Sara and Ollie said their vows at their dream wedding venue, Usk Castle
“Ollie was living with his parents, near my nan’s farm,” says Sara. “We had never met as we went to different schools, and Ollie initially thought that I was older, so never took the opportunity to approach me, but in his own words, it was love at first sight.”
Ollie tells us all about his proposal plans. “I took my parents to the spot where Sara and I often stopped while walking the dogs,” shares Ollie. “We met harpist Kathryn Anne Rees at the clearing and hung ribbon from the branches, littered the floor with rose petals and set up a picnic blanket complete with champagne, chocolate and strawberries. Sara was completely oblivious! For all she knew, we were just walking the dogs, but as we got closer, she could hear the harp. She looked at me puzzled, and as we walked a little further, we could see the decorations and Kathryn playing. Sara took my hand and pulled me back and said ‘babe she must be making a music video’ and I said ‘no this is for you.’ It was perfect! I could barely get my words out, and neither could she. We were so happy sitting on the blanket in the dappled sunshine listening to Kathryn. It was magical and more than I ever wished or dreamed it could be.”
Enjoy Family Fun and Festivals in Swansea Bay this June
From the roar of jets over Swansea Bay to open-air theatre in the grounds of a Norman castle and world-class performances across the Gower Peninsula, Swansea Bay is gearing up for one of its best and busiest summers yet! Enjoy family fun and festivals in Swansea Bay this June, with the 50th Anniversary Gower Festival starting the seasonal events from the 29th of June until the 12th of July. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Gower Festival transforms historic churches, chapels and village venues across the peninsula into intimate performance spaces, attracting internationally acclaimed musicians and artists from around the world.
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Say it with chocolate: Tony’s Chocolonely’s personalised wedding bars
Ethical chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely is helping couples add a personalised touch to their wedding celebrations with its customisable chocolate bars, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wedding favours. From engagement announcements and bridesmaid proposals to place settings and guest gifts, the brand's personalised bars can be tailored with names, photographs, table plans or bespoke messages, creating a keepsake that guests can enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.
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Everything you need to know about faith marriages this wedding season
Thousands of couples will say their vows this wedding season believing they're legally married, only to discover, when it matters most, that they might not be. Faith marriages are an increasingly complex issue for UK couples, with leading law firm Mills & Reeve seeing a steady rise in clients who discover – often much later – that their wedding does not carry the legal status they assumed. Jane Ingleby, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains why so many marriages fall into a legal grey area, and what couples should check before they walk down the aisle...
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Claire Hill Designs Launches Lichen Gemstone Collection
Cardiff-based Claire Hill Designs launches the Lichen Gemstone Collection perfect for brides, bridesmaids, mums and guests. Jewellery is becoming more personal and this year, the focus shifts from purely decorative pieces to designs that carry meaning, symbolism and intention. Brands across the jewellery industry are embracing this movement. Within the luxury market, jewellery houses including Bvlgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Pomellato are championing coloured gemstones and symbolic design, signalling a wider shift towards jewellery that blends meaning, storytelling and personal expression. The message is clear: customers are choosing pieces of jewellery that reflects who they are and what they value.
