“Many dresses – probably too many – were tried on!” this issue's real bride Alice says. Eventually, she found the one at the Harrogate branch of Elite Bridal. “I bought one dress in the January but returned it soon after as I felt it was too soon and not what I really wanted,” the bride continues. “My second dress I bought a few months later, a classical off-the-shoulder ballroom style. But ultimately my confidence issues caused me to have a panic last minute and look around at more boutiques.” She made it to Elite Bridal where she tried on a few more styles that made her feel more confident, and she fell in love with the final dress. “It was beautiful with lace details and sleeves, and it still had a train, which I wanted. I also felt it matched the venue perfectly,” Alice explains.
Skin health is more about what you eat than what you put on your face. So, we asked the skincare experts at Doctors Formula (https://doctorsformula.co.uk) how to adopt this philosophy to achieve flawless skin for your wedding day.
"What you eat significantly affects your skin’s overall health and appearance. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks and unhealthy fats can damage your skin’s appearance. These foods can contribute to inflammation in the body, which may manifest as acne, redness or dull skin. Additionally, diets lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E and omega-3 fatty acids can result in skin issues such as dryness, wrinkles and uneven tone.
"By prioritising a diet focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods, you can support your skin’s health from inside out, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion. For example, nuts are super-rich in various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are the go-to snack for many celebrities.
"Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are collagen-stimulating and contain nutrients such as vitamin C and ellagic acid, which help to provide a youthful glow and ease sun-induced UV skin pigmentation. What about starting your day with a smoothie containing seasonal berries, chai tea, and a bit of almond milk like Megan Fox?
"Green tea is also a good option and it isn’t only great for fat burning but is full of vitamins B2 and E, which help keep the optimum levels of collagen and aid in firming a younger looking skin structure while developing new skin cells.
"Dark leafy greens too are a skincare staple. They contain high levels of chlorophyll, which helps protect your skin from premature ageing and inflammation. The darker the leafy green, the more chlorophyll it contains.
"If you do fancy a treat though, dark chocolate is a healthy choice. It’s filled with antioxidants that help to reduce dark spots on your skin and flavanol that can protect against sun damage. Since it’s loaded with skin-healing nutrients, this sweet treat can aid you in achieving youthful-looking skin."
I adore cover bride Kelly's delicate bouquet by Ivy Lane Floral Studio in Hull. "When it came to the flowers, I asked our florist for a colourful and relaxed vibe," she tells us.
Don't miss the opportunity to claim your free boudoir photo shoot with Debbie Wilkinson! Offer ends 30th June.
Tasteful, sophisticated and sultry best describes the style of Debbie Wilkinson's boudoir photography. Based in Hull, with 34 years in the business, Debbie and her all-female team are passionate about what they do and never cease to be overwhelmed by the power of boudoir photography and the positive effect it has on her female clients.
Debbie says, “Our boudoir photo shoots are designed to make you feel incredibly sexy, confident and empowered. You'll be pampered and guided through the entire process by our talented team, ensuring you feel comfortable and beautiful every step of the way.
“This photo shoot isn't just about capturing stunning images; it's about guarantee that you'll leave feeling like the confident, empowered goddess you are!”
The Boudoir Experience includes an empowering Boudoir or White Sheet photo shoot, personal consultation and styling recommendations, two outfit changes, professional photo retouching, same-day cinematic viewing, 9x6 mounted print of your choice, and approximately three hours of glamour and confidence!
We've partnered with Debbie Wilkinson Photography this issue to offer readers a free Boudoir Photo Shoot including a 9” portrait, worth £199 (offer open to women over the age of 18). To claim, simply scan the QR code or claim via bit.ly/4bDJnmM. Offer ends 30th June 2024.
Flowers and weddings have gone hand in hand since the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians carried posies of fragrant herbs and wore floral garlands at their nuptials to ward off back luck as well as to symbolise new beginnings, fidelity and fertility. Today, it's difficult to imagine a wedding without them. Since those early days, they've become a staple of wedding styling, bringing themes and palettes together and creating an atmosphere of joy and romance. If your own big-day blooms have now reached the top of your to-do list, dive in, as we've asked the county's florists some of the most pressing questions at the forefront of our minds. So, don't finalise your flowers until you've read our annual flower feature in the current issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding! It's free to download at www.youryorkshire.wedding/free-download
