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https://pierragphotography.com EXPERT ADVICE

Stellar autumnal wedmin advice from those in the know

A TASTE OF AUTUMN

We’re getting married in October and would love to offer guests a delicious seasonal menu. What would you suggest?

As apples ripen in the orchard and acorns turn a mellow yellow, a seasonal change is marked in our ingredients and our menu takes on an exciting autumnal feel. For this most naturally beautiful time of year we recommend starting your wedding day with just-out-of-the-oven, warming, savoury bar nibbles such as cheese straws, hot nuts, soup shots, potato skins and mini roast beef Yorkshires.

For your main course, why not opt for a duo of meat with sides of cauliflower cheese, roasted butternut squash and pumpkin topped with toasted pine nuts, along with roasted root vegetables? For those with dietary requirements, a pan-fried assorted mushroom medley flavoured with garlic and herbs should go down a treat. We can smell them cooking now!

Let’s get the speeches in, then move onto a decadent and indulgent board of mini desserts including gooseberry and plum crumble, berry mess, sticky toffee pudding, and for those with dietary needs, autumnal fruits with a dusting of sugar.

Finally, turn on the fairylights for the evening and enjoy some delicious chilli pots with nachos and tacos.

Clare Smith | www.touchays.com

AGE OF INNOCENCE

What jewellery would you recommend I pair with my simple and elegant wedding dress?

For a modern classic look, accent with pearl jewellery to complement the white and ivory tones of your wedding dress. Pearls are more readily available to us today than ever before and bring a sense of history reserved for the most special of occasions.

With the pearl being one of the oldest gemstones, it has held various connotations for different cultures throughout the ages. For some they represent tears, but for ancient cultures they symbolise purity, much like the present-day tradition of the white wedding dress, and are associated with everlasting love, loyalty and innocence.

Cascading earrings will lend a graceful romantic line to the neck and, by combining a modern look with ancient empire design inspirations, emphasise a true sense of elegance.

https://jpphotographic.zenfolio.com

COME RAIN OR SHINE

We’re getting married in the autumn and our only concern is the unpredictability of the weather. How can we prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best, when it comes to our photographs?

You can prepare and plan your wedding down to the last detail, but you can never count on the good old British weather and no time is more unpredictable than the autumn. As professional photographers though, we’ll always prepare for the worst so you don’t have to and look at the venues with inclement conditions in mind.

If you’re worried look for a photographer with studio experience and equipment. For example, we have an extensive range of professional studio lighting, soft boxes and backdrops to cover every situation. So, less favourable conditions don’t scare us!

When booking your wedding venue have a look at the size of the space and ask if there are any spare rooms where your photographer can set up a bespoke studio to capture those magic moments if you can’t be outside.

Pete Lerpiniere https://jpphotographic.zenfolio.com What flavours and style of wedding cake would you recommend for an autumnal wedding?

Autumn is a great time of year to showcase warmth, combining the outdoors and in by incorporating seasonal leaves in all shades of brown and orange. Popular flavours for your big-day bake will be chocolate – not just plain but boozy, spiked with your favourite tipple! Other autumnal favourites include orange sponge cake, spiced apple, salted caramel, red velvet and spiced pumpkin.

For the finishing touch, opt for a rustic look with a naked bake stacked or spread out on a table. Decorate with seasonal fresh fruits and flowers, and adorn the cake table in pumpkins filled with flowers. Alternatively, have a tiered iced showstopper, embellished in brown and burnt orange trimmings.

If you’re keen for your sweet centrepiece to stand out, why not try some crown cakes? These are individual iced treats that can serve as favours as well. They’re great piled high in a tower topped with a single cutting cake.

Blessing Enakimio | www.blecouturecakes.com

FRUITS OF THE FOREST

We’d like a stationery suite to complement our autumn theme, but are keen to avoid the orange-led colour palette one might traditionally associate with the season. What would you suggest?

Autumn is such a beautiful season, full of so many vibrant colours and tones. Typically, you’d think of fiery orange colours, but you’re right, you certainly don’t need to. There are so many other strong hues that can be used to make up your colour palette.

Earthy tones will play a key role, but don’t stop there. Try utilising some bold, dark colours as a base with bright, shimmering details to make the most of the early-setting sun and the warm lighting at your venue.

For example, a dusky navy base complemented by rose gold accents can create a really classic look. Alternatively, a deep forest green accented with modern calligraphy in white ink is a beautifully elegant yet natural look.

Lastly, use your paper to contribute some soft, subtle tones to your palette. Handmade or off-white stock will complement any dark or earthy colours you use in the details.