Editor loves and inspiration

The joy of your big day can be tinged with grief over losing a loved one prior to your wedding. That's where Hull's ForeverAvADesigns can help, specialising in cremation jewellery, as well as offering a flower preservation service. “With ForeverAva Jewellery you can have your loved ones close to your heart, knowing a part of them is with you on the most special day of your life," says owner Katie Ally. "All items are created with the utmost care and respect, and made with the highest quality resins, silvers or golds.” Prices start from as little as £95; visit https://foreveravadesigns.co.uk for info.

If you're looking for a portrait that reveals your unique beauty and shows you in an incredible light, head to Carmen Falkenburg Photography and invest in one of her Bridal Boudoir Goddess photoshoots. Carmen's on hand to provide expert direction on posing to ensure perfect results, with a professional make-up artist also available; booked for the session at an additional cost. Prices start from £145; for info visit www.carmenfalkenburgphotography.com/boudoir

This week I'm loving The Bobby Pin's 2023 bridal range, including angel influences, ethereal pieces and statement earrings. Included in the line-up are two stunning headbands – big in bridal news right now – as well as some new jewellery designs. You can even have coordinating hairpin and earring sets, Neve and Nina, ideal for brides wanting to twin with their flowergirl. For info visit www.thebobbypin.co.uk.

When it comes to your big day, Hotel du Vin York boasts a central Courtyard located in the centre of the hotel that provides a perfect setting for a ceremony for up to 50. After you've legally tied the knot, enjoy your reception again in the Courtyard for up to 45 seated friends and family. There's also the Ruinart, a stunning airy room with original features including its fireplace, flooring and Georgian windows (22 guests); the Ouse, a cosy, intimate feel perfect for smaller wedding parties (20 guests); or for larger affairs the whole Bistro can be used exclusively to accommodate both ceremonies and wedding breakfasts for up to 100.

Emma and Kieran surprised their guests with a mother of the bride dance. "My mum's a huge Take That fan, so we danced to Greatest Day – and my bridesman dressed up as Gary Barlow!" says Emma. See their wedding in all its glory in the May/June issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding.

Ella and Karim's nine-month-old son was looked after by a professional nanny for their day. "It meant none of our family or friends missed part of our wedding and his routine wasn't disrupted. He wore blue chinos with bow tie and braces and stole the show!" says the bride. 

Check out their wedding in all its glory in the May/JuneYour Yorkshire Wedding issue, free to read here!

Alison and Roman found choosing a venue easy. “I stumbled across Bunny Hill Weddings on Instagram a year or so before we got engaged and fell in love with it just from the pictures,” says Alison. “I followed their account and always thought how amazing it would be to get married there. After we got engaged I booked a viewing as soon as was possible – and it didn't disappoint. It was everything we ever dreamt of and more, with private grounds and stunning scenery. We also loved how the owners had thought of every single detail – it even has a zip line on site! We had other viewings booked at alternative venues, but as soon as we left and got in the car, Roman turned to me and said, 'This has got to be where we get married!'”

For more of thir big day read the May/June issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding for free!

I asked Haley Powell of Leeds-based Aisle of White how to go dress shopping with the right frame of mind:  "When you go to any bridal boutique, especially for the first time, you're bound to feel daunted. You may try on a number of gowns and wonder if you will ever experience the feeling of knowing a dress is 'the one'. The answer is, not all brides do get that feeling! The majority do, and they may be tears, but you will know when you feel special in a gown and it ticks all the right boxes. Don't feel pressured, not everybody is the same!"

Whirlow Brook Hall is located within 39 acres, creating the perfect backdrop for those all-important photos. Originally a manor house built in 1906, Whirlow Brook Hall sits high on an elevated terrace overlooking the gardens, creating a 'wow' factor as guests arrive via the long driveway. Here you can marry in front of up to 80 in the Oak Room, a beautiful oak panelled space featuring an original fireplace. For ceremonies of up to 120, choose the Garden Suite, which boasts views of the gardens and is full of natural daylight. Your breakfast and evening reception is then held again in the Garden Suite, with doors leading onto a private terrace where guests can enjoy drinks or take in the evening air.

Fancy a 'gincredible' experience, worth £200, for you and your three besties in the run up to the big day? Yorkshire's first and finest distillery, Masons of Yorkshire, is offering an exclusive distillery experience for four; two personalised bottles of award-winning gin or vodka; plus four glasses for you to take home to carry on the celebrations! Visit p13 of the May/June issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding coming SOON for full information on how to enter!