DEAREST LOVE

from Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding- April/May 2021 (Issue 26)

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester provides a big-day backdrop for year-round celebrations. For a summer soirée, think tables topped with clusters of candles displayed on silk satin runners and tall table-top trees. Winter weddings look magical against a wall of fairylights with Christmas baubles dangling from rustic twigs and feathery pampas grass filling floral arrangements

Images courtesy of Dearest Love Photography

THE DREAM TEAM

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Ingleside House in Cirencester was the versatile backdrop to this shoot showcasing how the elegant areas can be used for different types of celebrations including intimate micro weddings and larger affairs

Images courtesy of Capture Every Moment Photography

THE DREAM TEAM

HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer your questions

PICTURE-PERFECT

We’ve just become engaged – how do we go about finding a good photographer?

Meet the expert: Emily Collett is a wedding photographer based in Wiltshire covering weddings throughout the Cotswolds. She’s a champion for introverts, vowing to make everyone feel relaxed and reassured in front of the lens, even the most camera-shy!

Emily says: Firstly, it’s important to decide on the style of wedding photography that you want, for example, do you require your images to be light and airy, warm and colourful or dark and moody?

Alongside the photographer’s style, it’s important to research how they capture the day. For example, if you’re looking for relaxed, candid and natural shots, images of the finer details or more of a formal feel then check how they document a full day and ask to see full albums of their work, not just a selection of images.

For me, a connection is everything. I say this because you wouldn’t invite a stranger to your wedding so the same applies to your wedding photographer. As you’ll be spending much of your day in the presence of your photographer, you want them to be somebody who you can relax in front of, as you would your loved ones. To see if you’re a good fit, ask whether they offer a meeting via Facetime or Zoom, or a phone chat, just so that you can see if your personalities align.

Booking an engagement shoot, if your chosen photographer provides this service, is a great opportunity to relax in front of the camera before your wedding day. It’s also a great way to get to know your photographer and of course, leave with some memorable couple portraits!

Check whether the photographer’s prices are within your budget. Photography is an expensive part of a wedding but it’s an investment, and the photographs will be enjoyed for years to come so try not to compromise on this. It’s also important to remember that you aren’t paying for them simply to attend on the day. They’re available for advice, guidance and support beforehand plus there are hours of editing the images after the wedding.

I would always recommend investing in a second shooter if your budget allows it. Your photographer can’t be in two places at once so the second shooter will snap the groom’s preparation, guests arriving, additional angles, extra candid shots, those all-important details and much more, making sure that everything’s covered. They also offer invaluable assistance in wet weather, and peace of mind in the event of your photographer falling ill on the day.

Finally, if your preferred photographer isn’t available, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. They’re likely to know other reliable, friendly, similarly priced photographers and point you in the right direction.

Emily Collett Photography | www.emilycollettphotography.com www.facebook.com/emilycollettphotography www.instagram.com/emilycollettphotography

Meet the expert: Laura Parsons is the co-owner of Butterfly Creations, an events company based in Swindon, Wiltshire covering weddings within 80 miles of Swindon.

We’re waiting until all restrictions have lifted before hosting a large wedding party, hopefully early next year. We want to work with one company to create a wow-factor event! Can you help?

Laura says: At Butterfly Creations, we offer a one-stop solution, tailormaking wedding packages to suit each couple’s requirements and budgets. We also offer Coral, Ruby, Sapphire and Platinum packages which include some, or all of, the following:

❤ Balloons ❤ Venue dressing including starlit backdrops, chair covers, sashes and flower walls ❤ Catering including buffets, hog roasts and dessert tables ❤ Entertainment for both adults and children ❤ A disco including karaoke and interactive quizzes ❤ Mobile bar hire ❤ Personalised bridal party and hen party items ❤ Photo booths and magic mirrors ❤ Giant outdoor games ❤ Favours

Butterfly Creations | 07702 179 293 https://butterfly-occasions.co.uk www.instagram.com/butterflyballoonsswindon

Sophie and Tom Southerden married at Purton House.

HOME-FROM-HOME

We want to book a micro wedding at a venue where the team can help us with the majority of the planning. Where do you suggest?

Meet the expert: Catherine Barker manages wedding venue Purton House located in Wiltshire, a family-owned-and-run Georgian home.

Catherine says: We’re seeing an upsurge in micro wedding enquiries and bookings lately. The advantage of being a smaller, family-run venue is that we’re able to adapt quickly, a skill that has recently been put to good test! Small, intimate weddings have become very popular, especially those with 30 guests or less. While some couples have altered their plans and reduced numbers, others are delighted that smaller weddings are fast becoming accepted as the social norm so that they can justify a smaller guest list - an early indicator that the micro wedding is here to stay.

Behind the scenes at Purton House is one big happy family each with their role to play in hosting weddings, meaning that we can take the worry and stress out of the planning for couples. The owner’s daughter, Talia, is the caterer and talent behind Cotswold Cooks (www.cotswoldcooks.co.uk). She takes care of the menus, inspired by the food choices important to each couple. Her sister, Rowie, runs the Organic Farm at Purton House, providing the eggs, meat and vegetables from the Walled Garden that Talia uses in her dishes, (www.purtonhouseorganics.co.uk). Daughter Ibby handmakes the finest quality chocolates which she can personalise for each couple (www.ibbyschocolatekitchen.co.uk).

PICK OF the bunch

Looking for the perfect flowers for your big day? Take our test to see which arrangements best suit you

Your wedding flowers are a great way of incorporating your chosen theme or colour scheme, and they look amazing in those allimportant photographs. To help you pick the perfect blooms, we’ve put together the ultimate quiz. Tick the boxes that apply and add up your score to see the final result.

CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED COLOUR SCHEME

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3 4

PICK A TABLE ARRANGEMENT

1 2

3 4

WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL BOUQUET?

1 2

3 4

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CEREMONY SET UP?

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3 4

2

WHICH ACCESSORY WOULD YOU WEAR?

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3 4 3 4

You scored...6-10 You have a traditional style and prefer classic designs. Celebrate your big day with an elegant bouquet, a pink and white colour scheme and beautiful flowers.

You scored...16-20 Alternative weddings are ideal for those of you who want something a bit different. Opt for bold hues, quirky creations and showstopping designs. You scored...11-15 Your style would suit an al fresco or boho-themed celebration. Choose blooms that are inspired by nature with lots of greenery and natural shades.

You scored...21-24 You’re a sophisticated person who loves luxury. Look for grand arrangements that are sure to wow your guests and look fabulous in your photographs.

THE SWEET SPOT

We celebrate the return of weddings with these mouth-watering designs, perfect for micro celebrations

Who? Holly Elphick is the owner of Project Cakery (formerly Claire’s Kitchen) What? Holly is a wedding and celebration cake designer, specialising in buttercream commissions Where? South Cerney (near Cirencester)

“A tall statement cake will provide the wow-factor at any wedding large or small, and this design will certainly take centre stage!” - Holly “This cake designed with micro weddings in mind is a semi-naked, bright floral cake decorated with gold leaf. It’s classy and minimalist and best suits a spring theme.” - Holly

“Cupcakes are a great choice for a small wedding and they double up as favours.” - Holly

Let’s connect: 07511 881 495, www.projectcakery.co.uk Instagram.com/projectcakery Facebook.com/projectcakery

Who? Donna Louise Cake Design What? Luxurious, bespoke wedding and celebration cakes, cupcakes and wedding favours Where? Bristol, covering weddings in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire

www.robtarren.co.uk “This three-tier cream and red floral wedding cake features two dummy tiers with the real one (that gets cut) placed on top. This is something that most of my clients planning micro weddings are deciding on because it offers the desired effect without wastage.” - Holly

“Choose a classic, elegant white cake with subtle stencil detail on one tier topped with hand-crafted sugar flowers and foliage. Cute cupcakes can be created to mirror this look.” - Donna

“This cake is the perfect size for a micro wedding of up to 30 guests. The bottom tier is a dummy one added to give extra height which is a great idea if you want a larger wedding cake but won’t need more of the edible cake. The sugar flowers are hand-crafted and this design would suit an autumnal wedding.” - Donna

www.robtarren.co.uk

“Place a large three-tier cake adorned with hand-crafted sugar flowers combined with dried flowers on a log slice on an individual cake table – it will make the ideal centrepiece for a micro wedding.” - Donna Let’s connect: 07733 125 920, www.donnalouisecakedesign.co.uk www.facebook.com/donnalouisecakedesign www.instagram.com/donnalouisecakedesign

Who? Anna Baker is the talent behind Anna Baker Cakes What? Bespoke handmade cake designs using the finest ingredients Where? Based in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire

“A semi-naked cake decorated with a bouquet of roses, lisianthus and gypsophila that’s seven inches in size serves approximately 30 wedding guests, the ideal choice for a small intimate gathering.” - Anna “This semi-naked design decorated with a variety of summer berries is perfect for a marquee wedding, ideal for when large weddings return from June.” - Anna

“A two-tier, brandy-rich fruit cake covered in fondant icing and decorated with pink roses, lisianthus and gypsophila can serve up to 100 guests, ideal if you want to send cake to additional guests attending your micro wedding virtually.” - Anna

www.gettyimages.co.uk

“This mouth-watering two-tier sponge cake covered with fondant icing is decorated with artificial flowers and ribbon in a burgundy theme, making it a fantastic option for a winter wedding.” - Anna

“This three-tier, semi-naked wedding cake decorated with pink roses, white lisianthus and gypsophila can be made in a six-inch, nine-inch or 12inch size serving up to 150 wedding guests – the perfect pick for when restrictions lift this June.” - Anna Top tip: “Why not consider a threetier semi-naked cake decorated with summer berries, roses, lisianthus and gypsophila for an Insta-worthy statement centrepiece?” - Anna

“This delicious three-tier, seminaked cake adds a pop of colour decorated with orange and cream roses, white lisianthus and gypsophila, ideal for spring and summer celebrations.” - Anna Let’s connect: 07805 808 474, www.annabakercakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/AnnaBakerCakes www.instagram.com/annabakercakes

Who? Pia Cato is the founder of Vanilla Pod Bakery What? Luxury bespoke wedding and celebration cakes Where? Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

“A double-height, single-tired cake with a fresh floral centrepiece is perfect for a micro wedding of between 15 and 30 guests.” - Pia “A delicious tower of cupcakes not only tastes incredible but looks good too! It offers an individual cupcake for each guest to enjoy and the stand can be decorated with fresh flowers.” - Pia

Antonia Pullom Photography; flowers: https://theflowerstudio.squarespace.com “This special cake features handmade sugar lavender and is best suited to a wedding of between 30 and 50 guests.” - Pia Let’s connect: 07828 668 932, https://vanillapodbakery.com www.instagram.com/vanillapodbakery

Who? Charmaine Northcote is the cake designer behind Bake Me Elegant What? Luxury bespoke wedding cakes Where? Swindon and Wiltshire

“Cake popsicles make a fun alternative to a traditional wedding cake for micro weddings and can be made in any colour to suit any theme.” - Charmaine “Cookies make fantastic favours and look fabulous layered on a cake stand instead of a traditional wedding cake. Being sealed in cute bags or boxes, they are a Covid-safe addition to a dessert or sweetie table which guests can help themselves to and some people prefer biscuits to cake.” - Charmaine “Everything that I create can be tailor-made in different sizes to suit intimate and elopement weddings of just four people up to larger celebrations with hundreds of guests.” - Charmaine

Handmade in GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE

ON THE MENU

Teri Collett from Gloucestershire-based Cotswold Events talks dishes for a micro wedding. She suggests, “Choose a menu that’s nostalgic, intimate, personal and decadent. Maybe it’s reminiscent of the first meal you had together, your first childhood food memory or grandma’s sticky toffee pudding that takes you back in time. Either way, this is the perfect opportunity to make your day very special with your nearest and dearest.”

SOMETHING TO DRINK

Teri suggests hiring an aperitif bar or placing the aperitif in beautiful bottles displayed on tables. She tells us, “This is a great choice to pair with food because they’re often lighter and less alcoholic than traditional cocktails. Why not go British with your choice of aperitif? Try sherry, dessert wine and gin (in equal measures) mixed with one tablespoon of dried local lavender. Seep the lavender in the alcohol overnight and serve with soda or tonic water and plenty of ice.” Mixologist Connor from the Cotswold Gin Company adds, “Try using lavender bitters (made locally by Cotswold Gin) and team with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.”

https://emilycollettphotography.com

https://emilycollettphotography.com Sally Ann Pickles, managing director of Vanilla Catering & Events serving weddings throughout Gloucestershire and Wiltshire tells us how wedding catering is going to be different post-pandemic. She says, “It doesn’t mean that dishes will be less scrumptious but presentation styles and methods will alter. For example, canapés will need to be plated and pre-portioned so that each guest has their individual plate. The upside to this is that everyone gets their fair share! On that note, buffets and barbecues can still be served plated, and the key is to keep food simple, fresh and piping hot. You could also give guests a boxed picnic each, perfect for a summer micro wedding complete with blankets and hay bales..”

Sally also explains how, with fewer guest numbers, couples can have a five or six-course wedding breakfast by adding in sorbet, a local cheeseboard served individually to each guest and petit fours. “Why not surprise your guests with a cheeseboard serving French varieties and add a variety of wines to complement each course?”

Get in touch:

❤ Cotswold Events | 07900 656 821 www.cotswoldevents-catering.com www.facebook.com/Cotswold-Events-Catering-113547327040391

❤ Vanilla Catering & Events | 01489 589 275 www.vanillacatering.co.uk www.facebook.com/vanillacateringandevents www.instagram.com/vanillacateringevents

SAY IT WITH WORDS

This stunning selection of handmade stationery by Annabelle Gallagher, the talented designer behind Bellapeach Creative, will leave a lasting impression on guests.

These latest designs from the Wildflower Illustration Co are pretty as a picture.

https://robtarren.co.uk

Get in touch:

❤ Bellapeach Creative | 07900 695 661 www.bellapeach.co.uk | www.facebook.com/bellapeachcreative www.instagram.com/bellapeachcreative

❤ Wildflower Illustration Co www.wildflowerillustrationco.com/weddings www.facebook.com/wildflowerillustrationco www.instagram.com/wildflowerillustrationco

JUNE/JULY 2021 AVAILABLE FROM 1ST JUNE 2021

Your Glos & Wilts Wedding is just one of our many County Wedding titles − find out more on our website www.yourgloswilts.wedding

We love featuring local couples and companies. If you want to get in touch email editor@county.wedding for your chance to grace the pages of next issue

SPOTLIGHT ON... Salisbury and South Wiltshire

CHURCH ON TIME

Cool ways to travel THE GREAT OUTDOORS Marry in a tipi, yurt or woodland setting

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY Pretty venue styling ideas

LOOK OUT FOR...

HOT OFF THE PRESS Catch up on all the latest wedding news from around the local areas

DON’T FORGET

Check out our website for more wonderful wed-spiration

Need help organising your special day? Take a look at our free online planning tool

GET YOUR FREE COPY NOW

We're currently giving away our County Wedding Magazines titles for FREE as eMagazine downloads! Suitable for smartphones and tablets.

HONEYMOON HOTLIST What to pack TRENDING BRIDAL FASHION Beautiful ballgowns

@YourGlosWiltsWedding To download any of our 19 regional titles head to www.county.wedding

@CWM_YGWW @cwm_wedding

ALL IN THE DETAIL

Lyla Gibb from The Cotswold Wedding Company based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, who specialise in beautiful styling and decoration for weddings hand-creates everything from statement ceiling drapes, floral hoops, flower bomb centrepieces and pretty table garlands made with foliage and blooms. She tells us, “Don’t underestimate the difference a few decorative pieces can make to a ceremony and reception room at weddings large and small. Lace chair drops, hanging paper lanterns and table pedestals and trees suit micro weddings and celebrations with more than a hundred guests.”

Laura Parsons, co-owner of Butterfly Creations based in Swindon, Wiltshire tells us how balloon installations can help to create a wow-factor backdrop for photographs. “They look great and are ideal for today’s social media-obsessed world!” She also says, “Don’t forget the importance of props – why not set up an ice cream table where guests can serve themselves? Not only will it look cool, but it’ll also be a great ice-breaker!”

18-carat yellow and white gold rings with green sapphire and diamonds, from £1,100

Commissioned wedding and engagement set incorporating client’s gold ring along with sapphire, diamond and silver, price on application

18-carat yellow and white gold rings with cognac and white diamonds, from £2,400 Platinum and 18-carat yellow gold rings with diamonds, from £4,900

9-carat yellow and white gold diamond pendant, from £2,900 AND FINALLY...A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL

Jeweller Louise Parry specialises in commissioned and limited-edition jewellery, timepieces and silverware handmade in her workshop and showroom in the centre of Cirencester, Gloucestershire. These exquisite offerings use specialised textures and include wedding and engagement rings in gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Louise can also remodel jewellery, perfect for couples with a sentimental heirloom that they want made into something special for their wedding day.

Louise offers a range of ready-to-wear wedding and engagement rings that can be sized and purchased immediately as well as sentimental gifts for bridesmaids, grooms and mums.

Louise offers virtual consultations via Zoom for couples who can’t travel to her showroom and although never quite replacing real-life meetings, they have recently proved an extremely popular way to discuss new designs and commissions and view the diamonds and semi-precious stones that Louise sources for each unique piece. Louise tells us, “I’m very excited by the prospect of inviting clients back into my showroom from June when restrictions allow.”

Contact

❤ Butterfly Occasions | 07702 179 293 | https://butterfly-occasions.co.uk, www.instagram.com/butterflyballoonsswindon

❤ Louise Parry | 07837 267 051 | www.louiseparry.co.uk www.facebook.com/LouiseParryJewelleryAndSilverware www.instagram.com/louiseparry6092

Next Article

EDITOR’S LETTER

Images courtesy of Dearest Love Photography

THE DREAM TEAM

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

THE DREAM TEAM

HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer your questions

PICTURE-PERFECT

HOME-FROM-HOME

PICK OF the bunch

Looking for the perfect flowers for your big day? Take our test to see which arrangements best suit you

CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED COLOUR SCHEME

1 2

3 4

PICK A TABLE ARRANGEMENT

1 2

3 4

WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL BOUQUET?

1 2

3 4

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CEREMONY SET UP?

1 2

3 4

2

WHICH ACCESSORY WOULD YOU WEAR?

1 2

3 4 3 4

THE SWEET SPOT

We celebrate the return of weddings with these mouth-watering designs, perfect for micro celebrations

Handmade in GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE

Get in touch:

Get in touch:

JUNE/JULY 2021 AVAILABLE FROM 1ST JUNE 2021

CHURCH ON TIME

LOOK OUT FOR...

DON’T FORGET

GET YOUR FREE COPY NOW

HONEYMOON HOTLIST What to pack TRENDING BRIDAL FASHION Beautiful ballgowns

Contact

More articles from this publication:

EDITOR’S LETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON

COMPETITION

HONEYMOON NEWS

FASHION FOCUS

This article is from:

Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding- April/May 2021 (Issue 26)