Cornwall Wed Magazine

10 YEARS OF WED!

Welcome to the tenth anniversary issue of Wed Magazine! I suppose it's quite rare for the editor who penned the welcome letter of the very first issue of a magazine to still be here, penning the welcome letter ten years later. But, you see, Wed Magazine isn't a job or a lovely print product to me. I've always described it as my baby, a labour of love, an all-consuming but oh-so gratifying mission, which I've now dedicated over a decade of my life to.

My now-husband, Brendan, and I came up with the concept for Wed Magazine almost eleven years ago, sat around my parents' kitchen table. He was 27 and I was 25 and, with the brave ambition and steely nerves of youth, we decided to set out on our venture to publish a new, exciting, stylish and bold wedding magazine for our home county. We had no money - but we had a lot of ideas, endless energy and a helluva work ethic. Brendan hit the phone, I hit the laptop and we enlisted Simon, a talented local photographer, freelance writer, Hannah, to help me with editorial, and chanced upon Matt to design the magazine.

And we did it. We published our first issue and it was a joy to see our oversized, glossy magazine grace the shelves of shops and supermarkets (particularly in the Penzance branch of WH Smith that I had worked in as a Saturday girl for so many years). It was also hugely nerve jangling awaiting a response from readers and those first advertisers who had so willingly and generously supported our vision in those early days. Thankfully, they liked it. Our determination to stick to the size and that lovely thick, silken paper kept us poor for some years - and we must thank our incredibly supportive parents who let us live at home for a rather prolonged period! - but we held fast to our vision to showcase Cornwall and its wedding industry in the best possible light.

Now, ten years after that moment when we flicked through that first issue for the first time, it's incredible to see how far Wed has come. From the original 64-page issue, this one weighs in at a whopping 196 pages - and is seen as the go-to guide for anyone planning a wedding in the county. We've taken the formula to Devon, which has its own edition. There's the website: an inspiration-packed partner to the magazine which has become an essential resource for couples planning their weddings in Cornwall and Devon from all over the world. We've even run the successful 'Wed Show' over five consecutive years at various venues across the county, though we're taking a break right now as we fit in family life alongside Wed (we have a toddler and baby no. 2 is on the way!). We're still a small team - Brendan, Hannah, Matt and I are still here ten years on, joined by my sisters, Jenna and Morwenna, who handle distribution and finance - and we have a growing bank of writers, illustrators and contributors.

It's not just Wed that has come far - Cornwall's wedding industry is at its most creative, inspiring and downright brilliant right now. We're so proud to showcase the work of all those talented photographers, florists, stylists, cake designers, caterers, dressmakers and every supplier who makes this such an extraordinary county to marry in. It is a joy to be at the helm of Wed because of each and every one of you. Thank you for your unwavering support for Wed and your dedication to what you do.

Most importantly, we must thank you: our readers. What a wonderful bunch you are. Thank you for reading Wed, for making it such an integral part of your planning journey, and for sending us such glowing feedback over the years. Hearing from you never ceases to thrill me and makes all those late nights slaving away at a computer worth it. It always brings a smile to my face to hear your reluctance that your wedding is over as you no longer have an excuse to buy Wed (though I also love the fact that hasn't stopped some of you!) Sat around my parents' kitchen table eleven years ago, we set out our vision to engage and inspire, to showcase the beautiful county we live in and share the joy of true love. For me, this means mission accomplished.

Enjoy this very special issue!

Rebecca

STYLE

26. BEYOND THE SEA

Ethereal inspiration for a dreamy oceanic wedding

28. IT'S A CELEBRATION!

We celebrate our tenth anniversary with some fabulously fresh ideas for an elegant party

42. SHINE BRIGHT

Dazzling gowns embellished with sequins, beads and delectable detail

52. THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Stunning silhouettes for all-eyes-on-you aisle style

60. A JOY FOREVER

Covetable gowns, in tulle, lace and silk, to treasure for a lifetime

70. WED'S BOUDOIR

Bridal beauty tips and trends

74. WORKING THE GROOM

Style tips for the man of the moment

84. IN DEEP

Rustic meets luxe in this beautifully atmospheric take on a winter wedding

107. BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Throw a flamingo-fabulous wedding bursting with colour and tropical vibes

124. LET IT SHINE

Ambient lighting, thoughtful details and a touch of drama for a chic, seasonal celebration

FEATURES

8. WIN WITH WED!

Here's your chance to win some truly spectacular prizes

65. LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN

A bride-to-be sets off on a quest for an aisle-ready complexion

72. ROCKS ON

Add a splash of colour to your wedding ring with these gorgeous gemstones

77. THE TREND REPORT

The experts pick out the top-trending looks in wedding world

89. IT'S A DATE!

Address to impress with a so-you save the date

97. GUEST STRESSED

Trying to trim a bulging guest list? Heed these top tips

102. DISH TO IMPRESS

Fresh new flavours and classic crowd-pleasers for an unforgettable feast

112. MAKE MARQUEE MAGIC

Super-stylish ideas for a wow-worthy wedding marquee

119. BORED GAMES

Keep guests young and old engaged with these entertaining ideas

130. LUXE IS IN THE AIR

Stylish hotels for a romantic wedding with a heady twist of luxury

145. MAGIC MOMENTS

A meditation on the most precious, lasting memories of W-day

153. CENTRE PEACE

A bride's guide to steadying nerves, handling hiccups and savouring your big moment

REGULARS

18. BRIDAL BUZZ

What's new, what's hot, what's on

138. THE VENUE

Licensed venues for civil ceremonies in Cornwall

166. GOT WED

Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day

194. NOTES ON A WEDDING

Top tips for your planning pleasure

Editor

Rebecca Matthews

Chief features writer

Hannah May

Contributors

Elizabeth Chester, Carmen Croxall, Abby Driver, Tracy Edwards, Christine Jensen, Gemma MacKenzie, Claire Moulds, Jenny Phipps, Sharon Ryan, Elle Winsor Grime

Design

Matt Sanwell, Design UNLTD

Advertising and Management

Brendan Sleeman

Distribution

Jenna Matthews

Finance

Morwenna Matthews

Publisher

Wed Magazine

28 Reens Crescent

Heamoor