Editor loves and inspiration

Dare to be different in the stunning Valentina available at May & Grace Bridal Boutique. "This hand-painted ballgown by House of Savin is crafted in sumptuous sation with a full skirt and boned bodice. It expresses a timeless elegance," says the boutique's Emilie Crease.

For more on dressing your bridal party, check out the Oct/Nov23 issue, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

Aviator is a luxury hotel designed to reflect the sleek and modern aesthetics of aviation. Aviator's exterior is modern and striking with sleek contours inspired by the shape of a propeller. The building is well-maintained and features clean lines from every angle. There's a large lawn and terrace area that get lots of sun on summer days. The lawn provides extraordinary views of the private Farnborough Airport. Watching private jets ascend and descend is spectacular and leaves a lasting impression on guests.

Find out more about this and other Surrey hotel venues in the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Surrey Wedding, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

Real wedding couple Ayesha and Oscar made activity booklets containing a couple of games about them. They placed them on each of their reception tables as an icebreaker and got everyone chatting to the other guests they were sitting with.

Find out more about their big day at Nutfield Priory (www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/nutfieldpriory) in the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Surrey Wedding, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

Real bride Fran wore a beaded crepe backless Essence of Australia gown with a statement train. “I tried on around 10 different dresses before finding 'the one' at The Bridal Room (www.bridalroom.co.uk). I took my mum and sister with me, and I knew it was right for me as I got quite emotional,” she says. “The back was important, as Tommy has always said he found my back sexy and it's a part of me that I really like too. The train was beautiful with buttons down the length of it which I loved,” she adds. “I even had it adapted to make it breastfeeding-friendly, so I could feed my 9-month-old throughout the day.”

Fran's bridesmaids wore sage green dresses from ASOS. “Green's my favourite colour so I always knew I'd want that shade. I was quite easy going with what style they wore so once they knew the colour, my chief bridesmaid had the job of finding the dresses,” she says.

Find out more about the day Fran married Tommy in the Oct/No23 issue of Your Surrey Wedding, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

Real wedding couple Matt and Sophie have a shared love of music and had been going to the same concerts for most of their adolescent years without meeting. “When we were both in our twenties a mutual friend introduced us, and we've been inseparable since!” says Sophie. “We both have lots of things in common, our love of music, craft beer and films. On our first date we both realised we had a passion for the movie Jaws!” she says.

You can read all about their big day, captured by Foto Fly Photography (https://fotofly.co.uk) in the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Surrey Wedding, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

"Don't forget to cater for non-drinkers," says Debbie Turner from Sea Change Wine (www.seachangewine.com). "Sea Change Free is a 0% alcohol sparkling drink that's perfect for guests who choose to avoid alcohol but don't want to miss out on that celebratory glass of bubbles."

For more catering ideas, check out the Oct/Nov23 issue of Your Surrey Wedding, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

My partner's extremely camera shy so I'm worried about our photos not looking natural. What advice can you share and how can you help with that on the day? My advice would be to hire a photographer that's fun and that has great people skills. I'd certainly suggest to meet your photographer a few times before the big day to form a relationship and get to know each other and to also discuss your thoughts and expectations.

You could even plan an engagement shoot to get used to being in front of the camera beforehand. It's important to remember that the best photos come from the natural moments, that aren't staged or posed. A good photographer will disappear into the background so you'll forget they're even there snapping away!

If you do feel nervous about the camera pointing in your direction, try and have a joke or a laugh with your partner, take a deep breath, relax, forget what's going on around you and simply be you!

Amy Sheppard | Photography by Amy Elizabeth |
@photographybyamy_e

The latest issue is available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!

At Simply Laura Calligraphy, offers bespoke wedding stationery to complement your special day. From save-the-dates and invitations to on-the-day stationery such as welcome signs, and much more. Whether you have designs in mind or starting with a blank canvas, the possibilities for stationery are endless.

The latest issue is available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!

Gemma Wightman Ceramics, founded by Gemma in 2004, is a ceramics studio that specialises in creating beautifully hand-thrown porcelain tableware. A defining characteristic of the brand is the focus on creating functional pieces that are quirky, bespoke, and visually striking. Offering a range of wedding gifts, from a full dinner service to start your new chapter together or a flower jug to adorn your home, to personalised mugs, or a customisable vase printed with your vows, there are a wealth of choices available.

Visit https://gemmawightmanceramics.com

The latest issue is available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!

Dapper & Suave was established eight years ago, with a goal to help everyone 'Do Well, Live Well and Dress Really Well'. Offering a range of formal accessories in colourful patterns, as well as styling advice; they can tailor a single design to any of its products including neck ties, cravats, bow ties, pocket squares, and customise its lapel accessories in fabric and feathers to
suit your theme.

Visit: Dapper & Suave (dapperandsuave.uk)

The latest issue is available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!