Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

The Vale of Rheidol Railway has launched a new service

Looking for something different for your mini-moon or honeymoon? The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Wales is the perfect way to see the stunning Cambrian Mountains from a vantage point you can only get to by train. During this new experience, you'll travel through 12 miles of glorious Welsh scenery on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the UK. And you'll do it all from the comfort of your carriage, travelling behind a vintage steam locomotive built in the 1920s.

As you travel from Aberystwyth on Cardigan Bay to Devil's Bridge in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, you can chat with the railway's knowledgeable loco crews, watch as red kites, once threatened with extinction, fly overhead, and soak up the views that can only be seen from the railway line.

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Cottrell Resort is surrounded by 400 acres of parkland and views of the Vale of Glamorgan

Cottrell Resort is surrounded by 400 acres of parkland and rolling views of the Vale of Glamorgan, making it a picture-perfect setting to celebrate your special day.

The dedicated team will help you create your dream wedding and offer the services of a DJ if required. You're also welcome to decorate the wedding space to your own design, or the team can put you in contact with a company that can assist on the day.

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Driftwood Designs has launched new deckchairs perfect for outdoor weddings

Driftwood Designs incorporates the work of Welsh artist and illustrator Lizzie Spikes, whose passion is creating illustrations that can be translated into homewares, cards, prints and so much more. For 2024, Lizzie has announced the launch of her new deckchairs, perfect for those of you planning an outdoor wedding.

On the lawn or the patio, by the pond or the barbecue, these deckchairs will look stylish in any outdoor space. The deck chairs are currently available in four designs, which are printed on 500g artist canvas and form the seat of the chair.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Norton House Hotel is an independent country house with plenty of charm

Boasting elegant windows, 17 individually designed bedrooms and an impressive entrance, Norton House Hotel is a country house with plenty of period charm. Recently announced as regional winners for 'Best Boutique Venue' at the Welsh National Wedding Awards, the property has been renovated to a high standard with home comforts that don't compromise the historic features. This Grade II-listed venue has been thoroughly refurbished with weddings in mind and the private grounds, which include a secluded lawn, an original raised patio, and wide stone steps, look stunning in photographs.

Grove of Narberth has unveiled a new dining experience

Pembrokeshire country house hotel, Grove of Narberth, has unveiled a new dining experience with the launch of a creative, non-alcoholic drink pairing menu at its signature restaurant, Fernery. Carefully crafted and curated by head sommelier Cathryn Bell and executive chef Douglas Balish, this innovative offering is set to redefine the offering at Grove of Narberth and showcase that amazing dining experiences can be just as indulgent with non-alcoholic options.

Using ingredients sourced as much as possible from the hotel's own gardens and local producers, the pairings draw inspiration from fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Using cold-pressed fruits and vegetables as a base, the team layers herbs and spices for flavour, along with teas for tannin and texture. They've also incorporated vinegar to add depth and length to their creations.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Canada Lodge and Lake is a picturesque wedding venue on the outskirts of Cardiff

Found on the outskirts of Cardiff and nestled in the lush green landscape of the beautiful countryside, Canada Lodge and Lake is a picturesque wedding venue that boasts stunning views across its quaint lake. Offering exclusive wedding bookings for intimate groups of 30 to large parties of up to 180, it is the perfect place to say, 'I do.'

Canada Lodge and Lake offers charming on-site accommodation. Its oak-built log cabins provide unforgettable views across the tranquil lake and lush woodland. The executive cabins can sleep three, and the guest cabins can sleep up to four people each. All cabins are fully furnished with modern comforts and charming finishing touches.

Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery is a multi-award-winning jeweller that produces timeless and exquisite handmade jewellery. Combining traditional techniques with state-of-the-art technology, the team will work with you to create the perfect piece of jewellery for your big day. With stores in both Penarth and Swansea, the company offers a range of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Wedding bands come in a variety of styles and shapes, as well as your preferred metal choice. Northern Star Bespoke Jewellery can offer a range of classic plain bands, sparkling diamond sets or shaped bands. The team can also take into consideration existing rings and ensure that the wedding ring sits intimately beside them using modern, computer-assisted technology.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

St Tewdrics House is a 19th-century Italianate villa situated within acres of countryside

St Tewdrics House is a 19th-century Italianate villa situated within acres of idyllic countryside. Offering impressive views of the Seven Estuaries, the property is accessible by a tree-lined driveway and is surrounded by glorious green fields. Available exclusively for weddings, you will have complete privacy on your special day and a choice of nine en- suite bedrooms. The charming Grade II-listed building has a classic yet contemporary feel, with original period features, while the interior has been sympathetically modernised.

The Glyn Clydach has been hosting weddings for over 30 years

The Glyn Clydach, nestled in an idyllic part of Neath, has been hosting weddings for over 30 years, working with couples to style and coordinate their special day, taking their ideas and turning them into reality.

At E2 Media, The Glyn Clydach won the highly anticipated 2024 Awards of Excellence, highlighting outstanding achievements across various industries. This accolade not only showcases The Glyn Clydach's commitment to excellence but also highlights their consistent efforts to go above and beyond in ensuring a positive and seamless experience for their couples.

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Crug Glâs is a romantic country house with rooms in Pembrokeshire

Crug Glâs is a country house restaurant with rooms in Pembrokeshire. Set in 600 acres of land in St. David's, it offers breathtaking views of unspoilt countryside and easy access to the area's famous coast. The property can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was mentioned in the Black Book of St. David's, the chronicle of local farms, manors and estates. Crug Glâs is now owned and run by husband-and-wife team Janet and Perkin Evans. The couple began modernising the house in keeping with its Georgian style. They added en-suite bathrooms and moved the kitchen and scullery to the ground floor. The top floor was converted from servants' quarters to a spacious and contemporary suite with panoramic views over the countryside. Bit-by-bit and with careful attention, Crug Glâs has become more than a home and a farm for the Evans family. It's now a luxurious five-star boutique hotel and restaurant, drawing guests from all over the world as well as locals.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.

Dream themes

Planning a wedding is a stressful time, but allocating a theme can help by making the important decisions slightly less difficult. Here, editorial assistant Sophie Clark has created a guide to inspire you for your big day. From Regency-core to overflowing natural elements, there are plenty of themes to draw inspiration from to help you navigate your wedding planning. Not only could it narrow down a specific colour scheme from which you can arrange the bridal parties' outfits, but it can project the atmosphere you want to achieve at your dream-like wedding. This will ensure that the memories created on your special day are timeless, and that the photos will turn out absolutely divine to give you something to reminisce on.

Relax in style at Wales’s largest spa with the return of two spa packages

Wales's largest spa is reintroducing two of its most popular spa packages: Sunday Spa & Lunch and Twilight Spa & Dine.

Voted 'Best Resort Spa' for seven consecutive years, Vale Spa features 16 treatment rooms, a 20-metre pool, a whirlpool bath, a sauna, a steam room and five bespoke relaxation rooms. It's the perfect space to unwind after a hectic week at work or running around after the children, offering a tranquil space to be pampered and spend quality time with your loved one or group of friends.