Editor loves and inspiration

Steph and Abhi met through work, both being pharmacists working in the NHS. The two attended a medical conference in Basel, Switzerland, and after a few drinks and moves on the dancefloor, they shared a kiss, and the rest is history! It wasn't long after this that Covid hit and the two formed their own bubble, supporting each other throughout this difficult time.

As Steph likes to plan, organise and anticipate everything, Abhi had to come up with an elaborate story to surprise her when he decided to propose. So, he suggested they go on holiday with two of their best mates and their partners to Rhodes, Greece. The plan, he'd told her, was to meet them there. They'd supposedly been on a cruise and would see them at the beach bar. But when they arrived their friends were nowhere to be seen. Abhi asked Steph to take a walk with him along the beach and when they reached the end of the walkway, there was a huge sign – marry me – with their song, Let's Stay Together by Al Green, playing. When Abhi got down on one knee cold sparklers went off behind them.

The couple decided on a barn venue and Pangdean was beautiful, decked in fairylights, lanterns and olive trees – already so beautifully decorated. “There was a lawn area for reception drinks,” Steph remembers. “But what attracted us the most was the incredible staff, who were so warm and accommodating with all our requests.” So, the venue was booked and the date set for 7th July 2024.

To find out more, download the latest issue free at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

The concept behind this stunning shoot revolved around a contemporary, edgy bridal style appealing to the adventurous, or classical bride. “We wanted to capture the essence of unconventional beauty and fi erce independence while retaining a sense of timeless elegance,” says shoot coordinator and photographer Toni Heath from Cuttlebone Photography.

Discover more of this goregous shoot in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

As a new business owner, about to embark on her fi rst styled shoot, Laura Bond from Belle knew she needed a location that was unique and visually stunning, a place to immediately captivate anyone who saw it. She scoured countless venues on her quest and while each had its own charm, none matched her vision. That is until she discovered E. Street Bar and Grill, a hidden gem with striking décor and a sleek, stylish backlit bar. “I knew I'd found the perfect place from the photos alone,” she explains. “I reached out to the venue manager and was thrilled when she enthusiastically agreed to host my shoot.” Laura was delighted too when she was offered Ryde House in addition for the bride and groom preparation. The two venues, alongside The Angel Inn are owned under the collective name of Petworth Places and are all stylishly decorated with bucket loads of charm and character.

With the venue secured, Laura set about creating a mood board focusing on an intimate, elegant wedding with a romantic ambience. To complement the venue, she opted for a neutral palette accented with greens and pops of peach.

“The final outcome was everything I'd hoped for and more,” Laura tells us. “We were also delighted to have Sophia and her real life partner Tom as our model couple. We staged a fi rst look for them, and their emotions and reactions were absolutely genuine. Their connection really brought the shoot to life in a special way. What made the experience even more incredible was the team of suppliers I had the privilege to work with. Their creativity and dedication brought my vision to life. It wouldn't have been the same without their support and talent.”

Discover more of this gorgeous shoot in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Chloe and Lewis met at Lewis' workplace. Chloe was friends with his boss' sister so they'd go and visit the workshop together. The future couple got on well together straight away with plenty of banter and they became friends. “Everyone wanted to set us up and egged us on to go on a date,” Chloe says. “Once we did, the rest was history.” Indeed, the first date went so well, Lewis tells us, “Afterwards, I knew I was going to marry her.”

Now a couple the two had discussed marriage, so Chloe knew when Lewis had purchased the engagement ring, but didn't know when or where he planned to propose. He chose the perfect moment on a beach in Devon on their first holiday together as a family with their two children. “I was busy taking pictures of our son playing in the rocks, while our daughter was asleep in her carrier,” Chloe remembers. “When I turned around, there he was down on one knee with the ring in his hand. He'd managed to surprise me. I wasn't expecting it to happen then and there!”

It'd been a dream of Chloe's to get married at Frickley Lake since it started hosting weddings. She grew up down the lane and had spent countless hours on the land as a child. Her dad was game keeper and used part of the farm's land for the shoot. There'd also been annual festival events held in what is now the wedding field that she would attend with her family, so it occupies an incredibly sentimental place in her heart. Lewis was more than happy to go along with this since the place meant so much to Chloe and fell in love with it himself when he saw the views and experienced the tranquil surroundings. “We couldn't have found a more perfect venue for us if we tried,” Chloe explains.

Discover the story of Chloe and Brandon's big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Joe proposed to Mary at Disneyland Paris with their daughter, Ava, asleep in her pram. They'd known each other since childhood, having met at infant school.

With their hearts set on a rustic barn wedding they set out on their venue search and fell in love with the beautiful Cissbury Barns in Findon, West Sussex. “We knew we wanted a beautiful, barn that was all enclosed for guests to mingle, especially for a running toddler!” Mary explains.

Discover the story of Mary and Joseph's big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Nicola Williams and Nicola Davies met as members of a Brighton walking group. When a mutual friend, Gill, arranged some walks and meals aside from the main group, the two had the opportunity to get to know each other a bit more. Eventually, Nicola W. asked Nicola D. out for a drink and their relationship grew from there.

Nicola W. proposed at Brighton Pride in August 2019. “We'd been to London for Nicola's birthday in July and I'd bought the engagement ring from Covent Garden then, so she knew I'd be popping the question at some point,” she explains. She then arranged for a group of 20 or so friends to meet in Queen's Park, Brighton, on the morning of Pride for a picnic. Once everyone was gathered, she suggested a game that involved everyone getting into a circle. She asked for a volunteer, pointing at Nicola D. and asked her to join her in the middle. “But unbeknown to Nicola, I had the engagement ring in my back pocket!” she says. “I got down on one knee and proposed to her.” Several hundred people were also gathered in the park who stopped what they were doing to clap and cheer when Nicola D. said, “Yes.” “It was an amazing experience,” Nicola W. remembers.

Discover the story of Nicola and Nicola's big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

The bountiful beauty of nature throughout the seasons has inspired many a wedding theme and palette. So, with the big-day bake being more than a just sweet treat but also a showstopping centrepiece for your reception space, we decided to ask the county's wedding cake designers to show us their favourite seasonally inspired creations. Don't miss the feature, packed with cake-spiration in the Aug/Sept issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download.

Springtime is one of my favourite seasons, and I love the colours in Caritas Cake Design's (https://caritascakedesign.co.uk/) beautiful creation.

Think about how you'll ensure everyone has the best... time... ever, at your al fresco wedding! Alice from Entertainment Nation (www.entertainment-nation.co.uk), the UK's leading entertainment agency, says: “Live entertainment while sipping on a cocktail and chatting in the sunny, scenic gardens of your venue sounds glorious. To make things practical, performers will require a flat, dry and level surface for their performance, which will act as a dedicated space for the band or musicians (although if you've booked a roaming act, there may be some flexibility).

“It's also worth checking if your entertainer requires a power source, or if they can bring along their own battery-powered amp. If not, they may need to be in closer proximity to the venue itself.

“It's also essential that they have a canopy or cover to protect both them and their equipment, come rain or shine, as you can never be too careful or sure of the UK weather! Remember, your wedding venue and/or entertainment will also be able to advise on their usual routine for outdoor performances.”

For our ultimate guide to planning a flawless al fresco wedding, download the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding.