Bristol and Somerset is full of venues that seem to jump from the pages of literature’s greatest love stories – now
time to write your own
This issue’s stunning cover has been sponsored by Wells-based The Bishop’s Palace (www.bishopspalace.org.uk/venue -hire/weddings @bishopspalaceweddings_events_).
It was taken from a styled shoot created by stylist Imogen Martin of Luck & Lace (www.luckandlace.co.uk | @luck.and.lace) and captured on camera by Gem Hicks of Gem Hicks Photography (https://gemhicksphotography.com @gem_hicks_photography). In the image are models Maxwell James (@1maxwelljames) and Gwendolen Nelson (@gwendolennelson).
We love this celebration of individuality brought to the world of weddings
A traditional venue presented in a contemporary, relaxed way, befitting the modern and diverse couples of today
The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches
Bring out your romantic side in one of these dreamy dresses decorated with whimsical lace, ditsy florals and crystal embellishments
These statement dresses will take you from day to dancefloor
Our local professionals solve your problems
Get the look with the must-haves for the bride-to-be
Angela and Chris said “I do” at Bristol Register Office on 3rd May, 2022, before heading to the Hotel du Vin for their chic city-centre celebrations
After meeting as teenagers, Amy and Andrew’s paths were destined to cross again
39 OUT OF THE BLUE Stephanie and John styled their day in a gloriously multicoloured palette of pastels with cornflower blue accents
The latest best buys and product launches
The latest seasonal must-haves for the groom-to-be
The newest openings and honeymoon destinations
Discover why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination
Enjoy a relaxing minimoon in some of the UK’s best boltholes
96 WITH LOVE FROM MADRID Easter in Spain’s vibrant capital city
Celebrate with your loved ones at our Bath Mill wedding venue
Unlike most wedding venues in Somerset, Bath Mill Lodge Retreat offers traditional yet quirky décor which is nestled between trees and a babbling brook. The Newton Suite at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat creates the most idyllic and tranquil setting for your wedding reception.
The thing that makes our Bath mill wedding venue so unique is that it is located within a beautifully restored 350 year old mill house. During your special day you will be able to take advantage of the private bar, dance floor, private entrance and secluded patio area.
Our team has plenty of experience when it comes to organising weddings in Bath, so you will be in safe hands throughout the whole process. They organise many special events and occasions so we can ensure that all of their efforts are put in to helping you create your perfect big day.
Surprise your guests with the taste of Spain. We’re five-star caterers cooking the tastiest paellas using high-quality ingredients. We’re self-sufficient and discreet meanwhile cooking delightfully for you.
Melissa’s wedding day, you may be relieved to hear that it finally happened, and what a day it was! I’ll leave the storytelling to the bride herself, as you can read all about it from page 88, but I would like to impart a little of my own bridesmaid’s wisdom centred around the morning preparations. These moments were the highlight for me, and it’s a part of the day often overlooked amongst the hubbub of wedding planning, so… Be as organised as you possibly can in the lead up. This way, you’ll have very little to worry about on the day. Admittedly, Melissa’s abilities in this area are superhuman, but knowing we weren’t allowed into the venue to set up until 10am she’d put together individual boxes containing everything each reception table needed. All we had to do when we arrived was unpack them in the right place. We were done in no time, stress free and ready to be beautified.
When you have your trial, be sure to discuss with your hair and make-up artists the morning’s timings. Understanding whether there’ll be any travel time to the ceremony involved; or restrictions such as when you’re allowed entry to the venue, if you’re getting ready there, will help them work out where they should be up to and when. Melissa’s team had everything running like clockwork in a very tight time frame.
Enjoy every moment. I can’t explain how special these few hours spent with our bride were. Chaotic and gone in a flash, but oh-so precious. I spent a significant proportion of it in tears and I could probably count the number of times I’ve happy cried prior to this on one hand! As we waited for Melissa to be called in to see the registrar, only the four of us remained in the cottage, and a hush descended for the first time that day as the bride centred herself and absorbed the enormity of what was about to happen. I swear I’ll never forget that time, my heart nearly beat right out of my chest with love for my amazing friends.
My point is this: devote some of your planning time to the morning preparations and when your photographer offers you the option of capturing them, take them up on it. You won’t regret it, promise.
Now, while I leave you and mull over what on Earth I’m going to regale you with now the wedding is over, I hope you enjoy this issue. It’s bursting at the seams with inspiration! We’ve taken a look into the world of wedding photography, one of my favourite subjects, and introduce you to a talented local bunch of suppliers who will lovingly hand make their wedding-related goodies just for you.
Enjoy and keeeep planning!
Aztec Hotel and Spa have announced a new Taste of Autumn package partnering with local candle brand, Libby Lavender Cotswolds. Available throughout October and November with prices starting from £90, each spa day package comes with a beautiful Gingered Wild Fig candle worth £30 to continue the warming, comforting feeling of bliss that comes from your visit.
The package invites you to enjoy three hours of relaxation in the beautiful pool, thermal experiences and new relaxation lounge. Also included is a delicious afternoon tea, which can be enjoyed in the autumn sunshine on the terrace overlooking the onsite lily pad pond. As a guest, you’ll also be treated to a 25-minute Temple Spa shoulder and scalp My Kinda Massage, using the In Good Spirits massage oil scented with ginger and bergamot to stimulate the body and soul, leaving you feeling restored and revived.
Find out more at www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk
Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Never, in our opinion! If wedding planning has left you so worn out you don’t feel like hosting this year, or if you’re keen to celebrate your last Christmas before the big “I do” alone together,why not consider a decadent Christmas Day lunch prepared entirely by expert chefs in one of the UK’s most idyllic cities? The Elder in Bath is offering just that. Set inside a beautiful Georgian building on South Parade, which is bound to look all the more magical at Christmas, The Elder is the place to enjoy authentic, honest and timeless British cooking.
Christmas Day lunch at The Elder promises to be a spectacular festive feast featuring an eight-course menu celebrating not just the season, but the very best of Britain’s natural larder. At £140 per person guests will be treated to dishes such as artichoke velouté with Creedy Carver duck canapés; cured chalk stream trout with coastal herbs, pickled cucumbers and Celtic mustard; fallow deer Wellington with truffle mashed potato, maple glazed parsnips and deer gravy; or a perfectly Christmassy butter poached and roasted bronze turkey with goose fat roasties; and Christmas pudding with brandy butter and custard for dessert. All produce is sourced locally and sustainably.
Bookings are open now, so to make an enquiry get in touch at enquiries@theelder.co.uk. Find out more at http://theelder.co.uk
Coppa Club’s newest location, The Bath Townhouse, opened in August. The latest addition to its growing portfolio, this will be the group’s 11th location and its second property in the South West of England. With two floors, each with its own personality, it will allow guests to use the space in different ways to suit their mood.
The striking Grade II listed property with a classy Georgian facade and original Art Deco features, sits on Old Bond Street in the heart of Bath’s bustling shopping district. The ground floor will host a vibrant main restaurant, bar and cafe space. While on the second floor, guests can experience Upstairs at The Townhouse, a sultry all-day lounge bar serving signature cocktails and food. At twilight, it becomes candle lit, the music is turned up and the atmosphere shifts from relaxed daytime to an intimate bar filled with laughter and chatter. It’s also the ideal size for private events, so it’s worth checking it out if you’re planning a classy hen or sten, or even a pre-wedding rehearsal dinner.
Discover more at www.coppaclub.co.uk/the-bath-townhouse
As part of a partnership with Operation Recuperation, Apex Hotels have gifted five NHS workers the wedding of their dreams as a thank you for their hard work and sacrifices during the pandemic.
The third NHS wedding took place at the luxury Apex City of Bath Hotel in August. Lara Jeanes and Sam Gilks were chosen from hundreds of applicants to have their dream day realised. After Sam proposed in 2019, the couple were looking forward to spending the year planning and saving for their big day in 2020. However, as Covid-19 hit, junior doctor Lara was deployed to an intensive care unit where she was treating the sickest patients. “I’ve never been in a situation like that before,” she says. “My job was to put people on ventilators to keep them alive and support their organs and my everyday shifts were 12 hours long, which meant I’d be wearing PPE for up to eight hours a day. That’s eight hours where I couldn’t eat, drink or go to the bathroom. It was exhausting.” To make matters worse for the couple, the pandemic meant their 13-month-old daughter Sienna couldn’t go to nursery and so Sam, who worked in food operations, had to quit his job to care for her. “Instead of saving for a wedding, we were suddenly reduced to one income,” he says.
Apex Hotels treated Lara and Sam to a complimentary wedding package, including a three-course wedding breakfast in one of the hotel’s stunning suites, with drinks, evening buffet and upgraded wedding-night accommodation in their luxury rooms. The couple also had full access to the hotel’s relaxing spa facilities so they could fully unwind before the big day. The ceremony itself took place at the historical Roman Baths, which is mere moments away from the hotel. Lara and Sam said their vows beside the torchlit steaming waters, which was exactly the outdoor wedding they dreamed of.
To complete the day, the pair were gifted other wedding essentials from some of Apex’s trusted suppliers. The whole event was beautifully captured by Jay Rowden Photography, flowers were provided by The Painted Flower, and Celebration Roadshow made sure the evening party was kept in full swing. Lara was made to look picture perfect thanks to make-up artist Lisa Caldognetto Bridal and hair stylist DM Hairdressing. Meanwhile, the botanical-themed wedding cake was especially designed and made for the occasion by The Gorge Bakehouse.
Find out more about tying the knot at Apex City of Bath Hotel www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/bath/apex-city-of-bath-hotel
Getting your nearest and dearest together for a hen party can be challenging and pairing that with a cost-of-living crisis might mean you’re looking to celebrate a little closer to home. So, hen party decoration supplier Ginger Ray has done a little digging to find you the top 19 UK cities to host your pre-wedding girls trip and it may delight you to know that you don’t have far to travel for the very best!
Based on an overall ranking of cities providing the most options for a memorable stay, according to Trip Advisor data, considering everything from bottomless brunches and spa treatments to availability of the hugely popular Whispering Angel wine, our beloved Bath came out top.
The underdog to many (if not to us) Bath proved itself the best hen party city in the UK thanks in no small part to its restaurants, one in four of which provide a brunch menu and more than a quarter being group friendly. Not to mention Bath’s huge variety of vegan (44%) and gluten-free (45%) options. Whether it be organic goodness at quaint restaurant OAK or some tasty Nepalese cuisine in one of Bath’s longest serving restaurants Yak Yeti Yak, Bath is certainly the place to be when catering for your bride tribe’s dietary needs. What’s more, the city has an impressive 553 group activities to choose from when you feel like having some fun away from boozy bars, ranging from escape rooms to Paint by Wine workshops.
Jess Martin, decoration expert at Ginger Ray says, “It’s surprising to see how the different cities ranked, with some unexpected ones such as London and Manchester towards the bottom of the list. While the bride is the main focus of your hen party, so many people are involved in making it special so it’s really important to factor this into your planning, whether it’s dietary needs or accessibility. The index is also a great way to scope out which city suits your group’s vibe, whether it be outdoor activities or bars and restaurants. Making sure the place you visit is the best for those preferences will ensure there’s no disappointment among the group.”
I’ve always had a passion for interior design and love using different colour palettes, textures, materials and repurposing items in a creative way. I get the same thrill and passion working with our couples to create the wedding of their dreams now as I did from my career of many years working as a chartered quantity surveyor. My inspiration for Rustic Rentals came about after planning our daughter’s wedding in 2014. I got well and truly bitten by the wedding planning, décor and styling bug. This is where my love for decorating barns started as she tied the knot in a listed Cotswold barn, where the design called for authentic vintage items. Unable to find a company offering such a hire service locally, I started visiting brocantes and flea markets curating our own collection.
I love to help couples create beautiful, timeless, elegant, aspirational and unique weddings. I offer styling, décor hire and on-the-day set up and encourage our nearlyweds to bring both their individuality and personality to their big days. I love to repurpose items, adding modern accessories. I’m a bit of a chameleon in that I adore so many styles from rustic to timeless chic, boho to modern minimalist and even industrial. Everything is always paired with beautiful florals, elegant candles and fabrics.
I’m passionate about the environment – reducing our impact on our beautiful planet. I spent the latter 10 years of my construction career working with the likes of Tesco and Waitrose to help them become more sustainale through the design and construction process. Hiring décor reduces the amount of new items being made, bought and ultimately ending up in landfill. It also removes additional packaging and plastic used. Then, by reusing, repurposing and upcycling items we also contribute to improving our sustainability. We re-use all of our props and packaging.
It has to be our vintage Indian cart made from an old door from India. Closely followed by Betty, our baker’s bike and my French vintage wheelbarrows. They all have a history that only they know – some items come with initials and I’d love to know their back story!
Find out more at www.rusticrentals.co.uk
Leading locally-based jewellery brand Abbott Lyon is launching its new advent calendar for Christmas 2022. A countdown like no other, this will elevate any wardrobe with personalised jewellery and features a stunning collection of Abbott Lyon’s best sellers. Each one is personal to the recipient with initial jewellery and birthstones of your choice. Finished with your or your loved one’s name on the front, it’s the perfect gift this festive season. You also have the option to purchase with either gold or silver jewellery contents.
Over the course of 12 days, open a new door to find a luxury surprise. With a value of £500, it will be on sale for just £249 and with only a limited number available, there’s sure to be a huge demand. Check out www.abbottlyon.com for more.
We have always had a passion for weddings and planning weddings. The look on the couples faces when they have the wedding of their dreams is priceless and helping them to reach their vision is very rewarding for us. We enjoy getting to know you and finding out your likes and dislikes so we can help you to have the special day you deserve. We can help you with full planning or managing the day only. We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation so we can get to know each other and see what we can plan together.
Aztec Hotel & Spa in Bristol is the ideal base from which to explore this great city, as well as Bath and surrounding areas. So, whether you’re looking for a bit of pre-wedding rest and relaxation with your bride tribe or a post-wedding retreat, its comfy rooms offer a welcoming home away from home.
Food and drink in the two AA Rosette restaurant, The Curious Kitchen, is an experience in its own right. With a 10-metre high Cotswold stone fireplace and enormous wood beams recovered from old sailing ships, it’s a visual treat as well as a culinary one. Menus are prepared using local seasonal ingredients and there’s a shaded terrace perfect for al fresco dining when the sun shines.
If it’s a spa escape you’re hankering after though you’ll love the Hotel’s offering, which was recently awarded Best Boutique Spa by The Good Spa Guide. Here, you can enjoy expert treatments by Caudalie, a well-respected cutting-edge French skincare brand, known for its exceptional patented anti-ageing technology. The award-winning spa also offers body treatments from TempleSpa, a brand that’s been heralded as the perfect blend of British sophistication and Mediterranean soul. What’s more, here in the spa you’ll find a warming sauna, relaxing hot tub and jacuzzi, a steam room and a spacious indoor swimming pool.
We’ve partnered with Aztec Hotel & Spa Bristol to offer readers the opportunity to win a spa day for two. If a leisurely swim and relaxing spa treatment, followed by a delicious afternoon tea while tucked up in your robe and slippers overlooking the pool sounds like your idea of heaven, this is the break for you. With full use of the spa facilities, the package includes afternoon tea plus a 55-minute treatment, or your choice of two 25-minute treatments, then you can simply spend a few glorious hours enjoying some me-time or precious moments with family and friends. Enter online at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/giveaways before the closing date below. Prize to be redeemed Monday to Friday.
For further information, check out www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk
Award-winning Danish brand Sif Jakobs Jewellery is renowned for creating modern, luxurious designs with an affordable price tag. The jewellery is made of rhodium, 18k rose gold or yellow gold plated 925 sterling silver, featuring high-quality zirconia stones that create a sophisticated and dramatic expression often featured in Sif Jakobs’ collections.
County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Sif Jakobs Jewellery to give readers the chance to win this necklace and earring set worth £158 from the coveted Belluno collection. Made with 925 sterling silver and the highest quality cubic zirconia, all jewellery is handcrafted and carefully inspected to ensure perfection.
Visit https://sifjakobs.com
ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURBRISTOLSOMERSET.WEDDING Closing date 30th November 2022, unless otherwise stated. Terms & conditions apply.
There's a little chill in the air, all of a sudden. The scent of pumpkin spice is rising from lattes across the land. Thanks for everything, summer, but it's time to make way for the understated champion of wedding seasons. Autumn, come on out and strut your cozy, hygge, laid back wedding stuff.
Well, whisper if if you have to, but some of us prefer the temperature a little cooler! Layers of lace and petticoats, three piece suits - dressing up in your finest can be so much more comfy when the thermometer is a few degrees lower.
The food is amazing! It's harvest festival time, so local produce will be at its best. Roasted squash, mushroom and hazelnut wellington, blackberry and apple tart - what's on your menu?
Some of the most stunning bouquets and floral arrangements are all about the foliage, and suddenly there's a whole new colour palette to play with.
Leave the pinks and purples of summer behind and really lean in to those rich, warm tones and hedgerow accents.
Some of our venues really come in to their own with the change of seasons. Ask the wedding coordinators what they do differently to their summer events. The backdrops are still beautiful but in a whole new way. The autumn flowers, dramatic foliage and softer afternoon light mean your photographer has the chance to use some great new spots.
Inside, your guests can really make the most of the cosy corners they might not have noticed in sunnier weather. If it's raining outside, who cares when there's a log fire and some warm canapes to bring everyone together in celebration.
Halloween and Bonfire Night are some of our best loved annual events, and you can channel those sweet treat, fancy dress and firework vibes into your do.
Now is the time to have a look around our venues and feel the romance of an Autumn wedding. Find the full list of everywhere licensed for civil ceremonies in our directory.
The White Barn
@Frogmary Green Farm Liz Baker Photography
LEIGH COURT 01275 373
www.leighcourt.co.uk
Shielded from the city bustle by Leigh Woods, the beautiful Leigh Court was designed by architect Thomas Hopper in 1814 for Bristol’s first recorded millionaire. The design of this graceful Grade II listed mansion combines elegant Palladian architecture with opulent Greek revival interiors and lavish 19th-century décor.
Leigh Court’s interior retains many of its original features from 1814, including the ornate high ceilings in the ground floor rooms and the breathtaking double floating staircase in the Great Hall.
You can choose to hold your ceremony in one of five tastefully decorated rooms, depending on the size and style of your wedding, or in a marquee on the extensive lawns. All of the stunning ground floor rooms are licensed for ceremonies. The fairytale staircase lit by 40 skylights in the Great Hall makes it a popular choice for 120 ceremony guests. Other original
features include a marble and stone pattern floor and a working pipe organ. Meanwhile, the blush-coloured Morning Room with its floorto-ceiling windows and 19th-century fireplace, along with the exquisite gold-embellished Tapestry Room are favoured by couples looking for an intimate venue. The latter can both accommodate 65 guests for the “I dos.” The Library and Salon (also 65 ceremony guests) are perfect if you want to bring the outside in as you say your vows, as they both open out directly onto the magnificent lawns.
When it comes to the reception, you’re spoilt for choice here. Celebrations can be held in one or all of the spaces that make up the suite of ground floor rooms, which include the Tapestry Room (56 dining guests), the Library (109 guests), the Salon (56 dining guests), the Outer Hall, the Morning Room (56 dining guests) and the bar and lounge. When all rooms are hired the house can host 250 guests for the wedding breakfast and 400 for the evening revelries – even more if you chose to add a marquee.
A stunning 19th-century house located on the very edge of Bristol in rural Wrington, Barley Wood benefits from 11 acres of grounds and remarkable views across to the Mendip Hills. Boasting nine beautifully decorated bedrooms, five bathrooms each with roll-top baths and a kitchen and dining space, the house is perfectly equipped for your wedding and a relaxing stay over the course of the weekend. With exclusive use of the house from Friday to Sunday, you can really take in the history and charm of Barley Wood in your own time, enjoying every second of your wedding weekend. What’s more, from exploring in the woodland to taking in the impressive views, the venue isn’t short of wonderful outside spaces to enjoy.
There’s a variety of ceremony spaces available here starting with The Summer House. A beautiful outside area boasting views across to the
Menhip Hills, it has space for 100 loved ones. The ceremony takes place under the shelter of the raised Summer House, overlooking the patio and gardens where guests are seated.
The Morning Room too can seat 100. It’s located on the ground floor and is fully accessible. The room is bright, airy and welcoming, which lends your ceremony an intimate feel.
The Dorothy Lillie Hall can be found on the first floor and is a grand space complete with tall ceilings and panelled walls. The space is large and inviting. Fantastic for a ceremony or wedding breakfast it can play host to 100.
Receptions for 120 guests can cake place throughout the house. It will be entirely yours for the weekend, so your wedding celebration can happen anywhere inside or out. From a drinks reception on the patio to a disco in the Morning Room, there’s plenty of space for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy themselves.
Lakes is an exclusive-use Somerset barn wedding venue offering accommodation for two nights from wedding eve. It boasts three barns for you to enjoy, all sharing breathtaking views across the lakes and the famous Quantock Hills and brought to life by the family owners. Plus, the fabulous Farmhouse offers an incredible bridal prep space complete with hot tub, sauna and handcrafted bar.
The glorious grounds offer you the opportunity to stroll around the meadows and beautifully-kept gardens, before following the path to the ancient oak tree with romantic rope swing. Watch the sunset across the lakes as you toast marshmallows around the firepit, or relax on the lake pontoon as you enjoy the outside feature lighting once the night draws in.
Ceremonies are most popularly held in the Rustic Barn with its original features and cosy low beams. There’s space here for 100 nearest and dearest. Alternatively, the Quantock Barn boasts tall ceilings, inglenook fireplace and fabulous views. Suitable for larger gatherings, it can accommodate 250. For outside “I dos” the lake pontoon is licensed also with a capacity of 250.
The Meadow Barn is an elegant space for your wedding breakfast and speeches. With bifold doors, giant chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling drapes and panoramic views is can host 250. Quantock Barn is your party barn for the evening as well as the central hub for the day. It has standing capacity for 400.
Aldwick Estate has been described as the perfect marriage of historical and modern: the charm of a rustic 17th-century farm happily united with the comforts and efficiency of the 21st century. The venue features two adjacent stone barns linked by the main reception, behind which lies the brick-walled Cellar Bar.
The New Barn and its courtyard offer panoramic views, which flow through the gardens, skim Aldwick’s fields to the River Yeo at the farm’s southern boundary. From the valley rises a patchwork of distant farms and fields to the summit of the Mendip Hills. To the west, the sun sets over Homefield Vineyard, which is a standout amongst the grounds. What better way to commemorate your day than to be pictured amdist the vines that produced grapes for the award-winning wine served at your wedding breakfast?
Old Barn is licensed for civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships, with space for 150 of your nearest and dearest.
Exclusive use of the Estate allows considerable scope to decorate the barns as you wish. The natural light and open feel of the stone barns,
presented in neutral colours, means they lend themselves to any theme or palette. The New Barn can accommodate 150 for the wedding breakfast and 220 for the evening do.
New for 2023, you’ll be offered a complimentary wedding night in Aldwick’s new luxury hideaway lodge. Hidden off the beaten path and set on the edge of the vineyard among the Somerset countryside, this intimate escape for two has been designed with privacy in mind to offer copules a quiet, secluded haven.
BATCH COUNTRY HOUSE
https://batchcountryhouse.co.uk
A comfortable home with a traditional farmhouse feel, Batch Country House boasts cosy lounge areas with ample space. An exclusive-use venue it hosts only one wedding per day.
CLEVEDON PIER
https://clevedonpier.co.uk
A one-of-a-kind setting for your big day, Clevedon Pier offers a range of packages across its Porthole Room, Glass Box and Pierhead.
DAIRYHOUSE FARM 07969 362 812 www.dairyhousefarmsomerset.co.uk
Located on the edge of an ancient woodland overlooking the Somerset levels this venue has a vintage feel and can seat 150 loved ones for a wedding breakfast.
NAILSEA TITHE BARN 01275 855 277
https://nailseatithebarn.co.uk
This 15th-century barn is licensed for weddings and is bound to impress with its huge vaulted ceiling and exposed timber frames, soft grey stone and hidden owl holes. It’s full of romance and character.
WALTON CASTLE 07808 931 973 www.waltoncastle.com
Hire your very own castle for your wedding day. With three beautiful areas to choose from for your ceremony this historical venue offers the picture-perfect backdrop.
WINTER GARDENS PAVILION 01934 411 100
www.westonwintergardens.co.uk
Located on Weston-Super-Mare’s famous beach front, with its rich history and understated elegance, Winter Gardens offers an unforgettable wedding venue with its stunning ballroom.
Bristol and Somerset is full of venues that seem to jump from the pages of literature’s greatest love stories – now it’s time to write your own
www.audries-park.co.uk
St Audries Park is a hidden gem nestled between the rolling Quantock Hills and the glorious Somerset coastline. This exclusive-use venue offers you your very own personal wedding manager to help you plan your big day. What’s more, the outstanding accommodation here is able to sleep more than 100 guests on the night of your wedding across the estate. You’re even offered the opportunity to extend your celebrations beyond the one day with a Party At Peregrine, which provides accommodation and a private meal and drinks facilities for you and your nearest and dearest the night before.
This exclusive-use wedding venue boasts a rich history, which is evident as you walk around, with a winding driveway that leads to the dramatic Gothic entrance. Inside, you’ll find an imposing feature fireplace, ornate solid-oak, hand-carved dining table, a gilded drawing room with baby
Video courtesy of www.whitevillaweddings.co.uk
grand piano and ornate ceiling.
An elegant retreat for those those wanting to tie the knot in Somerset, there’s a 100-acre deer park enveloping the grounds, breathtaking views and well-manicured gardens maintained all year round. The panoramic views stretch as far as the Bristol Channel.
The Orangery offers a picturesque setting for your nuptials. Flooded with natural light throughout the year, providing a bright, airy and neutral space that complements any colour palette. It can host 130 for the ceremony including the two of you. St Etheldreda’s Church sits atop the St Audries Park Estate. Owned and operated by the Church of England, it’s ideal for those wishing to be wed in a religious ceremony and is located just a short stroll away from the main house.
Receptions take place in The Great Hall for 250 evening guests, which boasts a vaulted ceiling with mezzanine level, offering guests a place to dance the night away as well as two bars. The venue can also accommodate 130 for a seated wedding breakfast.
The historical buildings at Hestercombe have plenty of wow factor and offer unrivalled views across the glorious Edwardian gardens and beyond to the imposing Blackdown Hills. The venue features no less than 50 acres of lovingly restored gardens, representing three centuries of work and featuring lakes, cascades, temples, rills, shade-dappled pathways, and romantic corners. The beautiful scenery is tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round providing a very special setting indeed for any big day.
Ceremonies can be held in The Orangery for up to 90 loved ones. A beautiful light-filled setting, this iconic ham-stone building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and offers the ideal backdrop whatever your theme.
Guests can spill out on the Orangery Lawn and enjoy a drinks reception post vows.
The Bampfylde Hall meanwhile, dates back to 1680 and with its high ceilings and dramatic timber beams it provides a memorable space for your vows. There’s room here for 150 nearest and dearest. It’s also home to wedding receptions at Hestercombe and can seat 112 guests for the wedding breakfast and can accommodate 150 for the evening do. With a lovely fairylight canopy it offers a charming and romantic atmosphere as you dine and dance the night away.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to exchange vows in the open air, truly making the most of the gorgeous gardens, the Temple Arbour, dating from the 1750s and perched high above the Pear Pond, can seat up to 112. Hestercombe House too can host intimate ceremonies and receptions in its period rooms.
A privately-owned country-house hotel with 17 individually decorated ensuite bedrooms with dining areas and bar, Combe House Hotel also boasts a year-round function marquee with starlit ceiling, picture windows, bar, dancefloor, lighting and PA system. Set in the magnificent Quantock Hills in four-and-a-half acres of its own grounds and picturesque gardens, it also has access to the Hills and within a mere three-minute walk there’s a large open wooden area, ideal for
Indoor ceremonies are held in the hotel’s lounge where there’s space for 80 of your nearest and dearest. It’s an intimate ceremony area with wood-beamed ceilings, a large open fireplace dressed with foliage, and a wood burner. Al fresco “I dos” take place in the pan-tiled Corner House, a three-sided structure complete with rose arch entrance and cream aisle carpet on shingles. It can host 110 loved ones.
Celebrate in style in the Hotel dining room. A private dining area located inside the main hotel it boasts picture windows and can seat 45. Alternatively for larger numbers, there’s the permanent year-round marquee. Fully glazed and heated with a starlit ceiling it can host 110 guests. There’s also a full bar and dancefloor facilities to be enjoyed.
Clevedon Hall is a lavish mansion house set in the heart of North Somerset just 15 minutes from Bristol. Its extensive grounds are filled with photo opportunities from the lake and bridge, to the beautiful meadow or wilderness walk, all overlooked by Hebe’s fountain. If you’re lucky you might even be able to get a deer to join you for a photo! The venue is also just a couple of minutes away from Clevedon Pier and the sea, offering a dramatic backdrop for some showstopping sunset pictures.
There are a number of different space options available here offering you the ultimate flexibility and choice for your big day. The Great Hall can host up to 120 loved ones for the “I dos.” This offers an amazing entrance with a balcony walk down to the aisle framed by stained glass windows. The Gazebo offers a further licensed ceremony option and can
accommodate up to 150. This beautiful setting overlooking the lake and lawn is perfect for anyone looking to get married outside surrounded by wild flowers.
The Library can accommodate up to 100 guests for the ceremony and 124 for the reception with guests seated at round tables and 130 if seated banqueting style. It boasts a wealth of original architectural details, which have been lovingly restored. The Orangery can hold 150 nearest and dearest for the ceremony and 130 to 140 for your celebrations depending on table configuration. The interior is beautifully light thanks to its stunning windows overlooking the main building and gardens. If you want to bring the outside in, this is the space for you.
Ideal for intimate occasions, the Dame Rosa Burden can host up to 60 guests for your vows and 50 for the wedding breakfast. Its big bay windows overlook the grounds and directly onto the lake. With its stunning architecture it’s definitely the place to make a grand entrance.
Thornbury Castle, the honeymoon destination of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, is steeped in history inside and out. From the original walls and mounting steps where the former King would have once stood, to the feature oriel windows and 500-year-old chimneys, there’s always something to revel in for the history fan. Every room allows you to step back in time and each bedchamber includes individual Tudor features such as four-poster beds and stone walls. The grounds too are beautifully historical and thanks to the hard-working gardening team are some of the best-preserved Tudor gardens in England.
There’s an impressive choice of locations when it comes to your ceremony. The most intimate of which is The Library suitable for 14 guests. It features wood-panelled walls and an oriel window. The Lounge is slightly larger and can host 24, and the biggest of the indoor spaces is The Tudor Hall, which can accommodate 75 loved ones. It features stone
walls, original fireplace, an oriel window plus additional adjacent rooms.
If you prefer to tie the knot al fresco, The Summerhouse can hold 14 nearest and dearest and is a charming feature of the rose garden. The Goodly Gardens are suitable for guest lists of up to 75 people and features some of the oldest Tudor gardens in England all surrounded by stone walls.
The Barons Sitting Room is suitable for receptions for up to 20 loved ones, with original beams, an ornamental fireplace and one long feature table. The Chancellors Lounge is a private space for guests to enjoy throughout the day with views of the front lawn and inside courtyard.
Adjacent rooms, The Tudor Hall and Boyling House can together host 75 day and 120 evening guests. The former acts as the wedding breakfast area, following which you’ll adjourn into the Boyling House with reception room and private bar.
Angela and Chris said “I do” at Bristol Register Office on 3rd May, 2022, before heading to the Hotel du Vin for their chic city-centre celebrations
Images courtesy of Taylor-Hughes Photography
Chris and Angela met online. “Not very exciting, but I guess it’s the modern way of dating,” Angela laughs. Perhaps so, but there is nevertheless a funny story behind how they were matched. While Chris was on holiday in Sweden he’d accidentally set his Tinder account to Singapore, where Angela was working as a nurse at the time! Three months after they started talking, Chris decided to travel to Singapore to meet Angela. “It definitely wasn’t love at first sight,” she says. “Chris and I are totally different apart from our love of travel. We don’t have any common interests at all, but we enjoyed learning a lot from each other. I think that’s what excites us, there’s never a boring day.” Angela and Chris would then meet up every three months and during those times travelled around Asia and Europe together, without thinking of anything serious. Having visited England on one such trip though, Angela unexpectedly fell in love with the place, the culture and the people, and successfully applied for a nursing job in Bath. “Chris and I finally decided to give our love story a try and I moved to England in 2019,” she tells us.
Lockdowns brought the pair closer and by the end of 2020 Angela knew Chris was the man for her. They started to discuss the subject of marriage soon after and decided to make it official. “There was no grand proposal, no traditional one knee. Chris proposed with a glass of gin and tonic and a ring, which was no less special. Everyone has a different take on how they want it to be, and I’m truly, genuinely happy,” Angela tells us.
The bride envisioned an intimate, simple and elegant big day, and luckily Chris wanted the same. They told their friends they wanted their wedding to be a party where everyone could be themselves and have fun while celebrating their love story. They opted for the registry office to make everything official. “I didn’t want to walk down the aisle with all eyes on me. I wanted our vows and our promises to be between the two of us. So, we chose a room where there were only two witnesses allowed,” Angela shares. However, since it had been two years since everyone had been permitted a real party, the happy couple wanted to celebrate with their friends and family too. They viewed only two venues and as soon as they saw the Hotel du Vin, they knew it was the one.
Join us, as Angela tells us more about the couple’s wedding-day adventures...
Angela’s vision was of a chic, intimate, elegant affair and opted for a minimalist black and white palette. For favours, the couple wanted something guests could use, something that would represent them. So, they gifted everyone gin in honour of Chris’ proposal and Angela’s love for the tipple. She found the perfect Glaswegin bottles to suit the monochrome theme and bought tags to label each one.
When it came to the table plan and remaining design aesthetic, Angela wanted to focus on flowers and candles. The reception was set up with one long table to seat their 30 guests, which was adorned in black and white blooms and candles.
“The cake was just perfection,” Angela remembers. Simple yet elegant, we’re told it was also very tasty. Despite the fact they wouldn’t describe themselves as traditional, they thoroughly enjoyed the planning process from cake tasting to choosing wedding rings. “I think what I loved the most was the food tasting at the Hotel du Vin,” the bride remembers.
To make sure they didn’t miss a memory, the couple provided an Instax camera for guest book photos. Guests had fun taking part as did the newlyweds while reading the resulting messages.
Angela knew what she wanted to wear on her big day even before getting engaged. “I’m 5ft 2in and petite, so I knew I didn’t want a princess or big dress. I also felt that would be too much for a registry office wedding.” She discovered the perfect outfit online – Gia by Sarah Seven New York, found a UK stockist and ordered it. But when it arrived three months beforehand it didn’t fit. “I panicked and bought another dress from The White Outlet, also short, and booked to have it altered to make it just perfect. I brought the original one with me and lo and behold, two months before W-day, it fit me!” Angela tells us. So, she decided to wear the original for her ceremony and keep the second for the reception. She finished her outfit with a long veil, about which she’d like to point out: “My wedding took place before the Kardashian’s – so I wore it first!”
Chris was a bit last minute choosing his wedding attire and Angela ended up booking him in at Clifton Suits herself just a month before the wedding. He chose a traditional black and white suit. “It was perfect,” says his bride.
The pair decided to have their couple portraits shot before the ceremony, allowing them to join the drinks reception straight after the “I dos.” Guests loved the open bar cocktail hour, where they could all mingle and chat before they sat down to the wedding breakfast. The venue offered three options for each of the three courses, so everyone loved the variety of choice. As the bride has no family she chose to give her own speech, which went down a treat!
Angela says, “I’ve never attended a party where I felt so happy and relaxed. Chris had a great time, he never thought a wedding could actually be fun! It showed in all our photos, there was so much laughter.”
The newlyweds set off for Athens and Santorini, Greece, on honeymoon and stayed for eight days. Three days after the wedding, Angela had to sit an exam for her masters course, so they flew out after that. “It was the most stressful week of my life, but I passed,” Angela shares.
“Skip traditions that don't fit your style. It's your wedding. Do what makes you happy.”
Venue, Hotel du Vin Bristol City Centre, www.hotelduvin.com | Photographer, Taylor-Hughes Photography, https://taylorhughesphotography.com
Ceremony dress, Heart Aflutter Bridal Boutique, www.heartaflutterbridal.co.uk | Reception dress, The White Outlet, www.thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk/outlet | Alterations, Abigail Westrup Bridal, https://abigailwestrupbridal.com | Accessories, The Bobby Pin, https://thebobbypin.co.uk | The White Collection, www.thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk | Lily & Roo | Shoes, Jimmy Choo | Hair stylist, Juta Zorubiene Wedding Hair, www.instagram.com/jutazorubiene | Make-up artist, Amy Rose Make Up, www.amyrosebridalmakeup.com | Groom’s suit, Clifton Suits, www.cliftonsuits.co.uk | Cake, The Macaroom, www.macaroom.co.uk | Flowers, Les Fleurs Floral Design, www.lesfleursbristol.co.uk Stationery, Violet Paper Studio | Wedding stylist/coordinator, The Planning Lounge, https://theplanninglounge.co.uk | Favours, Glaswegin, https://glaswegin.com | Wedding rings, Vashi
“Every one of our suppliers made our day special. They all went above and beyond to make it perfect.”
Amy and Andrew met as teenagers when Amy would visit her auntie and uncle over the summer holidays – Andrew lived opposite them. One day, 12-year-old Amy went for a run around the village and got lost, so Andrew was sent out to find her. That was their first encounter, and during one of her subsequent visits he was her first kiss. She visited most summers and although they lived four hours apart, the two remained friends through social media. Years went by and they both met someone and each had a child with their respective partners, but the relationships weren’t right and once they’d become single again they got back in touch. Following the first lockdown in 2020, they decided to bite the bullet and meet up. Amy tells us, “This felt risky to me as I knew we’d have feelings for each other and I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. It was indeed love at first sight... again. Andrew always says that as soon as he
After meeting as teenagers, Amy and Andrew’s paths were destined to cross again Images courtesy of Nicky Hill Photography
saw me that day he knew I was the one he was going to marry.”
The couple chose St Michael and All Angels Church in East Coker as the venue for the ceremony. Amy has family connections as her late grandfather was a bell ringer there for many years. He also made a stained-glass window for the back of the church. Her late grandma too was a regular congregant.
“Being married at the church made me feel closer to Popa, like he was there on my big day. Colin, the vicar, was brilliant. He had a wonderful sense of humour and warmth, which made the whole experience feel really personal,” Amy explains. For the reception all assembled would move on to Hornsbury Mill. This venue had significance to Andrew as his nanna got married there.
Join us as the bride tells us more about the beautiful summer’s day they said “I do”...
I wore a beautiful gown by Enzoani, which I purchased from 14 and Sixpence in Taunton. The boutique owner, Cathy, made me feel so welcome and made the event of choosing my wedding gown very special.
My hair was even better than I could ever have wished for. Lucie at LUCO is my regular hairdresser and she finished off the style with some lovely wax flowers. My make-up too was flawless.
I expected to feel very anxious on the morning of the wedding, but actually I was completely calm. I just knew Andrew was absolutely the only man for me and I couldn’t wait to call him my husband.
Andrew wore a suit with a stone-coloured waistcoat to contrast the groomsmen’s whose waistcoats matched their suits. The groom also wore a different buttonhole and maroon braces.
All the men and our boys wore braces and dickie bows.
The bridesmaids were dressed in mauve dresses with lace on the body and capped lace sleeves.
We hoped to bring some extra joy to our wedding guests so we tucked scratch cards inside tiny envelopes and sealed them with personalised stickers.
Our centrepieces were terrariums with a large, grey, marble-effect candle inside and tea lights surrounding the outside. Fresh eucalyptus was draped around them.
The place names were a simple design in dusky pink with names handwritten in gold.
Our cake was a simple, two-tier bake. The bottom layer was chocolate and the top was white chocolate and raspberry topped with buttercream. It was dressed with fresh flowers and the topper was a wire sign, which read: “Finally.”
For the venue flowers and bouquets created by Floweringi in Chard we chose dusky pink, mauve and cream blooms with greenery. Our church arrangements included the same colours and were provided by Elaine Dugdale, a local florist in East Coker who knew the church well and how to dress it.
We opted for drinks and canapés on arrival, afternoon tea for our wedding breakfast and a hog roast in the evening. We wanted to keep the feel of the day casual, light and fun, so we decided against a three-course meal.
Our photographer, Nicky, and her assistant were both brilliant. They organised everyone and made sure they were exactly where they needed to be. It was important to Andrew and I to have relaxed, candid photography and she captured the feel of the day perfectly. Every time we look at our photos we’re transported back to the day.
A fabulous band called The Indies entertained us throughout the day. Two members kicked things off with an acoustic set while guests were arriving and mingling. Then in the evening, the other band members joined in for sets of rock/pop music as we all danced the night away. They really were brilliant.
The day after the wedding we stayed at Kentisbury Grange in North Devon for three nights. The hotel and food were incredible. The staff were so friendly and went above and beyond to make our minimoon so special. Due to Covid travel restrictions, we decided to honeymoon at a later date and plan to go to Indonesia next year.
My dad’s speech was touching and funny giving everyone a few laughs. It was lovely to see him looking so proud of both me and Andrew. Andrew’s dad asked the band to play Simon and Garfunkel’s Mrs Robinson in honour of my new name and we had a dance together. My father-in-law is a brilliant man, he’s a second father to me.
Venue and catering, Hornsbury Mill, https://hornsburymill.co.uk | Photographer, Nicky Hill Photography, www.nickyhillphotography.com | Bride’s dress, 14 and Sixpence, www.14andsixpence.co.uk | Wedding rings, Berry’s Jewellers, www.berrysjewellers.co.uk | Hair stylist, Lucie at LUCO, www.facebook.com/luciecoleshairdesign | Make-up artist, Revive Hair and Beauty, www.facebook.com/revivehairandbeautyuk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Chi Chi London | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros | Cake, Cakes by Annette, http://cakesbyannette.co.uk | Venue flowers and bouquets, Floweringi, www.floweringi.co.uk | Church flowers, Elaine Dugdale | Transport, The Somerset Travel Company, https://somersettravelcompany.co.uk | Stationery (order of service), Print and Design, http://printanddesign.info | Stationery (place names), Elleinks, www.instagram.com/elle.inks | Stationery (invitations), Polly Pickle, www.pollypickledesign.com | Entertainment, The Indies via Entertainment Nation, www.entertainment-nation.co.uk Venue styling, Events With Friends, https://eventswithfriends.co.uk
The Bishop’s Palace is an incredibly unique wedding reception venue steeped in over 800 years of history. From the remains of the Great Hall to the 14 acres of RHS partner gardens, to the Palace buildings themselves, the impact of The Bishop’s Palace is truly enchanting and one which lasts a lifetime.
Our stunning 14 acres of tranquil gardens set within the ancient ramparts and protected by the moat will form an unforgettable part of your wedding experience. The Palace’s medieval Undercroft is a truly magical location for your wedding breakfast, seating 105 at maximum capacity along our bespoke wooden banqueting tables or 155 for an evening reception. The Undercroft is not only beautiful, but also versatile, desirable and is an atmospheric space to enjoy good food surrounded by family and friends. Following your speeches and the cutting of the cake, you can retire to the Palace’s elegant Long Gallery for Tea and coffee. Relax and take time to enjoy this more informal part of your day with your guests whilst we transform the Undercroft into the space for your first dance as a married couple.
Our weddings manager Imogen would be delighted to meet you for a personal tour of our very special venue.
Contact Imogen Martin on: imogen.martin@bishopspalace.org.uk Tel: 01749 988111 (Ext. 217)
Stephanie and John styled their day in a gloriously multicoloured palette of pastels with cornflower blue accents Images courtesy of Daniella Marinos Photography
Stephanie and John’s relationship began as long-distance friends. They met on a night out, but Stephanie was living in Kent at the time, and John in Bristol. While they’d meet up through mutual friends whenever Stephanie visited Bristol they’d otherwise spend their time playing video games together online. Eventually, Stephanie moved to Bristol and they began spending much more time together before they started dating a few months later.
Each year on their anniversary the couple would visit Westonbirt Arboretum, which was somewhere they’d spent one of their first dates. On one such visit, celebrating five years together, they walked around the entire site and when they reached a quiet
spot with no one else around, John got down on one knee and asked Stephanie to marry him. Through happy tears she asked him if he was being serious then said “yes” as quickly as possible! When looking for a wedding venue, high on the agenda was somewhere they could celebrate the entire day from ceremony to reception. They also wanted somewhere they could spend the night and offered them exclusive access throughout the day.
“We’d viewed one or two places before Coombe Lodge, but as we started walking around, we both knew this was the one. I even got a bit emotional,” Stephanie remembers.
Read on as the bride shares her happy memories of the big day, 27th March, 2022...
I chose a fit-and-flare dress in ivory, which helped to show off the beautiful lace detail. I adored the lace-up back and sparkle. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I also wore Ruby Shoos, Willow. They were white with blue soles – my something blue.
The groom wore a grey tweed slimfit suit with a double-breasted waistcoatand pocket watch. All the men had personalised cufflinks. John’s featureda D20 dice as he loves D&D, the best man had a bass clef as he playscello in an orchestra, and the groomsmen had tennis rackets or AstonVilla logos. They all wore tie pins with their initials inscribed on them aswell as pocket squares to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.
We made our wedding bands ourselves. We took a weekend tripto Worthing in Sussex and visited Orla James to make our ownwedding rings. I made John’s and John made mine, which gavethem a really personal feel. These are fantastic memories andreally got us excited for the big day.
When the time came to walk down the aisle, all the emotions started overflowing and I couldn’t wait to get to John as quickly as possible! After the ceremony, nothing could bother me, nothing could make me sad or frustrated, and I just wished we could have done it all over again.
John says, “I was gutted that one of my groomsmen and another important friend were unable to make it having to caught Covid, but I settled into the day with the help of my best man. By the time Stephanie rounded the corner and I saw her for the first time, I knew it would be the most amazing day. I smiled and laughed more than I ever had before, I couldn’t have asked for a more magical day.”
One of my bridesmaids was so emotional she forgot her duty of sorting out my train and sobbed through the whole ceremony. My uncle even reached forward three rows to give her a packet of tissues in an attempt to spare the make-up! What caught me by surprise though was seeing each groomsmen well up or shed a tear, which neither of us expected!
The bridesmaids wore blue floor-length dresses (Miranda from Babaroni). They were all gifted cherry blossom necklaces on the morning of the wedding.
We wanted to include as many colours as possible in our floral arrangements and our florist was able to incorporate a wide range of pastel hues, not just in the bouquets but also in the arch we were married beneath. The stairs were beautifully decorated too.
We wanted a wildflower feel to our centrepieces, which we definitely got. They had the burst of colour as well as being delicate and not overly busy.
Our cake maker worked with our florist to ensure everything was tied together, as well as incorporating an ombre effect to match the bridesmaids’ dresses
Our florist supplied a mirror for the table plan and I cut out and applied the guests names to it ensuring font continuity throughout all of thestationery. I also made the place names using a pastel watercolour theme.
Our tables were all named after different types of trees – beech, redwood, oak etc. This reflected our engagement at the arboretum.
We dotted framed photos of ourselves around the venue showing various points throughout our relationship. We also made our own signage to explain the unplugged ceremony and direct everyone to the guest book table.
The weather was beautiful so during the day we served food, had somemusic playing and let people chat and mingle. In the evening, we had aDJ to keep the dancefloor busy and a photo booth for everyone to enjoy andtake pictures home, while taking the second copies for ourselves.
We had a firework display that lasted around 10 minutes. It was colour coordinated to match our theme, which was incredible.
Our first dance was to I Love You Because by Jim Reeves. It was a song that my nan and grandad used to dance to a lot. Sadly, my grandad passed away last year, so we wanted to honour him and make sure he was still part of the day. We performed a short routine that our dance teacher helped us to choreograph and learn.
We’ve not had our main honeymoon yet as we wanted to go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms, but with Covid still causing entry issues, we’ve postponed. Instead, we had a minimoon to the Lake District on Lake Windermere. We kept the location secret and only text our mothers to tell them we’d arrived safely, then turned our phones off. It was fantastic to decompress and reflect on what had just happened.
You can never over-prepare. Pack everything the day before, have an assembly line for getting ready, and get someone in the wedding party who is detail orientated to double check everything on the day.
Venue and catering, Coombe Lodge, www.coombelodge.co.uk
| Photographer, Daniella Marinos Photography, www.daniellamarinosphotography.com
| Videographer, James Moore Photography and Videography, www.jamesmooreweddingfilms.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Belle of the Ball Bridal, www.belle-ofthe-ball.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Hayley Heron Hair, www.instagram.com/hayley_heron_hair | Eyelashes, Katie Hobbs Beauty, www.instagram.com/katiehobbsbeauty Bridesmaids’ dresses, Babaroni | Groom’s suit, Dyfed, www.dyfedmenswear.co.uk | Cake, Bodkin Bakes, www.bodkinbakes.co.uk
Flowers, The Wilde Bunch, www.thewildebunch.co.uk | Entertainment, Kieran Clarke Entertainment, https://kieranclarkeents.co.uk Fireworks, Sky Rascal, www.skyrascal.co.uk | Wedding rings, Orla James, www.orlajames.com | Dance lessons, Dance Factory Bristol, www.dancefactorybristol.com
has over 36 years of experience, honing her skills as a flower designer. Having started learning the art of flower design a year before her wedding in order to design her own bridal bouquets, Julia understands how special flowers can be. Julia has a fantastic eye for detail and can create the most beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements for any occasion.
John P has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting versatile jazz singers to emerge in the South West in recent years. His smooth vocals encompass a wide repertoire from the great American songbook, with influences from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and, more recently, Michael Bublé and Robbie Williams. He can also perform classic favourites from 60s, 70s & 80s and Musical Theatre songs.
John P performs to professional backing arrangements or with Capitol Swing band, offering different packages to suit your requirements for the whole wedding day.
We love this celebration of individuality brought to the world of weddings Images courtesy of Victoria Welton Photography
The idea behind this local shoot was to show that everyone is beautiful in their own unique way. “We shouldn’t have to change our style or who we are to conform with what society deems to be a beautiful bride,” shoot coordinator Susanne Clark from Louisa Jackson Bridal and Bridal Reloved Street explains. Indeed, as we always say: do your wedding your way and you can’t go far wrong.
“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.”
This talented local team set out to present a traditional venue in a contemporary, relaxed way, befitting the modern and diverse couples of today
Images courtesy of Jennifer Jane Photography
Ashining example of Regency architecture, The Royal Crescent in Bath is an iconic location having featured in many a period drama. So as you can imagine The Royal Crescent Hotel, situated at the heart of this historical landmark, offers an exceptional venue for weddings complete with grand interiors. The idea behind this shoot, captured at the stunning Hotel, was to create a wedding concept to complement, yet contrast the formal, linear quality of the Regency interiors with a soft, chic, contemporary vibe fit for modern nuptials.
The team created two dining options. The indoor design features soft draped chiffons, peachy autumnal tones, loose and romantic florals and luxurious handmade stationery. Meanwhile, the second option was a more relaxed outdoor banquet showcasing the beautiful hotel grounds. It features a relaxed afternoon tea with simple, crisp, contemporary décor.
Design and venue styling, Ambience Venue Styling Bath, www.ambiencevenuestyling.com/wedding-stylists/bath | Venue, Royal Crescent Hotel, www.royalcrescent.co.uk | Photographer, Jennifer Jane Photography, www.jenniferjanephotography.co.uk | Dresses, Lace & Grace Bridal Boutique, www.laceandgracebridal.co.uk | Accessories, Sarah Vuong Bridal Jewellery, www.sarahvuongbridaljewellery.com | Hair and make-up, Leanna Biggs Makeup and Hair, www.leannabiggsmakeupandhair.com | Cake, Posh & Cake, www.poshandcake.co.uk | Flowers, Goldfinch Floral Studio, www.goldfinchfloralstudio.co.uk | Stationery, The Whole Cadboodle, www.caboodle.wedding | Catering, Three Little Figs, www.threelittlefigs.co.uk Cutlery, chairs and stoneware plates, Prestige Event Equipment Hire, www.prestige.biz | Ribbons, The Silk Studio, www.thesilkstudio.co.uk Model, Thirowshie Srijeyaram
The region’s wedding photographers showcase some of their most emotive shots
Whether you have 150 guests or 15, the rollercoaster of wedding-day emotions is ever present, from preceremony nerves through to dancefloor elation. It’s these special moments that make your big-day memories so special and your photographer will be there to beautifully immortalise every one.
So, to celebrate weddings big and small, we asked the region’s photographers to share their favourite emotive shots. We may have even shed a tear or had a giggle over one or two ourselves!
As your celebrant and wedding officiant I am 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. 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.
Designing a wedding ceremony that is personal, participatory and held with care, love and intention 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.
“Isla’s approach is thoughtful, intuitive and flexible. She worked with us to come up with the perfect order of ceremony, incorporating our ideas and suggesting rituals which would symbolise some of our goals as a couple. Our guests gave us fantastic feedback, even the most traditional saying it was the best wedding they had been to.”
“She held the ceremony with such elegance and familiarity and conducted the ceremony with such gentle confidence and ease. From start to end we felt supported, loved and able to just be us. .”
ISLAMACLEOD.COM | INSTAGRAM @ISLAJMACLEOD
More so since the pandemic than ever before, couples are looking to make their weddings a unique celebration of whatever makes them the perfect duo, and are ever on the lookout for ways to reflect their shared interests, personalities and life together. So, if this sounds like you, you’ll want to read on! We’re oh-so lucky to be part of a region so full of such clever and creative folk, crafting one-of-a-kind products to bring that personal, extra-special touch to your nuptials. From jewellery to favours, stationery to keepsakes they’ve got you covered. Join us now, as we meet some of them.
Meet the maker, Natalie Drane Natalie is owner/designer at Wedbury Creative, a small environmentally conscious wedding stationery business based in Somerset. Her passion for art and design in school, through to college and university, progressed into a much-loved career in the creative industry as a graphic designer, where she’s had the pleasure of working on many creative campaigns for national and international clients. In 2012, she entered the world of wedding stationery and along with her husband-to-be Greg, she was her first customer! “I learnt so much from our journey as both client and creator, developing a huge passion for wedding stationery along the way. I had so many ideas for designs, but only had the one wedding to design for,” Natalie tells us. That was when the seed for Wedbury Creative was planted.
Whether you love Wedbury Creative’s semi-bespoke collections, or would like to work with the team to create your own unique bespoke design, you’ll be guided through every step of your wedding stationery journey to realise your vision. You can rest assured too that once your stationery has been enjoyed, your guests can keep it as a momento of your day or recycle every element as all of Wedbury Creative’s designs are 100 per cent recyclable, using carefully selected FSC-certified recycled papers and biodegradable non-toxic glue.
Natalie says, “It’s so important to remember your wedding is all about you as a couple and your stationery should reflect this. As your stationery is most likely the first opportunity you’ll have to give your guests a glimpse of the big day, it’s the perfect place to set the tone. Whatever your style and vibe.
“If you have no idea where to begin, I often think it’s a good idea to grab a pen and paper, along with a cup of something hot and think of some key points to see if you can draw inspiration from them.
Your venue: what made you fall in love with it? Was it the architecture, the era, the location?
A special moment shared as a couple: what are your favourite things to do together?
Your wedding attire: there may be a particular detail in your chosen outfit that you’d love to include whether it be a pattern, texture or colour.
Pinterest: such a treasure trove of ideas, but it can become a little overwhelming, so try to remain anchored by you as a couple without veering too far away from that.
“Still not sure? We’re here to help and it’s what we love to do!”
Meet the maker, Christina Oswin Christina set up her jewellery-making business in 2003 from her workshop in Frome. Sustainability has been the key focus throughout this time with the metal and gemstones she uses, as well as through the workshop practice.
Especially for you Christina uses recycled and Fairtrade silver, gold and platinum to make her stunning pieces, along with ethical gemstones including fair-mined sapphires and alluvial Ocean Diamonds. “It’s always a joy to make bespoke engagement, wedding and commitment rings. I can also remodel old items into a new ring, which gives the new piece a lovely sentiment,” she says. “Don’t leave choosing your rings until the last minute! Visit a jeweller early in your wedding-planning process so you can get advice and then set a budget. Bespoke rings take time, especially if they need to be fitted to an engagement ring, allow six to eight weeks for making the ring and a couple of weeks for tweaking the size if necessary.”
Keep it personal Christina says, “Consider your lifestyle as comfort and durability are crucial. There are so many metals and styles for wedding rings so get advice and research what’s best for you. If you want gemstones go for hard-wearing stones such as diamonds, sapphires or rubies in secure settings and avoid having them all around the ring, so they don’t get damaged and the band can be resized easily. I’d recommend going to an independent maker. You get a bespoke service and so many more affordable design options.”
HERMIONE HARBUTT www.hermioneharbutt.com | @hermioneharbuttHermione is a master artisan creating contemporary accessories for weddings since 2008. Her signature style is instantly recognisable and highly coveted both by brides and the fashion elite. Renowned for her warmth and personal approach with all her clients, Hermione is known for her intricate headpieces, crowns, millinery, race wear and jewellery, all available in her beautiful showroom in Bristol’s Clifton Arcade (as well as online and in her London showroom).
Accessories make a very personal style statement and Hermione knows how important it is to find the perfect pieces to complement that special wedding gown or outfit. She offers bespoke services, one-of-a-kind pieces and an array of beautiful, intricate accessories. Featuring the finest freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and gemstones, these are all meticulously crafted by hand for each and every bride. Offering a bespoke service allows you to perfectly match pieces to your dress, theme and personal style, or to incorporate an important family heirloom. Alternatively, there’s also a range of intricate accessories available to buy on the same day from either of the showrooms.
Keep it personal Marketing manager at Hermione Harbutt Zara Craddock says, “Taking the opportunity to have something created bespoke is one of the best ways to personalise an important part of your bridal outfit. Wearing a piece that’s personal to you and your wedding day creates sentimental memories that last a lifetime and leaves you with a special heirloom piece to treasure.”
The San Francisco Fudge Factory is a small, independent, family-run handmade fudge shop, which has been based in the centre of the historical city of Bath since 2005. Run by husband and wife team Mark, the main fudge cook, and Maureen, his American wife, all of the fudge is handmade to a traditional American recipe. The sweet treats contain only five natural ingredients: milk, butter, cream, sugar and glucose syrup. A range of delicious natural flavours are then added to this basic recipe to create more than 32 different options. For example, the best-seller, salted caramel, is made with the team’s own handmade caramel and a sprinkling of sea salt. In addition to fudge, the company also produces a variety of handmade confectionery such as chocolate honeycomb, butterscotch and caramel apples as well as its own vegan fudge. “We pride ourselves on the quality of ingredients, which can be tasted in our fudge and other sweet treats,” we’re told.
When it comes to weddings being a small, independent business really comes in to play as the team can be super-flexible. As standard, they offer wedding favours in the shape of a slice of fudge (in a flavour of your choice) or a tablet heart in a cellophane bag with a ribbon tie in a colour to match your palette. Also available is a fudge cake – a tiered stack of fudge pieces featuring whichever of the flavours your hearts desire. This is a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake.
Outside of this, the team are more than happy to discuss your requirements and will always endeavour to work with you to make your vision become a reality. So, if you’re looking for handmade honeycomb for each of your nearest and dearest, perhaps caramel apples all round, or even options for your vegan guests, they’re always open to a chat.
The San Francisco Fudge Factory’s Sharon says, “For a truly personalised wedding, we’d advise to use, where possible a small, independent business. Such a supplier will always be able to listen to what you want and won’t be constrained or limited by their product range. Instead, they can make something truly bespoke for you, and help to make your wedding dreams come true!”
www.flowerpreservationworkshop.co.uk @flowerpreservationworkshop
Rachael is the owner and lead designer of the Flower Preservation Workshop. She has worked in the floristry industry since she was just 17 – “So not very long,” she says with a wink! The company is a small, family-run business, and Rachael and the team pride themselves on their high-quality craftsmanship and bespoke paperweights.
By placing an order with the Flower Preservation Workshop, you can have your wedding flowers preserved and transformed into an everlasting keepsake, allowing you to relive that beautiful day with every glance. Rachael says, “Whether you’re having a large or small wedding, flowers are such an important part. Why let something so beautiful perish when they can be preserved into a gorgeous paperweight ensuring they’ll live forever and continue to hold the same significance they did on your special day?”
Rachael says, “Include meaningful details and don’t forget that we can incorporate any sentimental objects into your paperweight allowing you to cherish those memories.”
Autumn is a great time for a wedding and there are a few ways to incorporate the season into your wedding cake. Reds, yellows, greens and browns are great colours to use for flowers, foliage and ribbon. Fruits, berries and even woodland animals can also add a wonderful feature or element to your cake.
When it comes to flavours think of warmth and spice. The traditional rich fruit cake is a great fit for this time of year, and how about a decadent chocolate indulgence or a carrot cake full of sultanas and walnuts? My toffee fudge cake with pieces of creamy fudge, filled with toffee fudge buttercream and a caramel sauce offers flavours reminiscent of Bonfire Night and Halloween, while my Baileys infused sponge would send you towards Christmas in style.
Autumn blooms are my absolute favourite. It’s that magical time of year when nights get darker and cooler and the leaves on the trees turn golden. As we shift seasons, nature transitions from rich greens to an array of golds, silver, bronzes, browns and deep reds. October and November weddings can be some of the most stunning as we’re spoilt for choice with stunning flowers that thrive at this time of year. From textured fiery foliage to dried grasses and berries. A few of my favourites to include in an autumnal bridal bouquet are dahlias, spray roses, hypericum berries, eucalyptus, thistles and I love incorporating fiery foliage and dried grasses to create plenty of texture.
Autumn colour palettes don’t need to be all reds, vibrant orange and browns. If you want more of a classic bridal design for your wedding day, go for a more muted design and use a soft palette of off white, pale peach and natural tones throughout your florals for a sophisticated ethereal effect that can be enhanced by hints of rich cappuccino and rust in the foliage giving it a full seasonal feel.
Jenny Hopkin, www.cliftonflowers.co.uk
Sarah Churchill, www.sarahssugarcraft.co.uk
We don’t want just anyone to conduct our personal wedding ceremony. So, how do we find the perfect celebrant for us?
Choosing the right wedding celebrant to make sure you get your gorgeous day your way, is an important and personal decision. You should feel comfortable and have a connection with your celebrant. After all, you’re putting a lot of trust in them. This is the person who’ll be asking you both lots of personal questions about your love story, the person who’ll be with you during the most intimate, nerve-wracking and exciting moments of your day. It’s a very good idea to do some research to find the right one for you. Follow them on social media and you’ll soon discover their personalities and see what past weddings they’ve conducted and, importantly, what others have to say about what they’ve done to help make their day so special.
There are a number of online wedding directories that have lists of celebrants, so you can contact them directly and ask questions. If you like what they have to say, then why not arrange to meet for a cuppa or arrange a Zoom call?
Wedding fairs are fantastic places to look for celebrants too, as you can study from afar and then meet with them directly. You’ll be able to decide straight away if there’s a spark between you all.
Another option is to ask your wedding suppliers for recommendations, such as your venue or photographer. They work alongside many different wedding celebrants every week and will gladly make suggestions.
Finally, when you’re chatting to potentials, try to have a list of questions you want to ask them to see if they have the same vision as you. Will they make sure that you have your wedding your way? If it’s a “yes” then book them!
The very best thing about photo booths is that they’re memory makers, and as such should be personalised to reflect you and your wedding day. We love to make our couples’ wedding photo booths scream their personalities, and we can do this in so many different ways. Here’s just a few of our all-time favourites!
Personalised props. We hand make our props in house, which means anything is possible. The most favourite prop I’ve ever made was the likeness of a couple’s British bulldog!
The prints. Spent a fortune on wedding stationery? Why not trickle that over to your photo booth prints? We encourage our couples to share their stationery with us so we can match as closely as possible to the aesthetic of their day.
The capture options. Perhaps photos aren’t your thing, but you adore video. Photo booths offer so much more than you could imagine, so think about the type of offering that really suits you as a couple. Not many people realise we can create video snippets with music. These are such an awesome way to express not only your personalities, but your guests’ too.
I’m newly engaged and already feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning. Are you able to give me a steer on what I should book when?
It’s all very new and therefore bound to be overwhelming at times. Here we are to the rescue with some initial steps! First is budget. Before you book anything, make sure you have a clear understanding of your own finances and the costs involved. Next, take the Top Three Challenge! Your wedding is a very special day and there’ll be lots of important elements to consider. Choose your top three points that you won’t compromise on. You can then make concessions in other areas, but this will keep your vision on track and guide you towards who you book and when.
The times to book everything can be very fluid. You can organise a wedding in a couple of months or a few years. However, first and foremost ensure the exact date is booked with your venue and officiant/celebrant. This means you all have a target to work towards with guests and suppliers. After this, think about which suppliers are most important to you. Is there a photographer you’ve been admiring for years or beautiful blooms you know one company excels at? Head to these ones first to ensure you don’t disappointingly miss out.
Georgia, wedding coordinator, www.berwicklodge.co.uk
Jen Whitworth, https://jenthecelebrant.co.ukOn the outskirts of Bristol, set in stunning grounds, is Berwick Lodge. A privately owned and independently managed boutique wedding venue and hotel. A hidden secret just waiting to be discovered.
When you drive down the sweeping driveway, to the picturesque and photogenic backdrop of Berwick Lodge, we’ll be here to welcome you and you can expect to feel totally at home.
Perfect for elopements, intimate weddings, or full exclusive use. Whichever size you choose, our wedding license, special spaces and dedicated team offer you total freedom to make your day everything you want it to be.
Berwick Lodge, Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD | 0117 450 7605
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!
751111
Our elegant bridal boutique is perfectly situated in the beautiful village of Bleadon, in the heart of North Somerset, offering close links to Weston-Super-Mare and the M5.
Offering beautiful wedding dresses from outstanding designers such as Madi Lane, Stephanie Allin, and Sophia Tolli; with prices starting at just over £1,000.00 we have a gown to offer every bride.
Our two totally private rooms ensure that you and your guests can relax and enjoy the most luxurious bridal shopping experience possible. We believe that choosing your wedding dress should be the most magical time for you and your guests, from the first moment you walk through our doors, to when the day comes to collect your dress.
SAY IT WITH WORDS Thank your best girls with these personalised beaded bracelets from Ivy & Gold, an affordable gift with prices starting from just £17, www.ivygold.co.uk
Each one is lovingly handmade and available in sterling silver, gold-filled, rose gold-filled, wood, white and black.
These 14-carat white gold pavé hoop earrings, £404, are made with sustainably grown diamonds and form part of the recent collection from jewellers Vrai, https://uk.vrai.com
Grace Loves Lace has recently unveiled the second part of their Amavi occasionwear collection featuring classic bias-cut slip dresses made from 95% recycled satin. The earthy colour palette consists of dusky pink and moss green styles, https://graceloveslace.co.uk
This handmade sterling silver spinner pendant necklace, £88, can be customised with a message on the front and back, the perfect gift for the morning of the wedding, www.wildfawnjewellery.com
Put your best bridal foot forward in these Leah sandals, £525, personalised with ‘Wifey for Lifey’ on the sole, www.sophiawebster.com
Thank the leading lady in your life with this Italian leather trinket box, £110, www noblemacmillan.com
Roco Clothing has just launched a new sustainable collection of dresses that includes a junior flowergirl and teen selection for those fashion-yet-planet-conscious teenagers. This Tinker bodice and floaty layered cap sleeves, www.rococlothing.co.uk
UK-based online jewellery store Primrose Hill Jewellery has unveiled its wedding collection that includes an enchanting range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and sets, like these little gems from Diamonfire, www.primrosehilljewellery.com/wedding-jewellery
The perfect pick for newlyweds, check out the L’Essenziale 18-carat gold bracelet that’s invisibly welded to the wrist (with no clasp) to form an eternal strand from jeweller Atelier VM at Liberty, www.ateliervm.com/eu/en
This 14-carat rose gold Kensington bracelet features a ruby root, a symbol of good fortune, https://tateossian.com
Touch up your wedding dress on the go with this cute pink handheld steamer, £120, https://steamery.co.uk
Princess? Edgy & Cool?
Princess? Edgy & Cool?
50's?
50's?
Modern & Minimalist? Beach Babe? Sexy & Bold?
Modern & Minimalist? Beach Babe?
& Bold?
Pronovias - Madi Lane - Stella York
Justin Alexander - House of Mooshki
Pronovias - Madi Lane - Stella York
Martin
Justin Alexander - House of Mooshki - Martin
Queen?
Bring out your romantic side in one of these dreamy dresses decorated with whimsical lace, ditsy florals and crystal embellishments
These
Look and feel your big day best with help from the professionals
Our whole wedding day will be outside. What do I need to consider when shopping for the dress?
Cathy says: It always helps to picture the date and venue when choosing the perfect dress, especially if the wedding will be outside. For a spring or summer wedding, why not opt for something floaty and romantic. Chiffon, organza or light tulle layers will blow in the breeze and keep you cool. If you want a more formal or princess-style gown, adding a hoop will help take the net away from your legs, adding some air and ease of movement. Ensure you pick the right hoop though, so it blends with your dress seamlessly.
If you want something fitted and sassy consider whether you’ll be walking down steps as you’ll need to take ease of movement into account if so. Your dress should show off your curves, but you should still be able to function. On that note, consider sitting, eating and dancing in any dress style and don’t forget your shoes as there may be grass or the ground may be uneven. You may think about raising your hemline a smidge to help with this.
If your dress has a train, you’ll want to make sure it works for you all day and can be bustled. Try to have this included as part of your alterations, so you’re not carrying it all night or dragging it through fields. It could be hidden at the back, so you can party into the night hands free.
Once the sun goes down, why not add a wrap in the colour palette of your wedding or a lovely soft faux fur in the colder months. And don’t forget your bridal parasol – this will come in handy come rain or shine!
I’m going for a relaxed boho vibe for my wedding. What make-up look would be most fitting?
Jane says: Boho is all about glistening, dewy skin while using minimal products, and letting your natural radiance shine through. The make-up is softer, flawless, more celebratory and has a mood to it with romantic layers of soft natural bronzes and pink hues. This look starts with a new skincare routine several months before the wedding.
Here are a few tips for the big day, or what you can expect to see from your professional make-up artist...
Choose a base primer to suit your skin.
Prime the eyelids to prevent creasing and make shadow last.
Apply concealer under the eyes and on blemishes. Choose a shade one or two lighter than your foundation.
Line and soften eyes. Urban Decay pencil liners are waterproof and great for a boho vibe.
Apply waterproof mascara.
Choose a long-lasting base such as Double Wear from Estée Lauder and mix with BB cream for that dewy radiance.
Blending is key for a flawless look, so use good, clean brushes.
For oily skin apply an oil-control primer and base to prevent shine, and apply a setting powder in the T-zone only.
Avoid caking the base for that natural beauty vibe and stay true to your skin tone. There’s nothing worse than looking back to see a white neck and orange face!
For some warmth get a professional spray tan, but avoid the face directly.
Apply more cream blush than you may think on the apple of the cheeks as a white dress can wash you out.
Highlight liberally down the nose, Cupid’s bow and brow for a touch of radiance.
Opt for a natural lip colour and liner, blotting several times on application to ensure longevity.
Set with a good setting spray – Urban Decay is my recommendation.
My arms are the area I’m most self-conscious about, so I’d love to have them covered. However, my wedding is in the summer, so I’m worried about being hot! Can you help me with any suggestions regarding how to get the best of both worlds?
Sarah says: Don’t worry, this is a common concern. Here’s what we recommend...
Try a few dresses with different sleeve styles – you may find you don’t like them and if that turns out to be the case, then being warm because of them won’t be an issue as you’ll feel able to have your dream dress without them. If you still want to cover your arms, but aren’t happy with a sleeve, try an accessory such as a tulle or chiffon jacket or cape. These are great as they can add detail but be removed if you feel too warm.
Altering the sleeve length is another option. If you see a gown you love, but it’s got long sleeves, ask your boutique about the possibility of shortening them. This can normally be achieved quite easily and laces are available to coordinate with your dress to make a cuff.
Alternatively, why not ditch the sleeves altogether and add an off-the-shoulder strap. This can distract the eye (and you) away from your arms. It’s also a much cooler alternative to a sleeve, but serves the same purpose. Bardot styles have a similar effect.
CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Cathy Keen, www.14andsixpence.co.uk | Jane Dare, www.eyedomakeup.co.uk | Sarah Hackett, www.rookerybridal.co.uk
Let your eyes do the talking on your wedding day with the new range of seamless lashes from Eyelash Emporium. The perfect addition to that popular natural, soft glam bridal make-up look, the SEAMLash collection is designed to be applied underneath the natural lash line to create a bandless finish that lasts up to 24 hours.
Prices start from £12.95 and they’re available in two gorgeous designs: Winged & Wispy, and Full & Fluttery. Check out www.eyelashemporium.com
As you’ll know if you’ve been following her Bride’s Dairy features, our own CWM bride, Melissa Barker (now Cullen), tied the knot this summer. When her make-up artist advised at her trial that she begin a skincare regime and invest in a moisturiser, exfoliator and eye cream, we leapt into action to find the best products for her. Here, Melissa shares her skincare journey to W-day…
£13, 100ml, www.glossybox.co.uk
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this exfoliating scrub, but after just one use, my skin felt smoother and healthier. Unlike many other exfoliators I’ve tried, this wasn’t too harsh on my skin, but still did a great job of cleaning my pores. After six weeks of use, I still have over half of the 100ml bottle left, so it’s great value for money, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
£24, 75ml, www.ameliorate.com
I was a little apprehensive about trying this face cream, as more often than not, new products make my skin break out. I was pleasantly surprised that after just one use, my skin felt hydrated and smooth and best of all, it didn’t cause any unwanted reactions. I’ve been using this twice a day for six weeks, and I’ve definitely seen a smoother and softer result.
This cream is designed to reduce the look of dark spots and smooth the appearance of lines, wrinkles and uneven texture underneath your eyes. I’m 27 and like to think I don’t have too many wrinkles yet, but I do have dark circles, so I was interested to see whether this cream would help. After six weeks of use, it had decreased the puffiness around my eyes and has made the dark circles less noticeable. It’s left my skin feeling soft and hydrated, and a little goes a long way.
Beauty editor Kelly Andrews brings you the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be
When Patchology’s Rosé Sheet Masks landed on my desk in the middle of the summer heatwave I couldn’t wait to get home and chill. Literally that is, as the pack states “served chilled,” so I popped them in the fridge post haste. I’d been suffering with very dry skin, which had me in a panic about Melissa’s impending wedding day and how it would affect the look of my make-up – one more reason to take this mask out for a spin as it’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Even the pack adorned with champagne glasses looks wedding ready!
So, I smoothed one of these chilled sheets masks onto my hot and bothered face and settled myself on the patio with a glass of wine and a book. Let me tell you, after a scorching day, this was heaven. It calmed my angry skin right down, but not only that, the dry patches were much improved after massaging the remaining serum into my skin. In fact, my make-up artist wasn’t sure what I was worried about when I shared my dry skin woes on the big day, and my foundation went on a dream. Thanks Patchology!
£28 for four masks, https://patchology.co.uk
Premium Spanish spa brand Germaine de Capuccinni will be ditching the usual grey bottle of its hero product, Timexpert SRNS Repair Night Progress Serum, in favour of a pink version in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
The brand’s most technologically advanced booster serum for youthful, rejuvenated skin is packed with no less than 22 active ingredients. Having evolved over the years, its new formula includes an innovative ingredient that increases the power of absorption by eight, making the serum penetrate deeper for fast, effective results. At night, while your skin is more receptive, it repairs damage and re-activates cellular regeneration. During the day it protects skin against environmental factors and external aggressors.
£127.50, https://germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk
Far from an ordinary bar of soap, le savon lune from silver-based brand ARgENTUM is an ingenious cleanser in solid form, making it perfect for popping into your suitcase as you head off on honeymoon.
Any water content in the product is replaced with the brand’s patented fusion of silver hydrosol and DNA HP, and targets blemishes while leaving skin clean, cushioned and visibly healthier. Great for men or women, the formulation is also enhanced by bentonite, a colloidal clay composed of aged volcanic ash, traditionally used for its healing effect. Combined with other winning ingredients, this ensures a purifying action without dehydrating or irritating your skin, keeping it in check without upsetting its natural balance. £80, www.argentumapothecary.com
According to experts, keratosis pilaris or strawberry legs is something that’s present in 80 per cent of adolescents and 40 per cent of adults and is aggravated by heat and sun exposure. At last count #strawberrylegs peaked at 144.9 million views, but is still growing. Enter Luna Daily’s Everything Oil, this skincare saviour is clinically proven to visibly reduce ingrown hairs, scars, stretch marks, dark spots, redness and bumps for smooth, soft skin. Plus, this lightweight and deeply moisturising, multi-tasking oil is gentle enough to use anywhere on your body.
£18, https://luna-daily.com
If you prefer to de-fuzz at home, check out Parissa’s 100 per cent natural cruelty-free and leaping-bunny-certified wax range. The products and their packaging are all made from sustainable, ethically-sourced, natural materials, so if you care as much about the environment as you do about what you put on your skin, give them a go. Say “no” to synthetic waxes!
There are a wide range of options available depending on your experience and hair type. I tried Parissa Legs & Body Warm Wax (£13). Just pop it in the microwave to warm it up and you’re off! Everything you need is included from spatulas to strips. I decided to wax one leg and shave the other for comparison. There’s a slight chance I over heated the product as my waxed leg was livid with me afterwards. However, the redness had all gone down by the morning and I was left with a silky-smooth result versus the shaved leg, which was dry and still a bit rough. The waxed leg was good to go beyond the spray tan too, so I didn’t need to risk any damage, and lasted past Melissa’s wedding and well into the following week before I needed to take further action. My advice would be to start with the wax strips if you’re not used to waxing at home or have sensitive skin, but I was super-pleased with the results.
Check out https://parissa.com
The days of using a wealth of products on your hair are over with TAOH, as the brand makes taking care of your locks a doddle with its line of key products with all-in-one solutions to help you achieve the glossiest, most luxe-looking and healthy tresses no matter the type or condition.
The Hydrate Shampoo (£17) and Conditioner (£18) are now a mainstay in my shower and are infused with organic plant oils that have breathed new life into my hair. By far my favourite product in the range though is the TAOH Oil (£20). Argan, macadamia and kukui oils help to restore the life and shine of locks, while promoting scalp health to encourage growth and vitality. It also prevents split ends, calms frizz and detangles. I used it after washing my hair the morning of Melissa’s wedding and received multiple compliments throughout the day about how shiny it looked!
Check out https://taoh.co.uk
We all know stress can play havoc with our skin and let’s face it, planning a wedding can be trying. Peace Out skincare has a range of solution-based products to ensure your complexion is picture-perfect on your big day.
It all starts with the prep and so it’s time to bring your A-game… vitamin A that is! Peace Out’s Retinol Face Stick (£28) and Retinol Eye Stick (£25) offer an encapsulated retinol blend that softens the look of wrinkles and texture without any of the harsh side effects. In addition, the fruit enzyme complex combines papaya and pumpkin to target pores and reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin. Start using three-months prior to the nuptials to ensure you’re wedding ready.
Check out www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Kilian Hennessy, the founder of luxury company Kilian, has been developing his own cologne for years. The result, Kologne, Shield of Protection, is a new scent that’s perfect for the groom-to-be.
Kologne, Shield of Protection is a splash of freshness, made with luminous citrus notes, green mandarin, bitter orange, mint, rosemary, neroli, cedarwood, cashmere and an accord of green vegetal notes.
To find out more, visit www.bykilian.co.uk
AVI-8 Watches have introduced the new Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic. Inspired by the RAF’s No. 1 Squadron and the courageous Arthur “Tay” Clowes, The Hawker Hurricane Clowes Automatic has been designed as a commanding and pronounced watch to honour their incredible accomplishments during WWII.
As a tribute to Clowes and the Squadron he flew for, his aircraft code is stamped into the piece along with a second hand counter-balance created in the form of the Hawker Hurricane. Available to buy from www.avi-8.co.uk
Rotary Watches has launched
The Henley Timepiece Collection.
Powerfully built in stainless steel and sapphire glass, each timepiece is water resistant up to 100m and contains a Miyota quartz-powered chronograph movement and date function.
This new season of Henley products also includes a trio of stylish ladies timepieces. Like their men’s counterparts, each of these watches is made with stainless steel and sapphire glass, as well as a luminescent hand for optimal reading.
Discover more about the collection at www.rotarywatches.com
British independent designer, The Camden Watch Company has announced its move into jewellery. The new Memento Mori 925 sterling silver unisex ring is adorned with the company’s Memento Mori design.
Memento Mori translates as: ‘Remember you must die’, a recurring theme in Victorian jewellery and art. Contrary to how that may sound, Memento Moris was intended as a celebration of life, to remind us that life is short and every second counts.
Anneke Short, designer and co-founder of The Camden Watch Company, said: “While watch design has always been a passion, I originally studied jewellery making and decided it was time to pursue this. While I love all the products we make, the Memento Mori seemed most natural, especially with its link to the Victorian era who had a fascination with collecting Memento Mori keepsakes.”
Head over to www.camdenwatchcompany.com to find out more.
Mr Porter sells must-have luxury fashion from more than 500 of the world’s most sought-after brands. The company are on a mission to provide men with everything they need to look and feel their best.
To help, Danish brand James Ay is now being stocked by Mr Porter. The company is an ode to the modern inventor of sunglasses, James Ayscough. In a vein similarly daring to the pioneer, its biodegradable frames are fully plantbased - made from Mazzucchelli M49 acetate – and range from edgy to classic designs.
Check out www.mrporter.com for more information.
Seasonal must-haves for the groom-to-be
My husband (it still feels weird saying that) and I were engaged for 18 months before we finally tied the knot. Planning our wedding during a global pandemic wasn’t something I ever imagined happening, but thankfully, despite the ups and downs, we managed to have our
special day. I know it’s cliché to say, but we really did have the perfect day, and we wouldn’t have changed a thing. Now that I’m finally Mrs Cullen, I thought I’d take the time to share with you some tips that I learnt from planning our big day...
We chose a rustic property that looked gorgeous all year round.Our wedding coordinator, Eloise, took care of all the details andmade sure everything ran seamlessly. We arranged a last minutemeeting with her to run through the plan for the day, whichwe found was a great help and meant we knew exactly what toexpect. I recommend booking a venue with a dedicated weddingcoordinator or hiring an external company, so that you can relaxand enjoy yourself without having to worry.
Flowers can transform any venue into a beautiful space, so choosing the perfect florist was really important to us. If like me, you’re awful with flower names, I’d suggest going for a ready-made package. I told our florist what I liked and left the rest to her - a decision that saved me hours of stress! One thing I didn’t consider was just how many flowers we would need to take home the next day. We gave our friends and family some of the centrepieces as gifts, which they loved, and it meant we didn’t have to take them all home with us - win, win!
I didn’t anticipate how I would feel after purchasing my dress. I felt so much pressure to have this overcome-with-emotion moment when wearing it, that I started to question if I’d made the right decision. My poor bridesmaids had to deal with so many meltdowns about it, but now that the day has been and gone, I can say that the dress was perfect for me. If you start to panic that you’ve made the wrong choice, think about how you felt when you first tried it on and cling to that feeling. I had several photos of myself in the dress that I would obsess over and criticise, and if I could go back in time, I would delete those photos so I wouldn’t waste time worrying. On the day, with your hair and make-up done, you’ll feel amazing, and all those doubts will drift away. Go with your gut, don’t panic about how you should be feeling or what you should be wearing, and do what makes you happy!
Dave and I met our photographer while he was working at a friend’s wedding. He has an amazing style that we both loved, and we found him really easy to be around. One of the best things we did in the run-up to the wedding was book a prewedding shoot. We were both quite nervous in front of the camera, and this put us at ease and meant that when we got to the big day, we both felt relaxed having our picture taken.
As some of you may remember, make-up is not my forte, and I’m embarrassed to tell you that I can’t tell the difference between highlighter, foundation and concealer! I booked a trial with my hair and make-up artist a few weeks before the wedding. If you’re worried about how you’ll look on the day or want to try different styles, I would definitely recommend doing this. I’m so glad I did, and it meant that I felt relaxed knowing that my suppliers had everything under control on the day.
One thing that we learnt after the wedding is that everyone loves cake! We purchased 50 cake boxes as we’ve both been to weddings where it gets left at the end of the night, so we thought that would be more than enough. However, those 50 went within an hour, and we had guests asking for additional pieces, so I would definitely provide more boxes than you need.
Surround yourself with people that you trust and love. My bridesmaids were amazing in the run-up to the wedding and on the day itself. They spoiled me with two hen dos, which were fabulous, a wedding-themed advent calendar full of fun and thoughtful gifts and endless support and love throughout the planning process. Trust me when I say that you will feel calmer on the wedding morning if you’re surrounded by your best friends. They made sure I looked and felt perfect, and I don’t think I could have done it without them.
Dave and I knew we wanted a band for our evening receptionthat would get everyone up and dancing. We booked an amazingtrio who learnt our first dance song and incorporated someof our favourite tunes into their set list. We were a bit worriedthat people would get bored or restless throughout the day, butall of our guests were quite content chatting during the drinksreception, and I’m quite glad we kept things scaled back as itallowed us to catch up with friends and family who we hadn’t seenin a long time due to the pandemic.
Our ceremony was performed by a registrar, who we didn’tmeet until the morning of the wedding. Originally, this mademe feel anxious but the whole process went smoothly, and theladies conducting our service were calming and reassuring. Weincorporated promises to each other in our vows that we feltrepresented us as a couple. For those of you about to tie the knot,try and forget about all of the small things, as there’s nothing morespecial than looking into your partner’s eyes and telling them howmuch you love them in front of your loved ones.
Talk to your friends and family and see if they’d like to have an active role in your day. Our mums were really pleased that we asked them to be our witnesses, and it was a lovely way of including them in the ceremony. My beloved bridesmaid, Kelly, also sang a song accompanied by Dave on the guitar during the wedding breakfast. It was really touching and one of my favourite moments from the day.
Hotel de Len opened at the end of 2021 after a total renovation of the former Hotel Impero, located in the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The sustainble project was designed by the Gris+Dainese studio in Venice and offers a contemporary experience.
Open year-round, the property has 22 rooms, a spa on the top floor overlooking the mountains and valley, as well as a restaurant and a bar.
During the warmer seasons, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers more than 850 climbing routes for hiking and trekking, as well as restaurants and mountain refuges. Cortina is also famous for its via ferratas, equipped with metal cables, walkways, suspension bridges and stairs. Additionally, there are 16 routes for mountain bike enthusiasts, numerous options for E-bikes and 700km of cycle paths for road bikes that take you through breathtaking landscapes.
To find out more, visit www.hoteldelen.it
Located in the tranquil area of Pigadia, Karpathos Villas are only a few minutes drive from the island’s capital town and port. Part of a fourvilla complex, each villa can be rented out separately with up to four guests each or as a whole to accommodate large groups of family and friends with a shared swimming pool and outdoor living areas.
Each villa is a three-storey home thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable stay featuring open-plan spaces and large floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Pigadia Bay. The main floor features a cosy living room overlooking the surrounding gardens and sea, and the mezzanine level includes an en suite king-size bedroom and a separate bathtub. A fully-equipped kitchen and dining area as well as an en suite double bedroom can be found on the lower level.
Karpathos is a remote paradis with picturesque landscapes perfect for rock climbing, hiking, biking, scuba diving and windsurfing. Find out more at www.thegreekvillas.com
Located on the Medieval Greek island of Rhodes and surrounded by endless views of the Aegean Coast stands The Ixian Grand & All Suites. This season, the property invites couples to enjoy all-inclusive spa and wellness experiences in collaboration with the award-winning wellness brand, Aegeo Spa. Those looking for ultimate relaxation can book a Cretan couple’s massage in a private and secluded room with warm essential oils. The retreat also offers revitalising treatments such as an 80-minute full body massage, mini facials, bronzing therapies and body masks.
The Ixian Grand & All Suites is home to six stylish restaurants and bars and 348 beautiful rooms decorated in calming neutral shades, exuding sophistication and elegance. Each space has been designed with ultimate rest and relaxation in mind. Deluxe Rooms are available with spa tubs and views of the sea and gardens, while the Grand Suites are accompanied by private or shared pools with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.
To book, visit www.theixiangrand.gr
Quinta do Lago is celebrating its 50th birthday. During that time, it has provided top-of-therange residential offerings, world-class sport, wellness and lifestyle facilities and five-star cuisine, all whilst maintaining a virtually untouched region of natural beauty.
As well as improving sustainability on its three 18-hole championship courses, Quinta do Lago is adopting an enhanced approach to conservation across the resort, including its world-class sports hub, The Magnolia Hotel, its 13 bars and restaurants and general resort services.
Sean Moriarty, the CEO of Quinta do Lago, comments: “The history of Quinta do Lago lives on in every corner of the resort today; a legacy of lifestyle firmly rooted in health, family and connection to nature. As an award-winning, world-renowned destination for luxury lifestyle, we are proud to be a place of constant inspiration, where the quality of life is measured by outdoor lifestyle and treasured family moments, and with a commitment to nature, our sustainable approach protects the environment and secures the future for generations to come.”
The resort will be celebrating its 50th birthday with a variety of events over the coming months.
Discover more at www.quintadolago.com
The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi, Istanbul’s hottest new hotel for 2022, is now open for bookings. This beautifully-designed 82-room property in the heart of the city’s refined fashion and cultural district joins The Stay’s established collection of luxurious properties.
In keeping with the rest of the collection, The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi offers guests a blend of heritage, arts, culture and stellar design. Acclaimed Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar has created a hip hideaway with rooms and suites with walk-in closets, grand marble bathrooms and kitchenettes. Many of them connect for extended stays or large groups, and The Stay Boulevard Suite includes a terrace perfect for sipping drinks as the sun sets.
After a day visiting the historical sights and contemporary museums, guests will love retreating to the spa and wellness floor for a dip in the indoor pool, a Pilates session or an authentic Turkish hammam.
The location boasts designer boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, and Hermes, as well as local designers such as Begum Khan.
Head over to www.thestay.com.tr for more information.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St Lucia, has announced a new wellness program. Known for its Mediterranean-style offerings, Windjammer Landing boasts guest rooms and villas with waterfront views overlooking Labrolette Bay and the Caribbean Sea. The wellness program includes Hummingbird Yoga, Detox, Immunity and Weight Loss Retreats, Complete Serenity Packages and Sunset Beach Picnics.
“Since the start of the pandemic, our guests have become more health-conscious and wellness-oriented, which has inspired us to reflect on how we deliver a meaningful practice,” said Alex Danila, the director of spa and wellness. “We’re using our idyllic setup to inspire travellers from all around the world to practice meaningful wellness through these programs, so they’ll leave our slice of heaven feeling fully rejuvenated.”
Visit www.windjammer-landing.com for more information.
Virgin Limited Edition has created the perfect getaway for those wanting a summer holiday in the mountains. The Lodge, Sir Richard Branson’s famed mountain retreat, is situated in the heart of Verbier, just five-minutes from the village centre. Comprising of nine bedrooms and suites, sleeping up to 18 adults, The Lodge boasts a traditionally-made bunkroom, equipped with a TV, PlayStation, and beanbags, making it the ideal bedroom and hangout for up to six children.
Guests can spend their days hiking and biking through the mountains, discovering more of the local area, or putting their feet up with a good book by the pool. Verbier has something for everyone, including cable cars that reach the summit of Mont Fort, stunning golf ranges, family horse treks, boutiques and designer shops.
Check out www.virginlimitededition.com/en/the-lodge for more information.
destination
After what felt like an eternity of not being able to travel due to restrictions, I was so excited to visit the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel – especially after seeing images of the stunning property online. For the first time in three years, I packed my bags and headed to the airport!
Dubrovnik is a wonderful place to visit, evident even from thousands of feet up in the air. The crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes create the perfect backdrop for honeymoons –no wonder it’s known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. After a short flight, we touched down and the real adventure began!
With a beachfront location and a showstopping backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, the five-star hotel offers some of the best views in Dubrovnik. From the moment I arrived, the staff were so welcoming and accommodating –nothing was too much trouble.
With 292 luxurious rooms, I couldn’t wait to see where I would spend the next few nights and wasn’t disappointed when I entered the spacious deluxe double room. The air-conditioned space featured double sinks, a waterfall shower, bath, seating area and a queen-sized bed. My favourite part of the room was the balcony, where I spent most of my time soaking up the sun on the loungers.
The hotel has everything needed for memorable holidays from restaurants, bars, pools, a spa area and a gym – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The well-maintained facilities were excellent, and I especially loved the outdoor pool area surrounded by sun loungers – the perfect location to relax your senses.
The beach was located only a few meters from the property and was a wonderful place to relax. With a peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear waters and the sound of crashing waves, what better location to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life?
As a massive food lover, I couldn’t wait to try some local delicacies. The hotel is home to three restaurants; each offering something different to cater for all tastes.
When we first arrived at the hotel, we had a welcoming meal in the Momenti Restaurant. Here I enjoyed a prawn and beetroot starter, sea bass with potatoes and asparagus for main and a tasty chocolate cake
for dessert. The food was divine, especially the fluffy and dreamy potatoes!
Each morning I was greeted with a delicious sea of food, from cereals, pastries, granola and fresh fruit to a selection of hot food, including sausages, omelettes, bacon and hash browns. The buffet restaurant was superb, with a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of food on offer. Every night the chefs used fresh ingredients to create a fantastic selection of Mediterranean and international specialities that even the fussiest eaters would enjoy. A highlight of my trip was sitting outside on the terrace during dinner, it had a romantic atmosphere and was the perfect location to watch the sun set. For those chilly evenings, guests can sit indoors while enjoying the stunning views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. One of my favourite meals from the restaurant was a spaghetti dish - the flavours were unbelievable and I wish I knew the recipe!
For more of a relaxed meal, the Miramare is a beachfront restaurant that offers panoramic views and a wide range of food. It was here where I enjoyed a chicken BLT, the best sandwich I’d ever eaten, and sipped on some cocktails.
We had a farewell meal at the Momenti Restaurant on our last night at the hotel’s sister property – Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel. After a short walk, we arrived at the sophisticated space and enjoyed a goose liver pâté with puff pastry pears, followed by scallops and a hazelnut and chocolate cake to finish. Croatia is well known for its wine, so of course I had to try a few glasses.
I couldn’t fault the service, the staff were always very attentive, friendly and professional. My glass was never empty, and I felt thoroughly looked after.
What better way to explore Dubrovnik than on an electric tuktuk? The tour started at the portside market in Gruz Harbour where we got a chance to see the local area and fishermen. We had so much fun whizzing around the streets and enjoying the incredible views, especially from the Franjo Tuđman Bridge. I loved visiting the top of Srđ Mountain and seeing the beautiful islands off the coast. The guides were excellent and they shared so much history and knowledge.
The hotel is only a few minutes from the charming Old Town, which is enclosed by Medieval walls, and is a must-visit destination. Game of Thrones fans would recognise the spaces from the much-loved show as the town was a filming destination for some very iconic scenes.
In the Old Town you’ll find cobbled streets, bars, shops and restaurants, alongside many awe-inspiring historical features and architecture. The town has survived chronicled events, such as the 17th-century earthquake and The Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s.
Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel is home to the Balance Mediterranean Spa by Valamar. Here we truly indulged in the facilities and treatment menu. I had a 35-minute de-stress massage which I was nervous about at first, as I’d never had a massage before, but the team were fantastic and put my mind at ease. My body felt amazing and I will be getting another one soon! I walked out of the room completely at peace and headed straight to the waterbeds in the relaxation room. There are many other treatments guests can book too including facials, pedicures, manicures, body treatments and more.
The facilities in the spa were great with a steam room and saunas, indoor pool and, for ladies-only, The Afrodita Spa.
Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel is perfect for those on a budget who still want to enjoy pure luxury. This four-spa hotel has many stylish rooms, a refurbished lobby and pool area.
I highly recommend visiting the Coral Beach Club Dubrovnik for those staying in either hotel. With beach activities, excellent dining, entertainment, bars and spa elements, this popular space is not one to miss! The food here was fantastic and it’s the ideal space to spend a few hours relaxing with a cocktail in hand.
I couldn’t fault my stay at the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel. If you’re searching for the perfect honeymoon destination, look no further. The hotel provides the most romantic setting to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
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Brimstone Hotel in the Lake District has 16 luxurious suites with log-burning stoves, emperor beds and private balconies. Couples will receive complimentary access to the spa, thermal experience, pool, fitness studio, exercise classes and sauna. The Stove Restaurant and Bar serves brunch and dinner, plus it has a fantastic selection of fine wines and craft ales to try. If you fancy something a little more rustic, then the traditional Lakeland pub, the Wainwrights’ Inn, offers hearty home-cooked meals.
To book and find out more, visit www.brimstonehotel.co.uk
Family-owned Penhein Glamping in Monmouthshire has launched a dedicated Go Wild family break to max out summer adventures for families wanting to roam free and switch off. For adults and kids wanting to carve out time in nature, to relax and run wild, then fall asleep smelling of woodsmoke in the comfiest of beds, the new Go Wild break is ideal.
There is an adventure playground, rope swings, a crate of outdoor games, a brook for paddling and eight acres of wildflower meadow perfect for picnics, frolics, kite flying and hiding out.
Relax in one of the eight spacious Persian Alachigh tents, with high domes and skylights for stargazing, tucked away in a peaceful and private corner of coppiced woodland.
Discover more at www.penhein.co.uk
Bughtrig Cottage, in Coldstream on the Scottish Border, is a delightful, traditional stone cottage on the edge of the stunning Bughtrig Estate. This two-bedroom property has been completely renovated and boasts an exquisite interior and impressive original artwork. Outside, there is a charming garden with a small summer house and handcrafted bar for guests to mix delicious sundowners whilst admiring views over the Cheviot Hills. Couples will also have exclusive access to the formal gardens and tennis courts on the estate.
Crabtree & Crabtree’s Doorstep Delivery service is available and includes a diverse selection of edible and quaffable services, anything from parcels of delicious fresh produce and responsibly-sourced artisanal meats to fine wines and pasta – the perfect treat for honeymooners. To find out more, visit www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com
Hex Cottage in Suffolk is a romantic one-bedroom cottage with no electricity – the perfect place to experience times bygone and take a digital detox.
Once a forester’s cottage, it still retains many of its original features, from the bread oven to the outside larder. The candle-lit bedroom oozes romance with sheepskin rugs and a wood burner to keep you snug. The en-suite has a freestanding roll-top bath with stunning views out over the woodland. The cottage comes with plenty of candles, a cosy fireplace, board games as well as wellies and pashley bikes.
For more information, visit www.fishandpips.co.uk
Boaty McBoatface, one of the shepherd’s huts at The Fish Hotel in the Cotswolds, is nestled into a hillside and offers impressive views. This luxury hideaway comes complete with a double bedroom and en-suite bathroom.
Couples staying in Boaty McBoatface can embark on their own nautical adventure in the on-site paddle boat perfect for exploring the private lake or for popping across to the private island, which comes complete with decking and seats to enjoy long romantic evenings. Visit www.fishandpips.co.uk for more information.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the ideal setting for those looking for grandeur and sophistication and is a stone’s throw from where Netflix’s new film, Persuasion, was shot. The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers guests a taste of living in an Austen novel with classic British afternoon tea and a prime location in the heart of the city, neighbouring the Bath Assembly Rooms, Roman Baths and Holburne Museum.
The storybook cobbled streets carry you through regal architecture at every turn, all once explored by Jane Austen herself, who lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806. This is the only hotel that offers direct access to the city’s natural thermal waters, where guests can look forward to an indulgent spa experience. Those looking to go all out can stay at The Townhouse, a private Georgian property that combines the grandeur of a private home with the five-star services of a luxury hotel. Head over to www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk for more information.
The Runnymede on Thames is located on the banks of the River Thames and is surrounded by beautiful British countryside. Located just 10 minutes from Windsor, the property offers riverboat cruises, an array of exciting outdoor pursuits, both on and off the river, and new dining options.
The impressive fleet of boats allow guests the chance to embark on a relaxing excursion on the water. Those wishing to self-drive for the day can set sail from the private jetty and navigate their way along the river. Whether you choose to sail upstream to Windsor or downstream to Shepperton, you can admire the picturesque views and local landmarks along the way, including Windsor Castle and Pharaoh’s Island.
The hotel has also reopened its spectacular, seasonally-heated outdoor swimming pool, in which couples can enjoy a refreshing dip and make use of the complimentary towels and comfortable sun loungers. Guests can enjoy four-hour paddle boarding sessions and glide down the river for an alternative way to admire the scenic views. Check out www.runnymedehotel.com for more information.
Will’s Tree House in Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire, offers a simply stunning tree-top location from which to enjoy the tranquil views of Winchcombe Farm. Luxury and attention to detail go hand-in-hand to ensure a truly memorable experience for every guest. Stand-out features include a private hot tub, situated on the lower deck, a spacious wraparound decking area with plenty of comfortable seating and an outdoor shower hidden in an alcove for privacy. Designed with outdoor living in mind, the huge tree-lined part-covered deck is well equipped with a charcoal pizza oven, a gas barbecue, hanging chairs, a giant beanbag, a hammock, a dining area and wooden ergonomic sun loungers. There are even complimentary robes in which to relax and take in the idyllic views of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This private country estate boasts a duck-filled pond, ponies, alpacas and lambs. There’s also a sumptuous king-size bed and fold-down fullsize single bunk beds, cleverly concealed in cupboards ready for when you need them.
Visit www.winchcombefarm.co.uk/portfolio/willstreehouse for more information.
From the moment I arrived in Madrid, a two-and-a-half hour flight from London, I was greeted by a myriad of narrow streets and large squares filled with landmarks to fill my Insta feed at every turn, from the iconic Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor to the eclectic mix of boutiques, tapas restaurants and bars. This extended bank holiday is a great time to visit when the weather has warmed up (average temperature 67 degrees) but the heat of the summer hasn’t yet descended on the city.
Nestled in the heart of this largest city in Spain, tucked away on Calle de Echegaray, sits the five-star Gran Hotel Inglés, Madrid’s oldest hotel having opened its doors for the first time in 1886. Located a 25-minute drive from the airport, I was excited to visit this boutique property, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, that oozes the glamour of bygone times from the moment you step into the decadent 1920s-inspired lobby with its feature bar, mirrored walls and Art Deco touches.
into a delicious menu of pastries, cold meats and cheese, eggs benedict and a selection of miniature desserts washed down with a Cosmopolitan cocktail, all while enjoying live music from talented singer, songwriter and guitarist Gigi McFarlane (www.instagram.com/gigimcfarlane).
with a choice of L’Occitane bath products. A highlight was the balcony providing outside space in the city –stepping on to it and admiring the view, I felt like I was in a movie.
Restaurant Casa Lobo in the hotel is well-known on the Madrid dining scene, with its open-plan kitchen serving traditional dishes. A highlight for me was the Show Brunch, priced at 45 euros per person and served every Sunday in the lobby, where I tucked
A fun way of giving my body a little TLC after a day spent sightseeing was a visit to the dedicated spa facility and wellness area where I reserved the jacuzzi and had exclusive use of the entire spa. Tempting treatments on the extensive spa menu that uses Sisley products include an aromatic Californian massage.
A visit to the tourist hotspot Sol-Gran Via is a must, where adjoining streets blend culture and history with theatres, restaurants and shops. El Retiro Park provides a green oasis in the heart of the city, the perfect spot for a picnic with its pretty Rosaleda Rose Garden and a large artificial lake where rowing boats can be rented.
The hotel boasts 48 luxurious rooms and suites, from the spacious Deluxe and Grand Deluxe Rooms to the Echegaray Suite (bearing the same name as the street outside) which was my home-from-home for three nights. This stylish space sleeps up to four people in two large suites interconnected by a hallway (perfect if you’re enjoying a family-moon).
There are two king-size beds with a pillow menu that guaranteed my beauty sleep, two fully equipped bathrooms with waterfall showers and a freestanding vintage-inspired bathtub
Last but certainly not least, the La Latina neighbourhood situated in the heart of Madrid, dating back to the Middle Ages, is home to the famous El Rastro Flea Market which was top of my list to discover. Allow some time in this bustling area that offers a romantic mix of old meets new. Viva España!
BOOK IT: Rates at Gran Hotel Inglés start from approx £325 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis based on double occupancy, www.granhotelingles.com www.facebook.com/granhotelingles www.instagram.com/granhotelingles https://twitter.com/granhotelingles
its 50 year anniversary throughout 2022, the Algarve’s Quinta do Lago Resort has been providing, since its inception, topof-the-range residential offerings, world-class sport, wellness and lifestyle facilities and five-star cuisine, all whilst maintaining a virtually untouched region of natural beauty.
The resort’s founder, Andre Jordan had a vision to create a destination inspired by nature, reflected in the resort’s ample natural spaces and green areas. From Jordan’s first impression of the landscape to its worldrenowned status today, the success of Quinta do Lago is found in its simplicity and unwavering vision of excellence.
Having been at the forefront of international golf, hosting eight Portuguese Opens as well as numerous other international tournaments, its home to three world-class golf courses and boasts a wealth of cuttingedge practice facilities.
As well as improving sustainability on its championship courses, Quinta do Lago is adopting an enhanced approach to conservation across other business sectors of the resort including at its world-class sports hub The Campus, The Magnolia Hotel, its 13 bars and restaurants and general resort services. The resort created its own farm last year, Q Farm, to provide its restaurants with homegrown organic produce and has now announced a series of further measures to help foster nature, including organising and participating in beach clean ups, placing information boards on the golf courses and nearby nature trails advising people of the wildlife living nearby and supporting the local community to learn about sustainable choices.
The aforementioned The Magnolia Hotel is a truly unique boutique hotel bringing a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve. Offering an unbeatable location just moments away from Quinta do Lago, it provides an idyllic base to sample world class golf, shopping, beach, nightlife and
the new elite sports performance centre, The Campus.
Playing host to 74 rooms, three suites and seven one-of-a-kind cottages The Magnolia Hotel boasts a heated outdoor pool, colourful in-house restaurant, cinema, gymnasium and spa – what more could you desire for the perfect post-wedding Mediterranean getaway!
Quinta do Lago, call + 351 289 390 700 or visit: www.quintadolago.com
The Magnolia Hotel, call +351 289 005 300 or visit www.themagnoliahotelqdl.com
Quinta do Lago is offering two nights at the beautiful The Magnolia Hotel on a B&B basis, including a dinner at Casa do Lago, the elegant restaurant boasts fresh fish, seafood and seasonal ingredients to make tasty dishes, all with a lovely lakeside view. The resort is also offering an experience at The Campus, the resorts elite performance facility with activities such as, tennis, padel, gym classes and a lovely spa facilities to relax in after a day of activities.
For your chance to win, answer the following question:
Q: What is the name of the resort’s elite sports performance centre?
Head over to our website www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding to enter. Closing date is 9th December, 2022. T&Cs apply. Good luck!
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