Editor loves and inspiration

Real bride Aifric told us: "I was a mixed bag of nerves and excitement! I'm so glad that Scott and I decided to have a first look before walking down the aisle as seeing him instantly put me at ease. It was so special to have those few minutes before the wedding together."

How do you feel about having a first look shoot?

Find out more about Aifric and Scott's big day at Pangdean Barn, captured by Lucy Dracott Photography, in the current issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Looking for something unique and unusual, Kaela and Ross were ecstatic to find out that a magical place for them, The Observatory Science Centre, was licensed for weddings. “We couldn't believe they did weddings!” shares Kaela. “But as soon as we saw it was possible, we had to book it, it's just such a magical place and a really unique venue for a wedding.”

Find out more about their big day in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Mannings Heath Estate near Horsham in West Sussex has opened a delightful new Wine Lounge and Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant. So, I went along to find out more...

The stylish and welcoming spaces here offer guests a memorable dining experience that'll have you going back for more! There are a wealth of dining options such as lunch and afternoon tea, including a range of food and wine pairings featuring wines from Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa, which I can highly recommend.

The venue will be hosting a wedding showcase open day on Sunday 1st October, 2023. So, keep your eyes on the website for further details to be released nearer the time: www.manningsheath.com

Find out more in the Nearlywed News pages in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Adam proposed to Lucy at home in their flat. The couple had both booked the day off work as they were going to the Warner Bros Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter. So, Lucy was enjoying a lazy morning relaxing on the sofa before they set off, and Adam was making pancakes. “When he came in with them, he placed down a Polaroid photo of us laughing together and captioned it: 'Mrs Ross?' He put the pancakes down in front of me, got down on one knee, and waited for my reaction, which my have included some expletives!” Lucy shares. Although she knew they may get engaged at some point, she hadn't been expecting it at 9am in her pyjamas!

Find out about their big day at Pilgrims Rest in the current issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

"I wore Asa, a Willowby by Watters design. I'd looked at these dresses online for years before even being engaged and knew I wanted to wear this designer. The gowns are so elegant and intricate. I accesorised with celestial-style earrings and a gold diamanté hair clip, but no other jewellery as the dress was enough by itself." - real bride, Ali, on her dress from Wild Flora in Battle.

Find out about Ali and James' big day at Blackstock Country Estate in the current issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

"The bridesmaids wore matching sage green dresses with gold accessories. We also had to match a bridesman suit to the dress, which was a challenge!" says real bride Rachel.

Find out about you Rachael and Marc's wedding day at The Royal Pavilion and The Brighton Grand in the current issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download.

Mark Inscoe, Civil Celebrant Sussex (https://civilcelebrantsussex.com) says: Spring is the perfect time of year for celebrating nature. It's a time of renewal, a time of new growth. Young, fresh greens and spring flowers enhance those outdoor ceremony settings. For thousands of years, the seasons, especially spring, have been integral in ritual ceremonies reflecting our respect for nature. A perfect addition to your day might be a symbolic tree or shrub planting. Depending on the location of your ceremony, this could be done afterwards in your garden or elsewhere (with necessary permissions). During the ceremony, the sapling could be in a pot while you and others spoon soil onto it with a ceremonial trowel. As you're doing this, significant words reflecting the symbolism of this action are spoken by your celebrant. Different trees have their own meaning. Apple is associated with knowledge, faith and fertility; birch represents truth and new beginnings; and elm is thought to strengthen relationships.

For more ideas on how to incorporate a fresh springtime vibe into your wedding day, check out our Hot Topic feature in the current issue, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Always look for a reputable supplier you can rely on. Jennifer from Something Blue Wedding Car Hire says, “Check out reviews. This will give you an idea of reliability, customer service and what to expect. Consider using a local supplier to reduce miles travelled as this may affect the price. Also, make sure the car service you're booking is chauffeur driven and appropriately insured. A chauffeur gives you the peace of mind of having an experienced driver behind the wheel.”

For more top transport tips check out our annual transport feature in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

Venue scenting is set to be big for 2023 and beyond, and local lovely Scent My Wedding offers a number of ways to achieve this. Find out more in the finishing touches feature, in the current issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download.