FROM THE HEART

From the heart Meet the region’s talented artisans, crafting swoon-worthy wedding goodies you’ll want to treasure

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.

WEDBURY CREATIVE

www.wedburycreative.co.uk | @wedburycreative

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.

Especially for you 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.

Keep it personal 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!”

CHRISTINA OSWIN JEWELLERY

www.christinaoswin.co.uk | @christinaoswin

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 | @hermioneharbutt

Meet the maker, Hermione Harbutt Hermione 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).

Especially for you 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

www.sanfranciscofudge.co.uk | @fudgefactorybath

Meet the makers, Mark and Maureen 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.

Especially for you 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.

Keep it personal 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!”

FLOWER PRESERVATION WORKSHOP

www.flowerpreservationworkshop.co.uk @flowerpreservationworkshop

Meet the maker, Rachael Ruddle 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.

Especially for you 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?”

Keep it personal 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.”