We're looking for South Wales newlyweds who have said 'I do' this year. Any couples can enter the competition: it doesn't matter whether the event was large or small; modest or spectacular. Just click on 'I want to enter' link above to put your wedding forward. If you've been successful, we'll be in touch.
Here are our most recent shortlisted couples - vote for who you'd like to see go through to the final, which will be held in spring next year.
Voting for this round closes on 30 May 2013.
Meet the contenders
The finer details Couple: Jodanna Davies and Gareth Bevan Date: 8th March, 2013 Venue: Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Bridgend Theme: Buttons and brooches
The day “We chose our theme so we could use family keepsakes to treasure after the event,” says Jodanna. “The whole day was very personal: my dad was the photographer, and Gareth and I put everything together with a lot of help from our friends.” Jodanna's dad Graham reveals, “Gareth is a big Cardiff City football fan so as a surprise, I decided to take the bouquets to the ground and shoot them in front of the stadium.”
Memorable moments “My favourite memory is walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Gareth. Then our first dance, with my little boy Harvey joining in at the end,” reveals Jodanna.
The finer details Couple: Emma Williams and David Cook Date: 20th October, 2012 Venue: Siloam Baptist Chuch, Upper Cwmbran and The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge Theme: Vintage lace with purple accents
The day Emma was set on a vintage theme for her big day, and hired a retro double decker to transport her guests from the church to the reception. Not all the transport was on-message, however. “My sister was in charge of hiring the car; I assumed it would be a Jaguar as this was my late father's favourite car. It turns out she had hired an Only Fools and Horses-style yellow Reliant Robin, complete with leopard print seats.”
Memorable moments “One of my favourite memories is the speeches; it had been such a tough year as both my parents had passed away. Another moment that sticks in my mind is, when the vicar asked if anyone knew any reason why we shouldn't marry, my two-year- old daughter – who was a cheeky flowergirl – shouted out 'uh oh!' It took a while for the congregation to stop laughing.”
The finer details Couple: Natalie Gooch and Andrew Sampson Date: 20th October, 2012 Venue: St Mary's Roman Catholic Church and Caer Llan, Monmouth Theme: Autumn vintage
The day Natalie and Andrew made sloe gin for favours and, during the speeches, Andy gave his new father-in-law a dowry of five toy cows – a reference to a jest Nat's father made when Andy asked for his blessing before the proposal! Evening celebrations began with Nat's cousins demonstrating traditional dancing from their Pacific heritage and guests relaxed looking through photo albums of the couple's friends, family and travels.
Memorable moments “We thought we'd have different 'favourite memories' but answering this, we realised they're the same – at one point during the ceremony there was a slight lull and we had the opportunity to have a quiet chat to each other. A private moment that, unknown to us, was noticed by our guests and photographers,” explains the couple.
The finer details Couple: Rebecca Craven and Robert Morgan Date: 13th October, 2012 Venue: Maes Manor, Blackwood Theme: Sweet like chocolate
The day Robert proposed to cake maker Rebecca at Choccywoccydoodah in Brighton so chocolate and sweets featured throughout the day from the cupcake canapés to the handmade Belgian chocolate favours. However, it wasn't all plain sailing, as Rebecca reveals, “Ironically, the wrong cake was delivered to my wedding. I saw it as I got to the top of the aisle. Robert whispered that I looked gorgeous, and I replied 'that's not my cake'! It was so funny.”
Memorable moments Rebecca says, “Robert played my favourite song, Simply Amazing by Trey Songz, during his speech and said that it explains how he feels about me, which was lovely. The biggest surprise was how much I enjoyed myself; I'd planned this down to the finest detail but didn't plan for how much I would actually enjoy my wedding day – I'd do it all again tomorrow!”
The overall winners will not only claim the all-important Wedding of the Year title and a feature all about their big day in the magazine, they’ll also win a luxurious two-night stay at Ynyshir Hall Hotel in Eglwysfach, near Powys, worth more than £920. The lucky couple will be able to enjoy a hearty breakfast on both days, free entry into the UNESCO Biosphere as well as a tasting dinner, complete with complementary wines one evening in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Please note terms and conditions apply, dates are subject to availability.
Set in 14 acres of stunning gardens, Ynyshir Hall Hotel is a nature-lover’s paradise and the ultimate retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With 10 boutique bedrooms, each named after a famous artist, and a lounge bar with roaring log fire, Ynyshir Hall Hotel is a home from home, albeit one where you are waited on hand and foot and fed tasty morsels from head chef Paul Croasdale’s restaurant.
If you’re looking for an idyllic setting for your big day, Ynyshir Hall Hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies. The hotel’s team prides itself on its personal service and will help you to create a wedding with a difference, whether you want to fly in by helicopter or compose a menu from scratch to show off the magnificent ingredients the region – and the hotel’s dedicated kitchen garden – has to offer. For more information, call 01654 781 209 or visit www.ynyshirhall.co.uk
Terms & Conditions
Competitions are not open to employees (or their immediate families) of KD Media Publishing Ltd.
The competition closing date is subject to change without prior notice.
The winner(s) will be notified in writing.
The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The prize is not transferable and has no monetary value.
If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
No purchase necessary to enter and there is no charge to enter via the website.
This prize is based on double occupancy.
Prize excludes Christmas, New Year, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day and is subject to availability.
Not transferrable with any other booking.
Silver Bee's new rustic charm collection is right up my street. The new range includes hessian 'just married' bunting, heart-shaped table confetti, cupcake picks and chalkboard style labels. If you're planning a country chic day, check out the range at www.silverbee.co.uk
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What a wedding-tastic weekend! Whose celebrity style gets your vote?
