DREAM ON
Since we launched Wed Magazine back in 2007, our ethos has been about throwing out the rulebook and celebrating who you are as a couple on your wedding day. Eleven years is a long time in the wedding industry, and it has since exploded with creativity; from how you style your tables to how you serve your drinks, there's an abundance of ideas for each and every element of your big day. In fact, setting out to plan your wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming with the sheer multitude of possibilities out there - and the pressures of executing a Pinterest-perfect wedding worthy of a zillion likes on Instagram can take a little of the sparkle off the heady excitement of being newly engaged.
So let's take it back to what matters: you, your husband or wife-to-be, and your extraordinary relationship. As long as your wedding day is true to you - whether that means a classically romantic affair, a barefoot beachside bash or a quirky mash-up featuring everything from your love of sci-fi and sushi to his penchant for disco and Dime Bars - that's all that matters.
In this issue's Got Wed, you'll meet a series of couples who embraced their passions and personalities to throw weddings brimming with individual character. Surf and skate-loving couple, Katie and Jack, for example, ensured skateboards, hip-hop and incredible sea views featured in their north Devon wedding, while Alex and Sam drew on everything from Bavaria and the Balkans to Grimm's fairytales and Victorian photography to create their brilliantly eclectic and personality-packed celebration on Dartmoor.
In the same vein, our styled shoots illustrate what can be done when you mix up the things you love, drawing on a host of influences to create something beautiful, individual and memorable. 'Bohemian Dream' weaves wonderfully whimsical visions of dream catchers, elaborate feathers and vintage lace against the rural backdrop of Ashridge Court. Shot at Deer Park Country House, 'Mexican Fiesta!' is bursting with a fabulous fusion of Mexican, tropical and boho vibes, while a sun-dappled Croyde Bay sets the stage for a pompom-packed, fun-loving festival wedding in 'Rainbow Bright'.
For sea-loving souls, there's the 'Call of the Sea Siren', which draws on the landscape of south Devon to create something wild, windswept and oh-so romantic. And 'Age of Elegance' takes Devon's rural landscape and the elegance of the Edwardian era as its cue, painting gentle and dreamy visions of a natural wedding in a glorious corner of the county.
So sit down with your beau, make a list of the things you love and don't be afraid to create a wonderful wedding that shouts about who you are. As Hayley, whose gorgeous wedding features in our Got Wed section, says: "From the invitations, photos and favours to the outfits, sweets and first dance, your guests should say 'That's so them!'"
Rebecca
STYLE
16. GOLD RUSH
Luxe up your wedding with dazzling gold details
20. BOHEMIAN DREAM
Let your spirit soar in vintage lace, whimsical white and a flurry of feathers
26. NEW ROMANTICS
Top trending looks for fashion-forward brides
32. THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
Stunning new season silhouettes, from mermaids to ballgowns
38. WED'S BOUDOIR
Bridal beauty tips and trends
44. AGE OF ELEGANCE
Take your cue from the grace of the Edwardian era
50. WORKING THE GROOM
Style tips for the man of the moment
54. CALL OF THE SEA SIREN
Fall for the wild, windswept romance of a Devon clifftop elopement
72. MEXICAN FIESTA!
Mexicana meets tropical meets boho vibes spells a day bursting with colour and fun
90. RAINBOW BRIGHT
Throw a festival wedding bursting with pompoms, a punchy palette and playful vibes
FEATURES
42. NICE ICE
Seriously stunning rings for diamond-loving brides
53. WED'S HIP LIST
Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to style your day
61. DO OR DIY?
Elle Winsor Grime looks at the dos and don'ts of a DIY wedding
66. FLOWER POWER
Bring the best of blooms to your big day with this fabulous floral inspiration
78. THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Planning an al fresco ceremony? Here's everything you need to know
83. LIQUID GOLD
Flavour-filled tipples for a delicious day
86. PEAS IN A POD
How to throw a vegan wedding feast to remember
96. SPEAK EASY
Nail your bridal speech with these simple steps
100. BEAUTIFUL DAY
Idyllic wedding venues for an oh-so scenic soiree
114. WHAT I WISH I'D KNOWN
Start happily-ever-after on the right track with these expert insights
REGULARS
6. BRIDAL BUZZ
What's new, what's hot, what's on
106. THE VENUE
Licensed venues for civil ceremonies in Devon
124. GOT WED
Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day
154. NOTES ON A WEDDING
Top tips for your planning pleasure
Editor
Rebecca Matthews
Deputy editor
Lucy Higgins
Chief features writer
Hannah May
Contributors
Abby Driver, Tracy Edwards, Lester Gethings, Jennifer Granlund, Christine Jensen, Christoper Wasey, 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
Penzance
Cornwall
TR18 3HW
01736 331456
wed@wedmagazine.co.uk
wedmagazine.co.uk
Print
Four Way Print
Cover image
Dress
Days of Grace Vintage
daysofgracevintage.com
Photography Paige Grace Photography
paigegracephotography.co.uk
Styling & props The Prop Factory propfactory.co.uk
Hair The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com
Make-up Elaine Pearcey elainepearceymakeup.com
Model Paula Ballent
Headdress Feathered Fantasy featheredfantasy.com
