Archant’s Pure Weddings 2015/16 has hit the shelves and as well as my feature on cake painting (check it out here) I’m pleased to have also written one of their real wedding feature on Claire and Richard Down of Upton Barn. The couple converted their barn and walled garden, a renovation which took two years, so that they could marry at home and have since had it licensed – it’s now one of the most beautiful and exclusive venues in the South West. I do love a good wedding story!
Issue 2 of Inspired Bride hits the shops today. I had butterflies in my stomach when we sent Issue 1 of Inspired Bride to the printers last month and when I first saw it on the shelves of WH Smith! I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by all the positivity surrounding Issue 1 – thank you to everyone who bought the first issue and all of you who took the time to reach out and tell me how much you loved it!
Here are some sample spreads:
This month’s issue of Perfect Wedding Magazine, which you can buy here, carries my five page travel feature on the hippest honeymoon destinations of 2014. If you’re looking for the holiday of a lifetime and want to get ahead of the pack read on!
This month I’ve contributed to Vintage Life – the glossy super glam magazine, full of vintage style. My feature sees me write about my Fiancé, Tom, and I making our own wedding rings, which we did with Nicola Hurst Design Jewellery, Plymouth, who offers wedding ring workshops. It was a brilliant experience, which I’d highly recommend. Take a look at my feature below and pick up a copy of Vintage Life in WHSmith. 
There’s not long now until I’m no longer Rachael D’Cruze, but Mrs Sharpe! I’ve been enjoying planning my wedding and writing about the process in my column for Unique Bride Magazine. Here’s this month’s instalment, published in Issue 6 which is available to buy in WH Smith now.
Getting married is magical. Planning a wedding on the other hand can require you to be somewhat of a magician – juggling budgets, bookings, suppliers, guest lists, playlists and to-do lists on a daily basis. Luckily, there are some brilliant apps on the market for brides to be, designed to make your life easier. If you’re drowning in a sea of receipts, wondering how much cash you spent so far, worried about your iPod playlist screwing up at your reception, or worrying about when you are going to find the time to track down the dress of your dreams or plan the honeymoon of a lifetime, you need my top 10 apps for brides to be. Head over to TechRadar.com here to have a read, get downloading and be prepared to feel a whole lot more in control and less stressed!
This month’s Unique Bride magazine carries the second column I’ve written for the alternative bridal glossy – it’s all about my wonderful Save The Date cards and knowing when to take a break from wedding planning.
Here are the pages from this month’s Unique Bride magazine:
For the November 2012 issue of Perfect Wedding magazine I’ve compiled a 7-page fashion feature, speaking to the UK’s top bridal designers, who show readers how to create the key looks for 2013. It’s all in there – from Suzanne Neville‘s dramatic modern look through to Stephanie Allin‘s classically cut ‘Loren dress’. My favourite? Ian Stuart‘s fifties belle look complete with his fabulously retro ‘Cadillac’ gown. Perfect Wedding issue 74 is in the shops now.
In the July issue of Perfect Wedding magazine, on sale now, you’ll find my 8 page feature ’50 hottest buys for a summer reception’. This picture heavy piece was lots of fun to put together and will hopefully give lots of brides-to-be inspiration on how some sunny summer buys can finish off your wedding perfectly!
Here are my favourite 5 items (all under £10) out of the 50 I chose for Perfect Wedding:
1. Moss Table Numbers, Etsy, £5
2. Parasol, Dotcomgiftshop, £6.95
3. Mini Birdcage, Confetti, £2.99
4. Star Zinc Tea Light Holders, Not On The High Street, £2.50
5. Corn Dolly, Folksy, £2.50
Modest guestlists lend themselves to unusual and exceptional venues. Be inspired by my top 5 venues for small and chic weddings in the UK, which you can read in this month’s Perfect Wedding magazine.
Here are my top five:
1. Temple of Apollo, Stourhead, Wiltshire
Who for: Romantic couples who want a beautiful, classic and intimate ceremony. The garden temple will seat 30 guests to witness your wedding.
What: A tranquil paradise. Situated in one of the finest landscape gardens in the world, the stone built Temple of Apollo, built in 1765, is truly stunning. Looks familiar? You may well have seen it in the proposal seen in remake of Pride and Prejudice. If it’s good enough for Keira Knightley Matthew MacFadyen…
Why: It’s timelessly beautiful and will provide a magnificent backdrop for your photographs.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2. Millbrook Estate, High Bickington, Devon
Who for: Nature lovers who want to be married hidden away, in a breath taking valley. Millbrook specialises in weddings for up to 20 guests, they also do ‘Runaway Weddings’ for less than four guests…
Why: Stunning and very private, Millbrook is set within a valley location of 32 acres of beautiful countryside with lakes, wild flower meadows and mature woodland. Marry in the extremely intimate secret garden conservatory or in the summerhouse, which has enormous folding doors to let the outside in, and a huge fireplace for roaring log fires in the winter months. The venue even offers private dinning for true romantics.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: http://www.millbrookestate.co.uk
3.Forter Castle, Perthshire, Scotland
Who for: The Bride and Groom who want a venue fit for a King and Queen. The castle can accommodate 16 for a sit down meal or up to 24 for a buffet and sleeps up to 12.
What: This16th century fortified tower is like something from a fairytale – it’s been lovingly restored from a ruin to retain it’s original character and charm, but with opulent modern-day comforts and even boasts its very own chapel. The surrounding highlands are unspoilt and sure to impress.
Why: It’s dramatic and intimate at the same time.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: http://www.fortercastle.com
4. Nash Point Lighthouse, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales
Who for: Quirky couples looking for a unique place to tie the knot. The spectacular Lighthouse can hold 25 guests, over two floors.
What: One of the few operational lighthouses where you can get married, beautiful Nash Point Lighthouse is situated on one of the cleanest, sandy coastlines in South Wales and noted for its variety and birdlife. You’ll be treated to a spectacular view while you say ‘I do’ – a great choice for those with an affinity with the sea.
Why: It’s a deliciously different option and a real statement about who you are as a couple.
Website: www.trinityhouse.co.uk
5. Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe, Devon
Who for: Couples who want to a beautiful, informal ceremony at the beach. Tunnels Beaches encourage weddings for up to 60-70 people, with the option of more even guests.
What: A network of hand carved tunnels lead you to a tidal Victorian bathing pool and stunning sheltered beaches, where this chic, contemporary venue lies. Get married in the Thatched Gazebo overlooking the sea, with a sublime view of the rugged coastline and the sound of the sea.
Why: It’s a stunning yet understated choice and the scenery will look fantastic in your photos.
Marriage license: Yes
Website: http://www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk
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