Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - October/November 2021 (Issue 85) by County Wedding Magazines

www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding

Handmade

FAIRYTALE FASHION Gowns fit for a princess

Especially for you

Sedgemoor & North Somerset

Rain or shine

WIN! A minimoon in Provence

£3.55 OCT/NOV 2021

SPOTLIGHT ON

Wonderful wedding photography, whatever the weather

HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, GROOMS, FREEBIES, FASHION AND MUCH MORE...

THE PERFECT BRISTOL VENUE WITH A CHOICE OF OUR STUNNING COUNTRY MANOR OR RUSTIC BARN Old Down Manor is nestled in the heart of a 66 acre Country Park and has been beautifully refurbished to the spectacular manor it is today. Or why not opt for our rustic barn showcasing original features and landscaped garden. With a choice of two venues available on-site we are sure we can provide the perfect location for your special day.

BOOK A VIEWING TODAY

For more information please email info@olddownestate.co.uk

www.olddownestate.co.uk/weddings Photo Credit: Rebecca Faith Photography

https://cindykitchkerphotography.com

REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER

On the cover

This issue’s cover was captured by Benjamin Dunford of https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk. Discover more all-weather shots over on page 63.

A very warm welcome from Kelly

9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on the latest from around the region

13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

69 HOT TOPIC Stellar autumnal wedmin advice from those in the know

97 COMPETITION Win a minimoon in Provence, France worth up to £1,500

VENUES

15 SPOTLIGHT ON… Sedgemoor and North Somerset

21 READER, I MARRIED HIM Our roundup of the region’s storybook settings

FEATURES 45 NATURALLY RUSTIC

These gorgeous images exude an earthy vibe, bringing a sense of the outdoors in

49 WHEN LOVE BLOSSOMS A delicate palette of blossom pink and hedgerow green work in perfect harmony with this quintessentially Somerset setting

53 MADE WITH LOVE Take a stroll through our local wedding artisan market and find something made especially for you

59 A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Simultaneously natural, delicate and sumptuous this stunning shoot brings to life the best of the season

63 COME RAIN OR SHINE Wedding photography whatever the weather

72 LOVE IS IN THE AIR County Wedding Magazines editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

https://albertpalmerphotography.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

CONTENTS

https://cindykitchkerphotography.com

https://dhwphotography.co.uk

49 REAL WEDDINGS

74 FASHION FOCUS

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals her latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches

77 ONCE UPON A TIME Dress dreams come true with this edit of fairytale-inspired gowns

83 UNDER WRAPS

Melanie and Justin opted for an intimate ceremony at Guildhall, Bath

33 WEDFEST Tammie and Tristan dreamed of a festivalthemed wedding, so when they discovered Pennard Hill Farm, overlooking the legendary Glastonbury site, it was meant to be

38 SOULMATES Paris and Rees said “I do” at Dairyhouse Farm Barn on 17th July, 2021

These showstopping gowns feature statement sleeves, perfect for winter weddings

GROOMS

86 FASHION AND BEAUTY Q&A

All the latest best buys and product launches

88 BEAUTY BUZZ Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

HONEYMOONS 93 HONEYMOON NEWS

Idyllic destinations for when you can hop, skip and jump on to a plane again, along with some UK beauties for the ultimate staycation...

http://kylielouise.com

Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals

90 GROOMS’ NEWS

https://sophiemort.com

FASHION & BEAUTY

www.oxiphotography.co.uk

29 LOCKDOWN LOVE

69 33

DESIGN 01376 535 616 | artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | Sarah Hill Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher Digital Marketing Coordinator Katie Laley Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley ADVERTISING Sales & Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 sarahe@county.wedding Account Manager Rebecca Cane | 020 4505 9853 rebeccac@county.wedding Subscriptions 01376 514 000 subscriptions@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Kelly x

Kelly Andrews, senior editor

@CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @cwm_wedding Visit us online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. ISSN 1755-4756

cwe C O U N T Y WEDDING E V E N T S

WIN!

A HONEYMOON IN PROVENCE, FRANCE

If you dream of being a princess for the day, be sure to check out fashion editor Claire’s round up of this season’s fairytale gowns.

Can you believe this bouquet by www.cooperfloraldesign.co.uk is made entirely from paper? Seriously! Take a closer look…

I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know the region via its jaw-dropping venues. My first stop: Sedgemoor and North Somerset.

www.bradwakefield.com

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Kelly Andrews | Senior Editor and Beauty Editor kellya@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor, Grooms Editor and Travel Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor Melissa Barker | Contributing Editor

ell, hello to all you lovely couples of this fine region, and welcome to my very first issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding. I’m excited to bring you the absolute best this area has to offer you for your big day, so let’s dive straight in. As we get to know each other, there’s one thing you’ll grow to understand about me: there’s only one thing I’m as obsessed with as weddings and that’s Christmas! So, the fact that we’re now well into the autumn has me giddy with excitement already. I adore this season as the colours change and the air starts to cool. What a great time to get married, there’s such a wonderfully romantic atmosphere of promise as the leaves change colour. I love to see what couples and their suppliers come up with in terms of wedding colour palettes at this time of year. My top tip is blush and burgundy – simply gorgeous. I’m loving being involved with wedding plans myself as Melissa, my dear friend and editor here at CWM, makes plans to tie the knot next July, with yours truly as bridesmaid. She’s already chosen her gown, in which she looks stunning. But what we learned from this experience is not to panic if you don’t instantly burst into tears at the knowledge that it’s the one. If that’s just not you, you’re unlikely to change your entire personality the moment you try on a wedding dress. Sometimes, the realisation that you’ve chosen your dream attire comes from careful deliberation and a process of trying on all silhouettes to know what suits and what doesn’t. Melissa actually a chose a dress that’s the complete opposite of what she thought she’d go for and this is something we hear all the time. Remember: you do you and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I hope you enjoy this splendid issue and keeep planning!

https://cindykitchkerphotography.com

Good times

49 Gone are the days of cravats and cummerbunds for the gents! For a rustic wedding this super-cool floral tie and pocket square is an absolute dream.

I’m pretty indecisive, so were I to be faced with the veil or headpiece dilemma I’d have to say... both! Why not opt for a demure blusher for the ceremony before switching things up with a showstopping accessory for the reception? I adore this creation by www.clarelloyd.co.uk

www.peterhuish.co.uk

https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk

63 Stunning real bride Paris tells us, “I always knew I wanted a big princess-style dress with plenty of lace detail. It was the first of many that I tried on, but I knew it was the one straight away.”

Fresh flowers: incredibly beautiful, but sadly fleeting. So, to be able to preserve your wedding blooms for all eternity in an elegant paperweight is, to my mind, a revelation. Find out more about Flower Preservation Workshop along with other hugely talented local artisans in our handmade feature.

Whatever conditions mother nature decides to throw at you on your big day, don’t fret, the region’s wedding photographers have got you covered. http://kylielouise.com

ay, s

www.oxiphotography.co.uk

https://dhwphotography.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

33 If you like the idea of embellishing your reception chairs, but fear the traditional covers and sashes won’t suit your rustic-themed nuptials, check out this gorgeous alternative from Tammie and Tristan’s tipi wedding.

Located in Downend, Bristol

Come celebrate 30 years of Bride at Home this October with prizes and giveaways.

YEARS

Every bride has a chance at our lucky dip giveaway including veils,headpieces, jewellery, also free alteration vouchers, flowers, chocolate, prosecco, and a whole lot more! For our Grand Prize, we are giving 30% cash back to three of our lovely brides. All you have to do to enter is choose Bride at Home for your bridal gown. All brides who purchase a dress will have their name entered into the grand prize draw which will be drawn in January 2022. Good luck!

0117 956 8068 brideathome@hotmail.com www.brideathome.co.uk

HURRY, DON’T MISS OUT!

YOUR ESSENTIALS

Available now at Berwick Lodge is a very special weekend wedding package exclusively for Friday 4th and Saturday 5th March 2022. Make this beautiful house your home for two nights, including an outdoor ceremony at Aphrodite’s Dome. The package is tailored for 50 guests and costs £9,499. What’s included? ♥ Exclusive use of Berwick Lodge from 6pm on Friday until 11am Sunday ♥ Wedding ceremony and reception ♥ Three-course wedding breakfast ♥ Prosecco reception, wine, toast drink, tea and coffee ♥ Evening party, buffet, DJ ♥ Bridal suite ♥ Card post box, love sign, candles All remaining hotel rooms can be taken up by the wedding guests on both nights and are offered at a rate totalling £4,000 including breakfast. To find out more or arrange a viewing get in touch on 0117 958 1590 or at weddings@berwicklodge.co.uk Also check out www.berwicklodge.co.uk

d e w y l r a e N NEWS https://gemhicksphotography.com

Catch up on the latest from around the region

Scan to view video

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IT SO FAR?

Allow us to introduce you to Bristol-based artist and illustrator Lucie Sheridan, founder of Rubbish Portraits. Born out of an idea to make portraits a bit of fun, her portable booths are available for your wedding! The Rubbish Portrait Booth can travel and be set up at your venue, from here Lucie will create live portraits of you and your guests in just 10 minutes. They’re such a great memory, gift or wedding favour that everyone will be talking about them long after the big day. Lucy can also create her rubbish portraits from a photo or live on Zoom and doesn’t just capture people, she draws pets too. To find out more about this super-fun concept, visit https://luciesheridanshop.com

MADE WITH LOVE This Christmas, Jennifer Owen owner of Wells-based floral design studio Goldfinch, will be hosting several workshops with the Arts Quarter in Cheddar. Classes include luxury wreath-, bauble- and garland-making. So pop 5th, 8th and 12th December in your diaries and head over to www.theartsquarter.com/workshops to find out more about times and costs. Additionally, Jennifer hosts private hen-party workshops, where you can learn the art of flower crowns, living wreaths, bouquet arranging and more. She has also recently launched a new workshop in dried wreath-making, using a metal-based shape and learning how to attach dried flowers. Jennifer loves to make luna wreaths, so she’ll show you how to use the same method on a basic shape or upgrade to a luna or hexagon shape, custom-made by a metal welder. Goldfinch favours sustainable methods of floristry and you and your bride tribe will be provided with a lovely glass of bubbly and nibbles as you arrive (there might even be a mince pie or two on offer for the Christmas workshops). All tools and equipment are provided, as well as all materials needed to produce your beautiful piece. Check out www.goldfinchfloralstudio.co.uk for further details 9

MINIMOON HEAVEN

For a number of years Cover With Love’s venue styling items lived in a storage unit. However, it was owner Caroline Coles’ dream to open a showroom to display them in their full glory, and in October 2020, in the midst of Covid chaos, her vision came to fruition. “Our local Enterprise Centre in Wiveliscombe built a number of storage units that became available for rent, which happened to be just five minutes from where we live. Although, the timing couldn’t have been worse, I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to open my very own showroom,” Caroline explains. Lockdown gave her the time to decorate the space how she wanted, and being able to show potential couples what Cover With Love can offer and chat to them face-to-face meant the world. “Seeing items online is one thing, but being able to experience them set up is so much better,” Caroline says. Happily, this local wedding business has received nothing but positive feedback and the showroom is going from strength to strength. To find out more and arrange to pay a visit, head over to www.coverwithlove.co.uk

A BRIDGERTON BREAK

www.tobymitchellcreative.com

WEDDING WONDERLAND

If your honeymoon seems too far away and you want to treat yourselves to an escape check out the Francis Hotel Bath. The Hotel’s Romantic Getaway package invites you to a luxury haven where you’ll be treated like royalty. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed before heading out to explore the charms of the beautiful city with a chilled bottle of champagne waiting in your room when you get back. The luxury 98-room boutique hotel has a contemporary interior design with newly renovated rooms, stunning new Mediterranean and Moroccan-themed restaurant Boho Marché and an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining and drinks. Plus, it’s just a short walk from the Roman Baths, The Jane Austen Centre, The Royal Crescent, Theatre Royal and the city’s elegant shopping and culinary centre, making it an ideal minimoon destination. Rates start from £135 inclusive of breakfast and VAT. For more information visit www.francishotel.com

Sitting pretty in the heart of Bath, GuestHouse’s No.15 Great Pulteney invites guests to uncover the city’s vibrant spirit with a trio of packages designed to blend the very best of hotel and heritage. Our favourite is, of course, Basking In Bridgerton! Since No.15 is on the doorstep of where Netflix’s biggest-ever series was filmed, there’s no doubting it’s well-placed to set fans’ hearts a flutter. Lovers of the spicy costume drama will probably know that one of the show’s major stars is Bath, with the first series packed with shots of the city’s gorgeous Georgian-ness. With the hotel as your base enjoy a behind-thescenes walking tour with one of the city’s Blue Badge guides, see the homes of Lady Danbury and the Featheringtons, discover insider nuggets and the history behind featured locations. Your knowledge of the ‘ton’ will be of Whistledown standards before the day is out. So, why not grab your maid-of-honour or mother-of-the-bride for a super-special hen weekend? Basking in Bridgerton starts from £726 including a two-night stay in a Pulteney or Henrietta Room, breakfast on both mornings, afternoon tea on one day, dinner on one evening and the two-hour walking tour. Find out about this and the other hereness packages, Your Time and Flavour Hunters, at www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

MAMA MIA

WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Those of your with your finger on the pulse and eyes on Insta may have noticed a rise in popularity of zodiac necklaces amongst celebs such as Rihanna, Hailey Bieber and Megan Markle. If you fancy getting hold of one of your very own, luckily Bath-based Abbott Lyon are on hand with their range of Zodiac (£49) and Old English Name Necklaces (£69). We think they make gorgeous bridesmaids’ gifts and an oh-so cute accessory for the stylish boho bride. Find out more at www.abbottlyon.com 10

It’s safe to say it’s been a difficult year for bridesand grooms-to-be, but Warner Leisure Hotels is recognising the valiant efforts of the mums too by launching a service to help them unwind after the big day. Yep, Mamamoons are now a thing! After discovering that 68 per cent of mothers-of-the-bride felt they deserved a relaxing holiday after their daughter’s big day, the chain, which operates 14 adult-only hotels and resorts across the UK, has pioneered the Mamamoon getaway to give hard-working mums a break after the wedding once the happy couple have jetted off on their honeymoon. These wind-down packages include spa access, gin- and wine-tasting and complimentary breakfast and dinner for the new mothers-in-law, as well as stress-busting activities such as yoga and archery. Mamamoon packages start from £199 per person. To find out more and book your mum a well-deserved break as a massive “thank you,” visit www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/ breaks/mamamoon. Your nearest participating venue is Cricket St. Thomas Hotel, Somerset

Award Winning DJs and Wedding Hosts “Made the day really special and delivered on all promises” “They were amazing. The dance floor was full from the very beginning of the night.” “Approachable, professional, friendly service.” “Dedicated, professional and accommodating.” “We felt they were part of our day, rather than providing a service to the day.”

Unique Elegant Fun Memorable Ensure your wedding reception will be both entertaining and floor-filling, by choosing our award-winning DJs and their skills, expertise and knowledge of amazing parties.

01454 850900

info@celebrationroadshow.co.uk www.celebrationroadshow.co.uk

For the ultimate booth experience, head to BOOTH19.CO.UK

Zero-Risk Bookings // Guaranteed Deposits // Premium Quality &Service

Tel: 0117 332 0091

Isabella Passafaro, Pitch Up and Play

w w w. p i t c h u p a n d p l a y. c o . u k

Out of the ordinary flowers for out of the ordinary folk

Headed up by Isabella who has been in the childcare industry for 10 years, Pitch Up and Play wedding childcare allows you, your guests and your min VIPs to have a super fun day!

Wells, Somerset

www.goldfinchfloralstudio.co.uk 07858393853 hello@goldfinchfloralstudio.co.uk

You might like a pop up wedding creche service in our beautiful bell tent, a few hours of childcare or simply just evening babysitting whilst you celebrate until late! Whatever you need, we can provide it for you to help make your day stress-free and relaxing.

A n i d e a t h a t w i l l m a ke a l l y o u r f r i e n d s s a y, “ Wh y di d n’t w e t h i n k o f t h a t ? ! ”

FREEBIES & OFFERS

CLICK CLICK Bristol-based Booth Nineteen offers hire of beautifully crafted vintage photo booths for your big-day bash, complete with a dash of nostalgic glam. From the super-stylish design of the booths themselves to the backdrops provided, each aspect is crafted to bring memorable fun with a slice of wow factor. Booths come with a box full of props, unlimited printed photos (so there’s no holding back) and an attendant to ensure everyone knows how to get the best out of the experience. We’ve partnered with Booth Nineteen to offer readers a free personalised laserengraved guest book where you can keep your guests’ craziest shots and look back on them with a smile your face for years to come. To claim simply quote “Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding guestbook upgrade” at time of booking. Check out https://booth19.co.uk and get in touch on 0117 332 0091.

PLAY TIME

Freebies & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

Pitch Up and Play is a wedding childcare business with 10-year veteran of the childcare industry, Isabella Passafaro, at the helm. Securing her services for your big day means you, your guests and, importantly, your mini VIPs, can relax and have a super-fun day. Perhaps you’d like a pop-up crèche service in the comfort of a beautiful bell tent, a few hours of childcare, or simply an evening of babysitting as you party on into the night. Whatever your requirements, the team at Pitch Up and Play can provide it for you ensuring a stress-free big day. We teamed up with this fab local supplier to offer you a 10 per cent discount on bookings made between October 2021 and February 2022. To claim, please quote “Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding” at time of booking. To find out more head over to www.pitchupandplay.co.uk

WIN A BUNDLE OF YANKEE CANDLE® FRAGRANCES WORTH NEARLY £140! Scented candles have the power to change the atmosphere in any room, creating a warm, cosy and calming feel at the flick of a match. Yankee Candle®, the leader in home fragrance known and beloved by fans worldwide, is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a bundle of Original Jar Candles in a selection of favourite fragrances. Including the sophisticated Wedding Day, the sparkling All Is Bright and the enchanting Cherry Blossom in the Original Large Jars, alongside the romantic Fresh Cut Roses, the refreshing Midnight Jasmine and the charming Blush Bouquet in the Original Medium Jars, the bundle is a scented candle lover’s dream. Yankee Candle® has been sharing its passion for fragrance with the world since 1969. It is important that every fragrance launched is true-to-life and realistic to the experience that inspired it, whether that be a flower, food, fruit or place. Made by master chandlers, each candle developed is a complex system of custom blend wax, a unique wick and carefully crafted fragrance. Master perfumers develop Yankee Candle® fragrances for consistent and satisfying performance across all products. Every fragrance is rigorously screened, reviewed and tested by the highly experienced team of fragrance experts to achieve a strong scent and

quality experience and maintain high standards, commitment and craftmanship. All Yankee Candle® Original Jar Candles are made at in-house production facilities in the US and Europe, with quality ingredients from around the world. Check out www.yankeecandle.co.uk

ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURBRISTOLSOMERSET.WEDDING Closing date 3rd December, unless otherwise stated. Terms & conditions apply. 13

The Ideal Venue for Wedding Receptions

WEDDING FAYRE

SUNDAY 16TH JANUARY 2022 ● 11AM - 3PM ● FREE ENTRY

The Batch Country House specialises in weddings due to its beautiful location. The landscaped gardens offer the perfect backdrop to your photographs.

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ALDWICI( ESTATE

VlNEYA�D

WEDDl"lGS

VENUE

An exquisite English vineyard, overlooked by the Mendip Hills. With beautiful views and country surroundings, Aldwick Estate is a superb venue for weddings and other special occasions. Batch Country House, Lympsham, Nr. Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS24 0EX Tel: 01934 750371 Email: info@batchcountryhouse.co.uk www.batchcountryhouse.co.uk

B E S T

tel: 01934 864404 | www.aldwickestate.co.uk

W E S T E R N

Henbury Lodge Hotel

B E G I N

Y O U R

S T O RY

H E R E . . .

S TAT I O N R O A D , B R I S T O L , B S 1 0 7 Q Q 0117 950 2615 | info@henburyhotel.com W W W. H E N B U RY H O T E L . C O M

Beautiful weddings all year www.longhouseweddings.co.uk call Matt 07855 361 652

SPOTLIGHT ON...

LOCAL VENUES

SEDGEMOOR & NORTH SOMERSET Dominika Photography

www.instagram.com/joncraig_photos

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

LEIGH COURT 01275 373 393 | www.leighcourt.co.uk Shielded from the city bustle by Leigh Woods, Leigh Court was designed by architect Thomas Hopper in 1814 for Bristol’s first recorded millionaire. The estate has a rich history: having been a religious sanctuary, a family home, and a hospital, it’s also been conquered by, gifted to and used as a safe-haven by kings for a thousand years. In fact, you may well recognise the graceful Grade II listed mansion from its starring role in various productions including Bridgerton and Poldark. All of the ground-floor rooms are licensed for ceremonies. While the fairytale staircase, skylights, and patterned floor in the Great Hall make it a popular choice (120 ceremony guests); the blush-coloured Morning Room with its floor-to-ceiling windows and crystal chandelier is favoured by couples looking for a more intimate space (65 ceremony, 56 wedding

YARLINGTON BARN 01278 751 401 | www.yarlingtonbarn.co.uk Yarlington Barn is located in a charming lakeside spot in the heart of rural Somerset. Set on a cider farm amongst apple orchards and lakes, this family-run wedding venue is hugely versatile allowing you to create your wedding, your way. With the lake, woodland backdrop and rose-clad gazebo all amongst the grounds, your photographer won’t be short of a picturesque backdrop for those all-important shots. Be it the frost of winter, the apple blossom of the spring, the smell of cut grass in the summer or the colours of autumn, Yarlington Barn offers a lovely setting the whole

breakfast guests). The Tapestry Room is one of the most beautiful rooms in Leigh Court, with enormous dual-aspect windows and elaborate gold and white ceiling decoration (65 ceremony, 56 wedding breakfast guests). On the other hand, the Library (109 guests) and Salon (65 ceremony, 56 wedding breakfast guests) are ideal if you’re looking for a space that opens directly on to the lawns. When it comes to reception spaces, you’re spoilt for choice. Celebrations can be held in one or indeed, all of the ground floor rooms including all of the above plus the Outer Hall, bar and lounge. Maximum capacities at the venue are 109 for a ceremony in the Great Hall, 250 for the wedding breakfast across all rooms and 400 for the evening reception, again across all rooms. This number can be extended further with the hire of a marquee or tipis amongst the ample grounds.

year through. Inside the licensed barn, you’ll find exposed beams, wrought-iron chandeliers and a touch of countryside magic. Plus, the unusual barrel bar reflects its heritage as a cider farm. The ceremony room here can seat up to 80 of your nearest and dearest for the “I dos.” The main function space, the Lakeview Room, can accommodate 80 guests for a formal sit-down wedding breakfast at round tables of eight or ten. It boasts a fully-stocked barn and can, needless to say, provide plenty of Somerset’s favourite tipple! For the evening do, the venue can host up to 160 for a hog roast or buffet with disco and dancing. 15

www.jodiehurdphotography.com

www.bradwakefield.com

CLEVEDON HALL

www.crossjonesphotography.com

Clevedon Hall is set in the heart of North Somerset, just 15 minutes from Bristol. A lavish mansion house, it boasts a variety of event spaces offering you the flexibility you need for your special day. The extensive grounds are packed with photo opportunities, from the lake and bridge, to the beautiful meadow, wilderness walk and Hebe’s fountain. If you’re lucky you might even encounter a deer or two. What’s more, the venue is only a couple of minutes away from Clevedon Pier and the sea, the perfect spot for some spectacular sunset photos. There are several options for hosting every part of your day from vows to celebrations depending on the size of your guest list. The largest is the Orangery, which can accommodate 150 for both ceremony and

www.flynnguardphotography.co.uk

reception. Complete with a light interior, thanks to its stunning windows, it overlooks the main building and gardens. It’s the ideal space for bringing the outside in. Venue capacity for the evening do is 250. Similar in terms of capacity for a ceremony is the Great Hall, which can host 140. Alternatively, if al fresco vows are for you, the Gazebo too can host 150. It’s a beautiful setting overlooking the lake. The Library boasts a wealth of original architectural details, which have been lovingly restored. Here, 100 nearest and dearest can join you for the vows, then later you can hold you wedding breakfast here for 124 guests based on a traditional top table with rounds, or 130 banquet style. Finally, for more intimate “I dos” the Dame Rosa Burden is the place to be. There’s space for 70 loved ones for the ceremony and 50 for the wedding breakfast. Bay windows overlook the grounds and lake, and the impressive architecture certainly makes for a grand entrance.

01275 795 895 | www.clevedonhall.co.uk

ALDWICK ESTATE 01934 864 404 | www.aldwickestate.co.uk Aldwick Estate has been described as the perfect marriage between the historical and modern: all the charm of a rustic 17th-century farm happily united with the comforts and efficiency of the 21st century. The venue features two stone barns, the bygone dairy Old Barn and 2013 New Barn, linked by a main reception area, with the brick-walled Cellar Bar behind them. The gardens and enveloping countryside all present a varied choice of wonderful photographic opportunities. From the plate-glass windows of the New Barn you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the gardens, patchwork of verdant fields and the River Yeo right across to the farm’s southern boundary. The vineyards too are a real highlight and produce 16

the wine served at the wedding breakfast. Both barns are licensed for civil ceremonies, so you’re offered the versatility you need when planning your big day. What’s more, since the venue is exclusive-use, the New Barn can be utilised just as you wish. A light, open-stone barn, you’re encouraged to decorate the neutral interior according to your individual style, wedding theme and palette. The barns can accommodate 160 loved ones to witness the all-important vows, the same number for the wedding breakfast and 220 for the evening do. The two of you will be offered a complimentary stay in one of Aldwick’s on-site apartments for the wedding night, which are conveniently located just a few paces from the main entrance. The Forge consists of an openplan kitchen and sitting room, bedroom with king-size bed and bathroom with shower.

W E D D I N G S AT E L M H AY PA R K Three Day Wedding Package from £5,975

T H E I TA L I A N G A R D E N

THE ORANGERY

Fo r s a y i n g ‘ I d o ’

Fo r t h e w e d d i n g b r e a k f a s t f o r 8 0 t o 3 0 0 g u e s t s

THE VILLAGE

THE SETTING

Fo r a c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r u p t o 6 5 g u e s t s

Fo r m a k i n g y o u r d r e a m s c o m e t r u e !

WWW.ELMHAYPARK.CO.UK Elmhay Park, Frome, Somerset BA11 2PB 01373 468 993 info@elmhaypark.co.uk

ORCHARDLEIGH ESTATE

Nestled amidst 500 acres of private parkland, Orchardleigh is a family owned country estate in stunning Somerset. Exclusively yours for your wedding day, Orchardleigh offers a truly magical place to say ‘I do’. Acclaimed as one of the regions finest wedding venues, the estate boasts a beautiful 19th century stately home, romantic island church, 18 hole golf course and luxurious accommodation for up to 85 guests.

Three Day Wedding Package from £6,275

Orchardleigh Estate, Frome, Somerset BA11 2PB  01373 472550  info@orchardleigh.net  www.orchardleigh.net

L ET ' S BAND T OGET HER AND MAKE A DI F F ERENCE !

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY! Orangery at Goldney House, set in stunning landscaped DiscoverJ othei nbeautiful us for a day of yoga, art, music

gardens, the perfect venue for your special day! The elegant Orangery overlooking the and performances, and talks! romantic gardens offers a wonderful space for wedding receptions for up to a 110 guests. Our friendly and experienced Events Team look forward to hearing from you! 8 AM - 4 PM, 22 April 2020 El Dorado Community Plaza www.reallygreatsite.com

+44 (0)117 428 4000

@theorangeryatgoldenyhouse

The Orangery at oldney House, Lower Cli ton Hill, Bristol, B 8 1BH

Photo Credits: Jake Morley & Olivier Burnside

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Create Your Perfect Day

Your Party, Done Your Way

• Licensed for weddings all year in the Great Hall or outside

• Ceremony room sits up to 75, unlimited numbers if outside

• Exclusive use of marquee and gardens from May to September

• Marquee seats up to 200 people

• Ample adjacent level parking for guests • Freedom to arrange your food, drinks and entertainment • No corkage or VAT

• Dance floor, tables and chairs lighting and heating included • Discreet equipped catering area and fully staffed bar provided • In between Yeovil and Taunton with easy access to the A303

info@old-bridge.co.uk • old-bridge.co.uk

• 01460 240855

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We love creating stunning wedding flowers and we like our designs to be perfect for the person they are for. We use our knowledge of flowers to design that unique finishing floral touch that will enhance and compliment your special day. rebeccasflowershop.co.uk | rebeccasflowersr@gmail.com | 01761433241

STORYBOOK VENUES

I married him READER,

https://albertpalmerphotography.com

From Jane Austen to R.D Blackmore, many authors have found inspiration for their love stories in the region. Check out our roundup of local venues that could’ve stepped straight out of the pages of a novel

https://howphotography.co.uk

NORTH CADBURY COURT

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A luxury stately home set among 1,500 acres of Somerset countryside, North Cadbury Court offers you the freedom to create your own dream wedding. The house, estate and all facilities are exclusively yours for the big day, allowing you and your guests to relax and stay for the weekend in complete privacy. From the grounds you’ll be able to enjoy views of the private lake, down to Cadbury Hill Fort, thought to have been King Arthur’s Court of Camelot. The main house offers 21 luxury bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, beautiful grounds and gardens, spa wing with heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym as well as a casino, fully-equipped disco cellar, snooker room, three tennis courts, croquet and three-hole golf course starting from the rooftop. As if all of that wasn’t enough, you’ll also benefit from access to the lovely Yacht Club by the lake, complete with double bedroom, and space for camping on the grounds. Plus, there are four B&B cottages in the converted Coach House, which can sleep a total of 32. You can exchange your vows in the Ballroom (300 guests), North Hall (150 guests) or the adjacent St Michael’s Church (250 guests). Alternatively, for outdoor “I dos” you have a choice between the Lake Gazebo (150 guests) and the Garden Gazebo (300 guests). When it comes to the celebrations The North Hall again is a great spot. With its wood-panelled walls and lovely alcove that’s perfect for a bar counter, it’s often used for drinks receptions and can host 100. There’s also the Sitting Room next door, complete with old refectory tables, which can also be used to set up a bar area. The Morning Room and Library combined can hold 100 loved ones and allow you to easily spill out onto the lawns when the weather is fine. Whereas the log fires add a cosy atmosphere in the winter. Then, when your evening guests arrive you can all hit the dancefloor in the basement disco, where there’s unlimited late-night music.

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01963 441 238 | www.northcadburycourt.com

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BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL

www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk

Set on a hillside, Bailbrook House Hotel overlooks the glorious landscapes of Bath and the Avon Valley. Reached via a private tree-lined drive the handsome manor house was built from stone in various shades of soft gold and boasts intricately carved pillars, decorative stone flowers and pretty bows above the entranceway. It benefits too from large sash windows, which give it a romantic feel, allowing in plenty of daylight. Dating back to the 1790s, Bailbrook House retains every bit of the characterful glory of its bygone years with striking original features including delicate cornicing, crystal chandeliers and dramatic feature fireplaces. It also boasts a conservatory bar with outdoor terrace as well as 94 stylish bedrooms and suites featuring four-poster beds and roll-top baths. There are five licensed ceremony rooms offering you the choice of

intimate Georgian mansion-house splendour through to larger and more contemporary spaces. Say “I do” in the Princess Elizabeth Room: complete with Georgian features, it can host up to 20 nearest and dearest. The Duke of Clarence Room also complete with Georgian-style décor can accommodate 40. In the mansion house too is the Queen Charlotte Room – slightly larger, it has a capacity of 65. When it comes to more modern spaces, there’s Lansdown, which can host up to 90 guests; and the Brunel Suite, with ample room for 130. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to the drinks reception, which can be hosted in the Conservatory, Front Terrace, Royal Lounges or Cloisters. Then, you’ll be able to move into your wedding breakfast, which can be enjoyed in the Duke of Clarence Georgian dining room (40 guests), Queen Charlotte Room (60 guests), two AA rosette fine-dining restaurant Cloisters (65 guests), Lansdown Restaurant (90 guests) or Brunel Suite complete with self-contained bar (130 guests).

www.emilyfairweatherphotography.co.uk

01225 855 100 | www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/bailbrookhouse

CROWCOMBE COURT 01984 618 752 | www.crowcombecourt.co.uk Set in the Quantock Hills, Crowcombe Court is a Grade I listed squire’s mansion. Built in the 1730s in the English Baroque style from beautiful amber-coloured bricks with Bath stone for the pilasters and frontispiece it cuts quite the dramatic, yet romantic, figure. Meanwhile, the interiors are sumptuous and elegant, with 11 superb rooms with king-size beds, Edwardian furniture and en-suites. The beautiful grounds of Crowcombe Court offer many a stunning backdrop for those all-important photos. There’s the lake, the delightful hydrangea beds, the Croquet Lawn and lawned circle in front of the house. Guests are more than welcome to explore these beautiful grounds throughout the day. 22

The Great Hall is a beautiful space for a ceremony and can seat 100 loved ones. The intricate, original Italian plasterwork provides a grand and luxurious backdrop for such an important occasion. The Carew Room on the other hand is ideal for more intimate “I dos.” What’s more, there’s a new gazebo overlooked by the Quantock Hills, offering you a spectacular spot for al fresco vows. Celebrate in style in the Victorian Ballroom with its high ceilings and stunning chandeliers. It can seat 100 guests for a formal wedding breakfast. Afterwards, party the night away with 150 of your friends and family in the nightclub-style Undercroft. It has a music license until 12pm as well as its own fully-stocked bar.

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Unique Weddings Make your own history at the Roman Baths A timeless venue perfect for intimate and elopement weddings bathvenues.co.uk • 01225 477786

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BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS EXCEPTIONAL CATERING Situated in a magnificent 100-acre site in Lansdown, Bath, Kingswood offers 3 unique venues to choose from for your special day: Summerhill Mansion, The Kingswood Dining Room or The Kingswood Pavilion. Our dedicated team, led by Catering Manager and Wedding Coordinator, Sharon Traylor, work closely with local suppliers to provide menus designed for you to savour and remember.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO MAKE YOUR SPECIAL DAY A TRULY MEMORABLE OCCASION Contact our dedicated team to arrange a viewing or to discuss your requirements in more detail Sharon Traylor: 01225 734430 | Grace Evans: 01225 734309 weddings@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk

LUXURY SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN SOMERSET THAT SLEEPS 20 This majestic, former Georgian rectory could be yours to enjoy for the perfect relaxed holiday with friends and family, a special celebration, an intimate wedding party or the ideal secluded venue for your corporate escape. The Grange is a luxurious house sleeping up to twenty two people in the heart of rural Somerset and offering a wide range of entertainment to suit all ages

W W W. T H E G R A N G E S O M E R S E T. C O M 07921 064 398

Simon Biffen Photography

www.jamiedoddphotography.co.uk

STORYBOOK VENUES

www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk

The historical buildings here certainly have plenty of wow-factor, offering stunning views across the venue’s Edwardian gardens, and beyond to the imposing Blackdown Hills. With fifty acres and three centuries worth of lovingly restored gardens for you and your guests to enjoy, the scenery at Hestercombe can never be called into question! Why not escape for a few minutes of quiet time together and discover lakes, cascades, temples, rills, shade-dappled pathways and romantic corners. There are several venues nestled amongst the gardens, and we start with The Orangery. A light-filled setting for your ceremony, this beautiful

space is made from Ham stone and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. After the “I dos” guests can spill out onto the lawn and enjoy some drinks and mingling. It can host 90 for this part of the day. For a wedding venue with a difference, there’s the classically-inspired 18th-century Temple Arbour. Perched high above the Pear Pond, it offers breathtaking views across the garden and beyond into Taunton Vale and can host 112 for al fresco vows. Bampfylde Hall dates back to 1680 and boasts high ceilings and dramatic timber beams, it can host 150 for the vows and up to 112 for your first meal together as newlyweds. Hestercombe House too can host both the ceremony and reception amongst its period rooms and is ideal for more intimate occasions.

HOLBROOK MANOR 01963 824 466 | www.holbrookmanor.com Combining romance, English country style and a little bit of magic, Holbrook Manor is set in the heart of the old Wessex countryside on the borders of Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. Steeped in Georgian elegance, it also boasts modern facilities offering the perfect blend of the old and new. From the dressing room, which is available from 9am on wedding morn, you’ll take the grand staircase down to one of the beautiful ceremony spaces. The Garden Room is a neutrally decorated space with large sash windows looking out over the gardens and grounds. What’s

www.jamesandkerriephotography.co.uk

HESTERCOMBE GARDENS 01823 413 923 | www.hestercombe.com/weddings

more, with the high ceilings, chandeliers, direct access to the terrace, pillars and light-enticing window, this room offers the utmost elegance. It can host 150 of your nearest and dearest for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with 250 in total for the evening bash. The Morning Room is ideal for more intimate ceremonies and can host 60 loved ones and is also available to adjourn to for a drink and canapés reception if you’ve chosen to wed in one of the other spots. Alternatively, say “I do” in the open air on The Terrace, suitable for 150 guests. Holbrook Manor includes a complimentary menu tasting for two in all of its packages and also offers up to five garden rooms for the prewedding night, which are located just a short walk across the grounds.

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THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL AND SPA 01225 823 333 | www.royalcrescent.co.uk The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa offers an iconic one-of-a-kind destination for a wedding ceremony and reception. Its location in the centre of the historic Royal Crescent in beautiful Bath ensures plenty of photo opportunities, and its acre of hidden gardens bring all the romance and green space of a countryside wedding. In the summer, lavender lines the flagstoned pathways and roses scent the air. The hotel is known for it’s five-star service, and with a variety of interior and exterior event spaces to choose from you have the opportunity to make your day your own.

OLD BRIDGE 01460 240 855 | www.old-bridge.co.uk This 16th-century manor and mature gardens provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your entire special day. Built in local honey-coloured ham stone, the house is close to the venue’s on-site marquee and is integral to the overall ambience. The magnificent marquee itself, comes fully-lined, heated and carpeted, complete with new dancefloor, bar, stage and furniture, ready for you to decorate according to your theme. You’ll have access at least the day before as the team never book back-to-back events. Receptions can be hosted here from May to September, with space for 200 seated and 250 26

All of spaces here are available for both ceremonies and celebrations. The largest is The Dower House Restaurant, with capacity of 100. It’s an elegant space that opens out onto the gardens. The Walled Wedding Garden with licensed pergola is your very own special space. It’s ideal for a romantic outside ceremony or reception and features a standalone Garden Villa, which sleeps eight people, perfect for getting ready in the morning and staying over at the end of the day. The most intimate of spots is the peaceful Library, which can host 20. There’s also the Sir Percy Blakeney Suite for 30 guests. Overlooking the Crescent lawns, its neutral pale pink décor will suit any wedding palette and it features an adjoining living area and bedroom.

for the evening. Ceremonies take place throughout the year in the Great Hall, which seats 75. If the weather is kind, the front porch too is licensed so any number of guests could be outside to witness vows taking place here. The gardens are dominated by a massive 400-year-old sweet chestnut, from which there hangs a triple-seat swing, wonderful for photos. The wooded area is uplighted at night and a small stream flows past the weeping willows, there are also formal lawns, rose beds and colourful borders. These gorgeous grounds are available for you and your guests to enjoy. Previous couples have well and truly made the most of them setting up garden games, bouncy castles, street food, ice cream vans, a picture story through the trees and jam jars with tea lights.

Covering Somerset, Wiltshire & surrounding areas Established and specialising in weddings for over 45 years. Catering for all budgets. Wedding Flowers Bath -Bath Spa Florists can design and supply a contemporary or traditional look, with bouquets, button holes, corsages, pedestals and table decorations to compliment your dress and the venue. We use only the finest and freshest flowers, from both local and worldwide growers, that we have purchased direct from the wholesalers.

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SUBLIME A STUNNING WE D D ING VE NU E LIKE NO OTH E R THAT ’S TRU LY O U T O F TH E O RD INARY Nestled in the heart of Clifton Village, the new Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin boasts panoramic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge itself. Whether you choose a BBQ on your private terrace with fantastic views, or step down into Aquam Bibe, the Avon Gorge provides the perfect space to celebrate your day. Envision your grand red carpet entrance on the original marble staircase, leading into your private space. Aquam Bibe has an abundance of historical character and charm which comes from features of the former baths of the Spa & Hydro hotel which are still preserved today. Arrange your visit to see and fully appreciate how the mix of historic charm and modern design could be the perfect background for your wedding. CALL 0117 906 4651 OR EMAIL WEDDINGS.AVONGORGE@HOTELDUVIN.COM

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REAL WEDDINGS

LOCKDOWN

Melanie and Justin opted for an intimate ceremony at Guildhall, Bath Images courtesy of Cindy Kitchker Photography

elanie and Justin met six months before the country’s first lockdown, and when restrictions kicked in they decided to take the plunge and move in together. Melanie tells us, “It didn’t feel reckless at all. Like many during that time, we made the best of the situation by building, making, digging, baking, exercising with Joe Wicks, helping in the community and banging pots on our doorstep.” Their mutual love for the great outdoors became something they could enjoy together and the pair spent hours exploring the local countryside while discussing the important things in life – love and friendship chief amongst them. The couple made the decision to tie the knot while chilling in

the garden during lockdown 2.0. Although the proposal wasn’t a surprise, the all-important engagement ring was. “I was so touched by the care and thought that went into choosing it,” Melanie says. Plans to wed in Italy were cancelled when it became clear that the pandemic and its accompanying restrictions would stretch beyond the year. So, the couple decided to look for a local venue and fell in love with Guildhall, Bath. “It was by far the most beautiful registry office we could find, so we were lucky it had availability and the staff were lovely,” Melanie shares. So, the date was set for 19th May, 2021. Read on as the bride shares her treasured memories of their special day... 29

“When it came to choosing my wedding dress I was looking for something classic and pretty, without showing too much skin! I wore a lace Catherine Dean top, which I paired with a satin skirt from The Cotswold Frock Shop and a Pronovias crystal belt. The ivory hues all matched and the whole outfit came together well. “The groom opted for a laid-back, vintage glamour look. He was dressed in a burgundy velvet tux with matching bow tie and grey trousers. His best man wore a black tux, while my bridesmaid chose her own gown based on our burgundy colour palette. “Getting ready was special. We were relaxed about everything until we realised we were running late, then it all turned a bit Four Weddings and a Funeral!”

“For my bouquet I chose ivory and burgundy tinted roses to complement Justin’s tux, along with some foliage. I left the florist some velvet ribbon sourced from Guildhall market and they made me a beautiful hand-tied posy.” 30

REAL WEDDINGS

“After the ceremony we drank champagne in the gardens next to the Guildhall, then wandered around the corner for lunch at The Elder. It had just reopened and this was the first day restaurants were permitted to sit six people indoors.” “We had to change everything about our wedding, which was a little frustrating, but in the broad scheme of things, this was a small problem amid the troubles the world was experiencing. So, we just got on with it and made the best of things. We were sad not to have all of our loved ones there, but we’re planning a proper party for family and friends on our one-year anniversary. It means I get to wear my dress again, so that’s a bonus! “Our advice would be to go with the flow and try to be flexible. Decide what you really can’t compromise on and work around those elements. Try not to stress too much about the small details as ultimately they don’t really matter. It’s about the marriage and the love you have for each other. “Our friends made the day so special and they kept everything a secret until we shared the news with everyone else. Every single person who helped us pull the day together was exceptionally helpful.”

THE W-DAY SUPPLIERS Ceremony venue, Guildhall, www.bathvenues.co.uk/venues/guildhall | Reception venue, The Elder, https://theelder.co.uk Photographer, Cindy Kitchker Photography, https://cindykitchkerphotography.com Bride’s attire, Catherine Deane, www.catherinedeane.co.uk | The Cotswold Frock Shop, https://thecotswoldfrockshop.co.uk Bride’s accessories, Pronovias, www.pronovias.com | Groom’s suit, Suit Direct, www.suitdirect.co.uk | Ted Baker, www.tedbaker.com Groom’s accessories, Mrs Bowtie, www.mrsbowtie.com | Flowers, Pultney Bridge Flowers, www.pulteneybridgeflowers.co.uk Stationery, Meticulous Ink, https://meticulousink.com 31

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WEDFEST

Tammie and Tristan dreamed of a festival-themed wedding, so when they discovered Pennard Hill Farm, overlooking the legendary Glastonbury site, it was meant to be Images courtesy of Kylie Louise Photography

ammie and Tristan were attracted to each other’s profile pics when they met online and soon discovered a shared passion for sport. Coincidentally, it turned out they had a mutual friend who was able to vouch for the pair, and felt comfortable arranging a first date. The rest is history. Tristan proposed one rainy day on a beach in Cornwall. He’d organised a picnic breakfast, which Tammie had tried to rearrange due to the weather, but he was having none of it! It was a surprise when he popped the question, but she did admit to having a slight inkling given his insistence on picnicking in the rain.

Pennard Hill Farm ticked off a number of wedding venue must-haves for Tammie and Tristan. “We could book for the whole weekend, which included beautiful accommodation on site. We absolutely fell in love with the views, as well as the fact we could host our day all in one place, shaping the space however we wanted. Plus, it overlooked the Glastonbury Festival site, which suited our relaxed festival-style wedding theme perfectly,” Tammie explains. Join us now as the bride gives us the lowdown on the big day – 24th July, 2021...

We served Apple Sourz as wedding favours, as we wanted to get the party started and thought this sat well with the day’s vibe. We used empty gin bottles with fairylights inside as the table names. We went for a three-tier naked cake. The bottom tier was caramel chocolate, the next was Victoria sponge and the top was lemon. It sat on a log slice and was decorated with flowers.

Milk churns filled with gorgeous flowers decorated our ceremony gazebo. And our florist provided us with buckets of blooms for the centrepieces, which the mum of one of my bridesmaids arranged in jars. Friends and family had been recycling these for us, and Tristan’s mum decorated them with hessian and string.

The place names were rustic-style tags tied around the napkins with some string.

The top table was decorated with ivy picked from local hedges. 34

Alternative Wedding Tents, who supplied our yurt, also provided ribbons, hessian and cherry blossom, which looked pretty strung all around the tent and wound around the supporting poles.

REAL WEDDINGS

Alice Power made our beautifully rustic running order and table plan. We also set up a picture frame for selfies and a bureau for our guest book overlooking the spectacular view.

We had a bar area, as well as a pimp your prosecco station and an outdoor seating area complete with rattan chairs and tables, deck chairs and a beer pong table. It came to life in the evening when the festoon lighting came on.

Our guests also had a camping area where they could book a yurt or bell tent for the night, or they could choose to pitch their own tent. The new toilets and showers on site, built during lockdown, were quirky too.

We enjoyed canapés at our drinks reception. Then, for our wedding breakfast, we enjoyed a tapas-style starter, followed by paella for main, and had a Great Wedding Bake Off competition for our pudding. The winner got a £50 bar tab. We rounded out the day with delicious tacos provided by our caterer.

I wore a Lillian West dress (66124). It was elegant but subtle and fitted the style of the day well. I accessorised with some flowers in my hair made by our florist.

Tristan wore his No.1 Dress army uniform, as did his groomsmen, while the best man wore a suit and tie.

TAMMIE’S TOP TIP “Make a spreadsheet to keep on top of money, dates and so on. Then on the day, just enjoy it!”

My bridesmaids were dressed in long, flowing, chiffon skirts in dusky blue. They all bought their own white tops to go with them, so they could be comfortable and happy in their outfits all day.

Theya, the sister of one of my bridesmaids, played as I walked down the aisle and then later during the drinks reception too.

All of our suppliers made it the best day for us both. We felt so blessed and lucky to have everything we wanted when restrictions were lifted just in time for our big day.

For the evening we had a DJ, Richie Fitz, who specialises in swing drum and bass music. He mixed a variety of different genres during his five-hour set, which guests of all generations loved. He judged the vibe and demographic of the night perfectly. The party kept going until 5am, thanks to silent disco headsets.

We spent three nights at the Wilderness Festival for our honeymoon. We decided to go on a whim and had the best time. Our main honeymoon should be this Christmas, so we’ll book that a week or two beforehand and let the world decide where we go.

TAMMIE AND TRISTAN’S TEAM Venue, Pennard Hill Farm, www.pennardhillfarm.co.uk | Photographer, Kylie Louise Photography, http://kylielouise.com | Dress, Clifton Brides, www.cliftonbrides.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Bath Makeup Artist at The Wild Rose Beauty, www.thewildrosebeauty.com | Cake, Wakey Cakey Kitchen, www.wakeycakeykitchen.co.uk | Flowers, Nice Bunch, www.nicebunch.shop | Catering, Scoff n Nosh, www.scoffandnosh.info | Bar, Unstabled, http://unstabled.uk | Tent hire, Alternative Wedding Tents, www.alternativeweddingtents.co.uk | Running order and table plan, Alice Power, www.instagram.com/byalice_bristol | Entertainment, DJ Mr Fitz, www.instagram.com/djmrfitz | Theya Music, www.instagram.com/theya.music Glass hire, Prestige Events, www.prestigehire.biz | Videographer, Spencer White Films, www.spencerwhitefilms.co.uk 36

C R E AT I N G T H E WAY F O R Y O U R S P E C I A L D AY C re a t i v e C o l l e c t i o n s i s a We d d i n g , e v e n t d é c o r h i re a n d s t y l i n g c o m p a n y t h a t s p e c i a l i s e s i n i n d i v i d u a l p ro p s a n d c o l l e c t i o n s o f d é c o r. We c a n a l s o s u p p l y l a rg e g a m e s , bespoke cakes, and entertainment packages. Based in North Somerset, Near Bristol, a n d We s t o n - S u p e r- M a re c o v e r i n g t h e S o u t h We s t

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Soulmates Paris and Rees said “I do” at Dairyhouse Farm Barn on 17th July, 2021 Images courtesy of Peter Huish Photography

REAL WEDDINGS

aris and Rees didn’t speak much the first few times they met up on nights out with mutual friends. Even so, each had clearly caught the eye of the other as Paris would tell her friends how much she liked him, and before long, Rees asked her out on a date. “From then on we became inseparable, spending pretty much every day together. We knew we were made for each other and are best friends,” Paris shares. Rees’ proposal came as a huge surprise to Paris. The couple had been together three years and when he arrived home from work one night, it all just seemed like a normal day. Until that was, he got down on one knee in their living room. Now, neither of them can remember what were no doubt his heartfelt words – “I think Rees must have been nervous as he spoke very fast! It was all a blur and we were both so happy,” Paris explains. It was love at first sight for the pair when they viewed Dairyhouse Farm Barn. Overlooking the Somerset levels it’s filled with character and offers incredible views. Paris tells us more: “The Dutch barn allowed us to roast marshmallows in the evening and the beautiful orchard offered a great place for guests to enjoy the outdoors. There was also a campsite next door, so we hired bell tents for the evening of the wedding. Overall the country farm feel was just what we were looking for.” Eager to know more? We were too! So, read on as the bride shares her treasured memories of the couple’s big day...

SETTING THE SCENE Settling on a rustic, country vibe for the venue styling with a blush pink-based palette, Paris and Rees had a vision for their relaxed wedding. “We chose not to have a table plan as we wanted everyone to be outside enjoying the garden games and great weather. We weren’t having a sit-down meal so it wasn’t necessary, and we loved how our guests sat with whoever they wanted, mixing our two families together,” Paris says. The centrepieces were super-cute gypsophila-filled jam jars accompanied by a photo of the pair, placed on a log slice. Other floral arrangements included pink roses, pink and white carnations, alstroemerias, more gypsophila and eucalyptus. The venue supplied milk churns, which the florist filled with an assortment of these blooms and placed at the doorway to the barn as a lovely welcome to arriving guests. The gloriously rustic three-tier big-day bake was covered in white buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers to complement the bouquets and other arrangements. Rees’ mum, Cheryl, treated the pair to a topper featuring fondant figures in their likeness, cleverly made by their cake supplier. The motherof-the-groom had more surprises up her sleeve too, as she also booked a white Range Rover to collect the bride in the morning. It included a bottle of champagne, which the new Mr and Mrs opened after the ceremony, toasting their union on the way to the reception. “Cheryl went above and beyond to make our wedding extra special, not only on the day, but weeks and months beforehand as well. We can’t thank her enough,” Paris says.

“Enjoy your day with each other, as it flies by. Don't worry about a thing, what will be will be.”

REAL WEDDINGS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT For the evening Paris and Rees opted for a banquet table full of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and pastries – basically a giant charcuterie table. “We love making this at home to enjoy with a film and envisioned a big feast for everyone,” Paris explains. The Purplespoon café where the bride works, well and truly delivered. With awe-inspiring attention to detail, the team set up an array of delicacies and went above and beyond all expectations. Paris continues, “Everyone enjoyed having such a vast selection to choose from. They even included homemade falafel for our vegetarian and vegan guests. They’d thought of everything without needing to ask.” The ice cream truck too was hugely popular as you can imagine – the perfect treat on a hot day. Paris enjoyed a blue sherbet cone, which we think was pretty brave while wearing a white dress!

LOOKING THE PART The bride looked stunning in her embellished A-line lace gown. She says, “I always knew I wanted a big princess-style dress with plenty of lace detail. It was the first of many that I tried on, but I knew it was the one straight away.” She completed the look with a pearl necklace and earring set bought by her groom as a wedding gift. Rees and his groomsmen all wore matching green tweed country-style suits, which worked perfectly with the rustic theme. They then went the extra mile with palette matching blush pink ties and pocket squares – wedding attire goals! The bridesmaids were dressed in long flowing gowns in blush pink with delicate detailing at the shoulders. The younger ladies wore pearl headbands, while the adults wore pearl hair slides.

TIME TO CELEBRATE Live band The Busketeers were a huge hit all round. “They were an amazing instrument-swapping, vocal-harmonising group. Think Mumford & Sons. We had so many complements about them on the night. Plus, they were lovely guys. We’d definitely go and see them perform again elsewhere,” Paris tells us. The couple also provided a Polaroid camera, so that guests could snap their own informal shots to take home or pin on a board for their hosts to keep.

THE GETAWAY After the wedding, the newlyweds enjoyed a three-day minimoon in Cornwall. “We had the best time. We thought we were abroad as the water was crystal clear blue and the weather was amazing. It was just great to relax together for a few days,” the bride says. Their plan is to go to LA next year for a longer honeymoon since Covid forced them postpone it. 41

B E S P O K E BESP H AOK T SE , AND B R I RE D A L HT O E AWE D AR PIEC ES A N D ADY

H ATS A ND B RI DAL HE ADPI E C E S LUXURY MA SKS

BESPO K E

H AHTASN D , M BR ID HI E AODL P I E C E S A N D AD E A I NL B R ST LUXURY MA SKS H A N D M A D E I N B R I S T O L

Dairyhouse Farm Dairyhouse farm is located on the edge of an ancient woodland overlooking the beautiful Somerset levels. Perfect for a relaxed country wedding.

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w w w. d a i r y h o u s e f a r m s o m e r s e t . c o . u k info@dairyhousefarmsomerset.co.uk Te l : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 7 9 6 9 3 6 2 8 1 2 D a i r y h o u s e f a r m , B e r e , L a n g p o r t , S o m e r s e t TA 1 0 0 Q X

AT THE HEART OF ALL CEREMONY IS THE HONOURING OF A TRANSITION IN YOUR LIFE, TO SUPPORT YOU WITH STEPPING FULLY INTO THE NEXT CHAPTER. A wedding ceremony is an opportunity to gather support from your community as they witness your commitment to one another as you cross the threshold into marriage, encircling you with all their warmth, good wishes and hopes for your lasting happiness. Choosing to create a bespoke wedding ceremony enables you to include your individual and collective dreams, inspiration and spiritual beliefs in a way that is relevant and authentic for you. I am a celebrant and wedding officiant devoted to creating meaningful and memorable ceremonies that celebrate who you are and what you hope to become together. With Soulmaking Ceremonies you are encouraged to reimagine the traditional wedding ceremony and create something truly unique. Designing and holding a wedding ceremony that is personal, inclusive and infused with love is my speciality, as well as incorporating ritual and elements of the natural world to celebrate your connection with what you hold sacred. I welcome all faiths, genders and beliefs, holding an inclusive space for you and your guests to come together and share a profound experience of love that will infuse the rest of your day and future together.

ISLAMACLEOD.COM | INSTAGRAM @ISLAJMACLEOD

Rookery Bridal Boutique, located in The Stables Business Park, Rooksbridge, is an independent boutique with an extensive selection of designer dresses to suit all shapes, styles and budgets. Customer service is key! We want to make you feel a welcome and comfortable as we can so you can relax and enjoy your bridal experience with us. We are also stockists for bridesmaid gowns for Tiffany’s. Dessy and Onlyway with beautiful flower girl dresses to match along with a selection of accessories too! 01934 751111 weston@rookerybridal.co.uk

www.rookerybridal.co.uk

Naturally rustic

LOCAL SHOOT

These gorgeous images exude an earthy vibe, bringing a sense of the outdoors in Images courtesy of Cindy Kitchker Photography

s part of an ever-growing movement towards a greener future, the suppliers involved in this local shoot were keen to show just how an environmentally-conscious wedding can be achieved. “You don’t have to compromise your look, but you do need to be mindful in your decisionmaking,” says shoot coordinator Gayle Trott from The Natural Vibe Co. Working with Somerset-based suppliers already enabled a reduction in the project’s overall carbon footprint, which was the first step in the right direction. A number of the team were also selected for their own

sustainable ethos, whether that be through the way they travel, the materials they use or the products they source. Gayle continues, “Every detail was carefully considered: the foliage was foraged, the flowers were made from ethically-sourced paper, and the props were either up-cycled or made from coppiced, reclaimed or foraged wood, all of which meant there was very little that went to waste.” Immerse yourself in this glorious shoot with its oh-so modern, naturally rustic vibe and you’re sure to find green wedspiration aplenty. 45

LOCAL SHOOT

THE GREEN TEAM Planner, stylist and prop hire, The Natural Vibe Co, www.thenaturalvibeco.co.uk | Venue and catering, Dairyhouse Farm Barn, www.dairyhousefarmsomerset.co.uk | Photographer, Cindy Kitchker Photography, https://cindykitchkerphotography.com | Second shooter, Gemma Rose Photography, www.instagram.com/gemma_rose_photography | Videographer, Claire Deacon Films, www.facebook.com/ clairedeaconfilms | Dress, Rookery Bridal, https://rookerybridal.co.uk | Accessories, Eco Wood Rings, https://ecowoodrings.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Leanna Biggs, https://leannabiggsmakeupandhair.com | Suits, Astaires, https://astaires.co.uk | Cake, Cake Design by Holly Miller, www.cakedesignbyhollymiller.com | Flowers, Cooper Floral Design, www.cooperfloraldesign.co.uk | Stationery, Ailsa Rose Designs, www.ailsarosedesigns.co.uk | Crockery, cutlery, linen and glassware, Havercroft Hire, https://havercrofthire.co.uk | Tables and lighting, South West Marquees, https://southwestmarquees.co.uk | Favours, Woodland Wax, https://woodlandwax.bigcartel.com | Celebrant, Isla Macleod Ceremonies, https://islamacleod.com | Entertainment, Lucy Harvey, www.lucyharvey.co.uk | Drinks, Smith & Evans Somerset Wine, www.smithandevans.co.uk | Models, Courtney Winkworth and James Reid 47

Welcome to Bridal reloved Street, in our beautiful boutique we not only specialise in preloved Designer dresses but Ex Sample and Ex catwalk dresses as well as a line direct from the designers. Our dresses are sold at half the RRP or less! BRIDAL RELOVED STREET, 142 High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0ER 01458 440803, street@bridalreloved.co.uk, www.bridalreloved.co.uk

One special day. A lifetime of memories. LEIGH COURT Naomi Kenton Photography

Naomi Kenton Photography

How Photography

Get in touch to book a private venue tour with our Wedding Coordinator.

01275 373 393 | enquiry@leighcourt.co.uk | www.leighcourt.co.uk

love

LOCAL SHOOT

WHEN BLOSSOMS A delicate palette of blossom pink and hedgerow green worked in perfect harmony with this quintessentially Somerset setting Images and video courtesy of DHW Photography

he inspiration for this local shoot came from the exciting news that plans for a new wedding venue at North Down Orchard Farm are afoot. The blossom marks the start of the year for the Farm, setting the bar for the crop to follow, as well as the incredible cider they produce on site. This romantic location will provide versatile spaces, complete with use of the barn, bar, wildflower meadow and orchard itself – leaving its couples free to create the day of their dreams. One of the shoot’s coordinators, Bea from The Silver Cake, says, “Our styling was based around gentle pink blossom tones with a glassy green backdrop, incorporating organic and natural textures into the scheme providing depth and interest, sympathetic to the surroundings.” We’re in love with it all: the fabulous flowers – an explosion of colour and texture featuring seasonal peonies, apple blossom and grasses; the incredible tablescape – relaxed and inviting; the stationery with its delicate watercolours; the food and big-day bake – a feast for the eyes; and the oh-so cool on-trend attire, accessories, hair and make-up. There’s so much to enjoy here, we’re sure you’ll want to come back again and again! 49

LOCAL SHOOT

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THE TALENTED TEAM Venue, North Down Orchard, www.northdownorchard.com | Photographer, videographer and shoot coordinator, DHW Photography, https://dhwphotography.co.uk | Cake and shoot coordinator, The Silver Cake, www.thesilvercake.co.uk | Lace dress, Bridal Reloved Street, https://bridalreloved.co.uk/shops/street | Satin dress, Chantelle Sophia Bridal, www.chantellesophia.com | Make-up artist, Makeup by Lisa Hannah, www.makeupbylisahannah.com | Hair stylist, Brothers and Sisters, www.instagram.com/brothersandsisters2018 | Suit, Cheshire Menswear, www.cheshiremenswear.com | Tie, Dickie Bow, www.dickiebow.co.uk | Flowers, Dahlia Florists, www.dahliaflorists.co.uk Glass and table stylist, Fabulous Company, www.fabulouscompany.co.uk | Stationery, From Sally With Love, www.fromsallywithlove.co.uk Favours, Lesley Marshall Cake Art, www.lesleymarshallcakeart.co.uk | Event planning, AE Services, www.aliceedmonds.com | Catering, Wood Smoke Kitchen, www.instagram.com/woodsmokekitchen | Ribbon, Willow and Ribbon, www.instagram.com/willowandribbon Jewellery, Odesia May, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OdesiaMayJewellery | Confetti, WedThing, https://wedthing.co.uk Models, Georgina and Michael 51

07946378203 | info@northdownorchard.com

For further wed-spiration and to keep up to date with the latest news and trends check out our County Wedding Magazines’ Pinterest page

What’s more, our editors are on hand to help brides-to-be with all their planning problems: • Ask us anything, whether you’re on the hunt for a local venue or simply looking for ideas and advice • Find local suppliers • Top planning tips from the pros • Tell us about your big day for your chance to appear in the magazine • Special subscription offers • Win wedding essentials with our exclusive giveaways and competitions

Oh and don’t forget... Follow us on Instagram: @cwm_wedding

County Weddings

Made with love IN BRISTOL

www.facebook.com/BowtieandBelle

LOCALLY HANDMADE

& SOMERSET Take a stroll through our local wedding artisan market and find something made especially for you

CLARE LLOYD COUTURE BRIDAL ACCESSORIES www.clarelloyd.co.uk |

@clarelloydaccessories

www.facebook.com/BowtieandBelle

www.oxiphotography.co.uk

Clare has been making stunning jewellery and wedding headdresses for 15 years and specialises in designing and making bespoke heirloom bridal headpieces. This extremely talented lady crafts everything by hand using a mix of beautiful and luxurious materials from precious metals, semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals to bring to life one-of-a-kind, timeless pieces. She says, “I’m very much inspired by the natural world and all things floral and botanical. My signature style is detailed and intricate.” You can either choose from one of the gorgeous collection designs or work together with Clare to make your dream headdress design a reality. The bespoke process is an enjoyable one and can take place online or in person by making an appointment to visit the studio in Frome.

FLOWER PRESERVATION WORKSHOP www.flowerpreservationworkshop.co.uk @flowerpreservationworkshop Rachel Ruddle and her team at the family-run Flower Preservation Workshop offer an ingenious way of turning your wedding flowers into a sentimental keepsake to treasure forever. They help keep memories alive by capturing the essence of your bridal bouquet and enclosing the blooms in a bespoke, handmade paperweight. Every one is unique and made on site in Somerton by the team of florists who will create the best design to show off your flowers. The blooms are first freeze dried, a careful process that takes 12 to 16 weeks, before being preserved in their original 3D form. Although based in Somerset the service is available wherever you are within seven to 10 days of the big day. Rachel says, “We love making our largest paperweights as we can enclose so much more plant material with them.”

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DOT THE I ATELIER www.dottheiatelier.co.uk |

@dotthei_atelier

www.aimeelaoisephotography.com

Based in Bath, dot the i Atelier creates elegant, timeless wedding stationery. From invitations to handwritten vows and romantic finishing touches for your big day, everything is crafted using delicate calligraphy, fine botanical illustrations and attention to detail. Simply choose a design from one of the gorgeous curated semi-custom suites or use the bespoke design service for something truly you. The face behind the company is calligrapher, lettering artist, illustrator and stationery designer Sarah McGlynn. She says, “In 2016 I first tried using a traditional nib and ink. It soon became a source of contentment for me. It’s the slow, calm and intentional dance of the nib across the paper that I enjoy. Delicate, hypnotic and purposeful. I now use my calligraphy to create something special. Often something that may become a keepsake.”

GIRAFFE & I @giraffe_andi

Jo and Rachael are the duo behind Giraffe & I. They’ve been friends for 28 years, so there’s not much they don’t know about each other! “Last Christmas, over a cuppa and a BLT, we came up with a plan to make and sell bunting. We’d both made plenty for our own weddings and loved it. It was our time out from our busy lives and kids, as well as a chance to bring out our creative flair,” the ladies told us. And the rest is history! The pair introduced their products to the world earlier this year and they’ve proved hugely popular for both purchase and hire already. Giraffe & I offers a bespoke service that creates beautiful bunting and garlands tailored to your wedding theme and colour palette. Designs vary from Alice in Wonderland and underwater, to a cute children’s area piece for the big day. With access to top-quality fabrics, they can help you piece together the perfect look. Everything is available to hire or purchase, although hire is recommended for larger quantities. The team can offer services too from dressing a huge marquee to a simple Mr & Mrs sign. 54

www.aimeelaoisephotography.com

www.etsy.com/shop/giraffeandistore |

Bespoke bunting and garland service We are a small business that offers you a unique opportunity to create your own bespoke bunting for your special occasion to purchase or to hire. We tailor your bunting to your colour scheme, theme and size of venue with the help of our design team. Our creations vary from Alice in Wonderland theme, to underwater, a simple Mr & Mrs sign and to a cute children’s area piece for a wedding day. The bunting is available to hire or purchase, although we would probably recommend hire for larger amounts. No matter how big or small, we can create the perfect bunting decoration for your special day.

Milbur y Morr is Mi no rs

Giraffeandi@outlook.com | 07500873923 | instagram @giraffe_andi

Looking for vintage chic, glamour and style? The Morris Minor brings smiles at every turn, great photo opportunities, romantic and fun. Perfect for your English Country or City wedding in The Cotswolds, Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Milbury Morris Minors is a family business, we are passionate about these beautiful vintage cars, who have been part of our family for many years.

www.milburymorrisminors.com We offer a friendly, professional wedding service, sharing our love of these fun cars with you on your special day.

H O L LY B E R K L E Y J E W E L L E RY E S T. 1 9 8 9

Fully wire woven handmade wedding crowns and accessories As seen in Vogue • Brides, bride’s maids, accessories, flower girl, bride’s mother • Specialising in custom designs to suit all budgets Hollyberkleyjewellery.co.uk hollyberkleyjewellery@outlook.com 07789 971 396

Fake plastic chairs

Fake Plastic Chairs are proper, really talented musicians with a bit of edge and originality, much cooler than your average covers band!

“Huge thanks for making the evening so much fun - one friend commented that Emilythey Bowes ’d never seen so many people up dancing at a wedding before!”

M ult iple Award- Win n i n g Wedding B a n d

 fakeplasticchairs.co.uk

@FPC_Band * 07796334672

Style | Hire | Create Create your timeless beautiful, romantic, elegant or boho wedding of your dreams Props & decor lovingly sourced for you by us Based in Thornbury near Bristol Website www.rusticrentals.co.uk | Telephone 07557 958033 | Instagram rusticrentalsuk

LOCALLY HANDMADE

ROSE POPAY https://rosepopay.co.uk |

@rosepopay

Event painter Rose was born into a family of performers and has followed suit entertaining guests worldwide. “I love creating a stir and intriguing people at a wedding. Guests love to see the painting develop in front of their eyes,” she tells us. The outcome is the most magical of keepsakes, something to forever remind you of your big day. “I’m so proud to be able to offer this service,” Rose continues. This talented artist can paint alone in a modern impressionistic style or using pen and ink, where she’ll encourage guests to come and make their own mark. She’ll draw alongside them to give the piece a beautiful structure, – it’s an experience that your loved ones can’t fail to have a giggle over and enjoy immensely. While these approaches are a very different, both result in a unique artwork to treasure. Rose will even tailor her clothes according to your preferences. She can arrive simply in smart attire, her very special cocktail dress splattered in paint, or even her Georgian outfit! Having worked at all kinds of events from lavish celebrity dos to intimate nuptials, she guarantees to add her own individual charm to your day. Based in Bristol, she’s happy to travel all over and can also paint from photos after the event if you prefer.

SOMERSET NATURAL SOAPS https://somersetnaturalsoaps.selz.com @somersetnaturalsoaps Owner and founder of Somerset Natural Soaps Julie trained as a beauty therapist and has always had an interest in the healing properties of plants and herbs. Constantly trying to find commercial products to suit her own sensitive skin, she decided to make her own. The whole family tried and tested them extensively and to Julie’s delight discovered a new world of natural goodies that don’t irritate the skin, instead helping to maintain, nourish and heal it. Each soap, crafted in the heart of Somerset is cut by hand and wrapped individually in recycled paper and because they’re all made with vegetable-based ingredients, they’re suitable for vegans. There’s no palm oil, artificial colourants or fragrances and no synthetic chemicals. In fact, each ingredient is carefully sourced and cruelty free. Each bar weighs 100g and half or quarter size bars are available for wedding favours and hospitality soaps. These come packaged in a natural cotton bag with a drawstring – no plastic is used.

HOLLY BERKLEY JEWELLERY https://hollyberkleyjewellery.co.uk @hollyberkleyjewellery If you’re looking for matching bespoke jewellery and hair accessories for your big day, it’s as easy as one, two, three with Holly Berkley! The local jewellery designer has a wide range of shapes and designs as well as an extensive colour palette to choose from, and prices to suit your budget. With 30 years experience, Holly will help you design your dream hair accessories and jewellery from wedding crowns to buttonholes, everything is covered. Holly’s beautiful pieces have been featured in Vogue magazine (and Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding magazine!) and she serves a returning worldwide clientele who love the personal touch that only an artist can offer. Made on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, each piece is lovingly woven by hand from straight wire without the use of formers or machinery. They can take up to 27 hours to complete and sometimes over 100 metres of specialised jewellery wire. Holly says, “Our pieces are high quality, fully designed and handmade one-offs that will last for years, so you can pass them on to your loved ones for their wedding day too.” Choose from the existing collection or have a special commission made, the choice is yours. 57

Beautiful bespoke wedding cakes with i n c re d i b l e a t t e n t i o n t o e v e r y d e t a i l

01823 331053 48 Bridge St, Taunton TA1 1UD

www.izzistocktonbridal.co.uk

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2022 & 2023

Contact Kerry to arrange a consultation and tasting session 07854 274202 | angelskitchen@hotmail.co.uk

Hamswell House

Hamswell House is the perfect venue for your ceremony and marquee wedding reception 0 The backdrop of a beautiful historic manor house 0 Romantic orangery and gardens licensed for civil ceremonies 0 Stunning rural views

0 Exclusive use 0 Convenient location for Bristol, Bath and the M4 0 No corkage charge 0 Special package for small weddings

www.hamswellhouse.co.uk | 07710 727 773

LOCAL SHOOT

made in heaven

A MATCH

Simultaneously natural, delicate and sumptuous this stunning shoot brings to life the best of the season Images courtesy of Oxi Photography

ogether, this team of wedding aficionados created a look that’s both luxurious and contemporary using an opulent palette of white and gold with blush pink, mustard and slate grey. Burnished metallics join the mix too, working with the main colours to showcase the wonderful hues that naturally appear in that magical period of transition as autumn turns to winter. Dried flowers combine with fresh British seasonal blooms, while natural linens are paired with sumptuous velvets, and smoky glassware sits seamlessly alongside gold cutlery. The outcome is a textural paradise where everything works as well together as you and your spouse-to-be!

THE DREAM TEAM Venue, Silk Mill Studios, www.silkmillstudios.co.uk | Photographer, Oxi Photography, www.oxiphotography.co.uk | Styling, Kate Cullen, www.katecullen.co.uk | Accessories, Clare Lloyd, www.clarelloyd.co.uk | Floral design, Clementine Moon, www.clementinemoon.co.uk Dresses and shoes, Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique, www.rachelburgessbridalboutique.com | Hair and make-up, Brows and Brides, www.browsandbrides.co.uk | Stationery, Ink Flower Press, www.inkflowerpress.co.uk | Linen, The Linen Works, www.thelinenworks.co.uk 60

Scriven Photography & Events Court Farm offers extensive grounds and the perfect blank canvas to create your own uniquely styled rustic wedding. A beautiful reception courtyard, The Woolshed for dining, historic Rustic Barn for dancing and stylish boutique onsite accommodation.

To contact us about your wedding, please email courtfarmevents@gmail.com or 07974739832

www.courtfarmstanderwick.co.uk COURT FARM, COURT LANE, STANDERWICK, SOMERSET BA11 2PR

07850400911 | hello@lenscraft-photography.com Facebook @lenscraftphotography | Instagram @lenscraft.photo

Those extra touches to make your wedding really stand out

07498 528562 | scrivenphotography@outlook.com | scrivenphotographyevents.co.uk

Mark Bamforth

Wedding, Elopement and Destination Photographer 07477620964 | www.markbamforthphotography.co.uk | instagram @markbamforthphotography | facebook @markbamphotos

https://adamrumble.co.uk

or shine PHOTOGRAPHY

COME RAIN

Fabulous wedding photography whatever the weather

www.cumminsphotography.co.uk

“One thing you can't control on your big day is the weather. If it does rain, embrace it! Think positively and let the rain tell the story of your day through your wedding photos.” – Charlene Cummins, www.cumminsphotography.co.uk www.cumminsphotography.co.uk

www.cumminsphotography.co.uk

et’s talk about the elephant in the room: the great British weather. The idea of a wedding washout might be giving you sleepless nights, but don’t let it. Our photography experts are here to offer some words of wisdom. These folks know how to produce jaw-dropping images in any and all conditions whether you’re facing springtime drizzle, early autumnal sunsets, wintry low light conditions, or summertime squinting!

https://lenscraft-photography.com www.powderandpearls.co.uk

www.powderandpearls.co.uk

https://lenscraft-photography.com

“Be prepared for anything! Keep an eye on the weather reports leading up to your big day and make sure you have suitable items with you, such as blankets, umbrellas, flip flops and so on. These can all be purchased cheaply and can even fit with your chosen colour palette.” – Ben Allen, https://lenscraft-photography.com

“On a windy day, use the weather to your advantage. Your photographer can guide your veil or dress to float and swirl to create stunning images full of drama and movement.” – Jodie and Tracey, www.powderandpearls.co.uk

WWW.FLYNNGUARDPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

INS TAGRAM & FACEBOOK @FLYNN_GUARD_PHOTOGRAPHY

L I B BYC L A R K P H OTO G R A P H Y. C O. U K 07835936885 | libby@libbyclarkphotography.co.uk

www.stevelewisphoto.co.uk info@stevelewisphoto.co.uk 07779134116

20 The Beeches, Shaw, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8EP

https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk

https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk

“A nice sunset is what we all want. Head out in the evening when the sun is low and get those dreamy golden looks. Photographers get excited when this happens! Fog and mist can be great too. This can hide all of the distractions in the surrounding environment and bring the focus in on the couple. This works especially well on a beach or open landscape. Plus, a cloudy day gives your photographer more freedom with the angles they choose. In fact, you might be surprised to hear that the hardest conditions to work with are blue sky and sun.” – Benjamin Dunford, https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk

https://whoisbenjamin.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

A BLOSSOMING ROMANCE

Begin the story that will last a lifetime here at Berwick Lodge, by marrying the person you love in the romantic seclusion of the South West’s best-kept secret.

Berwick Lodge, Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD | 0117 958 1590 | www.berwicklodge.co.uk

WE ARE

A DR3W HALL DUO! A husband and wife, acoustic duo, based in Bath playing music professionally around the UK.

Styling contemporary, elegant weddings with the wow factor. www.ambiencevenuestyling.com BRISTOL

BATH

NORTH SOMERSET

We are a perfect fit for your big day providing acoustic, soulful, easy listening music creating the perfect atmosphere for the ceremony or drinks reception to the wedding breakfast, first dance and beyond.

AVAILABLE AS A DUO OR A TRIO

with the addition of a Jazz piano which is great for the evening reception. Email: music@dr3w.uk.

Click here to view our video

www.facebook.com/dr3w.uk

https://sophiemort.com

HOT TOPIC

EXPERT ADVICE

Stellar wedmin advice from those in the know

SEASONAL STYLE

We’re tying the knot in October and want to celebrate the season in our venue styling. What advice can you offer us? One option is to incorporate autumnal tones into your colour palette. Burnt orange, terracotta and rust tones are on trend at the moment and are perfect for an October celebration. Consider pops of these rich, warm hues (perhaps in a table runner, stationery or in the flowers) set against a neutral base. Deep burgundy and dusky pink can also add depth and drama, giving a beautifully rich seasonal feel. If you’re not into bold colours, why not consider a gentler scheme of warm neutrals with accents of peach and wheat tones. Touches of gold also work well for an edge of luxury and sparkle. Textures are also a great way of evoking the season. Dried flowers and grasses continue to be extremely popular and there’s a wide range of colours and shapes available from fluffy bunny tails to dramatic pampas stems. Why not incorporate some into your table design in bud vases, or add them to place settings or chair décor. Pinecones, dried fruit slices or even ornamental gourds and pumpkins are also fab elements to bring to a tablescape. Finally of course, candlelight! Make the most of those darker evenings with plenty of flickering candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Holly Allman-Lopez | Ambience Venue Styling Bath www.ambiencevenuestyling.com

BLOOMIN’ LOVELY

We’re getting married in the autumn and want flowers to wow our guests. What’s available at this time of year and how can we show them off? Autumn weddings offer a great opportunity to bring together all those gorgeous, deep seasonal tones and add a luxurious look to your big day. Make the most of foliage such as eucalyptus and oak leaves mixed with hypericum berries, peach or dusky pink roses and deep red tones. These can be lightened with delicate freesia or wax flowers, which provide a beautiful scent to your bouquet with a down-to-earth, natural look. Dried varieties too are the perfect seasonal choice and can be added to most designs, before becoming a treasured keepsake for years to come. With the evenings drawing in at this time of year, I like to recommend table centres that include candles or tea lights to bring an extra glow and romance. It’s always best to check with the venue though that naked flames are allowed. You’re likely to be spending most of your time inside, so it’s worth asking your florist for advice on your specific venue. Flower archways, garlands and chandeliers can really wow your guests on chillier evenings. Jenny Hopkin | Clifton Flowers https://cliftonflowers.co.uk

We’re looking for entertainment that’ll appeal to everyone and have our wedding be the topic of conversation for months to come! Do you have any ideas?

While an eco-friendly wedding is desirable, it’s not possible to be completely carbon-free just yet. However, there are a few changes you can make in the meantime that will help you along the way. ♥ The venue. Choose somewhere that cares about its environmental impact. Could your venue plant a tree in their grounds to offset some of your wedding’s carbon footprint for example? At Berwick Lodge we try to strike a balance between encouraging eco-conscious decisions and ensuring our couples’ personalities shine through with their own personal touches. ♥ Decorations and flowers. Save on plastic wastage by hiring your decorations. Using locally picked wildflowers as centrepieces is also a lovely natural touch. Some florists only use blooms from local picking sites. ♥ Transport. Provide a bus or shuttle service that can pick up your guests and take them to the venue to reduce the amount of petrol used. Similarly, why not suggest carpooling? ♥ The dress. The best thing you can do for the environment is to go for a pre-loved gown. Preloved or Bridal Reloved both have beautiful options. ♥ Food. Sourcing seasonal and local ingredients not only tastes amazing, but also reduces transport pollution while giving back to the community. We grow our own herbs on site and source beef from the farm next door. It’s also good to bear in mind how much food is wasted at weddings, so see if your venue is signed up for a scheme like Too Good To Go that allows consumers to buy any surplus, or consider donating to a local food bank. ♥ Drink. English wines are starting to earn a great reputation and every town seems to make its own local gin. The same can apply to soft drinks. At Berwick we send apples that fall from the trees in our orchard to local not-for-profit company, Trust Juice, where it’s pressed and pasteurised before being sent to Bushel & Peck for bottling. It’s available to buy and serve at your wedding. Simone Parkinson | Berwick Lodge www.berwicklodge.co.uk 70

Two words – fire show! It’s a different approach to entertainment that’ll immediately captivate, easily excite guests of all ages and bring a truly unforgettable wow-factor element to your special day. Performing at weddings is my absolute favourite thing to do, which is why I decided to set out and create a fire show specifically for them. In doing so, I ended up creating three! These extensively choreographed fire and pyrotechnical performances feature plenty of crowd interaction, comedy, movement and dance through an extensive range of up to 14 dangerous props and skills all leading up to a jaw-dropping finale. Meticulously created with wedding clients and venues in mind, each show is crafted to match the space, party size and budget while remaining fully portable and lasting either 12, 20 or 30 minutes. It’s the perfect time-filler for when your band or DJ takes a break. Danny Albone | Danny The Fire Performer www.dannythefireperformer.com

https://jareklepak.com

WED WITH CONSCIENCE

We’re keen to make our wedding as sustainable as possible. What can you recommend?

Image courtesy of Danny Albone

FIERY, FABULOUS AND FUN

PLAY ON

We’d love some live music at our drinks reception, while still allowing our guests to chat and catch up. How can we strike a good balance? I’d suggest a laid back, non intrusive approach such as some soulful, acoustic, easy listening tunes. Perhaps something a little more stripped back than a full band, such as an acoustic or even completely unplugged duo or trio. The volume should be quiet enough for guests to chat comfortably and loud enough so that those who want to take a break from conversation can enjoy the atmosphere it creates. Drew Hall | Dr3w Hall Duo www.dr3whall.com

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Love is in the air

County Wedding Magazines editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

can’t quite believe that my wedding is only 10 months away! The time is going by so fast, and it still feels like we have so much left to plan! As some of you may know, within the first few months of being engaged we’d booked our venue, photographer and caterer and were on the lookout for the rest of our suppliers. With the pandemic pushing most weddings back in to 2022, we found that a lot of companies we were interested in booking weren’t available. Not to be defeated, we carried on searching knowing it was best to get everything sorted as early as possible. My fiancé, Dave, and I are enjoying the process, but it can feel slightly overwhelming at times. With such a big family and many coming from abroad, we’ve found it difficult trying to keep everyone happy while also maintaining our original budget, but we’re still super excited to see what the day will look like.

FLORAL WONDERS I love flowers and fully believe they can transform any venue into a beautiful space, so choosing the perfect florist was really important to me. I wanted something to tie in with our blush and sage green colour scheme but also complement our barn venue. Despite working in the wedding industry for more than five years, I’m ashamed to admit my knowledge of flowers isn’t great, so I needed a supplier who would

be able to make suggestions and help us bring our vision to life. Whilst looking through social media, I happened to come across a stunning, oversized bouquet that was exactly what I wanted. I looked up the company and found they were based just five minutes from our wedding venue – I thought it was fate! The florist had a range of pre-made packages that suited our needs perfectly. We checked the company’s reviews online, confirmed availability for our day and discussed our needs. The team were fantastic and even suggested ways of helping us save money, which we really appreciated. We booked bouquets, buttonholes, pew ends, centrepieces and an arrangement for the top table, which we’re excited to see. As we were in lockdown at the time, we were unable to meet our florist in person, so when restrictions lifted slightly we travelled to meet them at a wedding fair. Being able to discuss our vision in person made us feel confident about our decision, and I’d definitely recommend meeting face-to-face if possible.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS After being engaged for a few months, I decided to give in to my mum’s nagging and go dress shopping. I’m short, curvy and very selfconscious, so I was dreading trying on gowns! We visited our local boutique, and since I had no idea of what style I wanted, I must admit I felt quite overwhelmed. I started with a fishtail, which I liked the look of, but it just didn’t feel like me; I also felt like I couldn’t sit down without bursting out of it! I quickly moved onto an A-line silhouette. The second gown I tried on was one I’d seen online and loved. It had three-quarterlength sleeves, a detailed bodice, a plunging neckline and lots of lace. On paper, this sounds like everything I didn’t want in a dress, but strangely enough, it turned out to be the one. I tried on a few different options afterwards (mainly for fun), but I found fault in all of them

and always came back to my dress. It needs some alterations as it’s slightly too big, but I purchased it there and then. I would share a picture with you all, but Dave reads this and is (annoyingly) traditional so is against seeing the dress before the big day! One thing I didn’t anticipate was how I would feel after purchasing it. I always thought I’d feel over the moon, but instead, I felt quite panicked. Not because I didn’t love the dress, but after years of writing about weddings, I felt so much pressure to have this overcome-withemotion moment when wearing the one for the first time, that I started to question if I’d made the right decision. I’ve since come to realise that everyone is different, and I absolutely adore my dress whether I cried or not. I’ve spoken to a few of my married friends, and some had similar experiences, which was reassuring to hear! My advice to any bride-to-be is to go with your gut, don’t panic about how you should be feeling or what you should be wearing, do what makes you happy! Make sure you check in next issue to hear all about our engagement shoot and my search for a hair and make-up artist.

Melissa. x

Here’s my moodboard to help give you heaps of inspiration.

BRIDE’S DIARY

We haven’t decided on a table plan yet, but we like the idea of names hanging from string surrounded by gorgeous flowers.

I love confetti pictures, and it’s something I really want our photographer to capture on the big day. We’re currently looking into eco-friendly options and trying to decide which colour to use.

Our photographer has suggested taking pictures of my dress in different parts of the venue, and I’m excited to see what he comes up with.

Seeing as this July it rained, a lot, we’ve purchased some white umbrellas just in case the weather turns bad for our July wedding next year.

How stunning is this flower arch?! I’d love to incorporate something like this into our day.

Our colour scheme is blush and sage green, so we’re going to incorporate both hues into our table decorations.

The chalkboard signage trend is here to stay! I, for one, adore it and am thinking of using one as our welcome sign.

To decorate our wedding chairs, we’re thinking of acquiring wooden bride and groom signs.

To keep the rings safe, we’re planning to buy an engraved box that we can keep for years to come. 73

SECOND SKIN The new Sakura bridal lingerie collection from Wacoal offers a variety of styles decorated with pale pink and lilac cherry blossom available in sizes 34B to 38E, www.wacoal-europe.com

The latest wedding lingerie and nightwear offering from Ann Summers includes pretty lace bras, thongs, robes and babydolls in sizes up to 38G, www.annsummers.com

Lovehoney’s latest Wild Anticipation collection boasts chic white and blush-pink bridal bodies, suspender sets and bras with matching briefs, www.lovehoney.co.uk

In good hands

Carry your big-day essentials in this stylish quilted leather tassel clutch, £298, www.anyahindmarch.com

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

EDITOR’S PICK

These silk eye masks, £44 each, are a wedding night essential! To shop, visit www.gigiandolive.com

focus

FASHION Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

Something new

Bespoke bridal brand Alonuko has launched the Freedom collection of ten dresses and one suit. The styles have been hand-crafted by founder and creative director Gbemi Okunlola and her team using top-quality materials such as silk Mikado and Japanese and Swarovski crystals. There’s a design to suit every personality, from a grand princess gown to a fitted fishtail shape, all inspired by the designer’s London upbringing and Nigerian heritage. To book an appointment, visit www.alonuko.co.uk

Little lovelies

Online children’s formalwear brand ROCO has collaborated with TV personality, radio DJ and model Vogue Williams on a hand-picked edit of traditional yet contemporary cotton and linen-mix pieces ideal for junior bridesmaids and pageboys. The stunning collection consists of 15 looks ranging from £35 to £60 for ages three months to 14 years, and hero items have been named after Vogue’s children with a pink Gigi one-piece and a charming Theodore two-piece. To shop, visit www.rococlothing.co.uk

In other news for pageboys, the new childrenswear range from Oliver Brown includes dapper black dinner jackets, trousers and grey waistcoats, www.oliverbrown.org.uk

How cool are these statement Love earrings from Abbott Lyon? They’re purse-friendly too at just £39, www.abbottlyon.com 74

What's your bridal vibe? What's your bridal vibe?

Fairytale Princess? Edgy & Cool? Vintage 50's? Free Spirited BOHO? Fairytale Princess? Edgy & Cool? Vintage 50's? Free Spirited BOHO? Modern & Minimalist? Beach Babe? Sexy & Bold? Drama Queen? Modern & Minimalist? Beach Babe? Sexy & Bold? Drama Queen?

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FASHION

Once upon a time Dress dreams come true with this edit of fairytale-inspired gowns

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Scan to view video

Savin London at www.mayandgracebridal.com 78

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FASHION

www.justinalexander.com/justin-alexander-signature 79

www.jlmcouture.com/Lazaro

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FASHION

www.halfpennylondon.com

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Marchesa for Pronovias, www.pronovias.com

www.rosaclara.es/en-gb

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https://graceloveslace.com 81

An award winning bridal boutique in central Bath offering affordable designer gowns and bridal accessories. Stocking dresses by Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, Maggie Sottero, Ronald Joyce, The Victoria Jane Collection by Ronald Joyce, Ellis Bridals and Mia Mia by Alan Hannah. Krystle Brides 11 St James’s Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL 01225 446844 www.krystlebrides.co.uk

FASHION

s p a r w

UNDER These showstopping gowns feature statement sleeves, perfect for winter weddings

Flora by https://clairepettibone.com 83

Heart’s desire by www.lynashworth.co.uk

Bridal suit by www.alonuko.co.uk

Style no 21-111 by www.berta.com Scan to view video

Daisy and Harper by www.elbethgillis.com

Onas by www.rosaclara.es/en-gb 84

Audrey by www.needleandthread.com

Amber by https://sassiholford.com

Hudson by www.justinalexander.com/ justin-alexander-signature

FASHION

Savannah jumpsuit by www.lolatara.com

Cheryl by www.morilee.com

Brigitte top by https://carmenllaguno.com

Vertou by https://herveparis.com

ROC by Marchesa for Pronovias, www.pronovias.com Scan to view video

Oliver dress and Degas skirt by www.halfpennylondon.com

www.alonuko.co.uk 85

Fashion and beauty

Q&A

Feel your big-day best with help from the professionals PRIMED AND READY

My skin is suffering the effects of a stressful 18-months. How can I make sure it’s back to looking its best for my wedding day – the perfect canvas for my make-up artist? Jane says: The date is set and with the average engagement lasting 13 months, it’s time to start thinking bridal-beauty prep. Here are our top tips to make sure you look and feel like the best version of yourself when you walk down the aisle: ♥ Start a daily skincare regime. You’ll need a good cleanser and moisturiser including SPF to prevent sun damage. ♥ Look towards products that suit your skin type. I recommend Body Shop or Liz Earle. ♥ Exfoliate regularly. Dead cells will accumulate on the skin leaving it looking sullen and dull, which will affect the make-up look overall. ♥ Use a brightening serum to give you a radiant glow. ♥ Regularly use facial oils to condition and smooth the skin. I love https://wildasthewind.com ♥ Stress, anxiety and lack of sleep all cause skin breakouts, so to avoid masses of concealer take time to relax and keep planning under control. ♥ Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is key for your skin, this ensures the best canvas for your MUA. Now, you’re make-up ready!

PRE-DRESS JITTERS

I’m nervous about my first bridal appointment. What can I expect and what should I take with me? Sarah says: It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous about your first bridal appointment. You’re not alone; many brides feel the same way and don’t even want to try dresses on! Let’s face it, this is a very important fitting. It’s not the same as shopping on the high street, it’s the most important dress you’re ever going to wear. When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll be greeted by a consultant who will welcome you and take you into the showroom. When you walk in, it can be overwhelming to see such an array of gowns before you. There’s no need to worry though, we’ll give you time to take everything in while you take a seat and chat through your thoughts and expectations. You’ll then be set free to browse. Here at Rookery Bridal, we tend to find it works well if we let our brides take their time to look around and select the gowns that jump out at them. We’ll always be by their side, so if they need any help or suggestions, we’re on hand. When it comes to what you should bring, first and foremost we’d say: not too many people! Just remember, the bigger the entourage the more opinions you have to deal with. Go just as you are, comfortably dressed, there’s no need for any particular underwear. But please, no fake tan and ideally, no (or minimal) make-up. 86

FASHION FORWARD

I’ve got high-end taste, but not the purse to match! I don’t want to compromise my big-day look. How can I shop smart without blowing the entire big-day budget? Susie says: Why not try shopping at a preloved wedding dress boutique? For example, here at Bridal Reloved Street we specialise in high-end designer dresses, some of which are preloved and others are ex-samples. So, not all of our gowns have been worn, in fact the bigger majority are either straight from the designer or from high-end boutiques. Best of all when you choose a dress like this it has a massively positive impact on the environment by saving on water, waste and overproduction. It benefits your budget too, as ex-samples are sold at a minimum of 50 per cent off, with some gowns priced at a third of the original RRP.

CONTACT THE EXPERTS

Jane Dare, https://eyedomakeup.co.uk Sarah Hackett, www.rookerybridal.co.uk Susie Clark, https://bridalreloved.co.uk/shops/street

eye do! by Jane Dare

Wedding Makeup Artist

ABC Wedding Dresses WEDDING DRESSES OF LANGPORT have been trading in Somerset for over 30 years. Has over 250 good quality Bridal, Prom, Evening, Bridesmaids & Flower Girl Dresses in up to 90 colours, sizes 2 - 40. ALSO Sell NEW “off the peg” discounted designer gowns. (appointments only) Call: 01458 250755 / 07710985321 Email: info@abcweddingdresses.co.uk

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Mobile service in the south west

Call Jane 07971 298490 www.eyedomakeup.co.uk @eyedomakeup_janedare68

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#BROWGOALS

ANYONE FOR TEA?

Toner, often the forgotten skincare routine step, is actually hugely beneficial. It can help with breakouts, remove the last traces of make-up, eliminate excess oil, help balance the skin’s pH levels, soothe and refresh. So, check out the new Q+A Green Tea Daily Toner (£8). Ideal for everyone, especially those with stressed-out skin, it’s packed full of antioxidants that protect from environmental damage. One in particular, EGCG, can even rejuvenate dying skin cells to restore and repair skin. Green Tea itself is rich in vitamin E, a moisturising ingredient known to minimise signs of ageing, amongst myriad other benefits. Check out www.qandaskin.com

Look a-brow-zing on your big day with the help of Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Duo. Your eyes are the window to the soul that your partner fell in love with so why not frame them with the perfect brow? This dualended make-up marker helps to shape and set for a flattering and natural look. At one end you’ll find a precision brush tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes and fill in sparse areas, while blending in seamlessly. At the other end is an invisible gel infused with mung bean and red clover extract, a formula that aids healthy hair growth while providing a flexible hold. Priced at £22 Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Duo is available at www.spacenk.com

Beauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews shares her latest beauty must-haves for the bride to be

BUZZ ZEST FOR LIFE

In need of a wake-up call? Inspired by the revitalising energy of waterfalls on the southern hills of the Isle of Arran, ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s Glenashdale fragrance combines an invigorating blend of rasped lemons, grapefruit and vetiver to create a truly tropical experience. Kickstart your wedding morn with a refreshing shower using Glenashdale Bath & Shower Gel followed by the matching body lotion. Infused with essential oils, extracts of vitamin E, aloe vera and shea butter they’ll uplift, refresh and revitalise both skin and spirits. The Glenashdale Body Care Gift Set is £30 at https://arran.com

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING

The highly-anticipated new fragrance from Ghost, Orb of Night Eau de Parfum, is the perfect scent to transport you to a warm, romantic summer evening. It’s described as a woody floriential with top notes of mandarin, cherry almond and bergamot, with a heart of freesia, orange blossom, ylang ylang and jasmine. So, if you’re looking for your signature big-day fragrance head to Superdrug, Boots, The Fragrance Shop or The Perfume Shop and see if it’s the one. Ghost Orb of Night is available in three sizes: 30ml (£27), 50ml (£38) and 75ml (£48).

THAT’S A WRAP

The Copper Sure Rapid Dry Hair Wrap is the latest innovation from cult hair health brand AQUIS. Made from a naturally antimicrobial performance fabric it allows the hair to dry without force or heat and eliminates the frizz, damage and breakage caused by harsh terry towels. Hair is at its weakest when wet so protecting it from such harsh treatment means it’ll be smoother and stronger. What’s more, since it’s woven with copper, which boasts antimicrobial and antibacterial properties proven to repel bacteria the wrap stays fresher longer, and is great for travel. I absolutely love mine – it’s taken the stress out of washing my hair in more ways than one. Check out www.aquishair.co.uk where the AQUIS Copper Sure Rapid Dry Hair Wrap is priced at £30. 88

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

With more than 2,300 five-star reviews to its name GLOSSYBOX Skincare’s Eye Boost Cream is a cult favourite. Designed to combat the look of tired eyes, this fragrance-free formula is packed with anti-inflammatory botanicals and absorbs effortlessly into the skin. Thanks to its elderflower extract infusion it also helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles. So if wedding planning has been keeping you up at night, why not try staving off the effects with this little beauty? Priced at £16, it’s available at www.glossybox.co.uk

BEAUTY NEWS

KISS ME QUICK

When you’re lost for words, let your lips do the talking with the newest member of Glow Hub’s core essentials range, pep talk_. The petrochemical-free formula is bursting with nourishing avocado, rosehip and almond oils, rich in vitamin E and B to softly plump lips while giving them a hit of hydration. Finished with a team of peptides to help smooth creases, define contours and boost fullness it leaves you with a beautiful pillowy pout. Totally kissable lips on your wedding day! pep talk_ Plump Peptide Rescue Balm is £8 at https://glowhub.com

SILKY SMOOTH

Silk is by far the best material to use in a cleansing routine as the natural amino acids leave skin noticeably radiant and delay the ageing process. Cotton is, in fact, abrasive on a cellular level so, cleansing with a flannel causes friction leading to fine lines. This Is Silk’s 100 per cent silk face cloths boast a weave that gently exfoliates, conditions and smooths skin, leaving it glowing. What’s more, they’ve been naturally dyed black to avoid unsightly make-up marks, which can blight their white counterparts even after a thorough wash. This Is Silk Cleansing Cloths in Noir are £21.99 for three at https://thisissilk.com

PERFECT PREP

Award-winning and cruelty-free make-up brand Milani Cosmetics has introduced the Rose Prep + Prime range to Boots and Beauty Bay. It’s all about nourishing and replenishing your skin for a radiant complexion and dewy glow. I’m a fan of the lip treatment products in particular, which were game-changers for me! The Rose Sugar Lip Scrub (£13.75) comes first in the pamper session, polishing dry and chapped areas for an ultra-soft and smooth pout. Follow with The Rose Butter Lip Mask (£13.75), which contains hyaluronic acid to plump and replenish moisture. Your lipstick will look perfect on the day and your bridal make-up artist will love you for doing all the prep for them! These little heroes are available at www.milanimakeup.co.uk

NATURAL BEAUTY

#LIFEPROOF

Clarins’ new everlasting foundation and concealer are the perfect duo for your complexion, combining the very best of the brand’s skincare expertise with make-up that boasts 24-hour wear with high coverage and a matte finish. The two products contain a special hold polymer using organic oat sugars, known for their ability to increase the adherence of colour pigments to the skin, meaning you’ll stay looking flawless from vows to dancefloor. The Everlasting Foundation is priced at £31 (30ml) and the Everlasting Concealer at £23 (15ml). Find out more at www.clarins.co.uk

Add some awardwinning colour to your bridal beauty kit with Pure Anada’s allnatural mineral makeup Dreamy Compact Palette. It features a carefully curated collection of a pressed highlighter and four eye colours in the brand’s most popular neutral shades, ideal for creating that naturally glowing big-day look. Pure Anada products are handcrafted in the Canadian prairies from fresh ingredients incorporating the goodness of nature into each one. The Dreamy Compact Palette is available exclusively in the UK for £29.95 at www.liveinthelight.co.uk 89

It ’s all about meee

KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF

For really special wedding gifts, The Sock Butler – sister company to Sockshop – provides a delivery of new socks every month straight to your door! The service offers a choice of one, two or three pairs per month and the opportunity to select from different categories e.g. Classic, Fashion, Sporty and Fun. Ideal for updating sock drawers, subscriptions gifts available include one month, six or 12. Brands include Glenmuir, Pringle, SockShop, WildFeet and Jeff Banks and all the socks in the subscription sock boxes are either cotton or bamboo-based for a luxury feel. For an extra special touch, there is an option to personalise your socks with embroidered initials – perfect for the big day and beyond! Check out https://thesockbutler.co.uk

Wedding planning, especially after the last year, can be a stressful experience and if you’re feeling overwhelmed check out this new series of books: Meee in a minute. Meee in a minute offers 60 ways to improve your life in 60 seconds with a collection of life hacks, advice, insights, science, stories, short exercises, quotes and more that can help you improve your life. The Family edition is a book bursting with useful tips and strategies to appreciate, engage with, enjoy, connect and reconnect with your family – essential for your wedding planning and marriage journey. Each book is £8 including delivery, visit: www.meeebooks.com

Grooms’ NEWS All the latest best buys and product launches

SCOTTISH FLARE

Isle of Harris Distillery has launched made to order jackets in collaboration with renowned Scottish designer Judy R Clark. Isle of Harris Distillery along with, Harris Tweed Hebrides, the Harris Tweed Authority and the islands’ education services, worked closely with schools across the island to challenge the children to design a new Isle of Harris Distillery tweed whilst learning more about the history of tweed cloth. The winner of the competition was 14-year-old Scott Murray from Sir E. Scott School in the Isle of Harris. Scott’s winning design was woven in consultation with Judy R Clark to create this unique special cloth. Each jacket is made using specially woven Isle of Harris Distillery Harris Tweed combined with luxurious teal velvet collars embroidered in with rose gold threads. The linings are inspired by the Hebridean seas finished with rose copper buttons and contrasting sea-blue buttonholes. Priced £660 (includes UK postage), visit https://harrisdistillery.com

FROM THE ART

SENTIMENTAL ACCESSORIES

Merci Maman has unveiled its new Men’s Collection! The new seven piece collection features four bracelets and three necklaces, popular favourites include the Personalised Dog Tag Necklace (£89), and the Unity Bracelet (£89). The collection also introduces new leather styles for the first time and seven new gem stones, including tiger’s eye and aquamarine. Each piece is available in 925 sterling silver or 18k gold plated, and can be complimentary hand-engraved with special names, dates or messages making the collection perfect for big-day gifting. Check out www.mercimamanboutique.com 90

Desenio helps you find the perfect gift for every groom’s party member; from the office and the home to personalised prints, find something for every personality. Perfect for weddings, personalising your print with names, dates and places offers that extra special touch. If you can’t find the words to explain how you feel, quotation art prints are a beautiful way to express love, gratitude, or humour towards those you love most. Alternatively, choose from sports or music icons, or if you’re not sure which prints would suit their taste best, or if you’re short on time with last-minute wedding planning, Desenio Gift Cards are a great choice! Check out https://desenio.co.uk

C A R S

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M A R R I A G E S |

D O O R

L I M O U S I N E S

W W W . C A R S O F C L A S S . C O . U K R U P E R T @ C A R S O F C L A S S . C O . U K - 0 1 8 2 3 4 8 0 8 9 8 Sawyers Cottage, Curland , Nr. Taunton TA3 55A

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Looking for an exciting action packed corporate activity day out with colleagues or an exciting Stag and Hen day for friends?

Just 20 minutes from the centre of Bristol, we are totally dedicated to making your party a memorable one - all at a great price. Why not give clay pigeon shooting a go? Whether you are a sure shot or couldn’t hit a barn door, you’ll be expertly taught on our 5 shooting stand layouts. Oﬀ road Karting with purpose built track with jumps & quad trail also on site. Micro-chip timing now on karts. Established since 1992. Please see our website for more details. CONTACT US

01275 842225 info@westonlodgeshootingground.co.uk

We proudly offer a wide selection of floral items from bouquets to arrangements and will do our best to tailor our floral items to any style or budget. 01984 632323 | gemma@orangepipflorist.co.uk

W W W . W I L L I T O N F L O R I S T. C O . U K

VENUE DECOR MOBILE BAR DISCOS CATERING BALLOONS HEN PARTIES MAGIC MIRRORS CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT FLOWER WALL FUN FOODS GIANT GAMES FAVOURS WEDDING STATIONERY WEDDING GIFTS 07702 179293 BUTTERFLYOCCASIONS@OUTLOOK.COM WWW.BUTTERFLY-OCCASIONS.CO.UK

HONEYMOON NEWS

News

HONEYMOON Idyllic destinations for when you can hop, skip and jump on to a plane again, along with some UK beauties for the ultimate staycation...

HOME SCOTTISH BORDERS

A stunning rural hideaway set in Minto in the Scottish Borders, Lilylaw, newly launched with Crabtree & Crabtree, provides the most idyllic location for a romantic honeymoon. It boasts spectacular views and staying guests also get unique access to Fatlips Castle, an iconic Pele tower situated on the estate at the top of Minto Crags. Located on a private track, this former gamekeeper’s cottage is in an undisturbed and completely serene spot, ideal for those looking to escape to the countryside. The charming period property has been fully renovated into a gorgeous, romantic one-bedroom bijoux bolthole comprising an open-plan bedroom and living area and feature roll top bath with woodland views. Based on a self-catering basis, seven nights in summer available through Crabtree & Crabtree is from £950. To book, visit www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com or call 01573 226 711.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The Torridon invites newlyweds to reconnect during a minimoon experience in the Scottish Highlands. During the Winter Minimoon experience, newlyweds can enjoy the snowcapped landscapes and starry night skies of the Highlands, feasting on the best seasonal produce and rejoicing in two nights of rejuvenating sleep. Led by the Torridon Outdoors experts, a crisp full day guided walk along the munros and woodlands surrounding the hotel, is followed by drinks in front of the crackling fire and a private whisky tasting led by the dedicated team in The Torridon’s Whisky Bar. Couples can indulge in a four-course set menu crafted by head chef Paul Green. Set in the 1887 Restaurant it will pair dishes sourced from the region’s best winter ingredients and local game from The Torridon Estate with exquisite wines. Lovebirds can add a bespoke star-gazing experience to their minimoon package, and join astronomer Stephen Mackintosh for a three-course meal and an excursion across the Highlands, revealing a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Arcturus constellation. A Winter Minimoon complete with: two-night B&B in a Deluxe room, tasting menu, whisky tasting, full day guided walk, champagne, chocolates and flowers is £1,520. Add the Star-gazing Experience between Nov-Mar for an additional £530, including a three-course dinner with astronomer Stephen Mackintosh. Find out more about The Torridon at www.thetorridon.com or call on 01445 791 242.

CHANNEL ISLANDS

The Blonde Hedgehog, located in Alderney, is a collection of 18th-century buildings lovingly restored to be a petite boutique Georgian retreat. Renovated from a local pub and an elegant townhouse, it’s understated luxury at its best; the modern interior design complements the original Georgian features. With just a small number of rooms and suites, it’s intimate and sophisticated without losing any of its charm. Alderney is perfect for honeymooners looking for relaxation, romance and adventure; an island for exploring and seeing nature’s wonders, couples can experience sea kayaking, boat trips, rockpooling and fishing. It’s easily walked or cycled around in a day – definitely one of the best ways to see the entire island. Available through Fish&Pips from £230 per night on a B&B basis, visit www.fishandpips.co.uk or call 01306 264 005.

AWAY GREECE

Costa Navarino, the ultimate five-star sustainability-led travel destination in Messinia on the under-the-radar Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, is an idyllic location for honeymoons. Perched on the unspoiled and breathtaking coastline, overlooking the Ionian Sea, it provides newlyweds with the perfect romantic short-haul destination post-vows. A sophisticated setting, surrounded by verdant land and a sparkling seascape, Messinia has quaint town halls, beautiful beaches and offers hilltop exploration. Costa Navarino is one of the few beachfront mixed-use developments in the Mediterranean and includes: luxury hotels, freehold residences, a world-famous Anazoe spa, 21 restaurants and bars, sports facilities and two signature golf courses ‒ meaning guests and newlyweds never have to leave! For more information visit www.costanavarino.com

MAJORCA

Perfect for pre- or post-wedding getaways, Es Racó d’Artà is a wellness retreat that’s recently joined the TemptingPlaces hotel label. A real gem in the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, this new holistic retreat is located next to the historic town of Artà, on the eastern part of the island. Outstretched in the valley, its nearly 200 acres encompass an authentic 13th-century stone farmhouse, several buildings, almond, fig and olive trees, local fruit trees as well as 14 acres of grapevines. It’s here, within this peaceful environment, that this newly-opened property invites its guests to connect with nature and lift themselves beyond their well-being. Seamless swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation and meditation areas offer newlyweds a unique experience, where the notion of time and space disappears. Make sure to try a Watsu treatment, performed in the original treatment pool – this aquatic massage creates optimal conditions to enter a state of deep relaxation through the union of water and shiatsu, aiming to release the everyday tensions ‒ bliss! Visit www.temptingplaces.com

ITALY

AMERICA

Hotel Bel-Air, possibly one of the most romantic hotels in the world, has launched an outdoor dining experience, Bel-Air Under the Stars. Guests can cosy up beside their own private firepit while sipping wine, toasting marshmallows and tucking into Wolfgang Puck snacks. Many Hollywood love stories have played out at this iconic hotel in its 75-year history, and it’s easy to see why stars including Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly have fallen for its romantic allure. Set within the blissful Canyon landscape, and away from the LA noise, this private and elegant hotel is a haven in Bel-Air and renowned for its 12 acres of winding, tropical greenery surrounding the beloved Swan Lake, filled with flowers that bloom all year round and home to a 100-year-old sycamore tree. It has witnessed some of the most incredible, star-studded and wildly romantic weddings imaginable, all watched over with loving grace by its swans. What’s more, one of the hotel’s most famous guests, Grace Kelly, penned a number of love letters to her then partner Oleg Cassani during her time staying there while she was filming Country Girl. What better honeymoon destination truly epitomises love and romance? Rooms start from $695, visit www.dorchestercollection.com

Room Mate Hotels, the international hotel chain, has opened Hotel Room Mate Filippo and Gran Filippo Apartments in Rome. Located 500 metres from the emblematic Spanish Steps and a ten-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, the hotel and the apartments are designed by interior designer Tomas Alía, who was inspired by the refined aesthetics of the 1940s. The hotel has 30 rooms divided into three categories: superior, deluxe and executive, its imposing façade stands out with elegant and subtle flat pilasters and striking lighting that creates a chandelier effect throughout the street acting as a magnet to passers-by. The lobby features a forest of sculptural, three-dimensional palm trees, complete with a dome supported by granite columns. The two interior courtyards - the two lungs of the building - are arranged with sienna- and celadon-colored lattices while the rest of the common areas are divided into a large meeting room with a library effect and the breakfast room, decorated with modulations in marble, gilded metals and geometric shapes. The rooms, several of which have terraces, have surprising decorations, all inspired by the refined, well-travelled and cultured aesthetics of the 1940s Check out https://room-matehotels.com/gb/ 94

WWW.THE-DRESSINGROOM.CO.UK vicky@the-dressingroom.co.uk | 07714503693 | Instagram - thedressingroom.stroud | Facebook - thedressingroom.stroud

A beautiful spacious boutique located in Taunton. Appointments required

Vintage wedding cars for hire in Bristol, Somerset and surrounding areas Triggols Vintage Wedding Cars has been providing customers with vintage car hire services for over two decades. Choose us if you want to make your special day a grand event. Choose from a wide range of classic wedding cars in and around Somerset with Triggols Vintage Wedding Cars. Call us on 07712 051 892

W W W. V I N TA G E W E D D I N G - C A R S . C O . U K

57 East Reach, Taunton Somerset, TA1 3EZ

01823 276590

mail@14andsixpence.co.uk www.14andsixpence.co.uk

PORLOCK VILLAGE HALL

Toll Road, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8QD

P O R LO C K V I L L AG E H A L L H AS T W O H A L L S AVA I L A B L E F O R H I R E One large one with stage, sound and lights, and a smaller one next to the kitchen and bar area. Below the stage is a meeting/changing room for use by Bride and Groom, or changing for artistes. 01643 863 117 | porlockvillagehall@btinternet.com | www.pvh.org.uk | Facebook @porlockvillagehalls

COMPETITION

WIN

A MINIMOON IN PROVENCE, FRANCE WORTH UP TO £1,500

rillon Le Brave is nestled within a village eponymous of the Vaucluse region, and offers guests the chance to explore the picture-perfect Provençal countryside, historical nearby towns, and is just a stone’s throw away from some of the most sought-after vineyards in France. The hotel boasts 34 newly refurbished rooms and suites, an inviting reception area, gorgeous public spaces and idyllic outdoor pool overlooking surrounding vineyards and countryside. The hotel has been exquisitely presented with the help of French designer and decorator Charles Zana. Since it’s reopening in May 2021, the hotel has introduced a number of new experiences, a new yoga retreat as well as a refreshed culinary offering from new head chef Adrien Brunet ‒ who will be presenting new menus with locally sourced delicacies. The Spa des Ecuries is positioned

PRIZE: County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maisons Pariente to offer two nights at Crillon Le Brave, Provence. The prize includes breakfasts, an aperitif at the bar and an in-room VIP welcome.

under imposing arches of the former vaulted stone stables from the 18th century. With three treatment rooms, including one double, the spa combines gentle and effective approaches dedicated to enhancing overall wellbeing. Guests can take advantage of the holistic treatment techniques of Bamford which are completely tailored to each guest’s needs. Crillon le Brave encourages guests to switch off and enjoy the art of taking things slow: amble around the village, lounge by the pool, rejuvenate in the spa and indulge in exquisite food. For those looking to explore the region’s rich culture and enjoy a quiet French escape, this five-star hotel is the perfect destination for a postpandemic home away from home holiday and honeymoon. Visit www.crillonlebrave.com, email reservations@crillonlebrave.com or call + 33 4 90 65 61 61.

HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the new head chef? Enter online at yourbristolsomerset.wedding

Closing date 3rd December 2021, unless otherwise stated. Terms and Conditions apply. Please see our website for details. 97

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DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 AVAILABLE: 6th December, 2021

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Folly Farm, Tetbury, GL8 8XA events@gtb.co.uk www.gtb.co.uk 01666 502 475

Our Next Wedding Fayre -

Sunday 14th November 2021

With 5 possible areas for your ceremony, including an outside gazebo, the Great Tythe Barn really is a venue for all seasons. Not only can we offer a stunning venue for your perfect day, we can also accommodate up to 90 guests across 10 self-catering cottages, 12 Bed & Breakfast rooms and our 18th Century Manor House; The Tythe House, which means you and your guests really can relax and enjoy the celebrations. For more information please take a look at our website or contact our lovely wedding coordinators; we are sure you won’t be disappointed!

ClEARwEll CAStlE CLEARWELL CASTLE

FOREST OF DEAN

info@clearwell-castle.co.uk

01594 832320

GLOUCESTERSHIRE clearwell-castle.co.uk

ST AudRIes PaRK ST. AUDRIES PARK info@audries-park.co.uk

TAUNTON 01984 633633

SOMERSET audries-park.co.uk

Country HousE weddings Exclusively Weddings, Exclusively Yours

Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - October/November 2021 (Issue 85)

Articles inside

HONEYMOON NEWS

COMPETITION

HOT TOPIC

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

FASHION FOCUS

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

MADE WITH LOVE

SOULMATES

READER, I MARRIED HIM

NEARLYWED NEWS

WEDFEST

SPOTLIGHT ON

FREEBIES & OFFERS

EDITOR’S LETTER