G&L Weddings by Isabel Hicks

YO U R G AY A N D L E S B I A N W E D D I N G M AG A Z I N E

MARCH 2013 £4.99

SUITS TO SUIT YOU

HOW TO

MAKE YOUR OWN INVITES

LEAH & ESTHER’S

g n i d d e w l a v i t s e f BEN & MATT

READERS’ REAL LIFE

WEDDINGS

Contents March & April 2013

Editor’s letter

irst and foremost, welcome to the first ever issue of G&L Weddings, a brand new magazine for gay men and women looking to tie the knot. Here at G&L we thought it was about time that the newsstands made room amongst the sea of hetero-normative, female-focused bridal magazines for one that truly celebrates love and weddings, no matter the gender of the people involved. They say timing is everything, and we couldn’t agree more – as we were creating the premiere issue of G&L, the House of Commons were voting to change marriage laws in the UK to include samesex couples. This means that very soon, gay and lesbian couples up and down the country will legally have the right to call their union a marriage, and here at G&L we think this is a wonderful (if long-awaited!) step in the right direction. If this momentous occasion has got you planning a special day of your own, the magazine is full of real-life stories to get you inspired; take a look at Leah & Esther’s countryside Wedstock (p. 8), or Ben & Matt’s civil set-up at The Hilton (p. 12). For wedding day style, we’ve sourced the best in men’s and women’s suits (p. 6), and whatever your budget, a little DIY will add a personal touch to your day (p. 15). We’re also keeping G&L Online updated with the latest LGBT news, video tutorials and planning tools – why not take a look and let us know what you think? This is your magazine, and we want to make sure that we’re delivering the best content for you. We’re on Facebook and Twitter, so why not get in touch? Enjoy the magazine, and your big day! GLWeddings @GLWeddings GandLWeddings GLWeddings

STYLE

PLANNING

Suit up with ten of the season’s best tailored designer two-pieces.

Let us show you how to make your own unique wedding invites.

6 Take 10: Suits

15 How to

7 Fancy footwear

16 Honeymoon Spotlight

REAL WEDDINGS

MARRIAGE MATTERS

The couple talk to us about their festival-themed wedding.

Have a rainbow themed wedding? A way to celebrate your sexuality or too much of a political statement for your special day? We ask YOU.

We’ve found you eight stylish brogues from high-street to designer.

8 Leah and Esther

10 Steal their style

Be inspired by Leah and Esther’s chic, woodland vintage theme and recreate your own.

12 Ben and Matt

We talk to the couple about their intimate, low-key wedding in Cardiff.

Enjoy the thriving gay culture of Greece’s picturesque Mykonos island.

18 Would you...

On the cover

Photography: Dorota Turowska Art Directors: Sophie Yeo and Emilee Jane Tombs Models: Leah Trendall-Murdoch(right) and Esther Trendall-Murdoch (left) Dresses: Leah wears her sister's dress, Esther wears a dress from Pirouette in Exeter.

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G&L • 3

• Marriage matters

February saw the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill backed by MPs in the House of Commons. On 5 February 400 MPs voted in favour of the bill, and 175 voted against, securing a majority of 225. The bill allows couples who have previously entered into a civil ceremony to convert the status of their relationship into a marriage. The process could take months, but if approved, the bill is expected to take effect in 2015 and enable same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies provided the religious institution consents.

10 years of The National Gay Wedding Show The National Gay Wedding Show, based in Camden, is celebrating its tenth year this March. The show takes place at Holiday Inn, Camden Lock, and features a range of exhibitors all turning out to show their support for civil partnerships across the UK. From rings to flowers, entertainment to photography and tips on where to jet off on your honeymoon - the wedding show has it all. At 1.30pm the wedding catwalk kicks off with a glass of complimentary Lambrini,

4 •G&L

However, the change will not be forced on religious organisations, which will have the option to hold ceremonies. David Cameron says he is proud the love of a same-sex couple will now “count the same" as that of a heterosexual couple, despite almost half his fellow Tories voting against the gay marriage bill. The bill will now go back to parliament for more detailed scrutiny and see evidence given by LGBT stakeholders. Should the bill pass the third reading and final vote it will then be taken to the House of Lords.

The show has attracted over 10,000 visitors since its launch.

and later those interested in saying their vows can chat with founder Gino Meriano to discuss wedding plans or questions. G&L Weddings will be in attendance too, tweeting all the latest news and pictures on the day so look out for our feature in the next issue. The show starts at 12pm on 10 March, Tickets are just £2 on the door or you can buy online at gayweddingshow.co.uk

Germany extends gay adoption rights

German and European courts have strengthened gay adoption rights in Germany. Although the country has not followed in the footsteps of nations such as Britain and France, who have recently moved to legalise gay marriage, Germany’s recent decision has been called “a historic step” by Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger. The change in law means that one member of a civil partnership can now adopt a child already adopted by the first partner, known as ‘successive adoption.’ Until now, they could only adopt their partner’s biological child. The case was put in front of the court by Ingmar Zöller and Thomas Welter, a gay couple from Berlin who said, “The ruling now means that I can finally officially become what I always was: the father of my two children.” In the ruling, presiding judge Ferdinand Kirchhof also noted that the measure was necessary for the wellbeing of the children, saying, ‘‘In marriage as in a civil partnership, adoption provides the child in the same way with legal security and material advantages in terms of care, support, and inheritance law.”

Words: Rachel Boagey, Emilee Jane Tombs, Lily Howes, Alex Calvin Photos: Richard Pohle, Axel Thiede, Justin Sloan, Amazon, New Family Social

What’s next for the same-sex marriage bill?

THE LATEST ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AROUND THE WORLD

Obama urges Supreme Court to lift laws banning same-sex marriage President Barack Obama has spoken out about the potential overturning of California’s ban on same-sex marriage. The former constitutional law professor said that if he sat on the US Supreme Court, he would rule that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional. In 2008 California implemented a voter-approved ban on equal marriage. However, on 26 March the Supreme Court is due to decide whether to overturn the law. President Obama told a press conference that he felt compelled to share his personal beliefs on the issue. He said, “I felt it was important for us to articulate what I believe and what this

administration stands for.” Last week Republicans also showed their support for same-sex marriage. A hundred top Republican representatives signed a legal brief to be submitted to the Supreme Court, arguing that gay marriage is a constitutional right. It is expected to render a decision in early summer. Included in the a hundred are top advisors to former President George W Bush, two members of the House of Congress and four former governors. One of Bush’s former advisors, Theodore B. Olson, said that same-sex marriage promotes family values. Currently only nine states allow gay marriage.

Amazon advertises support for gay marriage Amazon Kindle makes no secret of their stance on same-sex marriage in a colourful new ad. The advertisement for the Kindle Paperwhite shows a man and woman lounging next to each other on a beach. The man finds it difficult to read his iPad in the glare of the sun. Meanwhile, the woman is reading from her Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and mentions how great it is. The man suggests they should celebrate

LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week celebrates 2nd birthday

with a drink and the woman says that her husband is getting her one. The man replies “Oh, so is mine,” they turn and wave to their husbands at the bar. Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, and his wife are strong supporters of equal marriage. Last year they donated $2.5 million to the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.

The UK’s second LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week will take place between 4 and 10 March. Launched last year, the week will involve events showing how adoption and fostering has changed the lives of LGBT people and give more information about the process of adoption. It is organised by New Family Social, the only UK charity led by LGBT adopters and foster carers.

G&L• 5

•Style 3

Take

10 Suits

Sharpen up on your big day with a selection of this season’s best suits and tailoring

Best foot forward

KG £140 6 •G&L

CLARKS £54.99

OFFICE £40

DUNE £79

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Words: Lily Howes

Women 1. Stella McCartney, Mathilda tuxedo jacket and Hamilton tailored trousers matchesfashion.com 2. J.Crew, tuxedo wool, silk-blend twill jacket and cropped trousers matchesfashion.com 3. Alexander McQueen, leaf crepe jacket and bootcut trousers matchesfashion.com 4. Skaist-Taylor, satin-trimmed wool-blend twill blazer and matching trousers net-a-porter.com 5. Alexander McQueen, sharp-shoulder crepe peplum jacket and pencil skirt net-a-porter.com

Men 1. Valentino, slim-fit Jacquard-woven blazer mrporter.com 2. Hackett, tweed, versatile lounge suit hacket.com 3. Acne, drifter slim-fit velvet tuxedo jacket mrporter.com 4. Paul Costelloe, ocean blue slim fit suit houseoffraser.com 5. Hugo Boss, single breasted sheen with taped edge lapel suit houseoffraser.com

M&S £59

CHURCH’S £370

TOPMAN £80

SCHUH £155 G&L• 7

â&#x20AC;˘ Real Weddings

Leah (left) and Esther

Candleholder made by a friend

Leah & Esther

Leah Murdoch and Esther Trendall were married in the Devon countryside in June 2012. Their festival-themed wedding was a truly homemade affair.

8 â&#x20AC;˘G&L

Real Weddings

hen it comes to proposals, they don’t come much cuter or more often than Leah and Esther’s. “We knew we wanted to get married almost as soon as we met,” gushes Leah, “and as a result we ended up proposing to each other a lot, in several different ways and places.” In the end, she says, it was Esther who popped the official question, in the middle of a festival field, on one mud-clad knee. With a low budget and not much time to plan, the couple had to be economical with their choices: “We didn’t have long to plan the wedding at all, just six whirlwind weeks from start to finish. In terms of style, we

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the night before and had a big wedding breakfast with all our guests on the morning of the wedding. But then we went our separate ways to get ready.” Personal touches shone through the weekend, with guests being served homemade canapés with prosecco in the yurt village followed by a hog roast and salads in the giant tipi. The ceremony included readings and poems from the couple’s closest friends and the wedding cakes were made before the ceremony and included a glittery rainbow cake, a sugar paste cake - depicting the couple at Brighton Pride where they met - one covered in white

Words: Emilee Jane Tombs Photos: Dorota Turowska

“If it hadn’t been for the hard work of our friends and family that night, we wouldn’t have got it all done.” relied on handmade elements from family and friends and Esther’s role as ‘creative director’ to bring the whole thing together.” The proposal had quite a lot of influence on the wedding, which took place in a field in Devon under a canopy of yurts. “Wedstock, as it became known, was spread across a whole weekend. We hired a yurt camp as the venue and all of our guests stayed in these or holiday cottages onsite”, says Esther. The yurt camp also had a giant tipi for the reception, a cafe/bar, a huge games barn, outdoor assault course, zip-wire, and around 20 yurts (including the honeymoon yurt) complete with individual fire-pits. “On the Friday night before the wedding when all our guests were arriving, we had ‘onesie Friday’ where all our guests wore onesies – me and Esther had matching tiger print ones!” Esther’s father, a butcher prepared a BBQ that night while her brother made the cocktails. The typically English weather didn’t dampen the mood: “The food and drink kept everyone in good spirits,” laughs Leah, “Esther and I were running around trying to make sure all the last minute setting up tasks were finished. If it hadn’t been for the hard work of our friends and family that night, we wouldn’t have got it all done.” The result was a simple pink and white theme set amongst the woodland with organza strung around tree trunks, bunting hung between the hedgerows and flags and candles everywhere. Luckily, the rain was merciful on the day and the pair were able to get married outside in a small wooden pavilion with their guests seated on either side of the aisle. “Esther was walked down the aisle by her mother and me by mine just after. We both chose to wear strapless ivory dresses, which luckily went together perfectly. Esther’s was from a boutique in Exeter and mine was my sister’s wedding dress – my something borrowed,” said Leah. “We shunned some of the traditional elements to a wedding by staying together

and pink roses, and a traditional Hungarian ‘Esterhazy’ cake. “It was a beautifully personal and emotional ceremony”, beams Esther, “Leah and I just about managed to get our words out without breaking down."

From top: Leah celebrates the couple’s new status, the couple kiss, Esther shows off her ring

Venue: Yurt Camp Devon at Gorse Blossom Farm in South Devon www.yurtcamp.co.uk Entertainment: Live music from Leah’s brother, followed by a set by The Bluetones front man Mark Morriss

Flowers: Pink and white roses Favours: Homemade table macaroons and candle bags

Top tip from Leah and Esther: ☑ Get friends and family to help out as much as possible; have them baking, decorating and taking pictures

G&L• 9

• Steal their style

Festival fever

9 ways to recreate Leah and Esther’s festival themed wedding with ease

Favour bags filled with love hearts, £3.50 each, John Lewis

Don’t risk getting wet, umbrellas £9.99 each, brollliesgalore.co.uk

Wellies white with bows £39, Weddingtonboots.com

Pom pom decorations pack of three, £7.50, John Lewis

Mix cocktails in jam jars and add a striped straw, pack of 50, £8, notonthehighstreet.com

Three ways to dress trees Want to create a photo-perfect spot with little effort? Adorn trees with ruffles, wraps and ribbon for unique decor your guests will talk about long after the ceremony.

1 Create a stream of lights around the altar with hanging candles. 10 •G&L

2 Tie your table plan cards around a tree for a quirky alternative decoration.

3 Bunting strung between trees makes a perfect festival scene.

Words: Emilee Jane Tombs Photos: flowers - project Party Studio, lanterns - Harper Smith, cards - bunting - Carter and Cook

Glass bottles from car-boot sales filled with fresh flowers, the more random the better

G&L• 11

• Real Weddings

Ben (left) and Matt with their Morris Minor

Ben & Matt When Matthew Richards injected a flash of purple into Ben Williams’ greenthemed life, little did the couple know what that colour scheme would come to mean for them. Three years later the coordinator and the creator proved to be the perfect match when planning their wedding.

att and Ben opted for a very simple look for their wedding, avoiding anything pink or frilly and throwing all the wedding traditions out the window because, as they pointed out, there was no bride. “There are no traditions in a civil partnership,” said Matt, “which is good because it means you can just make it up as you go along.” Matt, 38, and Ben, 32, met when they both joined South Wales Gay Men’s Chorus within one week of each other. One year later, Ben moved into Matt’s Cardiff Bay flat. “When we first met Matt, had a flat that was very neutral,” said Ben, “apart from that everything was green, so when I moved in I 12 •G&L

“It’s a very strange experience when you stand up there and say these vows.”

said we needed to get a colour to neutralise it, which was the purple. We had to paint a whole wall purple!” Two years later, on 8 June 2012, the colour scheme of their first flat inspired their wedding. They were decked out in contrasting purple and green cravats with their tails, and had purple and white flowers. At the reception, the couple’s colour theme continued, with matching ribbons around a simple white cake, which was topped with personalised figures and calligraphy place cards made by a friend. Arriving at the ceremony together in their green Morris Minor, Matt and Ben walked down the aisle side-by-side (twice, because

• Photos: Coutesy of Matt and Ben Words: Emma Pocklington

Real Weddings

From left to right: The invite; the couple get ready for their wedding; Matt and Ben’s wedding toppers; and their handmade rings.

the photographer told them off for doing it too fast) and had a simple wedding with just their vows and a reading from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. “It’s a very strange experience when you stand up there and say these vows,” confessed Matt. “It’s surreal, you can’t really take it in, it’s all a bit of a blur.” After the exchange of their rings, the party moved across the road to the Hilton

newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a buffet and teapots of rum cocktails. They had a go at mixing their own cocktails behind the bar, much to the relief of an aunt, who on seeing the teapots, had assumed the party was going to be a very sedate occasion. Matt and Ben agreed that the evening event was where they really felt they could let their hair down, “It’s quite a big relief when you’ve done it and it has all gone to plan,” said Matt. Due to Ben’s restrictions as a teacher, the couple didn’t get to enjoy their well-earned rest in Rhodes until August. When they did get away they took full advantage of their time off, returning to the very hotel where they spent their very first holiday together, and not moving from the sun-loungers for a week. Matt and Ben made a lot of their finishing touches themselves and got help from a number of talented friends. All of this came together to give their special day a really personal feel. “You only get one day,” said Ben, “and you want it to be perfect.”

“There are no traditions in a civil partnership, you can just make it up as you go along” Hotel, huddled under umbrellas bought in a last minute dash to John Lewis. The only disappointing thing about their day, the couple confessed, was the unpredictable Welsh weather, which made capturing some nice photographs at their venue a challenge. The evening event was held at the newly opened bar Revolucion de Cuba where the

Venues: City Hall, The Hilton and Revolucion de Cuba, Cardiff Suits: Slaters Rings: Anne Morgan, Penarth Favours: Personalised badges Invites: Designed by Ben Place cards: Made by a friend Drinks: Rum cocktails Cake: Marks & Spencers Flowers: Andrea’s Flower Boutique, Penarth

Top tips from Matt and Ben: ☑ Sound out where you want to have your civil partnership and make sure they’ve done it before. ☑ Book yourself some time off after the event because you’re going to need it! ☑ Make sure you have a back-up plan if you end up having to take your photos indoors.

G&L• 13

The Wedding

Cupcake Kitchen -Handcrafted and designed - Made to order - Complement your theme - Nut and gluten free options available Four cupcake kitchens across the UK: London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Leeds Delivery up to 20 miles Enquiries: 02073456665 www.weddingcupcakekitchen.com @WeddingCupcakeKitchen

14 â&#x20AC;˘G&L

Wedding craft

Make your own invites T

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he most important first stage in the wedding planning process is making sure all your guests pencil your wedding day into their diaries. Ordering and posting 60+ wedding invites can be an expensive affair, especially if you include save the date cards. Making your own cards may seem complicated, but with some wellchosen materials and a little bit of knowhow, it can be an easy and cheap way to create unique wedding stationery.

1. 1

It’s a good idea to match your invitations to your wedding’s colour scheme, any highquality card or thick paper will work. You can design the written part of the invite yourself or find a website that’ll do it for you.

Words: Emma Pocklington // Photos: Sean Anderson

Print your invite out and cut it down to size. Attach the written part of the invite to the card with a thin layer of glue, being careful to make sure it’s central.

TOP TIPS

Make sure your embellishments are less than 5mm thick to save money on postage. Glue dots are the neatest way to stick down ribbon and any other light embellishments. Buying a shaped punch and cutting your own embellishments can save money.

Once your card is at this stage you can embellish it any way you like. This more elaborate design is embellished with sequins and hearts bought from a local craft shop.

Finally, include an RSVP card. Cut down a strip of card and add the printed parts to each side. Finally add the embellishment and tie the RSVP card in place with a ribbon.

Visit the website for more ideas

G&L• 15

• Honeymoon Spotlight

This picturesque Greek island has been popular amongst gay travellers since the 1960s, when it offered a welcome respite from less open-minded parts of Europe. Now, Mykonos has a thriving gay culture, and offers an exclusive and cosmopolitan atmosphere that could be perfect for your luxury honeymoon.

Rest Hotel Elysium ***** Famous for being the only exclusively gay hotel in Mykonos, Hotel Elysium offers a brilliant central location in Mykonos Town. The large outdoor pool and Jacuzzi have a panoramic view of the town, and the sunset bar plays host to lively parties and exclusive events. Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort ***** This luxury hotel is as grand as the name suggests, with the resort offering a wealth of amenities such as tennis and squash courts, an exclusive spa, several restaurants and bars and a private beach. It also has an extensive honeymoon package, which means they’re more than happy to arrange a candlelit dinner on the beach or private excursion for newlyweds. Cavo Tagoo ***** The beautifully designed Cavo Tagoo is all about relaxing and unwinding; the hotel is famous for its huge infinity pool, and all of the luxury suites and villas come with their own private pools and Jacuzzis. The hotel also offers its own boutique, as well as a spa and poolside lounge and bar. 16 •G&L

Words by Isabel Hicks Photos (left to right clockwise) Jenny McIver, Hamad AL-Mohannna, Mykonos Concierge, Five Star Alliance.

Mykonos

NEED TO KNOW In peak season, direct flights to Mykonos depart from London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports. Mykonos can also be reached via Athens, with domestic airlines Olympic Airways and Aegean Airlines making the trip up to 10 times a day. Mykonos can become crowded with tourists in July and August, so consider visiting during the early season (mid-May through June) when accommodation will be cheaper and the weather will be cooler. Temperatures tend to reach 30 degrees during the day in peak season, dropping to 22 degrees at night, although the constant meltemi wind of the Cyclades islands may provide some relief. Mykonos tends to be sunny and warm from mid-May until October.

enjoy

Scuba-diving There are five dive centres on Mykonos in total, which explore the warmth and clarity of the beautiful Aegean Sea. Dive Adventures, which is just off Paradise Beach, provides a selection of activities to suit everyone from beginners to advanced divers, as well as specialties such as underwater photography, night and deep diving. Delos Island According to Greek mythology, this small rocky island is the birthplace of the god Apollo, and in ancient times it acted as Greece’s cultural and economic centre. Today, the island is uninhabited, but offers a wealth of fascinating relics for tourists and archaeologists. It’ll take you a few hours to explore the ancient remains of temples and amphitheatres, so why not make a day trip of it? Little Venice This beautiful neighbourhood in Mykonos Town bears a striking resemblance to its namesake, with the past homes of rich 18th century merchants appearing to float on the water. Little Venice is particularly popular at sunset, where locals and tourists alike gather at the stylish waterside bars for a cocktail.

Although you can book your Mykonos honeymoon through a number of providers, G&L recommends Perfect Gay Honeymoons, the leading same-sex honeymoon specialist in the UK. For more information, call 01543 439 398 or visit PerfectGayHoneymoons.co.uk

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Relax Super Paradise Beach Known as Plintri by the locals, Super Paradise is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, particularly amongst the gay community. Although the beach is accessible only by boat or fourwheel drive vehicles, it’s no secluded cove; expect loud music and a lively atmosphere as people sip cocktails from the beach bar. Elia Beach This large sandy stretch has a good balance of relaxation and activities; as well as providing sunbeds and waterbeds for sun worshippers, Elia also offers watersports such as jet and waterskiing. The nearby aqua park, Watermania, stays open until 9pm, and is host to slides, boat rides and two enormous pools. Paraga Beach If you want to get away from the crowds at Super Paradise, the calmer Paraga may be for you. The atmosphere is young and relaxed, with a selection of bars, coffee shops and tavernas dotted around nearby. As with a lot of the beaches at Mykonos, Paraga has a nude sunbathing area for the more adventurous. G&L• 17

• Marriage matters

your OPINION

“Would you have a YES

Malan Wilkinson, 27, works as a marketing and communications officer

Nick de Figueiredo, 24, is a trainee lawyer

would have a rainbow-themed wedding because rainbow flags and colours are often used by the gay community as a sign of hope and diversity. Gilbert Baker, designer of the rainbow flag, said it “was about liberation. It was about breaking free of an existence limited by fear and conformity, the right to express sexuality without shame or retaliation from those who legislate ‘morality’”. Since then, the rainbow flag and its colours have become an important symbol of hope, inclusiveness and unity for the gay community. Although gay people today enjoy an improved legislative situation, there still exists some shocking attitudes towards homosexuality. A minority will still make gay and lesbian young people feel shame and fear about coming out and expressing their sexuality. We are still fighting for equal marriage rights and some published arguments against the measure have been archaic in tone, and discriminatory. Embracing a rainbow theme and its colours for a wedding should not be a political statement in 2013, but it will continue to be so whilst inequality exists. To me, the rainbow is a strong, colourful and beautiful statement. It's a statement of pride about expressing sexuality. What a great theme for any wedding! A chance to celebrate love, commitment, existence and sexuality. 18 •G&L

A COLOURFUL HISTORY The rainbow flag originated in California in the 1970s and has since become synonymous with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride all over the world. The original flag was designed by Gilbert Baker, a San Francisco-based artist who befriended the city’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. The Gay Freedom Day Parade commissioned Baker to design the eight-striped flag, which first flew during the parade in 1978.

ersonally, I wouldn’t go with a rainbow-themed wedding because in terms of style I think it could look garish, as there would be too many potential colour clashes when planning the aesthetics of the day. If I were to get married I would like it to be a classy and comfortable day with a simple and elegant style and theme; no different to any other wedding. I think a rainbow themed wedding would distract from the feel of the day, as even if it wasn’t a theme chosen for political reasons, it would certainly look like one. Because of what the rainbow flag symbolises, adopting this kind of theme could take the focus away from the wedding itself; a rainbow themed celebration instantly identifies the couple with political matters. For me, choosing a theme like this would feel like I was doing it to be seen, creating a sort of ‘look at me’ factor, something I don’t think a wedding should be about. Many people are happy to include these elements into their wedding day, but it’s definitely not something I would consider. It’s not something I’d go for in terms of my personal style and tastes, and because of my desire not to involve political issues with what should be the main focus of the day, which is two people getting married.

Picture: Kate Spade

rainbow-themed wedding?”

LET GOOD THINGS HAPPEN Looking for a stylish venue for your big day?

The 4-star Mercure Bristol Brigstow Hotel boasts a great location in the heart of the old city and is fully licensed to hold Civil Partnership Ceremonies. Our team of dedicated planners will work with you to ensure your wedding is truly special.

STYLISH VENUE IN AN UNRIVALLED LOCATION...

DEDICATED WEDDING PLANNER...

FLEXIBLE PACKAGES TO MEET YOUR EVERY NEED...

...GREAT SERVICE GIVEN WITH PRIDE

700 Hotels worldwide Mercure Bristol Brigstow Hotel, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SP T: 0117 929 1030 E: h6548-sb@accor.com

mercure.com 0117 929 0130 G&Lâ&#x20AC;˘ 19

20 •G&L