Editor loves and inspiration

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