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.”
Local supplier spotlight: Stables Wellbeing Centre
If you're looking for something more relaxing than a big night out for your hen do, and a chance to unwind from the stresses of wedding planning, there's no better way to celebrate than with a spa weekend. The Zen Weekend at the Stables Wellbeing Centre is designed to leave you feeling calm, connected, and joyfully restored.
Picture a weekend cocooned in the Carmarthenshire countryside: laughter drifting through warm, sunlit studios; candlelit suppers where stories flow easily; mornings that begin with gentle movement and herbal teas. Spend your afternoons immersed in sound baths, forest walks, or creative rituals that honour friendship, life transitions, and the magic of womanhood.
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Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.
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Wales Perfumery has announced the launch of The Celts Collection
Wales Perfumery has announced the launch of The Celts, a collection of five artisanal fragrances inspired by the distinct Celtic tribes of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, and Brittany. The range represents three years of historical research and olfactory innovation by perfumer Louise Smith.
Departing from traditional fragrance development, The Celts began with in-depth research into how Celtic peoples lived – what they traded, ate, and celebrated. Each scent features bespoke accords created exclusively for the collection, resulting in compositions that push the boundaries of fragrance creation and offer something truly distinctive for couples seeking a meaningful and unconventional scent for their big day.
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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.
