Editor loves and inspiration

Samantha and Justin met whilst working at a brewery. “We instantly hit it off as friends,” says Samantha. “I found Justin extremely attractive, and he makes me laugh until my sides hurt. Justin says that my looks are what attracted him first, but he soon realised how alike we were and how easy our friendship was. Justin and I had both been married/in long-term relationships with children before meeting. We were at an age where we knew exactly what we wanted from life. Our children were late teens or early twenties, and all got on as though they had been brought up together their entire lives.”

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

Cutting Entertainment provides fresh, vibrant disco setups and talented DJs to make your event a success. “With hundreds of discos out there to choose from, we have based our reputation on offering a professional, reliable, friendly service that results in you getting the disco that you want,” says the team at Cutting Entertainment. “We are a full-time professional company that will listen to what you want and deliver that with passion and style. Built around a talented team, you can feel confident that you'll receive a fantastic service. We offer a stunning disco set-up using the latest equipment, £10 million public liability cover, P.A.T tested equipment, personal client login to our online planning system and all bookings are confirmed by a secure online contract.”

See more from our Music and Entertainment feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download

Make-up artist Lily Thomas tells us how to repair damaged skin.

"A skincare routine is your best friend; I tell all my clients to start this at least six months before their wedding day. The winter can really take its toll on your skin; you need to focus on getting as much moisture as possible into your skin during this time. Invest in a thicker moisturiser in the winter, as the cooling temperatures and central heating will dry your skin out.

"My go to products are cleansers, serums and moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid. This ingredient retains moisture to boost plumpness, reduce wrinkles and fine lines whilst leaving your complexion glowing."

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

Chloe and Paul met at work, where Paul was working as a firefighter and Chloe was a passenger service agent. “Our first interaction was Paul getting a zip stuck in his coat, and I recused him,” laughs Chloe. “We didn't work on shift together very often, but when Paul left to work at a fire station full time, I went to the leaving drinks and we hit it off. We connected in a way I can't explain, but I felt safe. I wanted to share everything with Paul, and six months later, we moved into our first home together.”

Paul popped the question while the duo were celebrating Chloe's sister's birthday. “He asked her permission, and my dad's too, who was ready with his camera to capture the moment,” shares the bride. “My sister's birthday also happens to be our anniversary. I had no idea, but looking back, I should have suspected something was going on when he decided to wear a shirt instead of his normal casual t-shirt. I am very lucky that Paul has a wonderful son, who also gave me a ring. One of my rings was Paul's great aunties, and the other was Paul's mum's first wedding anniversary present from Paul's dad.”

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

Jo Pyman from One Curious Dream wanted to create a beautifully clean, crisp aesthetic that welcomed spring with open arms. “White, light and airy, the orangery at Baddow Park House provided the perfect setting to showcase some beautiful floristry from Fiori & Co paired with stunning tableware and furniture from The Banqueting Hire Service,” adds Jo. “With draped linens, plenty of candles and metallic hints in the cutlery and glassware, the aim was to keep the feeling fluid and contemporary whilst creating a setting that couples could take inspiration from.”

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Izzy and Andrew first laid eyes on each other at work. “We share a similar sense of humour and a love for food, so we got on straight away,” says Izzy. “We became friends while working in a hotel and eventually moved to work in the same restaurant where we finally got together!”

Andrew proposed to Izzy at Wells-Next-The-Sea beach in early 2021. “We own a pub, so during lockdown, as we couldn't work, we had a lot of free time, so we spent a lot of it walking along the beach,” shares the bride. “The entire beach was empty on the day Andrew proposed. It was just the two of us and our dog Franco on a sunny, chilly day.”

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

Events Under Canvas was launched in September 2013 with a mission to create magnificent outdoor events under beautiful giant tipis, with impeccable service and attention to detail. The company caters for events of all sizes from small garden parties to festival spaces, corporate events and grand weddings. MD Jenna Ackerley says: “First things first, picture your dream day. Think about the vibe you're going for, are you after a boho-chic festival feel or more of a rustic or romantic affair? Once you've got a vision in mind, it'll make all the decision-making a piece of cake.

"Location is everything. You want a spot that has enough room for your guests, tents and a backdrop that'll make your Instagram followers drool. Make sure it's easy to get to, and if you need any permits, get them sorted pronto. You'll also need to consider parking, accommodation and transport too."

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

Tracy and Neil met when Tracy and her older sister were walking along the main road on Canvey Island. Neil and his friend stopped on their motorbikes to ask where a certain pub was and they got talking. “Neil was 17 and I was 13, but we quickly became friends doing everything together within our friendship group,” says Tracy. “The first thing I noticed about him with his shoulder length black hair and dark eyes. My teenage years were idyllic with Neil and our group of friends, but when Neil went to college, we seemed to drift apart. We stopped seeing each other and lost contact. I heard through mutual friends that he was working in America and had got married. I eventually got married too, but never forgot about Neil. Many years later, when our marriages were over, Neil contacted my sister asking how I was and we started talking.”

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

The Grove, situated within four acres of glorious Norfolk countryside, won second place in the East of England Tourism Awards for 'Small Hotel of the Year'. Nestled within acres of green woodland and only a short walk through the private woodland to the beach, there are plenty of romantic spots to explore and take photographs. You can choose The Grove for your whole celebration, from the marriage ceremony itself through to the very last dance or have your ceremony elsewhere and then let the team host your wedding breakfast and reception.

“We are very proud to have won second place for Small Hotel of the Year,” says owners Richard and Chris. “This is an absolutely huge achievement as there are a lot of wonderful small hotels throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. To be chosen as a finalist is wonderful and to come second is amazing. We managed to treat a select few members of staff to a great evening out, as without them, we are nothing.”

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Emily and Craig went to the same school, and years later, they reconnected via the internet. “We shared the same interest in films and found it easy to converse with each other,” says Emily. “Craig always knew how to make me laugh, and our bond grew over the years. Craig proposed on the anniversary of us moving into our first home together. He attached a ring he had made to our spaniel's collar and asked me to be his wife.”

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