Editor loves and inspiration

Since the pandemic, the biggest shift in the wedding industry has been towards more intimate weddings. Born out of necessity during various lockdowns and restrictions, small yet mighty nuptials made us all reevaluate what's important and remind us what a wedding is all about. So much so in fact that the trend for intimate weddings is here to stay. We chatted to our local experts to discover the benefits of a small but perfectly formed celebration as well as their tips for planning your own.

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

It's always hard whittling down your dream wedding venues, but for Lauren and Robert the main attraction for Reigate Hill Golf Club (www.reigatehillgolfclub.co.uk) was the outside ceremony area and the long walk down the aisle. “Although sadly, we had to move the ceremony inside the day before due to the weather,” shares Lauren. “We had the first storm of the year and the storm even got given a name it was so bad!”

You can find out more about Lauren and Robert's big day in the Dec23/Jan24 issue of Your Surrey Wedding, free to download at www.yoursurrey.wedding/free-download

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!