Editor loves and inspiration

Woodhall Manor is hidden in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, it's the perfect get-away for your hen or stag do. Its Elizabethan architecture and peacefully landscaped gardens will make your get-away special. Access to the surrounding locations could not be better with Sutton Hoo on the door step, head to the seaside town of Aldeburgh, get the Bawdsey ferry to Felixstowe, or relax in Seckford Hall's spa.

With 12 luxury bedrooms and suites and a cottage on-site, whatever you're up to is so easy. The Manor Bar is a great setting to have a cocktail or beer before heading to the pool table for some fun and games. With acres of grounds, why not book some activities? Archery and clay shooting are very popular, or why not arrange a cocktail masterclass or dance class and end the evening with a boogie with your very own juke box?

The venue can also help with food, from afternoon teas to pizza, curry, or something more themed; just speak to the team about your ideas.

To see more hen and stag ideas, head over to our hen and stag feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

The Crown and Castle in Orford, Suffolk, has received two AA awards following a recent inspection. Head chef Jake Lawrence and his team have been awarded two rosettes for their culinary excellence, while the 21-bedoom property has received a much sought-after five-star restaurant with rooms classification.

The AA awards follow on from The Crown and Castle's recent success in winning the 'East of England Small Hotel of the Year Gold Tourism Award 2022–23'.

Delighted with the awards, Jake Lawrence said: “Throughout my career, rosettes have always signified a mark of quality. Our decision to become part of the scheme and the result are something I am hugely proud of. These two rosettes are particularly special as the review was undertaken with a menu, food style, and quality standard crafted over many years, but our kitchen never rests. We're considering this year the start of our culinary award journey, and we have lofty ambitions for the future.”

See more local news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Molly and Zach met in a beer tent at Suffolk Pride. “I noticed Zach was wearing shorts, flip-flops, and a pink glittery beard,” says Molly. “I asked Zach to wait a month for our first date, as I was about to hand in my dissertation and my degree was important to me. We ended up texting every day, getting to know each other. Finally, when the first date arrived, it was magical, and surprisingly, after all that talking, we still had plenty to discuss; we almost missed our movie! After four perfect months, I got viral meningitis, and Zach spent four days in the hospital with me and a month nursing me back to health. After getting through that together, I was pretty sure he was the man I wanted to marry. Just after that, COVID-19 hit, and we moved in together and haven't been apart since.”

Zach proposed on his birthday. “We were in York having a meal to celebrate,” shares the bride. “I was very surprised when he proposed and ended up crying so much that I couldn't see the ring. Zach had the ring handmade by an amazing jeweller called Harrows Jewellery in Hadleigh. Zach and I still joke, as apparently rather than saying 'yes', I was crying so much I said 'yup' and interrupted the whole speech he had planned!”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Wedding cakes are quickly becoming something more than just a sweet treat. They are works of art that can incorporate your personality and the time of year. With so many options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming, but don't panic; there is something out there to suit everyone. The time of year is a great way to narrow down flavours, colours, and designs for your big-day cake. With this in mind, we've asked Stacey's Cakey Bakes to send in one of her favourite seasonal creations to help inspire you...

To see more seasonal cakes, head over to our cakes feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Lucy Buttery tells us everything you need to know before booking a spray tan for your big day.

"A spray tan is gorgeous against a white dress, and the best part is that it can look really natural. As your wedding is such an important occasion, I recommend booking a trial tan at least two weeks before your big day so you have time to decide which colour is perfect for you. If you're having a make-up or hair trial, book your tan trial a day or two before so you can see what the complete look will be like. A trial will also give you an idea of how to prepare for the tan as well as how to look after it to prolong the results. An experienced spray tan artist should be able to provide you with this kind of advice."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Rhianna and Joseph met through his mum. “Joseph's mum was a client of mine at my beauty salon,” says Rhianna. “Joseph came back from New Zealand for his sister's wedding, and I was asked to do the beauty treatments for them at his parents' house ahead of the wedding. When I arrived and met Joseph, we instantly clicked. His words in his speech were that it was love at first sight, and he knew that I was the one."

Joseph proposed during a dog walk in the woods. “We had gone away for the weekend to the New Forest as Joseph had been working in Sussex during the week on a big project,” shares the bride. “It was all a total surprise, and we couldn't have been happier.”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Cake maker Terri Newman tells us how you can create a luxurious cake on a budget.

"Luxurious wedding cakes come at a higher price due to their size and the intricate details often requested. One way to get maximum detail without spending hours piping on the cake is to use stencilling; there are some amazing designs available that will get the intricate finish you require.

"Increasing the quantity of cake can be costly, so you could use stands to create a big impact without having hundreds of portions of cake, such as filler tiers that can contain lights and fresh flowers, hoop stands that continue the floral theme of a cake or the new gravity-defying stands that give height to a cake.

"The best advice would be to find a cake designer with experience, give them a set budget and work together to create a luxurious design. They will quite often be able to offer options you may not have thought of."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Charlotte and Ben met at a mutual friend's house party. “We played a game of table tennis together and chatted the night away as if we'd known each other for years,” says Charlotte. “We became best friends and eventually started going on dates. Ben ran a local poker night, so he taught me how to play, and before we knew it, we spent every day together. Time goes by so fast when we're together, it feels like it's only been five minutes since the night we met, but it's been seven years!”

Ben asked Charlotte for her hand in marriage on her 21st birthday. “That weekend, we went to Brighton as a birthday surprise,” adds the bride. “On the day Ben popped the question, we went to a bar by the beach, had some lovely cocktails and a late-night walk along the sand. Ben was so nervous, but I had absolutely no idea! He proposed on the beach that night, and I was so surprised I couldn't believe it and kept asking if he was sure, but of course, I said yes!”

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Becky Howard from Legendary Makeup decided to orchestrate a styled shoot themed around opulence but with a contemporary feel. “With a lot of colourful weddings and shoots already taking place, we wanted this shoot to be simpler and more classic with leafy green and white flowers,” shares Becky. “The Venue at Fulbourn Lodge is a purpose-built events barn situated in the heart of the beautiful South Cambridgeshire countryside. With idyllic rural views, it offers a picturesque and relaxed setting for those celebrating their special day. The rustic timber frame barn is filled with character, with a classic but modern feel, and has a gorgeous outdoor landscaped garden and lake. To align with the classic luxury concept, Lily Francis Bridal dressed the model in a simple, sleek A-line wedding dress. With a beautiful V-shape front and back, and a straight skirt and train, this wedding dress was the epitome of chic. This was paired with an elegant, satin edge cathedral-length veil to frame and emphasise the dress."

See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Make-up artist, hair designer and stylist Lisa Allen tells us the latest wedding trends.

"Soft waves are a hair trend that I've seen a lot of this season. This timeless look radiates elegance and sophistication and enhances a bride's natural beauty whilst adding a touch of Hollywood glamour.

"Bold and eye-catching hair accessories are fabulous, from oversized flowers to vintage-inspired headbands. Adding these accessories can transform a simple up do or loose waves into a show-stopping look.

"Natural, radiant skin is always in style. The focus is on achieving a healthy, lit-from-within glow. I create this using a light-weight airbrush foundation and illuminating products to create a fresh and dewy complexion."

See more from our Looking Your Best feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download