How to have a wedding as individual as you are

Heidi met the wonderful Betti and Afnan when they were modelling on a styled weding shoot she was part of.  When Heidi chatted with them and found out about their wedding plans and spiritual journey she knew they would make brilliant podcast guests.  In this deeply insightful epsiode, Betti and Afnan discuss sprituality, manifesting their relationship and plans for their Bali wedding with their head Shaman.  A great listen, which will really open up your mind to new ways of thinking and being.    Betti & Afnan (Wild Flower Couple) www.instagram.com/wildflowercouple

This week Ross is joined by Kathryn Palmer-Skilling, a Humanist celebrant who is passionate about making weddings more acessible. Kathryn chats about her own experience of planning a wedding as a bride with additional access requirements, and shares tips on how couples, businesses and the wedding industry as a whole can create more accessible weddings that welcome and celebrate all abilities.  You can find out more about Kathyrn by visiting her instagram or wesbite (details below).    https://www.instagram.com/kps_celebrant/  https://www.celebrantkathryn.com/

One thing we don't see celebrated enough, are second and third-time around weddings. These can be just as beautiful and meaningful as first time weddings, so we thought it high time we address this topic.  In today's episode, we chat with Ellie & Eddie who very openly and honestly talk about planning their wedding day with their belnded family of 5 children clearly at the forefront. It's a conversation filled with both laughter and poignancy, and one we are very grateful to this lovely couple for sharing.     

City weddings are nothing new, but rarely do we hear tips and adivce tailored specifically to couples planning a wedding in an urban setting.  There are endless reasons why city weddings are a great idea but also quite a few considerations to bear in mind before planning your favourite city.  In this episode we chat with Keely & Bryony about their Manchester wedding and their advice is invaluable!  Ross Willsher Photography https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk Glorious By Heidi https://www.gloriousbyheidi.com     

We often chat with couples who have really struggled to find inclusive suppliers to help them on their wedding planning journey. However, we know that there are lots of wonderful wedding professionals working hard to make all couples feel celebrated and seen.  In this epoisde we share examples of great inclusive practice in the wedding industry and discuss ways of ensuring all you wonderful couples have the weding experience you deserve.  The incredible wedding suppliers  featured in this episode are well worth a follow on social media and can be found via the links below.    EllaBella - Wedding Planner https://www.instagram.com/ellabellaweddingsandevents   Mark Caffrey - Celebrant  https://www.instagram.com/markcaffreyceremonies_   Freckles & Flowers - Florist https://www.instagram.com/frecklesandflowers_   Hawthorne & Ivory - Wedding Stationery  https://www.instagram.com/hawthorneandivory   Fifi's Cakery - Wedding Cakes https://www.instagram.com/fifiscakery   Laura Baker Productions - Wedding Videographer https://www.instagram.com/laurabakerproductions   Caleigh - Celebrant  https://www.instagram.com/celebrantcaleigh   Tiny Sarah's Cakes - Wedding Cakes https://www.instagram.com/tinysarahscakes   Kathryn Palmer-Skillings - Celebrant https://www.instagram.com/kps_celebrant   Michelle Taylor - Funky Celebrant https://www.instagram.com/michelle_funkycelebrant   North & Flower - Florist  https://www.instagram.com/north_and_flower   Erica Stacey - Bridal Couture https://www.instagram.com/ericastaceycouture   Emerald Orchid - Wedding Planner  https://www.instagram.com/emeraldorchidweddings       Ross and Heidi can be found at...   https://www.instagram.com/rosswillsherphotography/   https://www.instagram.com/gloriousbyheidi  

We chatted to wedding celebrant Juliette (@Juliettebythesea) on the last series of the podcast, when she shared her frustrations at planning her wedding as an older bride-to-be. She's now tied the knot and so we wanted to invite her back to ask how it went and to see if  - and how - she overcame some of the obstacles she encoutered as a bride-to-be in her 50s.    Over the course of the conversation, Juliette and Ross (Heidi was away for this one), discuss mental health, represeantation, feeling celebrated and sticking to your values.    If you love what Juliette has to say you can follow her by visiting https://www.instagram.com/juliettebythesea/    

In this week's episode Heidi and Ross chat to Mercedes who runs an eco-friendly wedding styling business. As a plus-size, bisexual black women, Mercedes has struggled to see herself represented in blogs and on Pinterest. She is now modelling for styled shoots and her mum has opened a plus size bridal boutique, in order to be the change they want to see in the industry. In this insightful epsiode, Mercedes talks openly about her sexuality, disability and what she does and does not want from her upcoming wedding. You can find out more about Mercedes by visting her instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/4yaparty/ Her mum's bridal boutique for plus size brides can be found at https://www.instagram.com/lamourcurvesbridal/   Ross Willsher Photography - https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk Glorious by Heidi - https://www.gloriousbyheidi.com/  

If you're sick of being bombarded with images of wedding couples who are no larger than a size 8, and want to see more reepreatation for bigger bride and grooms then this is the podcast episode for you.  We chat with the fabulous Lily Screen-Gear (https://www.instagram.com/lilyscreen) who talks candidly about her experiences of being a larger woman, her journey towards self-acceptance and how she made sure she had the wedding day she really wanted.  An inspiring listen. 

Our first guest this series is the wonderful Rachel Bull. Rachel has been in the wedding industry for many years and has recently setup a platform to provide advice, guidance and recommended suppliers for couples who are neurodivergent.  Rachel shares lots of tips for both wedding suppliers and couples themselves, and offers ways in which we can create a more open and welcoming environment to discuss any additional measures that can be put in place to make wedding planning more welcoming for those who are not 'neurotypical'.  To find out mroe about Rachel and access her resources, please visit https://www,instagram.com/your_weddingology  (We apolgise for the odd clunk and banging in this epsiode - some sound gremlins snuck in during recording that we were unaware of at the time).   VIsit Heidi at https://www.gloriousbyheidi.com See Ross' work at https:///rosswillsherphotography.co.uk      

After a (more than) brief hiatus, Ross and Heidi are back sharing stories from unseen and underrepresented couples to promote inclusion in the wedding industry. We have some fantastic guests lined up covering topics such as body positivity, neurodiversity and ageism in the industry.  In this first episode Heidi teases Ross' "Hi" We have a quick gloat over the reaction to our previous season / series Ross shares his passion for diversity and why he started the podcast Heidi speaks candidly about her experience of being a parent of a child with Downs Syndrome We share our appreciation over the tenacity and honesty of our guests.   Please like and subscribe to be notified as soon as new episodes are available.  Ross is an inclusive wedding photographer covering Essex, London and the UK and his work can be view by visiting https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk Heidi is an award-winning bridal accessories designer and her incredible creations can be viewed at https://www.gloriousbyheidi.com/ 

This series has been one that we are super proud. That is thanks to our wonderful guests who opened up their hearts, and shared some deeply personal experiences of planning a wedding as a marginalised or underrepresented group.  If you're new to the show, this epsiode will give you a small insight into what we are about and why we are passionate about promoting diveristy within the wedding industry.  If you're a regular listener this will whet your appetite for our brand new series starting soon.  Thank you for listening!   Ross https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk Heidi www.gloriousbyheidi.com 

Sustainability is - rightly - a topic at the forefront of many conversations at the moment.  In this episode we chat to Charlotte, who planned her own sustainable wedding last year  and shares her tips and wisdom on how to create a day that is kinder to the planet.  Like Charlotte says, it's not about trying to be perfect, but instead making little changes that reduce the impact your day has on the environment.    https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk www.gloriousbyheidi.com   

In this episode Ross chats with the fabulous Martin Fox-Roberts, a wedding celebrant who incorporates his skills as both a drag artist and as a British Sign Language intepretor to make you day extra special.  We chat about how the wedding industry can do more to support the deaf community and Martin shares his rather awesome hashtags and drag name!  We loved chatting with Martin and you can find him by searching for @proudfox_ceremonies on instagram or visiting www.proudfoxceremonies.com    https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk www.gloriousbyheidi.com 

We all have issues with self-esteem and body confidence from time to time. Planning a wedding when you feel less than self-assured can be especially daunting. In this episode, Ross and Heidi share their own experiences with body confidence and provide some advice to help you feel good about yourself on your wedding day. 

Continuing our theme of hearing the wedding planning experiences of those who are planning a wedding deemed a little 'outside of the norm' by the wedding industry, today we talk to celebrant Juliette (Juliettebytheseacelebrant.co.uk). Juliette is currently planning her wedding at the age of 56 and here, in a very funny and frank interview she shares her experiences and frustrations at planning a wedding a little later in life. What should be a purely enjoyable journey has been slightly tainted by suppliers making assumptions, friends questioning decisions and a sense of not being 'seen' by the industry as a whole.  An insightful episode but also one full of joy and laughter. 

Ewan and Greg's wedding had it all...⁠ ⁠

Mussara married her husband Roy just over 5 years ago in Essex, and Ross had the absolute pleasure of capturing the day. Here, Mussara talks candidly about how they both met, her family's reaction to her marrying a non-Muslim man, and which British wedding traditions they were relieved not have incorporated in their day.  A truly inspiring listen. 

Lisa Vine works with schools, businesses and charities across Leicestershire and the UK for all their LGBT+ training and advocacy needs.  This alone makes her a perfect interviewee for the podcast, but add-in the fact the Lisa is also planning her her own special day to her wedding videographer girlfriend, and we just knew we had to have her join us for a chat.  Insightful, informative and full of wonderful wisdom for both couples and wedding suppliers, this is a must-listen for everyone seeking a little more inclusivity in their lives.  You can find out more about Lisa by visiting www.lisavine.com 

Earlier this year we had the absolute pleasure of interviewing James and Heidi about what it was like planning one of the first weddings that took place after the lifting of some of the Covid restrictions.  James and Heidi are a wonderfully positive couple, so obviously in love and a great example of how having the right outlook helps you to navigate through life's unexpected moments.  They also happen to have Downs Syndrome.  This is undoubtedly one our favourite ever podcast episodes, and regardless of whether you are currently planning a wedding or not, you will be uplifted, inspired and beaming from ear to ear once you've listened to this fabulous interview.     

After a longer than planned hiatus, Ross and Heidi are back discussing all things weddings. This season we're taking a much deeper look at weddings for people who are underrepresented in the wedding industry; be that due to their age, race, sexuality, faith or ability.  In each of the upcoming episodes we chat to couples who have previously, or who are currently planning their wedding, and have had to overcome extra hurdles due to being part of (for want of a better phrase) a minor group.  This first episode outlines why diversity and inclusion is so important to us and why this season we wanted to really shine a light on the weddings that don't get half as much attention in mainstream media as they deserve.  For a list of resources to help plan an inclusive / diverse wedding, please visit our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. 

For our final episode of Season 5, we take a look back at a few of our favourite moments from the past few months. Moments that made us think, moments that made us laugh and moments that made us feel better informed. We've loved teaming up to share lots of wedding tips and advice and are planning some really exciting content for season 6. We'll be back after a short break so stay subscribed and son't forget to tell your friends about us!  

Hooray Heidi’s back and in this episode we talk about how to plan for those tricky moments that could potentially ruin the enjoyment of your wedding day. From dealing with guests you really don’t want to invite, to bad weather and fallouts with a supplier, we provide you with tools to navigate any tricky elements of wedding planning you might encounter. An episode not designed to scare you but to give you all the tools and information needed to absolutely sail through your wedding experience.  We also reference the fab resources available from www.hitched.co.uk www.lovemydress.net www.prideguide.co.uk      

If you didn't already know, this podcast was inspired by Ross' wedding planning book 'How to Have a Wedding as Individual as You Are'.  To celebrate World Book Day, in this bonus episode Ross shares some tips from his book to help you have the smoothest wedding planning experience possible.  You can grab your very own copy of this book by clicking here https://tinyurl.com/yhcr5h5v   

We love celebrants on Your Individual Wedding, they are always so full of wonderful stories and ideas for a truly unique wedding.  We were lucky enough this week to be joined by Deborah from True to You Celebrancy who is an incredible lady. Combining life as a mental health nurse with her role as an award-winning wedding celebrant, Deborah shared a wealth of wisdom with us, including  why most wedding traditions aren't actually legal requirements.  A great episode to listen to if you wish to discover just how limitless you are when planning your wedding ceremony. Oh and this week's Big day Balls Up features a disorientated owl. 

Trends come and go, and they should never dictate the look and feel of your wedding day. However, they can be a great way of discovering what products and services will be readily available over the coming year to 18 months.  In this episode Ross and Heidi share their favourite trends for the season ahead to inspire you and reignite your excitement for your upcoming wedding. 

Once the venue is booked and you know which photographer will be capturing all the wedding memories, your attention will more than likely turn to wedding outfits. Previously on the show we've chatted with tailors and bridal designers to give you an idea of what to look out for when finding your style.  In this episode we chat to Rami from Coco Bridal Boutique who shares her wisdom on wedding dress shopping timelines (especially during a pandemic) and the benefits of scheduling a virtual consultation.  You can find Rami at https://www.cocobridal.co.uk and if you're a modern bride looking for kick-ass style you'll love her!     

We kick off our first episode of 2021 discussing Ross' favourite topic; wedding photography. Heidi asks Ross all the questions you wanted answered in relation to choosing and booking your wedding photographer and Ross shares his approach to capturing your special day. We also have a really special audio clip from Julie who tells us about how she and her fiancé Adam designed their own engagement rings.  Oh and Ross shares a Big Day Balls Up that might put you off ever getting in a car with him!! 

Popping the question, going down on one knee, putting a ring on it; however you refer to it, we are definitely in the midst of wedding proposal season.  So, what better way to round the year off, than with an episode filled with wedding proposal tips, ideas and tales? Heidi shares her hilarious proposal story and we read some of our listeners stories too.  We also have sitcom-worthy Big Days Balls Up and the usual fun, frolics and laughter. Brighten your dark winter days with this hour of wedding-related conversation. 

Well 2020 has been a shcocker hasn't it? This pandemic has hit everyone hard, and has had a devastating impact on the wedding industry and couples planning their wedding.  In this episode we chat to two brides-to-be about the process of postponing their weddings and how this has impacted their mental health. We loved chatting to Emma & Jodie and really appreciated their openness and honesty. We hope their stories provide some comfort and remind you that you are not alone in feeling despondent about your wedding postponement. 

Ross & Heidi return!  WIth news of several successful Covid vaccines emerging in the past few weeks, we kick off season 5 of the podcast with some much needed hope and optimism. Whilst we don't know when weddings will be back in all their large-scale glory, we are feeling confident that smaller weddings will be able to resume in 2021 and so we share with you what can make intimate weddings so wonderful. If you've had to reduce your guest numbers, don't despair as there are so many positives to planning your intimate wedding and in this show we list them all.  We also get to share our brand new feature 'Big Day Balls Ups' (complete with a cheesy jingle) where we share some wedding day bloopers that still make us laugh years later. We'd love you to share your big day balls ups too, so do follow us on instagram (www.instagram.com/your_individual_wedding) and DM us your stories.  Don't forget rate, review and subscribe and we'll be back in two weeks time.   

It's the end of season four. Thank you so much to all of you who have downloaded and listened Your Individual Wedding this year and thank you to all the fabulous wedding suppliers who have joined me to share their wisdom and wedding expertise.  Season 5 is in the pipeline but with a big difference. Heidi from Glorious by Heidi will be joining me as a co-host for the season and in this episode we talk about what you can expect from this wedding podcast over the coming months.  We'd love to hear from you, whether it be suggestions for guests and content for the show, questions and help planning your wedding or feedback on what you have already heard.  Please get in touch @rosswillsherphotography or @gloriousbyheidi on Instagram. We can't wait to hear from you. 

2020 has been a devastating year for the wedding industry and the couples we so passionately work with.  Couples have had to face the disappointment and stress of postponing their wedding plans (sometimes more than once) and suppliers have seen income plummet with very little support from the government. In short we have all been feeling ignored and undervalued. In fact we've even been called unviable and told to 'Get a better job". Step in the team behind #whataboutweddings; an incredible campaign that has created purpose, a voice  for couples and their suppliers and a lobby for clarity and support from the government.   If you have been impacted by the poor treatment of the wedding industry then please listen to Annabel and Tamryn discuss, with great passion, not only the work they have done so far but also some exciting new developments and plans.  As the ladies say "There is no plan B" and we will continue to fight to get you heard. For resources and support please visit;   www.whataboutweddings.co.uk 

What is on the day wedding coordination and how can it help your stress levels go down and your enjoyment levels rocket?  In this episode, I chat with Nina from Occasion Queens who shares what makes on the day wedding coordinators different from wedding planners and venue coordinators, and how she helps to troubleshoot little fires on the wedding day before they put a glitch in proceedings.  Nina has also been a huge part of the #whataboutweddings campaign, and lobbying for a clear road map for the wedding industry and couples planning their wedding during this pandemic.  You can learn more about Nina by visiting; www.occasionqueens.com  www.instagram.com/occasion.queens 

Usually I chat with wonderful wedding suppliers who share their wisdom from years of working in the wedding industry. This week, we switch things up and speak to a couple who 8 years ago were planning their perfect day.  Gavin and Ian look back on their special day(s) and share what made the occasion so special and what (if anything) they would do differently. A great listen for couples currently in the midst of wedding planning dilemmas. 

We talk a lot on this podcast about diversity and how the wedding industry is still very slow to represent couples that aren't straight, white, heterosexual and able-bodied.  In this episode I chat with Ofe from Studio Oudizo who, aside from being the creative force behind this stunning wedding stationary / calligraphy business, has set up Noire Wedding Edit.  Noire Wedding Edit showcases black-owned wedding businesses, many of whom still struggle to be recognised and promoted in a white-dominated industry. In addition to providing a platform for black owned businesses, Noire Wedding Edit also enables black couples and couples of colour to see themselves represented in wedding media and enable them to access the vast amount of options, vendors and inspiration available to them as they plan their wedding.  However, it's also important to point out that these fantastic black owned businesses can provide their services ot all couples planning their special day.  Please take a look a Ofe's work and platforms below. https://studiooudizo.com www.instagram.com/noireweddingedit

What is a wedding ally and why is it important to find them? If you and / or your partner are of an identity or part of a community or societal group that is underrepresented in the wedding industry it's so important that you find wedding suppliers who are true allies.  In this episode I chat to the wonderfully uplifting Michelle Taylor (known very aptly as the Funky Celebrant) about what being an ally means to her, how couples can find their perfect allies, and how she makes sure that she crafts weddings around the personalities of her couples rather than delivering off-the-shelf ceremonies.  If you love the sound of Michelle and want to find out more visit her at www.mtaylorcelebrant.co.uk or search #funkycelebrant on social media.  

Choosing the perfect suppliers for your wedding is so important and has such a big impact on how your day unfolds. It's essential to look beyond the branding and products and make sure that you connect with your wedding vendors on a personal level.  In this episode I chat with the wonderful Valentina from The Stars Inside about her role as a wedding and elopement planner, how she builds rapport with her clients and the reason for her fabulous business name.  If, like me, you feel inspired and uplifted by listening to Valentina you can see her stunning work online; Website: www.thestarsinside.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestarsinside 

Sometimes, the excitement of wedding planning can soon lead to stress and overwhelm if you don't have the time and experience to coordinate every element of your day by yourself.  This is where a wedding planner can step in and help you to create not just a wedding day but a wedding experience that will live long in the memory. In this episode I chat with the delightful Bola from Memories4U Weddings & Events about thinking big and creating an experience to remember.  If you love the sound of Bola (and who wouldn't?) you can find out more by visiting http://memories4u.co.uk  

In the previous episode we helped you to identify your style and in this episode we make the smooth transition to helping you find your perfect wedding dress (it's almost as if we planned it....but we didn't)!  We know that not all of you listeners will be wearing a dress on your big day, but for those of you who have dreamt about that dress since you were little, this is a great episode to help you make the most of your bridal shopping experience.  Our wise wedding supplier this week is the lovely Charlotte from Maisie Darling Bridal Boutique. If you love what you hear, why not visit her online at https://www.maisiedarling.co.uk 

We're kicking off season 4 in style with a new name, new artwork and a guest who is glorious by name and by nature. Heidi from Glorious by Heidi is a bridal accessories designer who - when it comes to style - has truly got your back. She'll help you find out what really makes your eyes light up and empower you to make wedding style choices that you'll look back on with pride.  In this episode, we chat about finding your personal style, not being swayed by friends and family and how your home decor can provide you with wedding styling inspiration.  We also share our thoughts on wedding trends and the difference between fashion and style.  If you love Heidi as much as I do, you can find her details below. Website: www.gloriousbyheidi.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/gloriousbyheidi 

Who says wedding photographers and videographers don't get on? Having had the pleasure of working with Jade from Hushabye films on a recent wedding, I knew she'd be a great podcast guest and she proved to be awesome.  We sit (in a busy London cafe so apologies for the background blurb) and chat all things videography; from stolen lenses to overheard conversations.  It's a fun way to end season three and Jade sets the standard for next season's guests!     

It's so fantastic to be a photographer in a time when same sex marriage is legally recognised. However, the wedding industry can still be a little behind when it comes to inclusivity and catering to the needs of LGBTQ couples.  In this episode I chat with Alison Hargreaves from Pride Guide (an online LGBTQ wedding directory and information hub) about how to find the perfect suppliers for your wedding. 

Just how do you get started when planning your wedding and how do you ensure you are not just planning a wedding like everyone else but are creating something truly unique to you?  In this episode I chat with the UK's finest wedding planner Siobhan Craven-Robin who shares her knowledge and wisdom from over 20 years in the industry.  In fact, Siobhan was the UK's first ever wedding planner and now trains other wedding planners at the London Event School.  This is an episode jam-packed with useful advice that you can't afford to miss if looking to plan that perfectly individual wedding. 

Earlier in the year I had a really inspiring chat with Kerry from Foxgloves & Alice all about wedding flowers, thinking outside of the box and providing an awesome experience for our couples.  Tune in to find out how to find inspiration for your wedding flowers, how to get the best from your florist and how to make the most of your wedding planning experience. 

Whether money is no object or you are planning a wedding on a bit of a budget, getting value for money is something we all seek when searching for the perfect suppliers.  In this episode, I chat to Alison Hargreaves to bring you tips and advice on getting the best from your wedding budget. Alison is the Managing Director of guidesforbrides.co.uk and (as predicted) was a font of all knowledge on this topic.  I learned a lot and I'm sure you will all find it invaluable. 

Wow. What a crazy time we a re living in. No doubt your wedding plans have been impacted by the current pandemic; whether that be your date having to be postponed or not being sure how to proceed with booking suppliers and shopping for outfits etc.   You may just be feeling really anxious in these unprecedented times.  Therefore I chatted to my friend and podcast regular Emma McNally about the natural emotions we go through when faced with change, and share some tips for coping with events out of our control.  I hope you find it useful and helps you to feel a little less stressed. 

Today I'm joined by fellow wedding podcasters Rianna and Rebecca (from The Wedding People Podcast).  The girls share their wealth of knowledge on all things wedding-related; from setting budgets to on the day timings and everything in between.  It's jam-packed with tips, laughs and awesome insight into the world of weddings.    Sit back and enjoy!

Who doesn't want to look absolutely stunning on their wedding day? In this episode I chat to the delightful Elaine Marie who shares her wisdom on skin care, nutrition and making sure you look fab in your wedding photographs. Also...find out why Elaine is so passionate about Broccoli!  

We are all starting to realise the impact our actions have on the environment; both as individuals and as human beings as a whole.  In this episode I chat with Jennie Galgey from Bridal Hair by Jennie  about the small ways in which you can incorporate more environmentally-friendly elements into your special day without necessarily labelling your day as being explicitly eco-friendly.  Listen to us share tips on how you can be more eco-conscious without compromising on style and taste. 

We're back! After a (not so brief) hiatus, How to Have a Wedding As Individual As You Are is back to provide loads of useful tips and inspiration for your upcoming wedding.  In this first episode of season 3, I chat with friend of the podcast, Emma McNally about how to successfully transition from engaged life into marriage without losing a sense of who you are and what you value.  We chat about looking beyond the wedding day itself to make sure you have put as much consideration into your marriage as you have your wedding day. 

So we've come to the final episode of season two and I thought it was high time we spoke about my main area of expertise; wedding photography.   I chat with Carmel from Carmel Jane Photography who - prior to owning a hugely success dance and school photography business - shot over 500 weddings.    We chat wedding photography styles, questions to ask and how to make sure you wedding photographer is excited about capturing your special day. As ever, lots of tips and advice for making sure your wedding is as wonderful as it deserves to be.