Editor loves and inspiration

Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local Sussex wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.

Loved by the editor at Your Sussex Wedding magazine Credit: C & C Imagery

The seed of thought for this stunning seasonal styled shoot began to take root with Emily from My Little Vintage, and it wasn't long before she got in touch with photography team Charlotte and Callum from C&C Imagery to help bring the vision to life. The largely East Sussex-based team set about creating a showcase of their style through a warm, vintage, rustic vibe.

Kelly and Laurence from Bella June Flowers used an array of warm autumnal tones to set the scene at the Yoghurt Rooms. Soft, muted coffee roses nestled among strong corals and peachy hues painted the perfect picture for this gorgeous rural set up. Meanwhile, Kieron's Kitchen showcased an autumn-themed afternoon tea, based around simple combinations of colour and flavours using local suppliers to provide sweet and savoury bite-size treats, such as a glazed cinnamon Italian meringue pumpkin pie. These tasty morsels were perfectly complemented by My Little Vintage's authentic vintage crockery and table styling with oodles of elegance and style. The team from Ashdown Events were also on hand to style the venue, bringing drapes and small props to fit the vintage barn theme.

We love everything about this shoot, not least the incredible bespoke veils from Anne-Marie Prescott, complete with custom autumn-leaf embroidery. Seasonal wedding perfection!

See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Kieran proposed to Charlotte in Santorini. “He took me to a spot high up, by the water, to get the best view of the sunset,” Charlotte tells us. He set up his camera to take a selfie of the two of them, and as Charlotte readied herself she looked over at Kieran and he was down on one knee. “It was such a shock, and he caught the moment on camera perfectly,” she says.

When the couple began to look for a venue, they were immediately drawn to Laughton Barns, thanks to its amazing grounds, beautiful barn and fishing lake – Kieran loves to fish. So, the location was booked and the date set for 5th August, 2022.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Owner of Beauty Ninjas Claire Reed, together with her team of local wedding suppliers, set out to demonstrate their versatility through three different themes. Claire tells us: “For Becky's boho styling we chose a curly chignon and kept the make-up earthy in tone. These images really showcase the stained- glass windows at the Hotel, and the cake and invitations were designed to complement the boho theme.”

See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

What a wedding-packed year it's been – 2022: our first full year of restriction-free celebrations since the start of the pandemic. Surely it's one for this history books. Our local wedding suppliers have never been so busy turning their couples' wedding dreams into a long-awaited, reality. “Finally” is certainly a word we've heard a lot this year!

Before we bid farewell to 2022 we asked the region's wedding photographers to guide us on a look back at their year's highlights. They've been rushed of their feet and are no doubt ready to put them up in front of the fire and enjoy some Christmas telly, but we reckon they wouldn't have it any other way!

Andy Kerr Photography send in this lovely shot of Chloe and Josh. He tells us: “Here we get to see the emotion of the first look between the bride and her dad. There's such authenticity in the image and the way it captures such a private and happy moment.”

See more from our Photography feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Wedding venue Cissbury Barns has opened the doors to The North Wing at Cissbury House, its new elegant and inviting two-bedroom apartment. Lovingly decorated with an abundance of charm, it's perfect for the night before the big day, bridal preparations and the wedding night.

The private entrance leads to a bright and airy lobby with stairs taking you up to the first floor where you'll find a beautiful light-filled sitting room with fireplace, comfy sofa, chairs and dining area. The two gorgeous bedrooms have the most luxurious deep mattresses ensuring the best night's sleep.

The largest of the two rooms has a super-king size bed, original fireplace and built-in wardrobe. The smaller bedroom has a king-size bed, fireplace, dressing table and modern clothes rail. Both offer fluffy bathrobes and cosy slippers. The North Wing also has a fully-fitted galley kitchen complete with tableware, appliances and bathroom with power shower and bath. You'll also have access to a private, secluded garden. What more could you wish for?

See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

"Our story is one built on never-ending patience and a complete inability to understand hints,” bride Tasia tells us. It begins in 2013 when she and Daniel were thrown together while studying theology and religion at the University of Chichester, and Tasia quickly decided they'd be great friends. Daniel on the other hand, was less convinced. Tasia was loud and friendly, while he couldn't have been more different. Yet, deep down they both shared many similarities and were yet to realise just how compatible they were. As they went through university, they became good friends and even joked about getting married one day. After Daniel graduated, they stayed in close contact while Tasia finished her final year and growing closer, they turned their wonderful friendship into a relationship.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Loved by the editor at Your Sussex Wedding magazine Credit: Romantica of Devon Media

The county's incredible wedding suppliers have very kindly sent us their warmest wishes for Your Sussex Wedding's 100th-issue celebration.

Claire Baldwin from Clara Fitz Bridal said: “We at Clara Fitz Bridal want to wish Your Sussex Wedding a fabulous 100th- issue birthday. What an incredible achievement to have been supporting couples for so long as they plan for such an important day.”

See more from our Happy 100th Issue feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Loved by the editor at Your Sussex Wedding magazine Credit: Getty images

Claire Reed from The Beauty Ninjas tells us how to create a boho-inspired look.

"A feel of effortlessness is key. Keep the foundation minimal – MAC Face & Body is a great water-based foundation that gives just enough coverage and still leaves your complexion looking like skin.

"Forget fussy contouring, instead gently sculpt the face with bronzer. This technique is known as brontouring. MAC Harmony is a great shade for this as it's cool-toned with a hint of warmth.

"Replace complicated eye-shading with a wash of peachy shimmer. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in rose gold is a great option. Instead of precision liner, go for a smoked-out wing using Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Liner in Barbarella Brown. Fluffy brows are great for a boho vibe too, so brush a little Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze through, plus NYX Microbrow in your shade to add any individual hair strokes needed."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Kayleigh and Haden met while working as prison officers. Together, they built a strong friendship, then further down the line this naturally blossomed into a relationship. Haden proposed at home one day. He came into their bedroom, where Kayleigh was sitting at the time, with her daughters – Immi, three, and Leila, five. Her youngest gave Kayleigh a ring box and asked, “Will you marry Haden?” Kayleigh remembers, “It was a massive surprise and completely perfect to involve the children.”

The couple chose to tie the knot at All Saints the Old Chapel in Eastbourne. “It just took our breath away as soon as we walked in. Its high ceilings, stained-glass windows and beautiful garden were just so romantic and utterly perfect for our ceremony,” Kayleigh explains. After they set the date they discovered it would be Airbourne that weekend, and knew they needed to find a reception venue that'd give them a view of the seafront and the planes! The Royal Eastbourne Golf Club was just the place.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Jen and Mike met at a party when they were 17. A mutual friend who brought Mike along made the pair switch numbers at the end of the night and by the following week, their first date was in the diary – a picnic on the college field. So keen was Jen to see Mike again that she skipped a lesson to meet him during his free period. This obviously wasn't something she was used to doing as her lecturer quickly found her and brought her back to his lesson!

Mike proposed during the first lockdown. He'd bought the ring in readiness to pop the question on their 11-year anniversary in April, but annoyingly Covid had other ideas. At the time, restrictions did at least permit dog walks, so Mike suggested they changed their daily route from Polegate to Eastbourne Beach and it was there that Mike got down on one knee with fur-baby Fletcher looking on.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download