Teenage sweethearts, Katie and Tim, celebrated their wedding at the grand Stradey Park Hotel & Spa

Katie and Tim met at their local nightclub when they were teenagers. “We were introduced by a mutual friend but weren’t looking for anything serious at the time,” says Katie. “The next day Tim took me on our first date to the beach, and within two weeks we were ’official’. I don’t think either of us thought too far into the future at the time as we were so young, but we made it through university, brought a house a year after and two years on we had a beautiful daughter.”

Tim popped the question on their 11th anniversary. “We booked a night away at Celtic Manor Resort,” shares the bride. “After a lovely day at the spa, we were having a drink on the balcony getting ready to go out for a meal, when he surprised me by getting down on one knee. It was such a nice feeling phoning family to tell them, and then spending the evening in our newly engaged bubble.”

Katie and Tim's contacts

Venue and catering, Stradey Park Hotel & Spa, www.stradeyparkhotel.com 
Photographer, Oliver J Photography, www.oliverjphotography.com 
Bride's dress, Grace Loves Lace, www.graceloveslace.com 
Hair stylist, Creations Hair Salon, www.facebook.com/creationsammanford 
Bridesmaids' make-up, Nicola Makeup, www.nicolamakeup.com 
Bridesmaids' dresses, Asos, www.asos.com 
Groom's suit, Dyfed Menswear, www.dyfedmenswear.co.uk 
Cake, Carys Cakes, www.carys-cakes.com 
Ice cream, Mario's Ice Cream, www.mariosicecream.com 
Transport, Davies Coaches, www.daviescoachesonline.co.uk 
Stationery, Revolver Design Studios, www.revolver.design 
Band, Brohemian, www.musichq.co.uk 
Acoustic singer, Jemma Krysa, www.facebook.com/jemmakrysa 
Saxophonist, Olly Jenkins – Musician, www.facebook.com/ollyjenkinssax

You may also be interested in

Perfect Wedding or Perfect Post? Gen Z Couples Feeling the Pressure

Perfect Wedding or Perfect Post? Gen Z Couples Feeling the Pressure

Wedding planning has always come with its pressures, but for Gen Z couples in 2026, the landscape has changed. Social media has transformed what should be a joyful, shared experience into a high-stakes performance. Scrolling Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can turn inspiration into comparison, pushing couples to measure their plans against celebrity weddings, curated feeds, and friends' picture-perfect posts. Grace Loves Lace, the Australian bridal brand known for effortless, movement-friendly dresses, has partnered with relationship therapist Amanda Lambros, who has over 25 years' experience, to explore how couples can navigate these pressures and enjoy the planning journey without burning out.

READ ARTICLE

One in seven couples choose sleep over sex on their wedding night

One in seven couples choose sleep over sex on their wedding night

As the UK's spring and summer wedding season begins, new research by Mattress Online suggests the traditional idea of a passion-filled wedding night doesn't always match reality, with one in six couples (15%) saying they did not have sex after their big day. To understand why, the bed experts also asked survey respondents what their reasoning was behind this. They also provided additional insight on the idea of the "wedding night" from Relationship Expert, Jenni Trent Hughes. The findings show that exhaustion was by far the most common factor, with more than two in five (44%) of couples saying they were simply too tired after the celebrations. As weddings often involve early starts, long days, emotional highs, and late nights, rest is a more realistic priority than romance once newlyweds are in bed.

READ ARTICLE

Common wedding planning mistakes that can ruin your photos, according to a photographer

Common wedding planning mistakes that can ruin your photos, according to a photographer

From rushed timelines to crammed shot lists, planning can have a big impact on how your wedding photos turn out. With the average UK wedding now costing £21,990, couples are investing heavily in a single day, with photography alone typically costing around £1,500, and often making up around 10% of the total budget. Behind that cost is far more than just the day itself. Photographers will often take between 5,000 and 7,000 images, narrowing these down to around 650–800 final shots,

READ ARTICLE

New occasion coat and outfit shop opening in Abergavenny

New occasion coat and outfit shop opening in Abergavenny

Introducing EdNerat, a women's coat maker and outfitter based in the historic market town of Abergavenny, South Wales. The boutique, which opened in November 2025, is adjacent to the popular Angel Hotel. It offers stylish occasion wear coats and outfits for mothers of the bride and groom. The talented team cut their patterns twice, once for a smaller cup size and once for a fuller fit, because achieving the perfect fit across the chest and shoulders is key. They offer full bespoke sizing and a toile service: a calico fitting copy is sent to the customer's home for a five-day trial, with a call available if needed, so that the fit is guaranteed before anything is cut in cloth.

READ ARTICLE

Follow Your South Wales Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your South Wales Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Follow Your South Wales Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE

Subscribe to Your South Wales Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE