SHINING LIGHTS

SHINING lights Showcasing the best of the regions’ new wedding businesses, this styled shoot is full of gorgeous springtime vibes

Images courtesy of Jess Bright Photography

Even in the hardest times, we love how the Bristol and Somerset wedding industry has joined forces to support each other and the wonderful couples in our region whose wedding plans have been changed in the last year. Photographer and shoot organiser Jess Bright says, “With most weddings being postponed or even cancelled during the pandemic, I saw many talented small businesses not getting the start they deserved, and I was inspired by their determination.”

Jess got together with videographer Jake Bufton and a team of incredible new Bristol and Somerset suppliers at Hamswell House to create a beautifully intimate shoot filled with soft colours and light. “The shoot represents both what the industry has to offer, and the bright light starting to shine at the end of the tunnel,” Jess tells us. Enjoy!

www.jakebufton.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS SHOOT:

Venue | www.hamswellhouse.co.uk Photography and coordination | www.jessbrightphotography.com Videography and coordination | www.jakebufton.co.uk Bridalwear | www.futurebrides.co.uk Jewellery | www.playingwithsilver.com Hair | www.instagram.com/thesecretlittlesalon Catering and cakes | www.facebook.com/gert-lush-grazing-110740773959826 Flowers | www.botanicsflorist.co.uk Neon signs and flower wall | www.kingsplastics.co.uk/weddings-and-events Signs | https://melonadedesigns.co.uk Models | Cathy and Ryan

HOT TOPIC

Our experts solve your wedding dilemmas Ride on time

Q: I’d love to book a luxury wedding car as a surprise for my partner. What should I consider before booking? It’s really important to establish the style of car your partner would prefer before starting your search. Would a vintage or classic car be best? Or perhaps they’d prefer a modern style such as a Mercedes or a sports car. If looking for a bride, think about how she’ll get in and out of the car, or if you’re looking for a groom, then leg room and head height is always a consideration.

Once you’ve shortlisted suppliers, check their online reviews and look at their Facebook page to establish if they’re actively posting recent wedding images. Next, call the company to get a feel for the level of service you would be receiving – and don’t forget to ask about any extras such as ribbons, flowers and refreshments. We recommend getting a confirmation of cost and what’s included in the package to avoid any grey areas on the day.

Finally, and most importantly, go to view the car and meet the proprietor. Only book them if you’re confident that it’s a professional and reliable business, which will provide the very best service on your big day.

CROWNING GLORY

Q: I’d love a showstopping headpiece for my wedding, but I’ve never worn anything like it before. Can you give me some tips on how to find the right style for me? Your wedding day is the ultimate opportunity to unlock your true style potential without letting day-to-day practicalities get in your way – so follow your heart! Decide if the headpiece is going to be the main event of your outfit or if you would like it to complement the look as a whole. If the latter, then you should consider the design inspirations behind your outfit, for instance the era, colours or motifs, and reflect these in your headwear. This will allow them to work together rather than compete for attention.

If your outfit is simple, then you can really use your headpiece to reflect your personality, whether that’s bold and elaborate or sleek and sassy. Sometimes the choice online can be overwhelming and it’s easy to lose sight of your own style, so if you’re unsure, I’d advise choosing a piece from a company that you can speak to or visit. This way you’ll find a design that works specifically for you.

Annabel Allen | Annabel Allen Millinery | https://annabelallenmillinery.co.uk

Capturing memories

Q: We still want a photo booth, even though our wedding will be much smaller than originally planned because of COVID-19 restrictions. How do we make sure it’s safe and fun? Here are some points for you to consider… ❤ Check with your provider what safety measures it has introduced and if it works with your plans. Is your venue able to facilitate any additional space requirements? Will your deposit be lost if lockdown measures affect your day? Will there be a limit on the number of people using the space?

❤ Find out how many events your provider has attended under new restrictions. As with anything, practice makes perfect, and a reputable company with experience working in this way will ensure a smooth and professional service.

❤ Many companies will be removing reusable props from their packages, so why not get creative and incorporate your personalities with hats, scarves masks and novelty sunnies? This will add a fun element to the day and give you incredible photos!

❤ ’Tis the season for a discount! The events industry has taken a massive hit, resulting in 95% of our bookings being cancelled or postponed. We understand that for 15 or 30 people it will be difficult to justify the usual expense, so many events have gone ahead without a photo booth. A better option would be to ask for a discount based on your current needs. For example, you could ask for a shorter time period and not to have a guestbook.

❤ We would recommend one of our open photo booths to make sure groups of people are not having to crowd into an enclosed space.

Craig Cheber | Booth Nineteen Ltd | https://booth19.co.uk Q: I’m nervous about wedding dress shopping. What can I expect? At Rookery Bridal, we aim to make you feel as relaxed as possible. We understand that you’ll be nervous, but you are in safe hands with our experts. Appointments are usually set for an hour and a half to two hours. You and your party will receive a warm welcome before being shown to our gown area – we have a lot of gowns!

To help you settle in, you’ll receive a short introduction to what’s in the store and you’ll be asked a few questions so we can ascertain your preferences, if you have any. You don’t need to know what you want, we will guide you and ensure you try on lots of shapes and styles so you begin to form a picture of your perfect dress.

Just bring yourself, there’s no need to have particular underwear or shoes, we just want you to feel as comfortable as possible. You will be helped into the gowns in the privacy of our changing rooms. Whenever you have any questions – just ask!

Sarah Hackett | Rookery Bridal | https://rookerybridal.co.uk

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Q: How do I convince my partner to have live music at our wedding rather than just a playlist? The best comparison I can draw is Glastonbury Festival. You could stay at home and watch it on TV for free, or you could be at the festival. Yes, you can hear the music from home, but actually being there in a muddy field with your friends soaking up the atmosphere and sharing in the moment surrounded by other revellers makes a huge difference to your experience.

The same goes for live wedding music. You may be able to put together a playlist of your favourite songs, but inevitably there will be gaps between tracks and technology can’t create that feeling of electricity in the air that live music can achieve. A professional musician is a great focal point that can keep the flow of songs smooth, tune in to your guests and deliver a performance that will be remembered long after the day. I’ve never heard people reminiscing about a playlist!

Cradled in a hidden Somerset valley, just outside Bath and Bristol, Priston Mill is a glorious setting for the day you have always dreamt of.

From the moment that we meet you we will be dedicated to helping you plan every moment, with a warm, welcoming and engaging approach.

Priston Mill, Priston, Bath, BA2 9EQ Telephone: 01225 423894 www.pristonmill.co.uk