Ruth and Liam met in the modern way, online. “I was having a bit of a nose on the website, not expecting to meet anyone, especially not the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with,” says Ruth. “Our first chat was about whether Liam had a beard or not, as his photos showed him with and without one. We met up soon after and spent our first date walking around a park in the rain. I was attracted to him initially because of his beard, and he often wonders if we’d actually be together if he hadn’t had one! The more I got to know him, the more I realised he was someone special.”
Liam knew Ruth was the one and asked her to be his wife after only a few months together. “We met in December, got engaged in May and were married by September having known each other less than a year,” explains the bride. “We knew we were right for each other and decided there was no real reason to wait. I knew Liam’s proposal was coming as we’d picked out an incredible ring together at Crystalink Jewellery. He proposed in a meadow surrounded by blossom trees in our local park. It means we can visit the sport regularly and remember our engagement, wedding and marriage.”
Ruth and Liam's contacts
Ceremony venue, Hope Church Merthyr, www.hopemerthyr.org.uk
Reception venue, Redhouse Cymru, www.redhousecymru.com
Photographer, Scoularfish Photography, www.scoularfish.com
Videographer, Will Hay Films, www.willhayfilms.com
Bride's dress, Pritchard & Moore, www.pritchardandmoore.co.uk
Hair stylist and make-up artist, Loxus Hair & Make-up by Maya Jasinska HMUA, www.loxushairandmakeup.com
Bridesmaids' dresses, Pretty Kitty Fashion, www.prettykittyfashion.co.uk
Groom's suit, Marks & Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com
Rings, Crystalink Jewellery, www.crystalink.co.uk
Cake-topper, Rachel Benge Illustration, www.facebook.com/rbenge22
Stationery supplies, Paper Ballards, www.facebook.com/paperballards
Entertainment, South Wales Pianist, www.southwalespianist.com; The Bakery, www.facebook.com/thebakeryjazz
Catering, Merthyr Tydfil Leisure, www.merthyrleisure.co.uk
Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples
The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.
READ ARTICLE
Local supplier spotlight: Cottrell Resort
Cottrell Resort is a twilight wedding–only venue, beautifully set among charming golf courses and surrounded by rolling fairways and meticulously manicured greens. Its clean, modern design blends effortlessly with the natural landscape, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Outdoor patio areas overlook the course, offering sweeping views across the countryside, making the setting feel peaceful and scenic.
The interior offers a warm and stylish environment that feels magical as day gently turns to evening. Soft lighting and elegant finishes create an intimate ambiance, while large windows frame the changing light over the golf course. The flexible layout allows the space to transition into a romantic evening celebration.
READ ARTICLE
Big House Experience are helping fans bring their Regency-era fantasies to life
With the latest season of Bridgerton recently gracing our screens, luxury travel experts Big House Experience are helping fans bring their Regency-era fantasies to life with luxury stays at Pengarth Castle in Ceredigion.
The perfect setting for a Bridgerton-style getaway, Pengarth Castle offers an atmospheric escape for up to 22 guests seeking a taste of the Ton lifestyle. With its stone crenellations, stunning estuary views, and 40 acres of private grounds, the colour palette of every room feels Shonda Rhimes–approved, from the drawing room's pastel pink and green scheme to the burgundy hues with hints of blue in the media room, transporting guests straight onto the Bridgerton set. Meanwhile, the library blends traditional patterns with soft pastel tones, creating a space that is both elegant and welcoming.
READ ARTICLE
66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks
In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.
READ ARTICLE
