Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Clare Warren from Clare Warren Calligraphy tells us about her company: "I create bespoke stationery and signage for your wedding day in unique, handwritten calligraphy. After a rewarding career managing the visual team of a well-known department store, I found real joy in learning and perfecting the art of calligraphy. I started Clare Warren Calligraphy in 2019, and it's grown into a full-time business. I'm at my happiest with a pen in my hand and a vision in my head, and I've been so lucky to help so many couples with such an intimate part of their most memorable day.
"Beauty is in the details, and my most popular product is by far the smallest: place cards. These tiny finishing touches don't just tell your guests where to sit, they show them how important they are with their own name lovingly written by hand on premium quality card. Most of them make their way home with the guests as an extra keepsake, and when they're matched with a stunning table plan, they can really bring your décor together."
See more from our Handmade in East Anglia feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
West Barsham Estate in North Norfolk, is an ideal holiday retreat for friends or families pre- or post-wedding! Enveloped by vast Norfolk skies, 2,500 acres of farmland and just a few miles inland from the county's popular coastline, the remote and beautiful retreat is now offering travellers a special place to stay and explore. Extensively and comprehensively decorated by renowned interior designer Flora Soames, Barsham Barns now comprise six luxury self-catering barns sleeping from four to 14, while Meadow House – the former dower house – sleeps up to 14. Ideal as a couple's getaway or for week-long parties with friends and family, the elegantly decorated barns are also dog-friendly, so no member of the family need be left behind. When taken together, the estate can host up to 66 guests, providing the perfect venue for a magical Norfolk wedding, paired with a ceremony at one of the charming local parish churches.
See more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Lucy and Teejay met while working together and hit it off straightaway becoming great friends. After 18 months the pair started dating, visiting restaurants, and exploring Norfolk on dog walks. “We went out to lots of different places and even ice skating!” recalls Lucy. “We both supported each other in each other's interests. Horses are a big part of my life and Teejay fully supports me with achieving any goals and vice versa. We both have a great sense of humour and are always having a laugh, which I believe was the start of everything! I think because we built up a great friendship at the beginning when it evolved in to a relationship everything just fell into place.”
Fast forward to Saturday 12th December 2020 when Lucy was surprised with a festive proposal. “As I went into the living room, pinned to the fireplace were four stockings asking me the big question: Will You Marry Me?” shares Lucy. “When I turned around Teejay was on one knee. I was so shocked!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Although neutral colour palettes will always be a main stay when it comes to wedding décor and styling, it's classic and elegant, there are plenty of opportunities to bring in colour and texture for those that want the wow factor. Think: floral designs, textiles, furniture, motifs, and patterns – the brighter and bolder the better!
If you didn't already know, Pantone's Colour of the Year is Viva Magenta; it's vibrant, it's fun and looks incredible mixed with other colours, complementing weddings at any time of year. This shade works radiantly as an accessory or as part of a colour palette.
When it comes to texture elements couples are now mixing and matching different styles of décor to create a unique look that reflects their personality. So, if you're a boho bride who loves vintage glamour explore how you can combine these looks to create your overall aesthetic. Think: macrame and pampas grass combined with coloured glass and gold-plated cutlery.
See more from our Venue Styling feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Lucy Buttery from Tan Artistry by Lucy tells us how to get a natural looking tan:
"An experienced spray tan artist will use a professional spray tanning solution and have the knowledge to tailor the tan to your natural skin tone and avoid the orange looking tan that nobody wants.
"I recommend booking a trial tan at least two weeks before your wedding so you have time to decide whether the colour is just perfect or you would like to go darker or lighter.
"You should book your actual bridal spray tan for two days before your wedding. This will allow enough time for the guide bronzer from the solution to be fully washed off by showering on the day before and day of your wedding, so there is no bronzer remaining to rub off onto your dress."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Kerry Davis and Marina Withers (Chip) first met on Facebook! “Chip was my first female relationship,” shares Kerry. “She spotted me on the Facebook Dating App shortly after it launched, she said 'yes' to my profile and it immediately asked me if I wanted to say 'yes' and pair with her – she has the most beautiful eyes! We talked online and were a couple from the first date!”
Kerry popped the question on Christmas Day. “Chip is Estonian and English is her second language. I drew my proposal on paper “Chip was my first female relationship,” shares Kerry. “She – I'm a terrible artist – and it took her about 25 mins to guess each word, eventually I thrust the ring at her and said 'Well? Will you?!' oh-so romantic,” laughs Kerry.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
PERLA NOVA BRIDAL
Where: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Prices: £1,800 to £3,800
Sizes: 6 to 16
Owner Kirsty Vaughan says...
The lowdown: Perla Nova brings that coveted bridal cool to the heart of Suffolk. Championing some seriously slick designers (we're talking about the likes of Made With Love, Jane Hill and WONÁ Concept) not to mention a truly personal experience for each and every bride that steps through our door, we're with you every step of the way. Our carefully curated bridal concept studio boasts an unrivalled blend of personal shopping meets bridal – all tailored to the modern bride. We bring the ultimate bridal mix: a relaxed, contemporary studio environment, customisable gowns with optimal fit, your own personalised edit of gowns, on-site parking, a personal stylist (with two decades of experience), bubbles (naturally) and a seriously luxe bridal experience to boot.
Favourite dress in store: Currently, it's Made With Love's Archie.
Top tip: Be true to your own style; pick a bridal boutique that reflects you and makes you feel comfortable.
Appointments: 01473 948 768 | https://perlanova.co.uk
The latest issue is available now. Read Your East Anglian Wedding magazine for free!
Molly Middleton, the mastermind and creative extraordinaire behind The Tiny Planner talks us through this stunning collaboration. “This elopement-style shoot was based in the heart of Cambridge, surrounded by the history and culture that correlates with being one of the oldest cities in the country. The city thrives on independent business and sense of community as well as maintaining its quaint and quintessentially British demeanour.
“When thinking about what we wanted from this shoot, Lucie Watson Photography and I wanted to create something fresh and modern but that had a nod to the nostalgia of love through the ages. Creating an entirely black and white photoscape lent us towards a monochromatic palette with focus on textures and shapes....
The shoot is featured in full in our Dec/Jan issue available now to read online for FREE
Wedding and events manager at Applewood Hall, Chloe Edwards, reveals how this sumptuously styled shoot took place at this renowned Norfolk wedding venue. “We scheduled an autumn wedding fair for October so autumn and winter styling were in mind when thinking about dressing the venue,” shares Chloe. “The colours red, burgundy and gold provided a rich and romantic colour palette that fitted with weddings at this time of year. I always find autumn and winter weddings have their own special hint of romance that comes with this cosier time of year.
“Looking further into wedding colour trends for our most recent booked couples for 2023 and 2024, along with just talking to couples viewing our venue for the first time, it seemed sage green was proving to be a popular choice. I decided to incorporate this into the colour scheme, adding rustic wood details to tie everything together. A bohemian yet almost regal creative concept was developed – perfect for seasonal inspiration for Norfolk countryside wedding venues like us at Applewood Hall. We have a homely feel Wedding Garden too that provides those natural and seasonal coloured backgrounds for the day and with a fairylight-covered birdcage-style gazebo also giving couples a perfect spot for that romantic evening shot too.
“Alongside the romance aspect to the shoot, I wanted a sense of fun to come across, many couples want a more personalised, relaxed and enjoyable day and having our 'bride and groom' models being an actual couple in real life meant we hit the brief perfectly.”
The latest issue is available now. Read Your East Anglian Wedding magazine for free!
Kimberley and Phillip met online, after Kim relocated for a job from Yorkshire to Essex as a single parent. “We have been together eight-and-a-half years and share a love of music and travelling; we've been to Canada, America, Europe and love new adventures!” shares Kim.
Phil proposed in New York on 31st May, 2019, with a bespoke engagement ring he'd had made. That wasn't there only news at the time, “We had just found out we were pregnant, too!” adds Kim.
The big date was set, 23rd July 2022, with Willow Grange Farm, Norfolk, setting the scene. Here, Kim tells us more about their big day...
The latest issue is available now featuring the rest of Kim and Phil's big day. Read Your East Anglian Wedding magazine for free!
