Editor loves and inspiration

Southlands Barn (www.southlandsbarn.co.uk) is a rustic 17th-century structure, part of the Southlands Farm Estate, which is situated in the heart of West Sussex in the quaint village of West Chiltington. Here, you'll find two barns allowing your entire day to flow smoothly. There's also a fabulous bar area, plus indoor and outdoor courtyard areas. Don't miss the snooker room with comfy couches and fireplace.

For more on this and the county's other fabulous barn venues, check out the latest issue available now. Read Your Sussex Wedding magazine for free!

Now I'm a huge Elvis fan, so the amazing Johnny B Memphis (www.johnnybmemphis.com) couldn't go without a mention!

If, like me, you're a fan of the King of Rock'n'roll, Johnny B Memphis' performance will be one you'll remember for years to come! His aim is to get everyone up by the end of the night, singing and dancing along to Elvis' classics such as Suspicious Minds and The Wonder Of You, as well as everyone's favourite Neil Diamond song Sweet Caroline.

Johnny says, “I strive to offer a near-accurate vocal performance with the dance moves Elvis was so well known for while dressed in his 1970s-period stage costume. I've studied Elvis for years and have put in a lot of work to make my performance as authentic as possible.”

While the music of Elvis Presley might not be everyone's cup of tea, Johnny has been told on numerous occasions by wedding guests that although they're not really fans, they really enjoyed the performance. Some even state that they couldn't believe how many songs they knew, and that they'd definitely go and see him again. Others have hailed him as the best tribute they've ever seen; “Which is a really lovely complement to be given,” says Johnny.

He continues, “Elvis' music is for all ages and that's why it's perfect for weddings. It's great fun for me and everyone, young and old, has a great time too!”

For more super-fun entertainment ideas from Sussex's most talented, check out the Oct/Nov23 issue! The latest issue is available now. Read Your Sussex Wedding magazine for free!

In the current issue, we chatted to the county's bridal boutique owners to find out how to dress according to your big-day's vibe. I'm loving the fashion-forward, black-tie chic options they put forward including Tunan by Luna Novia, available at The Bridal Atelier (https://thebridalatelier.co.uk).

For more gorgeous gowns to suit your vibe, check out the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

"Our venue stylist, Sarah Shelley (www.shelleys.co.uk), was incredible from our first meeting where she bought me a coffee and sat down to listen to all our ideas, right through to the day itself. Nothing was too much trouble and she brought our dream to life.," says real bride Lucy.

Read all about the day Lucy married Daniel in the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Brighton's Royal Pavilion is an icon of the city and emblematic of its rich Regency heritage. This inimitable former royal palace offers a unique venue for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions in the heart of Brighton and Hove's cultural quarter. After many decades of restoration, today it can be enjoyed in its original 1823 splendour.

An extraordinary building, the Royal Pavilion is often referred to as a fantasy palace. Where there was once a modest house by the sea, George IV created one of the most strikingly beautiful buildings in the UK. Designed as a royal party palace, the purpose of the Royal Pavilion has always been to delight and enchant guests at every turn. Today, it continues to serve this purpose, both as a visitor attraction and as a remarkable wedding venue.

ROYAL PAVILION, BRIGHTON
03000 290 905 | https://brightonmuseums.org.uk

The latest issue is available now! Read Your Sussex Wedding magazine for free!

Real wedding couple Daisey and Lee had such a beautiful start to their story. They met on the school run – Lee was collecting his nephews while Daisey was picking up her children. “Lee didn't have any children of his own, whereas I had four who were aged four, five, six and seven at the time, but this never phased him. Little did I know that he would eventually join our family,” Daisey tells us.

It was the last weekend of November, and by now a couple, Daisey and Lee decided to put their Christmas decorations up. Daisey was determined to get them all up and lights on before they went for a dog walk, but Lee was adamant that they should all head to the beach for a stroll before it got too dark. The tide was out so there was plenty of sand for the kids and dog to play on, while Daisey followed behind enjoying the peace. That was until her inner calm was disturbed by someone shouting, “mum, mum, look!” Her eldest, Ivy, was standing the rock pool ahead holding something up in the air. As Daisey drew nearer she was it was a bottle. “I'd never found a bottle washed up on the beach before, so I was amazed that we'd come across one. Just like in the bedtime story I'd been reading to the kids!” Daisey shares. It wasn't until she got halfway through the poem inside that she realised what it really was: a proposal. By the time she reached the last line, Lee was on one knee awaiting her answer.

You can read about their big day at The Bell in Ticehurst, captured by DB Photography Sussex, in the new issue, free to download now at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

As Leanne is a florist (www.the-village-florist.co.uk) and Alex is a landscape gardener, it was perhaps expected, neigh, essential for their big day to be styled in an abundance of blooms! I love this picture of Leanne, captured by Olivejoy Photography, living her best life and surrounded by her bigest love (aside from Alex of course).

Read all about their big day in the new issue of Your Sussex Wedding, now live, at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Pampas grass is still living its best life at weddings, remaining a firm favourite among venue stylists and couples this year, and beyond we hope. It's light, fluffy, voluminous nature makes it the perfect go-to for quickly, easily and effectively filling a space, while simultaneously bringing the drama and soft romanticism. Traditionally, we've seen it most at home in rustic, boho and outdoor weddings, but it also works like a dream with the latest on-trend colour palette – rust.

Here, our beloved pampas grass takes centre stage, making a huge statement in the shape of a ceremony moongate, which is complemented by extra touches in the bride's bouquet, groom's buttonhole, centrepieces, and don't get us started on the jaw-dropping tunnel of arches created for the wedding breakfast table. This team of local wedding aficionados has certainly beautifully demonstrated how it's done!

Discover more of this shoot coordinated by www.instagram.com/thelittledetails_events and captured by www.instagram.com/alesspiolantiphoto in the current issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Gem Harris from Gem Harris Photography recommends thorough research when it come to finding your photographer. “Magazines and wedding fairs are great places to find photographers, as well as word of mouth,” she says.

The county's wedding photographers tell us exactly what to expect from them before, during and after the big day in this issue's photography feature. Find it in the Aug/Sept issue of Your Sussex Wedding, which is free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Emily Fitter from Emily's Mixing Bowl says, “I'm offering a lot more styling options for my cakes this year, including a larger range of cake stands to buy or hire as well as signage. I'm also encouraging couples to repurpose their flowers, such as those from the ceremony, to go around the cake table later and make an incredible display of the setup. Styling your cake table can make a great big-day bake look incredible and be a huge part of the décor or the reception room.”

For more on the latest wedding cake trends, check out the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download