Editor loves and inspiration

Fay and Daniel's two Bernese Mountain dogs, Raphael and Sully totally captured my heart. Look in on their real wedding feature to find out about their big day duties in the issue that's available to download now for FREE!

I love the way this issue's shoot simultaneously captures the romantic rustic nature of its barn surroundings together with its oh-so-glam and elegant main couple. See the shoot that was photographed by Kamelia Photography in full in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!

Think of those first few all-important moments of your reception when your loved ones will be arriving and sitting down together to dine. A pleasant, relaxed atmosphere is just what you'll be looking for. To ensure the perfect start to your wedding, why not welcome your guests with the sound of a string quartet? Phoenix String Quartet usually plays during the drinks reception and throughout the wedding breakfast until the speeches start, but can happily play for the ceremony too if required. Entertaining guests for 15 minutes as they await your arrival, these talented musicians will also accompany your grand entrance with a suitable piece. To book, visit www.phoenixstringquartet.co.uk and read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!

 

Amaze your guests with an expertly choreographed and executed first dance! First Dance Ltd offers either group lessons, a private one-off lesson close to your wedding venue or a package of three lessons to give you something special when the two of you hit the dancefloor. It's the perfect date night leading up to the big day and offers pure escapism too. Learning to dance is something fun to do together and you'll be gaining a skill for life. Your extra special first dance will really kick the party off in style. Check out www.firstdancestudios.co.uk and read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!

Entertainment Nation proudly provides a streamlined process for researching and booking your wedding entertainment. As well as having handy blogs and tips across its site, the amazing team of experts are on hand to answer your questions and give excellent act recommendations. Entertainment Nation boasts a huge catalogue of entertainers from bands to soloists, DJs to magicians, string quartets to saxophonists – so no matter your requirements, the team are on hand to help secure your dream wedding entertainment. Find out more at www.entertainment-nation.co.uk and read more in the latest issue available to download now for FREE!

Whatever your big-day theme, vibe or vision, there's one thing we can all agree on: weddings are all about love. It might be easy to lose sight of it amid the chaos of planning, but it's the reason we're all here. Check out this beautiful shot by Surrey-based Megan Donati Photography. To book Megan, visit www.megandonatiphotography.com and to see more of her fabulous work, download the latest issue available now for FREE!

Wotton House is nestled in 13 acres of stunning Grade II listed Italian gardens and surrounded by the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The estate dates back to the 16th century and lies just three miles outside of Dorking. With 127 bedrooms and an array of event spaces both indoors and out, Wooton House is ready to welcome you and your guests on your big day. The grand vaulted ceilings, pillars and centuries-old original fireplaces set a romantic tone for an indoor wedding ceremony in The Old Library (90 guests), while the stunning Italian gardens offer a very special setting in which to say “I do” al fresco (140 plus guests). The gardens' Italian Temple, built by George Evelyn in 1649 is now included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. With arched niches and rusticated decoration, the central one contains a classical Venus statue and fountain basin. Formerly the Evelyn family's tortoise house and built in the late 19th century, the Secret Garden offers a temple structure with ionic columns supporting an architrave frieze. A rectangular sunken water feature is located at the centre of the enclosure to the north. Here, you can host 200 loved ones for the ceremony. Finally, and back inside, the Evelyn Suite (140 guests) is south facing, and light and airy. 
01306 730 000 | www.wottonhouse.co.uk

Read about more venues from the Waverley and Mole Valley areas in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!

Strawberry Hill House & Garden offers a magical setting for both ceremonies and receptions. This fairytale Gothic castle was built in the 18th century by writer and collector, Horace Walpole. Grade II listed, it's internationally renowned as Britain's finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture. An oasis of calm and tranquillity close to the river in Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House boasts extensive grounds and a Grade II listed garden. The House also benefits from good transport links and easy access to London and surrounding areas. Say “I do” in The Gallery (84 guests). This magnificent historical backdrop boasts a fan-vaulted ceiling and golden canopies, which inspired Horace Walpole to make his famous admission: “I begin to be ashamed of my own magnificence.” The Waldegrave Suite (120 dining, 250 evening guests) is home to wedding receptions here. Lady Waldegrave's suite of historical rooms was originally designed for entertaining guests. Dine beneath the opulent chandeliers of the Waldegrave Dining Room, followed by drinks and dancing in the adjoining rooms. You and your loved ones can also enjoy drinks and canapés among the historical lime grove and drifts of wildflowers on the lawns. 
020 8744 1241 | www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

Read about more historic venues, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!

Annalisse and Greg had known each other as teenagers, but it wasn't until they matched on Tinder that they really connected. “When I got the notification, I pulled the car over so that I could message her straight back, she'd always had a special place in my heart,” Greg remembers. “Since then there hasn't been a single day we haven't spoken. It was always meant to be,” Annalisse continues. Now a couple and due to go on holiday together the following day, Annalisse and Greg were out for dinner at The Ivy in Guildford. The two had just enjoyed their starter when Greg asked: “Do you understand all that palm reading?” Annalisse thought this was a bit random, but assures us that given some of the things he usually comes out with, didn't think too much of it! He told her to close her eyes, placed a little box in her hand and asked her to marry him. “He apologised for not getting down on one knee but said he knew he wouldn't get back up again,” Annalisse remembers. They looked at a few venues online and as soon as they came across Reigate Hill Golf Club they went along for a viewing. “The walkway down to the picturesque outdoor ceremony area is beautiful; and the getting ready room is insane, the perfect space for ladies to prepare. There are also three bedrooms, which the lads used on the morning of. Even though it's part of a golf club, it's still very private. The price included everything, there weren't any hidden extras, which was great when working to a budget,” Annalisse shares. So, decision made, the date was set for 23rd August, 2023.

The bride shares her memories of the big day and preparations, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!

Amber and Jack met through a mutual friend, and Amber straight away found herself attracted to Jack's sense of humour. We fast forward a few years and the couple, now parents, were in their garden for a gathering to celebrate their little girl's birthday, when Jack got down on one knee and popped the question. “We'd spoken about it for a long time, I'd even picked out a ring, but it was still a surprise,” Amber remembers. The pair decided to say their “I dos” at Morden Hall, so the hunt was then on for the perfect reception venue. They booked appointments to visit several but as soon as they walked into Kingswood Golf Club they knew it was the place for them. “It was a great size and the wedding coordinator, Liza, was amazing; she said she'd accommodate anything we asked for. So, we didn't look anywhere else in the end, as we knew we'd found the one,” Amber explains. The date was set for 22nd July, 2023.

We get the lowdown on W-day from the bride herself, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!