Editor loves and inspiration

Kit and Jack met while working together at The Cat Inn in West Hoathly back in 2018. As they got to know each other, their relationship blossomed from there.

While on holiday in Sicily four years later, enjoying dinner in a beautiful rooftop restaurant, Jack got down on one knee. “It took me a minute to realise what was going on as I had absolutely no idea he was planning to propose,” Kit remembers. But after the initial shock wore off and she accepted, they were both able to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening watching the sun set over the hills.

Having been for a few venue viewings the couple gained a good idea of what they did and didn't want in the setting for their big day. As soon as they found Hendall Manor Barns, they knew it was right for them. “From our first meeting with Nicola we felt relaxed and comfortable and knew she and her team would be able to facilitate the perfect day for us,” Kit explains.

So, with the date firmly in the diary for 3rd September 2024, planning got underway in earnest. Find out more about the couple's big day in the Jun/Jul25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Emily and Metz met as teenagers back in 1997 when they were working in MacDonald's. Emily was attracted to Metz's never-give-up attitude. “He asked me out numerous times before I eventually agreed,” she shares.

Metz's proposal is something Emily will never forget. The two were on holiday in Tenerife with friends and one night they'd planned to head out to a local bar for some food. They were there for a few hours listening to the live music, when it had fi nished their friends suggested a walk along the beach, so off they went, the eight of them, including the couple's teenage children. “They all seemed to be walking a bit ahead of us, but I didn't think anything of it at the time,” Emily remembers. When they caught up to their friends, Emily noticed the musician from the bar sitting on a bench. “I'm sure that's the guy from the pub,” she said, turning to Metz who shrugged it off. As they got closer to the bench, the musician started playing one on of Emily's favourite songs, Rule the World by Take That, and as she turned, she realised Metz was on one knee. “I didn't know whether to laugh or cry,” she says. “I was so happy being surrounded by our friends and children, in the perfect beach setting, with my favourite song playing, I didn't realise how many people were standing watching!”

Southlands Barn was exactly what the couple both pictured for their dream venue. “It's stunning with the beautiful lake and the perfect backdrop of the South Downs,” Emily explains. “A bonus for us was it being part dry hire, as we wanted to put our own stamp on the day by having a relaxed afternoon tea. It ticked all the boxes, and we were able to set up the day before, which was great for us.” Join us as we hear from bride Emily, who shares her memories of the big day – 29th August 2024...

Find out more about the couple's big day in the Jun/Jul25 issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

I love the statement shoulder ruffle on this elegant Rosa Clara gown, Abigail. Find this and more tiered layers and cascading ruffles creating a sensatition this season in the current issue.

Your Sussex Wedding is free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Over in Hot Topic Bella Timbrell from Arabella Floral Design (www.arabellafloral.com) offers some advice on creating dreamy springtime nuptials.

"Falling in the middle of spring, an Easter wedding means you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your flowers, with lots of spring favourites like tulips, ranunculus, narcissus, hellebores and lots more. Not only that, but colour is also back in season, from the softest pastels to the brightest hues, so whatever your colour palette, there will be something to suit your style.

"It's completely up to you how much you embrace spring. I love a bit ofa mixture! Think pale pink garden roses and scented stocks mixed with tulips, peonies, sweet rocket and springs of blossom. But you could keep it simple and just choose a single flower bouquet, like tulips or lily of the valley.

"Do chat through your ideas with your florist; let them know your style and if you have any favourite spring flowers that you would like included. The seasonal highlights for me are tulips, ranunculus, anemone, alliums, hyacinths, mascari, hellebores, lilac, blossom, spirea, bluebells, foxgloves, peonies and sweet rocket."

For more springtime wedding inspiration download the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free at https://www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Having your closest cohort by your side as you prepare for and celebrate your big day is surely one of the most special parts of the process. The sense of wanting those loved ones to be happy, confi dent and comfy is now commonplace. Has anyone seen the movie 27 Dresses? Thankfully, gone are those days, where bridesmaids were forced into the bride's choice just because it went with the theme however hideous and impractical! So, we've looked into what's hot for bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as the all-important mothers-of-the-bride and -groom for 2025 to ensure you a forever place in their good books!

The mix-and-match approach is still a top trend and for good reason – it looks stunning. Not only that, but it also allows your best girls to express their own style and feel comfortable in something that suits them. With an ombre of dresses in a single colour from your palette surrounding you, you'll all stop the show!

I love this olive green number with totally on trend bow. It's from the Luna Collection at Sussex-based True Bride (www.truebride.co.uk).

For more inspiration on dressing your bridal party, download the Apr/May25 issue free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

In the Apr/May25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, we take a fun spin through wedding transport ideas inspired by our silver and small screen favourites.

For an alternative 60s-inspired nod, think loveable Herbie's first on-screen outing in 1969's The Love Bug where a down-on-his-luck race car driver teams up with a cute little VW Bug with a mind of his own. Louise, Something Blue's 1979 VW convertible Beetle Karmann is the perfect Herbie look-alike for your big day arrival.

Check out www.somethingbluecarhire.com

For more fab-film inspired transport ideas, don't miss the Apr/May25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

I've always had a passion for the 1920s Old Hollywood style, a beautifully glamorous era,” says photographer Jennifer Jelley of Divine Photography Eastbourne. Being a creative soul, she set out to design a styled shoot to stand out from the rest. Each supplier brought their unique touch, adding that extra bit of magic to complete the vision; while Craig and Gemma were the perfect model couple, bringing the concept to life with their chemistry and charm.

The Hydro Hotel provided a stunning setting for the project, thanks to its era-fitting charm. The beautiful vintage car added an extra layer of elegance with a timeless appeal. The flowers were nothing short of an artistic masterpiece, created using ostrich feathers, pearls and a variety of dried grasses. The cake and décor were styled to perfection, complementing the stunning wedding stationery including super-cool vintage newspaper.

The model bride's satin dress, paired with ostrich feather shoes, exuded glamour, while the stunning headpieces and accessories tied the dress, hair, and make-up together flawlessly. For the groom, Dobell's tailoring added the finishing touch to the entire look.

The talented videographer brought the historical era to life with incredible skill, capturing the perfect moments and weaving them into a visual masterpiece – click play where you see the icon to make sure you don't miss it. “To top it all off, the vocalist's hauntingly beautiful rendition of Lana Del Rey's Will You Still Love Me created an unforgettable atmosphere, making the shoot truly magical,” Jennifer shares.

Check out the full shoot in the Apr/May25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Jade and Martina met in a cocktail bar back in 2017 and soon became friends. They enjoyed seven months getting to know each other before deciding to make it offi cial in 2018 and moved in together shortly after.

Martina proposed in the summer of 2023, while the two were on holiday in Riviera May, Mexico. They enjoyed a candlelit dinner on the beach in a tipi before Martina popped the question as they enjoyed a walk along the sand. “I had no idea,” Jade remembers.

The couple viewed a number of venues but nowhere felt right until they visited Alfriston Gardens. “Even though it was tipping down with rain, we just looked at each other, and without saying a word, we both knew,” Jade explains. “It was a special moment, and Martina cried.” The venue's Janie was a delight, and the couple felt very welcome. Thanks to her warmth, humour, enthusiasm and attention to detail they knew they were in safe hands. Wasting no time, they pencilled in their date, 29th May 2024, and cancelled their remaining viewings!

“We particularly loved the fact that we could have the wedding and reception in one place, and that family and friends could stay,” Jade says. They had just nine months to plan!

To find out more about the big day, download the Apr/Mar25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

From rival secondary schools, Izzy and Will had known of each other, sharing mutual friends but never crossed paths. That was until fate intervened and they connected while Izzy was at university. Will went to visit her there, and that's when their story truly began.

Will proposed during a trip to Australia in 2022. They were there visiting Izzy's sister and decided to take a beautiful coastal walk together from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay in Sydney. Along the way, they came across the charming little cove, Queen's Beach, and stopped for a swim. As Izzy set her towel down, she turned to find Will on one knee. “It was a moment so perfect and unexpected,” she remembers. “I had no idea what he'd planned, and it was the most wonderful surprise of my life.”

The couple dreamed of a beautiful church wedding, so finding a reception venue within walking distance was important. “When we discovered Bury Manor Barn, it felt like everything we'd hoped for and more,” Izzy explains. “We immediately fell in love with its picturesque charm, with the lovely church just next door and the breathtaking views overlooking the River Arun. It felt like the perfect setting.” The venue offered a dry hire option, which was also appealing to the couple, giving them the opportunity to add their own personal touches and make the space uniquely theirs. So, with dream venue in hand the date was set for 1st June 2024.

For the story of the couple's big day, download the Apr/May25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Charlotte and Thomas met on Hinge and swiped right during lockdown in 2020. Charlotte found herself immediately attracted to Tom as he was always a man with a plan for each date, making it impossible for her to say “no.” He'd been looking to settle down and knew he'd found a “good one” in Charlottle when he got to date her and keep his Harlequins season ticket!

Tom proposed in 2023. The jig was almost up when Charlottle bumped into him carrying a bouquet of flowers for her while she was out running. Not usually one for giving flowers, he had to think on his feet to dodge the inevitable quizzing, and explained they were a surprise for the hard work she'd been putting into to training for a marathon. Charlotte started to grow even more suspicious when her sister booked her a nail appointment as a treat, but she didn't realise that the Saturday would be the day. She came home to find Tom on one knee in their kitchen with their neighbour's cat there for moral support! “It was an easy 'yes' and we celebrated with drinks at The Shard,” Charlotte remembers.

The couple planned to celebrate their wedding day in style with a big party and the church, and Southend Barns made this possible for them. St Thomas à Becket Church in Warblington is a rural place of worship close to Charlotte's parent's home and has a great many sentimental connections for her since her grandparents are buried there and various family members have married there. “It felt special to be able to share the day with loved ones who couldn't be there in person,” Charlottle says.

Southend Barns came highly recommended by a work colleague of the bride's, and when the couple viewed it they were impressed by the team's organisation and attention to detail – “The resident alpacas clinched it for us,” says Charlotte. “We also loved the flexibility the various spaces offered, allowing us to have different areas for each part of the day and the opportunity to incorporate special touches such as cocktail hour, fireworks and live music. You can tell the venue is a labour of love and we felt lucky to be able to use it for our day.”

For the lowdown on the big day from the bride, download the Apr/May25 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download