Editor loves and inspiration

Me’sha and Darren are musicians who met when she was performing her original music at Shepherds Bush Cricket Club. “He’s a drummer, educator, and two-time all-natural bodybuilding champion; I’m a singer, actor, and vocal coach,” says Me’sha. “I had a habit of firing drummers from my band, so when I first set eyes on Darren, I thought, ‘Oh no! He’s really handsome!’ Annoyingly, he’d been really attentive when learning my music, brought his own drumkit to the gig, knew all the lyrics to my songs, and was really good with children. We were also both members of the faculty at a specialist music school in London, so not long after that, we started dating, and I didn’t have to fire him from my band!”

Darren proposed on New Year’s Eve in 2021. “We’d been watching Alicia Keys perform on TV,” shares the bride. “He left the room, came back, got down on one knee, and proposed to me next to the sofa. Sadly, I don’t remember any of his proposal, because as soon as I heard him say my name and I saw the ring in the box, it was like I was suddenly underwater. I do, however, remember our hug afterwards and the look of relief on his face when I said yes.”

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

Jennifer Jamieson from Ava May Bridal tells us her trends predictions for 2024.

"Every year, the wedding dress industry blows my mind a little bit more with its creativity and flair for the dramatic, and 2024 is set to be no different.

"Blush dresses have been around for a while, but this season we will be seeing even more of them, as well as other pastel colours. There will also be more florals available. We have a beautiful gown coming in that is actually a floral twopiece; it’s absolutely stunning and perfect for a bride who’s looking for something whimsical or a bit different. Two pieces are definitely going to be big!"

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

Charlotte Lewis from That Natural Bride Vibe gives her top tips for making sure the weather doesn't ruin your hair.

"This is a concern that lots of brides share. Unfortunately, the weather is one big factor that we can’t control, even for summer weddings. My immediate thought would be to opt for an up do. With this style, the hair will be pinned up in position and should stay in place even if it gets drizzled on.

"In terms of the type of up do, you have a couple of options. Either opt for a sleek classic bun, which would keep all your hair tucked away, or go for a messy boho-style up do, which, if it gets hit by the weather, can add to the texture of the style, particularly if your hair is naturally curly or wavy."

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

Lauren and Jon met on a train in 2013. “I couldn’t read the sign, so I decided to ask Jon for help,” says Lauren. “We hit it off and spoke for a few months before things fizzled out. By chance, we met again three years later at a station. We went for drinks, and the rest is history.”

Jon popped the question during a trip to Sorrento, Italy, in July 2022. “We went out for dinner, and Jon organised an amazing table on the balcony,” shares the bride. “The pianist was playing Etta James’ At Last when Jon got down on one knee as the sun began to set. It was a complete surprise, and I had no idea!”

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

Claire Evans from Winter Peach Photography put together this styled shoot with the help of local suppliers. “The inspiration for this shoot was 1970s David Bowie and the forward-thinking, androgynous, slightly other worldly fashion aesthetic he became associated with, now adopted by Harry Styles,” says Claire. “I wanted to push the idea of freedom of expression in wedding attire and an 'anything goes' approach. The colour palette was chosen initially because magenta is a 2023 wedding colour trend, but it was serendipitous that magenta, teal and metallic colours featured in some of David Bowie's portraits from the Aladdin Sane era. The shoot took place at the beautiful Worcestershire wedding venue, The Firs Weddings and Events. I'm lucky enough to be one of the venue's preferred suppliers and approached them to see if they would be happy for us to shoot there and they said yes. I also asked Jules of Treasured Words Celebrant to officiate and then amassed our fantastic team.”

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

Sophie and Graham met through her mother. “As cliché as it sounds, we fell in love at first sight,” says Sophie. “Graham worked with my mother, and we met at her leaving do. We fell in love over jelly and ice cream. The day we met, I went home and told my family I was going to marry him.”

Graham proposed during lockdown. “We were meant to fly out to Iceland; however, the flights were cancelled as we went into lockdown that day,” shares the bride. “Graham decided he couldn't wait any longer and popped the question in our living room. I cried a lot and was very surprised.”

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

Kara Owen from Kara-Mia Venue Styling worked with a team of local suppliers to create this beautiful styled shoot. “We were inspired by cool black-tie weddings and the champagne tower trend,” says Kara. “Black and white with touches of champagne and purple made for a striking colour palette. We wanted this shoot to be fun and it really was!”

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

Brockencote Hall Hotel, an enchanting wedding venue in Worcestershire, is hosting a wedding showcase on 20th November and 12th December between 4pm and 8pm. The events will provide guests with the chance to meet with Brockencote's award-winning events and weddings team and experience guided tours of the spaces and facilities on offer to help shape their dream wedding.

The Victorian manor house is set within 70 acres of stunning parkland, has French-inspired architecture, and 21 bedrooms in the main manor house, all of which are elegantly decorated with luxurious furnishings and plush fabrics, representing the country estate splendour of the hotel.

Staci Williams, the wedding and events manager, said: “Brockencote's idyllic Worcestershire setting makes it a dream venue for weddings, whether it is a small reception, a civil celebration, or a big event, and events like these are a great chance to get to know the venue. We work with a range of suppliers who are handpicked and highly recommended and are able to talk through the various options for couples at the early stages of planning.”

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