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.”
Claire Hill Designs offers stunning bridal party gifts
This year, bridal party gifting is undergoing a quiet revolution. Gone are the days of throwaway trinkets and overly branded keepsakes, today's bride is choosing pieces with permanence, intention and emotional resonance. Enter Claire Hill Designs, the British jewellery brand based in Cardiff redefining what it means to say thank you. At the heart of this shift is a move towards symbolic jewellery, pieces that carry meaning beyond the wedding day. Claire Hill's signature coin necklaces, including the Brave Gold Coin Necklace, Love is Love Gold Coin Necklace and Hope Silver Coin Necklace, offer a deeply personal way to honour each member of the bridal party. Each design is engraved in shorthand symbolism, a modern talisman intended to be worn daily.
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Marriage, Money, and Modern Love: Gen Z and Millennials
"As a family barrister, I spend much of my professional life dealing with what happens when relationships break down," says Rosanne Godfrey-Lockwood, Family Barrister at 4PB. "That vantage point inevitably shapes how I think about marriage — not cynically, but realistically. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that one of the most notable trends I have observed in recent years is the growing interest in prenuptial agreements among Gen Z and younger Millennial couples.
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Win an Engaged Couple a Dublin Minimoon with GoHen & StagWeb
Leading UK stag and hen party providers, StagWeb and GoHen, have launched a brand-new competition offering one lucky engaged couple the chance to win a Dublin minimoon - completely free. Whether it's a little pre-wedding trip to escape the planning stress or a post-wedding adventure before the honeymoon, it could be the perfect little wedding gift for the happy couple - read here now!
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Driftwood Designs has released a new collection of folding heart cards
Driftwood Designs has released a new collection of folding heart cards. Illustrated by artist Lizzie Spikes, these beautifully crafted cards offer a thoughtful way to show members of your wedding party just how much they mean to you.
Inspired by Victorian puzzle cards, the beauty begins with the brightly coloured envelope. When opened, the card pops out into a heart shape featuring one of two striking designs. It then unfolds into four joined hearts, with each panel showcasing one of Lizzie's bold, colourful illustrations on both the front and back, as well as a dedicated space for a personal message.
