Editor loves and inspiration

Shoot coordinators, Rachel Caws of Rachel Caws Hair and Makeup Artist, Katey Carter of Carter and Olive, and Sabine Bagyura of Surrey-based Charterhouse School, shares their inspiration behind the shoot. “The inspiration behind the shoot was to celebrate the timeless romance of Charterhouse and showcase how its historic beauty can be styled for a modern couple,” explains Sabine. “We wanted to highlight the versatility of the venue, moving from the intimacy of a garden ceremony to the charm of an outdoor afternoon tea and the grandeur of a wedding breakfast in Charterhouse Hall. “Our concept blended a fairytale feel with botanical elegance; soft, romantic textures, whimsical details and abundant fl orals against the rich architectural backdrop. The shoot came together through the collaboration of a talented team of suppliers, each bringing their creativity and expertise to craft a cohesive story that feels both aspirational and achievable for couples planning their day.”

Be inspired in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

Inspired by the romantic elegance of Bridgerton, The Finest Collection is a shoot that exhibits a thrilling love-triangle narrative, set against the enchanting backdrop of Syon Park. This spotlights the unique accessories made by Dapper & Sauve, showcasing the brand's styling and storytelling, with added jewellery and headpiece sold by independent brands; all featured in the 'Curated by Dapper & Suave' pop-up markets. Combining period-inspired storytelling with modern fashion and artisanal craftsmanship, the shoot aims to evoke a sense of timeless allure and contemporary creativity — highlighting the brand's individuality within a cohesive, stylised world.

Be inspired in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

They say that love is the wildest ride of your life, and for Ellen and Gareth they take this one step further, these thrill-seekers met at Thorpe Park! Their love soon blossomed and when it came to planning the proposal, Gareth made sure Ellen was kept out of loop until they were on the plane jetting off for a romantic trip to Barbados over New Year's. They celebrated the new year in luxury and Gareth proposed on 3rd January 2024.

Read more about their special day in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

Charlotte and Scott have been in each others lives since they were 12 years old and attended the same school. At 14 and 15, when Scott became head boy and Charlotte became head girl, they spent even more time together – this later blossomed into the love story we see today. Scott proposed to Charlotte the day after their 10th anniversary with a hand-written card. Charlotte adds, “after reading the card, I turned around, and he was on one knee! We then went to design a ring in Hatton Garden that day, then out for dinner and stayed at a hotel! I couldn't have asked for anymore."

Read more about their special day in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

After the proposal, it's not long after the cork's been popped on the champers that thoughts quickly turn to the wedding planning. Even though couples say to themselves, 'We'll just enjoy being engaged for a bit,' colour charts, themes and cake fl avours very quickly become the topic of conversation. Of course, choosing a time, date and location are essential, however it's who you will be sharing the day with which should be paramount. Whittling down your friends and family to your nearest and dearest is no mean feat, especially if your budget doesn't allow for a huge guest list, and there's the added pressure of who you think you should invite, rather than who you want to invite. However, no one's opinion matters, if you don't want aunt Doris, then don't invite her, if you don't want your friend's new boyfriend of two weeks there, you don't have to – it's about the happy couple and that's it!

Be inspired in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

The brainchild of Surrey-based CK Wedding Flowers and Botleys Mansion, an 18th-century Georgian Palladian property set in 57 acres of Surrey's rural parkland, this styled shoot offers nearlyweds-to-be inspiration aplenty on how to create a romance-luxe wedding day. Carrie of CK Wedding Flowers says, “I've always loved the elegance of English country garden vibes, especially with that Bridgerton touch. When we chose Botleys Mansion as the venue, it just felt right. The mansion's grand beauty was the perfect backdrop for a style that blends the charm of an English garden with a hint of Regency romance. Soft pastel blooms, lush greenery, and pops of vibrant colour created that timeless, romantic feel – classic yet fresh, with a playful twist. It's all about blending tradition with modern elegance, giving the shoot an air of sophistication, but with just enough whimsy to make it exciting.” – enjoy!

Be inspired in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

Holly and Dieter, met in modern fashion on Tinder! “I was the first to message Dieter, and before I knew it we were chatting away until the early hours of the morning most days. We went for our first date a couple of weeks after talking and we hit it off straight away! It didn't take long for me to realise he was the one – I guess love at first sight really does exist,” share Holly. Dieter proposed in the pub where the couple had their first date (The George, Hersham) on the exact table they were sat at in April '24. “We had a short engagement and in August that year we booked the date and venue! It wasn't a big grand proposal, but it was perfect for us, and we sat there and laughed about our first date and how nervous we were!” adds Holly.

Read more about their special day in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

Nick and Pam met when they were both in their early twenties at Surrey Police headquarters, where they were training for different roles. “While there was the start of something, I moved away to Southend to become a local church minister while Nick's life remained in Guildford,” recalls Pam. “Aside from the occasional message, we mostly lost contact until Nick reached out at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. We started to date (socially distanced!) and re-kindled what was there before. We often joke that it took us 10 years – but we got there!” After romance blossomed, Nick proposed on 22nd January 2024 at Newlands Corner, Guildford, “This was somewhere we'd been for dog walks together or breakfasts over at the Plucky Pheasant across the road,” adds Pam. “Nick had been to Marlows Diamonds in London where Jo works (she would go on to become my maidof-honour along with her wife Sarah). Nick had taken Carina, his best woman, with him while I was on an away day at work. He had planned for a New Year's proposal, but illness meant he had to keep his secret for a few more weeks. The proposal was a total surprise to me, although Nick had been to see my family to speak to them about it in that time, and most of our friendship group had been in on the secret!”

Read more about their special day in the latest issue of Your Surrey Wedding magazine

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW
0208 332 5641 | www.kew.org/venue-hire

Located in Richmond Upon Thames, Kew Gardens provides an enchanting venue portfolio surrounded by enchanting scenery. There's no shortage of breathtaking backdrops, from the verdant Royal Botanic Gardens to the iconic buildings. You have exclusive use of your chosen venue, and the team will stop at nothing to realise your vision for your special day.

Set within 320 acres of renowned gardens, you'll be spoiled for choice on where to host your festivities. Enjoy classic architecture and spectacular garden views to create stunning memories; Kew Gardens offers a beautiful range of Grade I and II listed venues, former royal residences and glasshouses where you can enjoy an unforgettable celebration. From cosy Cambridge Cottage, to the grand Orangery, Kew Gardens offers a variety of beautiful spaces well suited to a variety of celebrations. Explore the unique surroundings of the tropical glasshouses or immerse yourself in the history of the Nash Conservatory, which was moved to Kew from Buckingham Palace brick-by-brick in 1836.

Ceremonies take place in Cambridge Cottage and the Nash Conservatory; the cottage is ideal for intimate get-togethers, with space for up to 80 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast and an additional 40 for your reception. The Nash Conservatory is a mesmerising 19th-century glasshouse that can seat 200 guests for your ceremony. It can be hired separately or as part of the Classic and Luxury wedding packages. Evening dinners and dances can be held in Cambridge Cottage, the 18th-century Orangery or the Temperate House.

The Orangery features elegant floor-to-ceiling windows, while the Temperate House boasts an extraordinary collection of rare and endangered plants. When tying the knot here, couples can rest assured in the knowledge that this UNESCO World Heritage site uses income from celebrations for vital conservation, educational and research programmes, that help save the planet.

Read more at: Your Surrey Wedding - Issue 113 June/July 2025

Q - I would like to wear a veil on my wedding day, but I also want a hairstyle to wow when I remove it for the wedding breakfast and reception; what will be suitable for my must-have accessory?

A - Veils work well with many hairstyles including half up half down, updos and Hollywood waves. For the biggest impact when removing your veil and hairstyle that could really wow is one that has intricate details (like a braid or twist) that then becomes visible when the veil is removed! When the veil comes off, it's the perfect time to add a hair accessory (like a beautiful comb) in its place.

Rachel Eveline, of Rachel-Eveline Hair and Make-Up
www.rachel-eveline.co.uk

Read more at: Your Surrey Wedding - Issue 113 June/July 2025