedding Awards, now in its 12th year, recognise the best wedding businesses in Wales. Once again, this year, thousands of votes have been cast from couples whose weddings have taken place between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023. From these votes, a shortlist has been created, and the overall winners will be announced at the prestigious awards ceremony at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on Sunday 12th November 2023.

This year, there are 18 categories, including Best Bridalwear, Best Make-Up Artist, and Best Musical Act, as well as seven non-regional categories, covering wedding food, drink and millinery. These categories will recognise the best in Wales from across the five regions.

The host once again is Welsh fashion designer, TV presenter, and bridal legend David Emanuel, who has the task of announcing the winners.

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

Caitlin and Abe met in college and quickly became friends. “We always liked and respected each other, and one summer that turned into something more, and we quickly realised that we had never been as comfortable with anyone else,” says Caitlin. “The mixture of new love with the familiarity of a long-term friend made us very quickly fall in love.”

Abe had planned to propose to Caitlin on their second anniversary. “I had sneakily measured Caitlin's ring finger in the first few months of our relationship as I was so confident that I would marry her one day,” shares the groom. “We planned to go for a meal together and visit a romantic spot in Southerndown, which is where we first realised that we had feelings for each other. However, on the Monday before our anniversary, on the way home from picking up a pizza, Caitlin started asking about the timeline of our relationship and when we would be engaged and married. I had to reluctantly hide the fact that the ring was sitting in my desk drawer waiting for the weekend and try and play it cool, 'Oh, maybe within a couple of years?' Realising she was disappointed with this answer, I decided, why not now? As we got in, ready to share a delicious pizza, I grabbed the ring from the drawer and nervously entered the room. I walked over, sat half on the sofa and half on one knee, and proposed right there with the pizza right by us. She said yes! The ring fit perfectly, and she loved it!”

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

June Gould (DJ June Cecilia) from SGDJ Weddings in Cardiff shares her top tips for choosing a DJ for your nuptials:

"It's a great idea to start looking for a DJ as soon as you have your wedding date. Once you've decided on a venue, this can influence the length of entertainment that you require. If you are looking for a DJ, you will find many professionals who can look after your whole day, from the ceremony to the end of the night.

"Any supplier coming into a public venue will be expected to have public liability insurance and PAT-tested equipment. This is basic; don't book a supplier who doesn't have it."

See more in our Planning SOS feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download

Bethan and Yosif met at a mutual friend's birthday party. “The first thing I noticed about Yosif was his confidence, and the more time we spent together, the closer we got,” says Bethan. “As we started to go on more dates, I quickly realised that I had found the person that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

Yosif popped the question in February 2022. “We had booked tickets to see our favourite musical in Cardiff,” shares the bride. “At the end of the performance, Yosif delayed leaving the venue, and when we finally started to go, he got down on one knee and popped the question, despite some struggles getting the ring out of his blazer pocket!”

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

Make-up artist Emma Locke tells us her trend predicitons for 2024.

"Next year, we will be looking at a variety of make-up trends, from bold and rebellious to soft and romantic. There will be a range of popular colours that cater to every style and occasion.

"Sparkles are going to be the star of the show, bringing a sense of glitz and glamour to your look. Whether it’s a glittery eyeshadow or a shimmery highlight, the aim is to make a statement. Catwalks will be all about fantasy and mythic themes in 2024.

On the other hand, the no-make-up look is ideal for enhancing your features in a more natural way. This has been on-trend through 2023, and I believe it will continue."

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