Vow Magazine - Issue 17

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VOW q u een o f t h e d e s ert Feb r ua ry & M a r ch 2 0 1 8

M AG A ZINE IT STARTS WITH A QUESTION…

Queen of the desert February & March 2018 / Bath, Bristol & the West / No.17

THE PROPOSAL EDITOR'S LETTER

PICTURE BY ALEXANDER J COLLINS

THE RUNAWAY BRIDE There are times when planning a wedding can all seem too much, and the tempting thing to do is just to run away and elope – you know, like Angelia and Billy Bob or Gwyneth and Chris. It’s a nice thought, in a way. After all, there are just going to be two of you in this marriage, so why not kick things off the same way?

Indeed, even wedding professionals, who you’d think would be all about encouraging the biggest do possible, occasionally get carried away with the romance of elopement, styling cute little shoots with just a couple in the woods somewhere, attended by the wind and the sky and perhaps the occasional friendly woodland creature, like Snow White and her prince.

But what does an elopement actually mean? In British tradition, it usually consisted of running away to Gretna Green, the first stop when you cross the border into Scotland using the old London-toEdinburgh coaching route, and where rules were so lax that one local blacksmith performed over 5,000 ceremonies, and girls

as young as 12 could get married without parental consent. (As so often with history, the romance fades rather when you look at the details.) More recently, elopements have meant quickie weddings in Vegas, like Britney Spears’ 2004 misadventure: dirty midnight affairs presided over by Elvis impersonators, and witnessed by drunks.

(Britney’s was annulled after 55 hours.)

But planned, sensible elopements are a possibility too – simple, fast, cost-effective weddings that take the pressure off. For around $1,000 you could get married in New York’s Central Park at just a day or two’s notice, for instance, complete with photographer and bubbly. (It’s a popular option with spontaneous Brits, apparently.)

So what’s there to stress about? Nothing, except explaining what the hell it is you’ve done to your disappointed folks afterwards – and the regrettable precedent set by many an elopement. After all, where are Angelina and Billy Bob now...?

MATT BIELBY, editor

contents

44Tonight we’re going to party like it’s 1799…

7

Kiss the Ffrog…

25Margaux Tardits: bold,

PICTURES BY MARGAUX TARDITS, FFROG, JOEY LAMB, JO HANSFORD, LEE NIEL

new and at Clifton’s Mews

Vow M ag a zine MATT BIELBY Editor

matt.bielby@mediaclash.co.uk

KATE AUTHERS Editor at Large kate.authers@mediaclash.co.uk

MATT WILLIAMS Art Director LILY DALZELL Head of New Business, Luxury Brands

56 On your trike!

8 Loving him was red

lily.dalzell@mediaclash.co.uk

Production and Distribution Manager SARAH KINGSTON sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk

Production Designer GEMMA SCRINE gemma.scrine@mediaclash.co.uk

Chief Executive JANE INGHAM jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

Vow Magazine, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

On the cover: Wendy Swan wears Samuelle Couture; picture by Alexander J Collins

Order of service 7 INVITATIONS

Amazing flowers! Rockin’ venue styling!

Horse-friendly wedding photography!

And a little ol’ event called VOW Live…

25 THE BRIDE

A hut in the woods, a bride channeling Marie Antoinette, the most amazing crossChannel wedding gowns, and the sorry tale of a missing kestrel. There’s plenty of wedding inspiration here alright, but it’s not always what you might have expected…

61 THE VENUE

Fancy a cool city centre wedding, with a nifty balcony and a hot bar downstairs? Or a country house retreat affair stretching over three (count ’em!) days? Whatever your taste, we’ve got it covered…

66 TRADITIONS WE LOVE

The only thing that helps me pass the time away, is knowing I’ll be back at Echo Beach some day…

48 JUST MARRIED

Four fun weddings from across the West Country in very different styles, including one that’s like a festival in a forest

Printed on paper from a well-managed source. Ink are vegetable based; printer is certified to ISO 14001 environmental management

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A BLOSSOMING ROMANCE Flourish in unique splendor, where sophistication romances relaxation to create the ultimate home from home for family and friends on your wedding day. Take comfort in our warm ambiance as we help you to begin your story here at Berwick Lodge.

Call us now to start your story.

Berwick Lodge, Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD Tel: 0117 958 1590 www.berwicklodge.co.uk

B

ased in the Cotswolds, Brookman Greene has quickly established a reputation for producing high-end elegant events. We produce celebrations ranging from stunning weddings to private celebrations in your residence, on fields and lawns or in venues of your choice.

We also offer a service where we can help style your venue, using our eclectic mix of prop hire, or we can provide a set up service, and management on the day.

We focus on the timeless values of fairness, generosity and trust to ensure that you receive the best possible service, all delivered with the warmth, style and elegance that Brookman Greene is known for.

We care about each occasion as if it was our own Brookman Greene West Kington, Wiltshire SN14 7JJ +44 (0)1249 782906 | info@brookmangreene.co.uk www.brookmangreene.co.uk

Invitation s HELPING YOU WIN YOUR RACE TO THE ALTAR PICTURE BY JON TURTLE

FFROG KINGDOM The latest collection from ANGHARAD MULLOOLY brings her usual 1930s glamour, then twists it in unexpected ways. A two-piece trouser-suit, anyone?

Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique in Penarth is a big supporter of Welsh designers, and amongst the best of them is Angharad Mullooly, whose Ffrog Bridal Collection goes from strength the strength. For 2018, the collection – Angharad’s third – combines simple, chic silhouettes with 1930s glamour and then layers on the detail: lacework, soft tulles, satin bows, puddle trains, and plenty of crystals and beads. All pretty much as we’ve come to expect from her, you might think, until you look a little closer; for as well as a pair of stunning floor-length gowns, and an ankle-length dress with train, the new collection also includes a two piece option – boasting palazzo trousers, no less.

But first, the dresses. Cari means ‘beloved’ in Welsh, and has a sweetheart neckline, while mid-calf side splits bring sex appeal. Eirian (‘bright’ in Welsh) enjoys a more demure shape, but is given glamour by beaded embellishments, while Rhoswen, meaning ‘white rose’, has a crepe bow highlighting the puddle train, in homage to 1930s evening gowns.

Finally, there’s the trouser suit (above). Wynnie – it means ‘fair’ – combines ultra-wide palazzo trousers in an oyster crepe with a light tulle cover. “The top is in a traditional cami style, but decorated with embroidered flowers,” Angharad says. rachelburgessbridalboutique.com VOW | 7

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Snap happy J o H a n sfo r d – w ed d i n g ph oto g r a ph er

NATURAL WORLD Jo and Nic, like most photographers, admit to being “completely useless at having our own pictures taken”, but we managed to pin them down regardless…

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JO HANSFORD and her husband and photographic partner, Nic, love people and love animals, so that’s what they shoot. If only all our working lives could be quite so perfect…

Nic and Jo, the husband-and-wife team behind Jo Hansford Photography, have an enviable lifestyle shooting the things that they love across the South West, and further afield too. “I think I did my first wedding in 2002,” Jo says, “and I can still

remember being terrified – don’t forget, the only option was film in those days. I remember a small church ceremony in Bristol, some photographs around the local area – and, thank goodness, that the couple loved the results!”

So, how many weddings do you shoot a year now?

We limit ourselves to just 15 to allow time for our equine and family shoots too. In previous years, we’ve photographed up to 45 weddings a year, but something had to give. We’ve ended up with what’s a very manageable number, and love the variety that we get – last year we did a wedding in the Planetarium at We The Curious in Bristol, and another at the

Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

We’ve shot about 380 weddings together!

What does a typical package cost?

Our wedding collection is £1,695 including VAT, which includes both of us for up to eight hours of coverage, with either a USB of the photographs or a 10” album at the end. If you want both you can upgrade, of course, and you can add extra coverage on an hourly basis too.

How do you make sure you don’t miss any vital parts of the day?

Planning! And we give our couples very realistic estimates as to how long things like group photos will take.

There’s been a trend recently for photographers to stay at each wedding longer and longer, but while we know some couples want everything covered – from getting out of bed on the wedding day to breakfast with their guests the next morning – the story of the day can usually be captured in 8-10 hours. That said, there’s always an exception to a rule – and we’ve shot weddings that took place over two or three days before now, and done 14-15 hour stints on one day.

You must have shot in some gorgeous locations…?

Particularly amazing ones have included Villa Foscerini near Venice, and the old town at Alcúdia in Mallorca. Slightly closer to home, Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire is an incredible location, as is Guthrie Castle in Angus, Scotland.

Do you have a particular style?

Natural, authentic photography, beautifully captured. Our work blends documentary photography with a slightly more directed, carefully composed style.

We’re strong believers in finding and using quality light, so we like being able to place couples in a great spot for a shot, as well as capturing all the natural energy of a day. We’re also not afraid to use flash lighting where needed.

And what looks bad in photos?

We know that some ‘clutter’ can be a part of a wedding, but we try to keep really distracting objects out of frame – unless they add comedy value or similar!

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s n a p h a p p y: j o h a n s f o r d

How about the weather?

A bit of rain doesn’t put us off – or even buckets of it! 2012 was an epic year for us, weather wise – we had weddings where the dance floor was flooded and the guests wore plastic bags on their feet to dance, and another where a gale almost blew the marquee away. One time, torrential rain and hail came down just as the wedding car had taken off, leaving the bride, her dad and flower girls with no protection, and still 150 yards from the church! We had one umbrella and managed to keep poor Emma, the bride, dry – but everybody else got a drenching!

And this all said, we love the way weather can add drama to a day – even if it means we get soaked ourselves.

Do you ever tear up on the job?

Regularly! I’m a total emotional wuss, and often our couples feel like friends by the end of the day. You’d cry at a friend’s wedding, right?

What’s your favourite kind of couple to shoot?

We’ve had couples ranging from the very laid back to those who need plenty of reassurance. What we love most is when they really trust our experience, and give us the freedom to be creative – and so achieve the best results.

Finally, how do you deal with repetition or shy couples?

Group shots can fit into the first category, and we always aim to keep them to 30 minutes or less, so they don’t take over the day. A great group shot will be nicely lit and carefully framed, but will still feel fresh and fun. We like to mix in some ‘active’ shots amongst the more passive ones too – a piggyback race is always great fun, for instance. If we have fun and do silly things during a shoot, it encourages the couple to relax and enjoy themselves too. johansfordphotography.com 10 | VOW

PICTURES BY JO HANSFORD

Ever been trampled by bridesmaids running to catch the bouquet?

These days – with all the equine work we do – being squashed by a galloping herd of horses is probably more likely!

A DAY TO REMEMBER Weddings at Macdonald Bath Spa

Whether it’s 2 guests or 140, Macdonald Bath Spa is the venue for you.

Whatever your inspiration, we will add that touch of magic to make your dream wedding become a reality.

For information, packages and prices, please contact our dedicated special events co-ordinator on; specialevents.bathspa@macdonald-hotels.co.uk or Tel: 01225 476892 Macdonald Bath Spa, Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NS

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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Flower power

BLOOM TIME Drama, abundance and discovering the beauty in nature are some things which represent TILLY TOMLINSON’S floral style the best. From floral-scapes growing up the stairs to free-standing arches, this wedding and event florist – based at a workshop in The Stock Exchange in Bristol – gives us her take on beautiful artisanal blooms. . .

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Having been a florist for almost 20 years, Tilly Tomlinson knows a thing or two about the flower business. She’s gone full circle, from workshop to high street retailer – well-known for her dramatic bouquets with clashing primary colours and exotic flowers in the Noughties – back to workshop again early last year.

The new space means Tilly can focus on her favourite things, wedding and event work, and her style, while still dramatic, has evolved with the times and now focusses predominantly on muted colours, which are more representative of nature. She loves texture in all its forms, and likes to create displays and bouquets which make you look twice and captivate your attention.

FLOWER POWER

Pictures BY venetia norrington

an email from a new client, full of anticipation and ready to talk wedding plans; drinking a latte from my favourite, Baristas Coffee Collective; or coming across a new variety of flower and thinking how cool it will be to work with.

How would you describe your floral style?

My floral style is dramatic, creative and quite painterly. I always make something and think how it will sit in the venue, and how it will work with the bride’s dress. Bold doesn’t need to be gaudy; I design with the intention that the flowers complement and look natural in their surroundings, but also don’t fade into the background.

What would be your dream brief for a wedding?

When your client tells you that they love everything you do, so they entirely trust what you’ll come up with and leave you to it. Then I get to work with the mood board they’ve created – whether it be a Pinterest board or photos of dresses and props – and bring the whole thing together with flowers. It’s so rewarding when you feel like you’ve totally nailed it.

So, Tilly, how did you first get into floristry?

I was working in the City and hated it.

One lunchtime I came across a Paula Pryke floristry book in Waterstones and that was it. It was as if she was making art with flowers, and I had never seen anything like it. I enrolled on a night class, packed in my job and got a job at her amazing shop in Islington – the rest, as they say, is history!

What’s your favourite thing about your day-to-day?

It’s the little things that give me pleasure.

Seeing wedding flowers all cut and ready in buckets and realising that they’re going to work so well together; getting

What’s popular in the world of weddings right now?

Styles have become very relaxed, with blowsy blooms and a Dutch Masters feel. Unstructured arrangements with branches or random stems incorporated to give a slightly wild look are all the rage – a lot of which, of course, are inspired by Instagram.

And what about more unusual ways in which flowers are being incorporated into weddings?

I’m seeing lots of floral-scapes – so, rather than a garland being swagged over a staircase, now it’s more about decorating the staircase to make it look as if the flowers are growing up through the bannisters. Hula hoops sprayed gold or copper, foliaged up and then used to hang table plans from, are also popular, as are free-standing arches, which look great framing the happy couple as they tie the knot.

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F L O W E R P O W E r : T i l ly t o m l i n s o n

What are your favourite flowers to work with?

It depends on the season – I love ranunculas and narcissi in the spring, peonies in the summer, dahlias in the autumn and anemones and amaryllis in the winter.

Can you tell us about any elaborate weddings you’ve done recently?

We did a beautiful wedding at Elmore Court where the bride and groom bought so many lanterns and tea-light holders that they ended up setting up a hire company for them afterwards!

Any trends on the way out?

The trend for ‘vintage’ seems to have come to an end and evolved into a more bohemian look. We’re still using garden roses and more natural materials, but now it’s more about table urns rather than jam jars and china.

Can you tell us about your process?

We take on weddings up to a year in advance, but also occasionally get asked to do smaller ones in a week’s time. I always say to brides that, if you know you want us, book us, as then we can hold the date. I try not to give out quotes too far in advance, though, as prices do fluctuate. Staying flexible about your choices also means your florist can let you know about new varieties of flower that might work with your scheme.

Flowers are often the main decoration of a venue; they bring it alive with their naturalness, colour and scent – so make them a key part of your planning! tillytomlinsonflowers.co.uk 14 | VOW

PICTURES BY VENETIA NORRINGTON

Any floristry tips for brides-to-be?

Stay as seasonal as possible to get the best blooms. It also means your florist can buy from more local growers and the quality is better. Try not to tell your florist that you want to achieve an Instagram perfect wedding ‘but you’re on a really tight budget’. Floristry is incredibly labour intensive, and the reason that wedding work costs more is because there is a lot of time spent sending emails, ordering and checking over the details.

Glass Slipper Wedding Open Evening 8th February 2018 at the Centurion Hotel

At the Centurion Hotel we are here to help make your Wedding Day dreams come true. We can tailor a bespoke package to suit your needs and our dedicated and professional team will be able to help you every step of the way, whether it is a small intimate gathering or a large celebration.

Glass Slipper Package Civil Ceremony room Wedding Breakfast (3 course menu for 50 guests) Drinks package Evening buffet (100 guests) Bridal Suite for the night of the Wedding Wedding dress Groom suit hire

Photographer Wedding car Wedding cake Flowers Balloons Place setting and table plan DJ (for evening reception) Chair covers with sash Optional bolt on Honeymoon

Total Cost for the package £6,000

The perfect package for the perfect price

Glass Slipper Deluxe Package 65 × day guests included Gold drinks package 3 Course Wedding Breakfast 100 × evening guests – butties or pasties Bridal Suite for the night of the Wedding No extra venue hire Chair covers and sash Printing of place cards and table plan Photography Coverage from brides preparations to the first dance.

10×10” 30 page album of your choice Copyright to all edited Hi Res images put onto Disc/USB Private online gallery for photos to be viewed by guests Funky nights evening photos to include 50 8x6” mounted free prints

Total cost for the package £9,975

Flowers 2 × Column pedestal arrangements 1 × Cascading waterfall arrangement 6 × Bespoke table centres 1 × Bridal bouquet 6 × Buttonholes 2 × Corsages

Solitaire Brides Bridal dress (to keep) and groom suit hire

Wedding Car Elite Balloons Disco and DJ 3 Tier Cake £500 towards a honeymoon specialist

Charlton Lane | Midsomer Norton | Nr BATH | Somerset | BA3 4BD www.centurionhotel.co.uk | E: enquiries@centurionhotel.co.uk T: (0)1761 417711 | F: (0)1761 418357 | Club Tel: (0)1761 412214

HELPER SKELTER Long term friend of the magazine Kirsten Butler – aka THE LITTLE WEDDING HELPER – is one of the West Country’s best-known venue stylists, though, believe it or not, she started out as a primary school teacher…

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“I used to love working with five yearolds,” Kirsten Butler says, remembering an earlier life at school, “but I went part time after having my daughter in 2006 – which just happened to be when my best friend was getting married! She was overwhelmed by everything there was to do – this is pre-Pinterest, remember – so we sat down, looked at her venue, and thought about how it could be decorated in a way that reflected the two of them as a couple. I was keen to include lots of personal details, and she was keen to make sure it didn’t cost the earth. We soon had a clear vision of how things should look – then realised that there wasn’t going to be anyone there to make it all happen! We needed an extra pair of

PICTURE BY EVOKE PICTURES

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Picture by KATIE SOUTHALL

Picture by jodie hurd photography

Picture by KATIE SOUTHALL

creative hands with an eye for detail, and that was the light bulb moment.”

Indeed, when guests saw what Kirsten had done for her pal, enquiries started rolling in, and by 2013 she’d won the venue styling gong at The Wedding Industry Awards. “Shortly afterwards I handed in my notice at school,” Kirsten says, “and took the business full time.”

The chief thing Kirsten now offers is inspiration. “Couples often need help making the most of their venue,” she says. “When you’ve never done it before it can quickly becoming overwhelming, and that’s where I can step in. The other side of the job is more practical – being there on the morning to style tables, ceilings, mantelpieces and so on. It can

be a big weight off the minds of the bride and groom, knowing that everything is being taken care of – and will look amazing when their guests arrive!”

Kirsten often finds herself recommended by previous couples – “always lovely to hear,” she says – and can put in as much time as you want. “Some just want ideas, which they can then style themselves,” she says, “so I’m very happy to offer inspiration sessions, explaining what works well and which suppliers I can recommend. They then go away with a clear vision, and know how to achieve it. The majority of my work, though, is with couples who want more than that.”

In other words, they want their venue to look amazing – but don’t want

any of the worry involved in getting it that way. “I really love getting creative with my couples’ ideas, so their day feels personal and unique. The majority of my props are free when you use my styling service, with new pieces added all the time. And it’s always lovely to hear those seven magic words after a meeting: ‘I feel excited now, rather than stressed!’”

On the day itself, Kirsten is at the venue first thing, but tends to leave when the wedding breakfast starts – unless, of course, the couple has booked her to change things around for the evening.

“Though I’m often just a small part of their day, it’s amazing knowing that they’re relaxed and confident because everything looks the way it should. I find I’m styling a lot more marquees these days, which is great as they’re such a big blank canvas. That, of course, can cause panic in some couples!”

One of Kirsten’s favourite recent weddings was for a couple who love Star Wars and Lego, but still wanted an elegant and luxurious feel to their day. “I loved that we could incorporate so much fun into their tipi wedding,” she says.

“The bride was so creative and wanted to make lots of things herself, and they had a beautiful outdoor ceremony, with drinks on the lawn for 200 guests.”

Kirsten hires out items too. “Couples always have lots to choose between,” she says, “from candle votives to barn doors.

I love creating displays with beautiful pieces of furniture too – displaying the cake on a dressing table always looks amazing, say, and I love using ladders to create a table plan. Furniture hire is a small extra cost, but I make sure I talk through everything along the way so there are no surprises.”

This year Kirsten’s got a busy summer lined up – “I’m excited to be doing my first international wedding, over in Ireland,” she says – and she’ll be launching an expanded version of the prop hire service too, as well as a new website in the spring, including a blog where she’ll share advice and tips.

In fact, pop along to see her talk all things wedding styling at VOW Live in April, of which more over the page… littleweddinghelper.co.uk VOW | 17

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Events v o w l i v e – s u n d ay a p r i l 2 9, 1 0 a m - 4 p m

The waterside in central Bristol is gearing up for VOW LIVE, a wedding event like no other from the makers of this very magazine. The date? Sunday 29 April. The fun you can expect? Endless! For more specifics, read on…

At the other end of the Media Clash office from the Vow Magazine team, the events department is getting ever louder and more frantic, as they add exciting details to the first ever VOW Live, a unique wedding event on the Bristol harbourside that’s designed to be half show and half party.

It takes place on Sunday 29 April, and promises to be a showcase of the 18 | VOW

South West’s best wedding suppliers, complete with catwalk shows celebrating the latest bridal collections; in-theknow fashion and beauty advice; and an impressive line-up of inspirational talks and workshops from local and international wedding experts.

“VOW Live is the event for chic couples planning a unique wedding,” says Steph Dodd, who’s pulling it all

PICTURE BY EVOKE PICTURES

ON THE WATERFRONT

together. “It will be held in a giant marquee right on the waterfront at Lloyds Amphitheatre, and will have a brilliantly buzzy party vibe – just like a great wedding! There’ll be everything from creative classes to epic catwalk shows, and we’ll have live music too, and a huge variety of hand-picked exhibitors, including florists, stylists, photographers, venues, caterers, you name it. There’ll also be delicious food and drink to get you in the mood to plan your day.”

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it, and plenty of the West Country’s biggest names are getting involved.

“Already signed up is our very lovely headline sponsor, Prezola,” says Steph.

“These guys are the UK’s favourite

vow li v e

Picture BY mimosa photography

wedding gift list company, and with good reason. Everything they do demonstrates such panache, and from the very start we knew they’d be a brilliant fit for VOW Live, so we were thrilled when they came on board.”

Also just announced is a strand called Vow Voices to Inspire, a series of talks and presentations from industry experts on everything from hair and beauty to venue decoration. Amelia Rolfe of Moovit Fitness will talk you through getting in shape for the big day – including nutrition tips and mini-workouts you can do at home – for instance, while Katherine Spreadbury of LittleLab will be talking all things makeup: what to look for in a make-up artist, colours that are guaranteed to work with your skin tone, and in-the-know tricks on how to look your very best in photos.

VOW Live is a one-day event, running from 10am-4pm, and costs just £5 to enter – or treat the whole wedding party, with our special ‘Buy Two, Get Two Free’ offer. “You can also go for the full Vow VIP experience,” says Steph, “which includes Champagne, front row seats for our catwalk shows, a first chance to book your Vow Voices tickets, and a goody bag on arrival.”

Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for more exciting announcements via our social media channels, or contact us to get involved: call Steph on 01225 475860, or email events@mediaclash.co.uk.

“When we found out that Vow was launching an event, we just had to get involved,” says Prezola CEO Dom Beavan. “We can’t wait to join everyone at VOW Live as they showcase the best of the South West’s wedding industry – and, of course, we can’t wait to meet lots of couples planning their big day!”

And we can’t argue with that.

So remember: VOW Live, Sunday 29 April, on the waterfront at Lloyds Amphitheatre from 10am. Get more info and buy tickets at the web address below – and use code VOW17 at the check out some special reader offers!

There’s no wedding event quite like it, and we can’t wait to see you there. vowlive.co.uk VOW | 19

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The wedding planner

OUT OF THIS WORLD Canadian-born Olivia Garland’s jaw-dropping cosmic creations from Bath-based Little Duck Doughnuts are sure to provoke oohs and ahhs While not everyone has got on board with the idea of a doughnut wall, there’s no arguing that the sugary treats are a natural smile-inducing crowd-pleaser. And, let’s be honest, there comes a point at every wedding – usually six hours in – when you find yourself in need of a sugar hit. Using local ingredients such as Henny & Joe’s Masala Chai or Iford Cider, flavours change with the seasons – think rose gold raspberry rosé or pina colada pistachio – but the line-up usually features classics such as the vanilla galaxy-glazed and maple-glazed with candied bacon.

You’ll often find Olivia selling her sparkly wares at Bath and Bristol’s independent markets at the weekends, and Little Duck also sends custom doughnut-grams for a unique proposal idea or a simple declaration – we don’t think you can go too far wrong with a sweet nothing you can eat… littleduckdoughnuts.com

WING OR RING? Prince Harry proposed over a chicken dinner, apparently, and that gave Absurd Bird an idea…

Yes, this is ridiculous – but the guys at Absurd Bird (the fancy chicken chain, with restaurants in Bath and Exeter) know it too. Just before Christmas they gave hungry Romeos a chance to woo their greasy-fingered Juliets: go down on one knee, propose with a special ring of deep-fried chicken or onion, and, if she said yes, the chain would fully cater your wedding for up to 100 guests, gratis… absurdbird.com 2 0 | VOW

THE HIDING PLACE A private cottage tucked away next to your venue for night-before frolics?

Don’t mind if we do…

This is the new bride-to-be cottage at North Somerset’s Clevedon Hall, a secluded little spot on the estate perfect for you and your bridesmaids to hide away at on the night before the wedding. Once part of the stable block to the side of the main Jacobean-style manor house, it’s cosy, private, can sleep up to six, and joins various new improvements to this convenient venue, not far from the M5, as part of a six-year, £4.5m refurb – including a new bridge over the lake, perfect for wedding pictures. And the day after your cosy girls’ night in? Tie the knot in Clevedon Hall’s stunning landscaped outdoor wedding space overlooking the water, together with up to 150 guests – then invite a further hundred for the evening do. clevedonhall.co.uk

THE BR IDE I DO, I DO, I do

W o r d s b y k at e a u t h e r s

C’EST chic Parisian wedding dress designer Margaux Tardits believes her dresses have a mission: to make the bride feel gorgeous and desirable as never before. We talk to the woman behind the eponymous brand, and discover what makes these fashion-forward gowns quite so covetable for us English girls. . .

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T H E B R I D E : M a r g a u x Ta r d i t s

Previous page: Trajan. This page, clockwise from top left: Ibere, Rocio, Tarra, Trajan, Elvira

F

rom the outside looking in, French girls appear to have it all: attitude, nonchalance, that hard-to-replicate low-key style. We buy books like How To Be Parisian, Wherever You Are and absorb aphorisms such as “everything you do should seem effortless and graceful; your look should always have one thing left undone; be your own knight in shining armour…” before we go to bed, in the hopes that some of it might actually sink in. Little wonder, then, that we turn to ‘cool girl’ French designers when it comes to getting hitched too.

Margaux Tardits, the latest French bridal couturier to be welcomed by one of our favourite boutiques, The Mews in Clifton, would seem to have creating cool girl style down to a T. Margaux knew she wanted to work in fashion since she was five or six. “That was the day my mum told me there was a job where fashion meets drawing – a fashion designer,” she says. “And now I have the chance to use my two passions every day.”

She’s worked for fashion house heavyweights Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta and Lanvin before turning her attention to the wedding market, almost by accident. “It all started with my sister Alice, who asked me to design and realise her wedding dress,” explains Margaux. “In the years after, I had the chance to create our other sister’s wedding dress, and also dresses for some friends of mine – it was the beginning of a beautiful adventure!”

Even if it was an adventure she wasn’t initially sold on. “Before working in the wedding industry, I had a really bad image of wedding fashion; I thought it was old-fashioned, and quite often cheesy,” she admits. “So when I started to design wedding dresses, I was obsessed by giving them real character and making them more modern and glamourous. For me, there’s nothing more important than for a bride to be extremely desirable for her husband the day of her wedding – more than ever that day!”

So, we wonder, has her time working for some of the fashion greats rubbed off on her wedding dress designs?

“For sure,” says Margaux, openly. “I’m really influenced by the houses I had the chance to work for, but I have other influences and inspirations too. I always follow the trends and watch the catwalks carefully; that inspires me a lot and helps me change the vision people have of the wedding dress. I find inspiration in everything around me; my travels, the street, ethnic art, fashion, cinema…”

And is there a common thread to each collection?

“I love the sense of transparency, and I also work a lot with chiffon and satin, which allows me to create very light and glamourous skirts,” says Margaux. “For 2018’s collection, I’ve been inspired by Andalusia under ancient Rome and, as a signature, this collection has a lot of transparency, lace and guipure. My favourite dress is ‘Rocio’, for its complex balance of lace and soft tulle. The lace of this dress intrigues and tells a lot of stories. Everyone has their own interpretation of the pattern, whether it be Inca, tribal or Roman, which for me, makes it modern, interesting and, above all, beautiful.”

What’s her take on what makes Parisian chic so appealing to women around the world? “Parisian girls are so attractive because they are natural,” thinks Margaux. “The Parisian woman is chic by nature; just the minimum of make-up; no hair brushing; fresh face and healthy hair. Also, and the most important thing, is the way they dress themselves; you will never see a Parisian girl going outside in her pyjamas to buy a baguette – they can’t stand it.”

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T H E B R I D E : M a r g a u x Ta r d i t s

Clockwise from top left: Tarra, Junon, Cadix, Rocio, Elvira

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hen we ask who she’d really love to dress, it’s perhaps not a surprise that it’s that princessin-waiting, Meghan Markle. And while she admits she doesn’t usually design with particular people in mind, Margaux does always imagine her dresses worn by strong women who celebrate their femininity. She also designs with a sense of purpose, always keeping in mind that her dresses are being created for a specific day, and one of the most beautiful of any woman’s life.

What, though, is her starting point for any new collection?

“I tend to create mood boards with inspirational images,” says Margaux. “Some of them are a compilation of atmosphere, decoration; one board might have a specific topic name; another one will be a compilation of images of sleeve details, neckline, cuts; another one will have inspiration for fabrics, textures and, sometimes, inspiration can come from a trip, an exhibition or, as with the next collection, a walk in the countryside!

“It takes almost eight months to create a collection. The longest part of it is the work needed to define style and atmosphere. I need to isolate myself for few days. It takes a lot of concentration, and it plunges me into a particular condition. Once the collection is drawn, we work on the first prototypes – and then the collection is coming!”

And are there any particular fabrics she’s drawn to?

“I use a lot of muslin and satin,” she says. “The skirt of my best sellers, ‘Voulez-Vous Danser Avec Moi’ and ‘Lusi’, are made with those fabrics, and this is our signature. When we started our collaboration with the store Le Printemps in Paris, they told us they’d never had such a skirt before. I also use heavy crepe, which sculpts the body and creates modern silhouettes, such as with our ‘Bessie’ and ‘Trajan’ gowns, and I also use gazar and organza, which are slightly more stiff fabrics which still have a great movement.”

Margaux thinks all her brides wear the dresses well. “It’s as if it’s been designed for each individual,” she says. “We spend a lot of time with every single bride to make the dress stunning on her.”

And does she have any tips for choosing the perfect dress for your body? “I’m not a big fan of low-cut when you have a big chest,” she says, with refreshing honesty. “It’s better to go for a dress that maintains it, and choose an incredible back instead. Similarly, if you want a dress with a slit up to the hip, you’d better have a little chest – but be careful, as this can still be vulgar if we see too much of the chest. And it’s always flattering to highlight the waist.”

Any key wedding dress trends to look out for in 2018?

“I think more structured and couture dresses are slowly coming back,” she says, “and the strapless dress, which disappeared for years, also prepares its return, but in an avant-garde way!”

Finally, why is The Mews such a good fit for her brand? “The Mews is a real reference point in Europe,” says Margaux, “and we love having English brides, who are more likely to wear unusual, modern gowns than most French brides, who tend to stay more classic when it comes to their wedding dress.”

Our love affair with Parisian chic certainly isn’t going anywhere soon, so it’s great to hear that the feeling’s mutual. . .

Margaux Tardits is stocked exclusively at The Mews Bridal; themewsclifton.co.uk 2 8 | VOW

THE BRIDE

Words by CL ARISSA PICOT P h o t o g r a p h y BY A L E X A N D E R J C O L L I N S

Daughter of the deserT Braving the 40 degree Morocco heat were model Wendy Swan, stylists Pearl & Godiva, and photographer Alexander J Collins, who’s more usually to be found in the slightly less scorching environs of Clifton, Bristol…

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The br id e : DAU GHTER OF THE D ESERT

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ne of the most sought after destination wedding photographers in Europe, Alexander J Collins is based in Bristol but works all over – and these days only ever uses 35mm film. Why? He likes the constraints – each shot has to count – and he especially likes the way it reproduces light.

“Skin tones are clean, and golden light remains golden,” he says.

“I’ve shot digital, and had some images I’ve really loved. But when I get the scans back from my lab technicians after a shoot on Kodak Portra film, I fall in love with everything.”

There’s certainly a lot to fall in love with on this particular shoot, which took place in Morocco over a couple of days at the end of September. “The first day was spent around the crazy bustling medina in the centre of Marrakech,” Alexander says, “and it didn’t get off to the best start, as we lost the kestrel that we’d hired for the initial phase of the shoot! Literally everything else was in place, the conditions and light were perfect – and then the kestrel decided it would just fly off into the sunset and never returned. That was a fun conversation with the owner, as you might imagine.”

For the second location, Alexander hired one of the location managers from Game of Thrones, who’d found a perfect oasis in the desert called La Pause. “It’s bordered by a river nestled in the Agafay hills, overlooking the vast Moroccan wilderness,” Alexander says, “and it was just perfect.”

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I love to incorporate my background in fashion photography when shooting weddings by adding stronger elements and unusual backdrops to traditional wedding scenes

he shoot concept was devised by Pearl & Godiva, the events and editorial styling specialists from West Cork in Ireland who, Alexander says, “are simply the very best styling team I’ve ever worked with. I put in a call, saying I had an idea to do a bridal editorial shoot in Morocco – as I’d never seen one done well there before – and that was it. Fast forward a few weeks, and I’m standing in front of one of the most elaborate shoots I’ve ever been a part of. All the props were sourced from local markets in the few days before the shoot, so that was a pretty hectic time.”

The incredible make-up, meanwhile, was from Sarah Lanagan who – like Pearl and Godiva – had come across from Ireland. “She has a wonderful modern style that keeps her working with the very best,” Alexander says. Meanwhile, the model, Wendy Swan, had arrived from Paris, and suited the vision perfectly.

“Amazingly enough,” says Alexander, “the camel was one of those things that just fell into place. The second location in the desert offered camel treks, and the minute I heard this I asked if we could use them at sun set. I had an idea from a very old Richard Avedon shoot, in which he used two elephants with a model. The plan wasn’t to copy the images, but to use them as a base to build on. Shooting the camel was one of those moments where you know the frames you 3 8 | VOW

are taking will be some of your best work. However, with only 16 images on each roll of Kodak film, we needed to reload quickly to make the most of the light!”

La Pause actually offers weddings at this spectacular oasis, which Alexander says he’d absolutely love to shoot. “Logistically, avoiding the heat would be hard – but it would look beautiful,” he says. “I’ve always shot my wedding couples in a similar fashion to my editorial work, so I look for big cinematic backdrops with a soft, low contrast directional light. It’s a formula that works in any location for me.”

Finally, the gowns, which came from Samuelle Couture – actually British designer Sam Walls Beasley, who these days works out of New York and combines what she calls “traditionally English style with post-punk contemporary romanticism.” As well as wedding gowns, she tailors dresses for the Hollywood A-List, including Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Beyoncé and Madonna.

“Samuelle’s gowns were a wonderful addition,” Alexander says. “Her interest in fine textiles and couture finishes with classical feminine styling really lent itself to this very international shoot. In some instances we were dealing with high contrast lighting, and her brilliant use of lace allowed us to diffuse and soften the hard light, creating a truly magical look.”

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White sands Channeling the bleak, beautiful romance of the desert were…

Photography: Alexander J Collins;

alexanderjcollins.com Production, art direction, props and styling: Pearl & Godiva; pearlandgodiva.com Gowns: Samuelle Couture; samuellecouture.com Bespoke headpiece: Opal & Owl;

facebook.com/OpalandOwl Stationery: Kathryn Murray Calligraphy;

kathrynmurray.com Hair and make-up: Sarah Lanagan; sarahlanagan.com Florist: Frog Prince; frogprince.ie Locations: Les Cigognes, Morocco; les cigognes.com

La Pause, Marrakech; lapause-marrakech.com

W O R D S B Y W E N D Y LY N E

P I C T U R E S B Y N AT A S H A M A R I E

A WALK IN THE

THE BRIDE

WOODS

On a private estate south of Barnstaple, real-life newlyweds Naomi and Ben relive their wedding day as a woodland idyll, with the natural world very much invited

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T h e b r i d e : a wa l k i n t h e wo o d s

pictures by natasha marie

Ah yes, the pair you see here. Keeping it real, Naomi and Ben are actually a genuine couple; in fact, they were only recently married themselves, and brought along their own wedding attire for the day. Her dress came from Serenity Bridal in Newton Abbot, while his suit was from Jonathan Hawkes. “I wanted to go for quite a natural blush make-up palette,” Tasha says, “and curly hair with a small amount pinned back. Beauty By Cathy came up with exactly the look I wanted.”

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ome of the photo shoots we run in Vow Magazine are runaway flights of fantasy, while others are much more grounded – such as the one here. Devon-based photographer Natasha Marie, who organised it all, kept everything very realistic and West Country-centric, and concentrated on the details.

“Small elements, such as the use of delicate appliqué lace, the floral headband, the flower crown and the lace-inspired stationery, were all very important to me,” Tasha says. “I love the way we’ve incorporated various woodland creatures too. The stag was brought from my mantelpiece – it’s surprising how many interesting objects brides will have lying around the house that could be incorporated into their wedding – and it’s certainly not always necessary to buy everything new. Consider borrowing cherished items from friends, or task them with collecting something. All the little glass bottles on the ceremony display table here were gathered by our florist, for instance.”

This shoot took place at Millbrook Estate, a beautiful, intimate little wedding venue in North Devon. “We found a lovely spot by a river in some woodland to set up our table,” says Tasha, “then shot throughout the woods. It was early November – the middle of autumn – and we enjoyed some lovely sunshine just after lunch, then heavy rain set in around 4pm, just when we were finishing up.”

The whole idea was to come up with a natural, rustic look that combined the romantic and intimate with a touch of the magical.

“All the time I was planning it, I was very much thinking about the sort of wedding I would like to have myself,” Tasha says. “Model Naomi sent me pictures of her own wedding dress, and I absolutely loved it. This sort of princess-style lace look was just right for what I had in mind.”

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ince the shoot took place at Milbrook, Tasha used some of the venue’s preferred suppliers – like Beauty By Cathy and Mrs Smudgers Kitchen, who provided the woodland-themed cakes – and kept everything nice and local for everything else. Props – everything from the table, chairs and cutlery to the heart lanterns and bird cage – came from Exeter’s The Prop Factory, while Folly Lane Flowers of East Devon provided the bouquet, flower crown, button hole and arch, as well as plenty of candles and other little bits and pieces to make up the table display.

“Ella from Folly Lane was invaluable on the day,” Tasha says, “helping me with all the styling, and The Prop Factory has an incredible range. If you need something even more specific than they have to hand, they can actually design and make it for you.”

Also involved were Amarie, who are based on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and provided a few pieces of wedding stationery, and Hey Jules! of Bideford, who same up with the bride’s headband with dainty white flowers, her bracelet and earrings, and the cufflinks worn by the groom.

“Most aspects from this shoot could be incorporated into an actual wedding,” Tasha says, “and they’d especially suit a smaller event – or a runaway elopement!”

The Real Deal Helping Natasha keep everything authentic were…

Organisation and photography: Natasha Marie Photography; natashamariephotography.co.uk Props and furniture: The Prop Factory; propfactory.co.uk Florist: Folly Lane Flowers; follylaneflowers.co.uk Hair and make-up: Beauty By Cathy; beautybycathy.co.uk Cake: Mrs Smudgers Kitchen; mrssmudgerskitchen.co.uk Venue: Millbrook Estate; millbrookestate.co.uk hairpiece, cufflinks and bracelet:

Hey Jules!; heyjules.co.uk Stationery: Amarie; amarie.studio Styled by: Natasha Marie Photography, The Prop Factory and Folly Lane Flowers Bride and groom: Naomi and Ben (real married couple)

THE BRIDE

school of roc W o r d s b y pa u l m a r l a n d

P i c t u r e s b y j oe y l a m b

Rococo design has plenty of admirers, but never fully took off in England, where it was

generally considered too frivolous and too French.

Never fully took off, that is, until now‌

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the Bride: school of roc

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he Late Baroque period, more commonly known as the Rococo, was an ornate, playful, graceful reaction to the rigid symmetry of the earlier Baroque style; it dominated French architecture, interior design, sculpture and the arts in the mid-1700s, until it in turn passed out of fashion, replaced by the ordered seriousness of the Neoclassical movement.

“When I first came across Treneere Manor at Penzance, it immediately motivated me to develop a Rococo-inspired photoshoot,” says Cornish hair and make-up specialist Kerra Griffith, who organised this shoot alongside local photographer Joey Lamb. “During the Rococo period the most elaborate decoration took hold of the Parisian set, but in a softer, more romantic way than the showy Baroque. It’s an artistic movement that I love, and this Grade-II building offered a variety of different backdrops that would help us celebrate it.”

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he shoot took place in November last year and, says Kerra, “took me right back to the days when I spent months working on elaborate period costumes for productions such as The Merchant of Venice, Anna Karenina, Dangerous Liaisons and all sorts of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. With only a couple of weeks to conjure up our model’s ensemble, I decided to focus

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most of my attention on her bodice, which was cut from historical blocks and constructed from gold silk brocade. Many handmade buttons and metres of hand-ruffled ribbon later, it was ready for a fitting, alongside a previously-made full satin skirt in ivory, some crinoline, and a repurposed silk chiffon under-blouse with a flounce bow.”

In addition, Kerra created an ornate headpiece from vintage flowers, carved wooden insects, crystals and pearls, which was secured in place with ivory ostrich feathers. The look was then completed by a beautiful oriental hand-painted fan – an accessory much admired in this era, and carried by many a society woman.

“Originally, we’d aimed for an avant-garde hair style,” Kerra says, “but, as the day unfolded, we decided to stay true to the 18th 4 6 | VOW

century instead. Height was always important when it came to hair in this period, and was expected to be half the length of your face high. To achieve this, padding, cotton wool and hair pieces were used to give structure, and this was an approach we copied to give us height and that all-important oval shape.”

Make-up, meanwhile, was inspired by Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the Revolution, whose reign began in 1774 – ironically, around the time Rococo started to go out of fashion. “She had fair skin, plump, rosy cheeks and a soft red lip,” says Kerra, “and we tried to reproduce that, tying it all together with a beauty spot. The model we used has chestnut-coloured hair, which was perfect, as it was a very popular colour during Marie Antoinette’s reign.”

Roc stars Channeling the ornate 18th century here in 21st-century Cornwall were…

Dress and accessories: Kyla Prior at Roamer Rose; roamerrose.com Venue: Treneere Manor, Penzance; truro-penwith.ac.uk Hair and make-up: Kerra Griffith Hair and Makeup; kerragriffith.com Photographer: Joey Lamb Photography; joeylambphotography.co.uk

pictures by joey lamb photography

Make-up, meanwhile, was inspired by Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the Revolution, whose reign began in 1774 – ironically, around the time Rococo started to go out of fashion

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J UST M AR R IED REAL-LIFE WEST COUNTRY WEDDINGS

Back to the beach Elisabeth Zabel & William Pearse

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hen the option to get married right by the beach where the groom proposed is on the table, it’s hard to look beyond it. Will had asked Liz’s dad for her hand in December 2013, had the ring designed in January, and proposed on a trip to Cornwall in May 2014 – clearly an organised man! “I’d spent most of my teenage years down there,” Liz remembers, “and regularly returned to visit family and friends.

This particular trip had been for a friend’s wedding, but he cleverly engineered a day on my favourite beach too, me none the wiser.”

This place, Mawgan Porth, is overlooked by a house Liz had lived in when she first moved to Cornwall. “I didn’t think she’d mind one more memory here,” Will says.

At this point the guys had known each other for a few years, meeting in 2010 when they were both living in Cardiff. Will had moved home after finishing university in 2008, and Liz had stayed on after her undergraduate degree and Masters. “We met through friends, and were inseparable for about a year,” Will says, “but it

liz & will

Okay, so this wedding was in May, but we’re willing to bet that the water was still cold!

PictureS by Jo Bradbury

was completely platonic! After a while, though, we fell in love, and became a couple in October 2011. This was after a few weeks of very confused feelings – and an all-important night out as a catalyst!’

There was no real first date as such – by the time they started seeing each other they’d already been on holiday together! “Friends still question how there ‘were no feelings’ in the early days,” Will says.

The guys knew they wanted to get married in Cornwall, and where better than St Mawgan-in-Pydar, the Parish for Mawgan Porth, the beach where Will proposed? “The fact that the church is stunning didn’t hurt,” says Liz, “and we were able to book it over a pint with the vicar! Sorting the reception was slightly trickier, because there are so many choices in Cornwall. We wanted a sea view, and looked around at different options – but were completely sold when we walked through the door of the Carlyon Bay Hotel.”

This is a rather grand and romantic place with stunning gardens (and, yes, a wonderful sea view), and the guys there seemed to take everything in their stride. “The views of Carlyon Bay on a clear day are amazing,” Liz says, “and the hotel has direct access to VOW | 49

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a private beach, ideal for photographs. They even included a ride for the bridal party in the ‘bridal buggy’!”

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iz and Will actually live in Didsbury, Manchester these days, and Liz’s dress came from a shop in nearby Prestwich – she knew she wanted something classic, and went for one of the first she tried on. “The bridesmaids and I had our hair styled by the maid of honour’s sister, which added a personal touch, but did our own make-up,” she says. “I had help with the ‘something old, something new’ bit thanks to a handmade garter from one of the bridesmaids, which included some antique lace.”

Maid of honour was Liz’s best friend Sophie – “always her first choice, no matter what,” says Will – and she was joined by bridesmaids Libby (“Liz’s flatmate in Cardiff, and her rock for many years”) and Kerry, who has shared some of Liz’s journey to a career in psychology. “And then, of course, there was my sister, Hannah,” Will says. “She’s been through a lot with me, and knows how much this marriage means.”

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The girls all wore beautiful cream dresses from House of Fraser, which – says Liz – “complemented their figures, and fit the classic theme of creams and golds. They even had a slight gold shimmer, which sparkled in the Cornish sun!”

Opposite Liz, Will and his best men, Al and Craig, wore tailored Gieves & Hawkes shirts with suits and mix-and-match waistcoats from a place in Warrington they found at a wedding fayre.

Also a hit were the flowers – cream roses with complementary flowers and greenery – from Andy’s Flowers of St Austell. “The bouquets were absolutely stunning, and more perfect for the theme and day than Liz could have imagined,” Will says. “In fact, she’s dried her bouquet, and plans on keeping it for a very long time.”

Liz’s brother is actually a chef in Cornwall – he’s worked for the likes of Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth – and had initially planned to make the cake himself, but instead ordered it in: a chocolate number covered in cream icing and individual handmade iced roses. “We’ve frozen some of the roses, and hope to put them on a christening cake when our first child arrives, any day now,” Will says.

liz & will

Though they'd met at the hen do, most of the bridesmaids didn’t really know each other before the big day – but you’d never know, would you?

PictureS by Jo Bradbury

Marriage Guidance Who? Elisabeth Zabel and William Pearse When? 28 May Where? St Mawgan-in-Pydar Parish Church; stmawgan.org.uk Reception venue: Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell, Cornwall; carlyonbay.com Flowers: Andy’s Flowers of St Austell; andysflowers.com Photographer: Jo Bradbury; jobradbury.co.uk

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he guys especially love the pictures photographer Jo Bradbury took on the private beach. “The soft tones of the evening sun were perfect,” Liz says, “and I love seeing my bridesmaids laughing together like old friends, when they’d actually only met at the hen do. One of the unexpected joys of the day was seeing people from different parts of our lives mingling.”

Anything else that sticks in the mind?

“Spending time with Liz in the car after the ceremony,” Will says. “The church was 30-minutes away, but that still wasn’t enough time to take stock and appreciate everything that was going on.”

So, is there anything they regret?

“We spent £50 on classic board games from our childhood as entertainment,” says Will, “and we didn’t need them. And Liz didn’t really have to get married in Jimmy Choos. That said, I don’t regret any of our little splurges. I just wish we’d haggled for more free stuff on our honeymoon. We got some excellent upgrades without trying too hard, so if we’d been a bit more ruthless, who knows?”

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Land of sea and sun Suzanne Laity & Scott Haley

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hese guys are from Redruth in Cornwall, and actually went to school together but, says Scott, “we only really started talking when a group of friends went camping together in 2008. We soon realised we both liked the hot TV show Friends” – hey, who didn’t? – “so I invited Suz over to my house to watch a few episodes.”

Eight years later, in September 2016, Scott was proposing, giving them about ten months to get the wedding together. Scott bought the first suit he tried on – a navy blue Ted Baker number called ‘Tails of the Unexpected’ – but Suzanne took forever finding the right dress, eventually plumping for one from Bliss Bridal Gowns in Perranporth. Scott’s pink tie matched the bridesmaid dresses, and gave the whole event a bit of a theme, while best man was Tobias Rossi, another pal from school. Scott’s sister was one of the bridesmaids, so was Suz’s, and this pair were joined by three of Suz’s best friends.

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his was very much a local affair. The ceremony was held at the Methodist Church in a village called Stithians – not far from Falmouth – where Suz grew up, while the reception at the rather beautiful Penmorvah Manor Hotel was only eight miles down the road. “It has a great view of the sea,” Scott says, “and the staff were very welcoming. It was perfect weather too, which made for great photos in the garden.”

Plenty of local businesses also got involved. The flowers were

by Linda Wilton of Redruth, and the cake was made by an old work colleague’s daughter – “it was all gone by the end of the evening, so that says it all,” Scott says – while the day’s only really cringe-making moment was (no surprise here!) the first dance.

“My biggest worry on the day was actually nothing to do with the ceremony or the party afterwards,” Scott says, “but the fact that our goldfish very nearly died on the morning of the wedding, as I’d forgotten to clean the tank the night before. In the end I had to very quickly do it in the morning, while wearing my suit and everything, just minutes before we left for the church!”

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Suz anne & scot t He’s sadly not visible in these shots, but we're sure the goldfish was doing little dolphin-like leaps for joy out of his tank when Suzanne and Scott tied the knot PictureS by Ocean Grown Wedding Photography

Marriage Guidance Who? Suzanne Laity and Scott Haley When? 1 September 2017 Where? Stithians Methodist Church; fandgmc.org.uk Reception: Penmorvah Manor Hotel; penmorvah.co.uk Dress: Bliss Bridal Gowns, Perranporth; blissbridalgowns.com Groom’s suit: Ted Baker; tedbaker.com Flowers: Linda Wilton of Linda’s Florist, Redruth; 01209 219214 Photographers: Andrew Wilde and Helena Tondryk-Wilde of Ocean Grown Wedding Photography; ocean-grown.co.uk

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Tangled up in blue Cory Calcea & Gergely Varga

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his pair live in Bristol and met through work there, back in 2013. Their first date was a pretty traditional affair – a few cocktails at a new bar in the city centre, then a long walk around the harbourside towards Ashton Court – but the proposal was anything but. (Though it was just before Christmas – standard so far – it wasn’t on some Cotswolds country walk or

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anything, but actually on top of Mount Hiei, ancient home of the Shinto gods and demons of Japan.) After that the pair moved fast, taking just three months to get things sorted since, they say, “we knew what we wanted and how much we were prepared to spend”.

Nothing tricky about it at all, then?

“Well,” says Cory, “maybe only the table organisation, as our families speak different languages, so we needed to make sure everyone was sat next to someone they could talk to!”

Cory is a law graduate, and was keen to have the formal bit of the day at Bristol Registry Office, then the reception at a nearby hotel, The Mansion House, Bristol, not least because its decor was perfect for their blue-and-gold royal theme. “It looks like a museum,” Cory says, “which meant we could have incredible pictures there.”

Cory wore an elegant A-line wedding dress by Anna Sorrano, which the couple – unconventionally – picked together. “Neither of us believes in superstitions,” she says, “and we just wanted to have a good time dress and suit hunting together!” The same huntergatherer trips resulted in them picking a gorgeous DKNY skinny

C o r y & G e r g e ly

A sunny day in September, some fancy gardens and a bride and groom, and beautiful pictures are guaranteed PictureS by Charlene Morton

Marriage Guidance Who? Cory Calcea and Gergely Varga When? 30 September Where? Bristol Registry Office; bristol.gov.uk Reception: The Mansion House Bristol; mansionhousebristol.co.uk Dress: Anna Sorrano; annasorrano.com Cake: The Cuppa Cakery; thecuppacakery.co.uk Photographer: Charlene Morton; charlenemorton.co.uk

fit dark blue suit for Gergely, which they paired with a white Jasper Conran shirt and “the cutest bow tie”.

Cory’s jewellery was from Swarovsky, all in royal blue, while both platinum wedding rings were engraved during a trip to London.

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ith no bridesmaids or best man to worry about – “it wasn’t a traditional wedding in that sense,” says Cory – there wasn’t much else to organise, though the wedding bouquet of over 50 white freesias was rather spectacular. “For the table, we used orchids in pots,” says Cory, “as we wanted to keep the flowers after the wedding.”

Elsewhere they had Tanya Smith from The Cuppa Cakery make their cake – “definitely a hit,” says Cory – featuring red velvet sponge with Swiss meringue cream, all encased in buttercream.

Though the ceremony was very emotional – “we were both shaking,” Cory says – things calmed down by the time they got to The Mansion House, and the simple, elegant pictures in the gardens there are amongst their favourites.

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JUST M ARRIED

Into the woods Rebecca Walter & Paul McGarry

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ardly your conventional couple, Rebecca and Paul live on a Dutch barge travelling the Kennet and Avon canal, and raced through an extremely cut down registry office do in Trowbridge to get to their idyllic woodland reception near Bradford-on-Avon. “The legal bit was ultra streamlined,” Rebecca says, “but that night we held a heartfelt ceremony under an oak tree in private woodland. Our wedding 5 6 | VOW

theme was ‘Bohemian Beauties’, but the whole thing had strong festival vibes – we first met at Sunrise seven years ago, after all, and that feel was reproduced thanks to a tent by Shindig Weekender.”

Though they may have met at Sunrise Festival – a particularly green and sustainable event with an eclectic musical mix, held at various locations across Somerset, South Wales and around – it was at the highly immersive, theatrical Boomtown Festival that they had their first date, performing together. Rebecca was in her early twenties back then, but it was at her recent 30th birthday karaoke party that Paul proposed – somewhat impromptu (“I think the booze helped,” Rebecca laughs), and likely inspired by the song she’d just performed, Beyoncé's ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’. “It was very in the moment,” says Rebecca, “and very funny!”

The next morning they realised they’d have nine months to sort everything – no worries, it turns out, as they both work in events, and could draw on the help of the team at Shindig.

“They have beautiful tents that looked amazing in the woodland we found,” Rebecca says, “plus loads of equipment and stunning

R e b e c c a & Pa u l If you go down to the woods today… you’re sure to have plenty of fun! With rickshaws and giant tents and endless performances, this was as much festival as wedding PictureS by Lee Niel

decor. We are lucky to have a very talented bunch of friends and family around us too.”

In fact, the hardest thing to organise was what many people might find the simplest – the registry office. “We live on a boat, and don’t have a fixed address as such,” Rebecca says, “so working our way around that was very boring. Also, napkins. Since we wanted to use eco and biodegradable products where we could, it took a surprisingly long time to find suitable ones!”

ebecca had always wanted to get married in the evening and, when she found out that Shindig offers a giant glitterball, that became a must-have for the ceremony. “It was hung from a large oak tree, and we got married beneath it,” she says. “It was very dramatic, with the light reflected across the woodland.”

The guys had attended a few private parties in these woods already, so holding the ceremony here was a no-brainer. “We had an outdoor stage for bands in the afternoon,” Rebecca says, “and then

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J U S T M A R R I E D : R e b e c c a & Pa u l

PictureS by Lee Niel; tent by shindig-productions.co.uk

we had Shindig’s beautiful stretch tent in a clearing for the meal and the evening dancing.”

She had two dresses. In the daytime Rebecca wore a number from Carina Baverstock Couture in Bradford-on-Avon – “I went last-minute with my mum, and just picked what felt right” – and then had another custom-made for the evening ceremony. The Baverstock dress already fitted perfectly – and thank goodness, as she’d left it too late to have one made to order – while the evening gown she designed herself, then had made by the talented Susie Glatt, who also wrote and conducted their ceremony. She teamed it with a bespoke headdress by Australia’s Fizzy Fingers, and hair and make-up by ex-boss and friend Inma Azorin of ‘Pop Up’ Parlour.

Rebecca had five grown-up bridesmaids – Jenny, Rebekah, Nancy, Anna and Sophie – plus her three daughters (Florence, Mirabelle and Dot) and a goddaughter, Bay. The grown-ups rocked feather capes from Rosa Bloom, sequin jackets, and tulle skirts made by Susie, while the little ones had outfits from Etsy, Debenhams and Paul’s auntie. Opposite her, Paul wore a beautiful hand-made three-piece 1950s suit from Portabello Market, and was joined by bestie Jeff Luther as best man. The guys met when they were both circus performers, and used to live on the canal together.

The main flowers came from the florist at White Row Farm – “I was quite vague with my instructions, but they nailed it” – while Rebecca’s aunties and bridesmaids also helped, working hard to create stunning displays for the tent and bridesmaids.

Amongst other buddies contributing were cousin Katie, and Paul’s ex- (and mother to his daughters) Lisa, who contributed a delicious lemon drizzle cake and an epic peacock cake, respectively.

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t all sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? But what else did they do that was less-than-traditional on the day?

“After dinner we had a cabaret show,” Rebecca says.

“Our dads performed together, singing and playing ukulele, and there was a comedy sketch from our eldest daughter. We also had a tightrope walk from the Bullzini family, and an international sideshow performer called The Space Cowboy, who horrified our guests with his spoon bending and sword swallowing! Finally, there was a late night cabaret act called Lovboat – utterly hilarious.”

Sounds like an endless stream of great photo opportunities, though Rebecca’s favourites are probably the ones of the couple’s rickshaw entrance. “They totally capture the moment,” she says, “though it was overwhelming at the time. We actually had a fleet of five, and each arrived to its own music. It didn’t hurt that the guests had been whipped into a frenzy by our compere beforehand!”

So, was there anything you wish you’d paid more attention to?

“I wish I’d found a moment to sit down beforehand to write all the thank-yous – but we were so rushed off our feet we only wrote our vows the night before, let alone a speech. Maybe getting a tiny bit too drunk before the ceremony was a mistake, too – but then that was always likely, seeing as it didn’t take place until 9pm.”

Finally, did you have a bridezilla moment? (And, if so, do you still think you had a point?)

“I did – and I did. Paul was about 20 minutes late picking me up for the registry office, and when he arrived he had no shirt and one shoe on – and then spilt a drink down me. There was lots of swearing – and, apparently, it was hilarious to watch!”

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Marriage Guidance Who? Rebecca Walter and Paul McGarry When? 3 June 2017 Where? Trowbridge Registry Office; wiltshiregov.uk tents, lights, bar, decor: Shindig Productions; shindig-events.co.uk Dress: Carina Baverstock Couture; carinabcouture.com Hair and make-up: ‘Pop Up’ Parlour; vintagepopupparlour.com Flowers: White Row Farm; whiterowfarm.co.uk/florist RickShaws: Cycles Maximus; cyclesmaximus.com Photographer: Lee Niel Photography; leeniel.co.uk

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THE VENUE Swank hotels, sex y spaces & picturesque part y spots

Picture by catherine frawley

Ax me anything Set in 100 acres of spectacular Dorset countryside, Axnoller is the perfect wedding venue for that coveted private house party feel

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xnoller is an incredibly special venue,” says Alo Brake, who runs the place. “It sits on the edge of the Jurassic Coast in West Dorset, in a hidden valley near the market town of Beaminster, and it’s quite different to other venues.

Firstly, our weddings are only ever on an exclusive hire basis, to ensure that when guests arrive they have complete privacy and control. Secondly, we don’t just have a fabulous contemporary barn that seats up to 220, but a Mughal marquee as well, giving plenty of indoor and outdoor options. Thirdly, each of our weddings take place over three days, which makes for amazing parties.”

Indeed, there’s never a curfew here, meaning guests can dance through the night if they want – then get up late on the Sunday and get the party going again, if that’s what they fancy.

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VENUE

“But that’s not all,” says Alo, “for we have lots of fabulous accommodation on site, too. We actually have three houses here, which together sleep up to 34 people, so the bride and groom’s nearest and dearest can stay and enjoy the private estate experience. Very few venues have all these strings to their bow – and it’s going to get even better soon too, as we’re currently adding some pretty exciting tree houses!”

Because of all this flexibility, no two weddings here are ever alike. “When you book with us,” Alo says, “we become part of your family, so to speak.

I’m the founder of Axnoller, and I’m at 90% of our weddings, ensuring that the bride and groom have everything they want, just the way they want it. We try to say yes to everything here – which can make for some interesting times!”

Because lighting is really important, Alo has installed spectacular canopy lighting in both the barn 6 2 | VOW

and the green oak pergola, and introduced lovely long rustic tables, which amp up the glamour without becoming OTT. “But we can easily replace these with cloth-covered round tables, if that’s what you’d prefer,” she says. “I don’t tend to see problems, really, but instead try to find solutions every time.”

So, what’s been exciting at a wedding here lately?

“I love large, structural floral installations,” Alo says, “and because of the scale of the venue, we’ve actually created meadows and woodlands inside the barn – and on one occasion even turned the whole room into a midnight garden. At another wedding the couple had a 40-piece Brazilian drum band.”

You’ll be spoilt for choice as far as photo ops are concerned, too. “We have big sweeping views across Dorset’s most beautiful valley,” Alo says, “and there are lots of beautiful, hidden little areas within the

Picture by howard Lucas

Picture by catherine frawley

A XNOLLER

Picture by ria mishaal Picture by ria mishaal

grounds. In fact, couples often love having a moment away from the wedding party, just the two of them exploring these corners together.”

So, if Alo was getting married here herself soon, what would the event be like?

“The pergola looks amazing draped top-to-toe in fairy lights, chandeliers and roses, and we’d enjoy huge sharing platters of unfussy – but excellent – food in there, then I’d lead the party into the contemporary barn, where I’d set things up for a very different vibe.”

Sounds amazing!

“Then, the next day, I’d have a Sunday fun day, inviting everyone back for brunch or a BBQ outside or in the marquee – or, if the weather was inclement, in the barn. And on Sunday night I’d have the Jalopy pizza van, with its wood-fired oven, turn up to feed everyone – then start the party all over again!” axnoller.co.uk VOW | 6 3

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PictureS by venetia norrington

The r adnor rooms

Urban legend For a relaxed, flexible, fun wedding right in the heart of Bristol, check out the elegant, historically important, ultra-friendly Radnor Rooms – complete with its hidden gem of an outdoor terrace Morris wallpaper sections in amongst the exposed brick walls. We have a great sunlight-filled main room with sash windows and wooden floors, chandeliers, cornicing, and a quirky hand-built staircase out onto our lovely urban terrace, complete with plant-covered outdoor bar. We want our couples to feel they have their say in how they use the space, so we don’t dictate timetables, and our chef is happy to create menus. We also welcome other suppliers on site if, for instance, our couple have decided that what they really want is a pizza oven – or a crumpet-making station!”

Though not a huge venue, The Radnor Rooms can cater for up to 75, and is the only place in central Bristol where couples can get married outdoors.

“People remember weddings when they had a great time,” Sonia says.“We’ve all been to weddings where no-one seems to have been told what’s going on, and where service is brusque, and instead we encourage guests to enjoy our venue – to sing, dance, chill around the fire and toast marshmallows. And entrance to Mr Wolf’s is free to all on the night.”

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hat’s now known as The Radnor Rooms was once The Radnor Hotel, a public house with rooms that was infamous – back in the day – for its thriving gay community. “It has an amazing history stretching back as far as the 1920s,” says Sonia Evans, the weddings and events co-ordinator here, who also, under another name, runs Tilly Tomlinson Flowers. “The Wolff family, who own the building, took it on as a wreck, creating The Radnor Rooms on the first floor. Downstairs is our bar, Mr Wolfs, and upstairs is our yoga studio!”

The Radnor Rooms is Grade-II listed, and the refurb has retained the original features – and added a few more. “We’ve introduced plenty of reclaimed bits for interest, and because they make us smile,” Sonia says. “Hence the working Victorian fireplace on the terrace; the stained glass windows; and the William

o, what sort of wedding makes Sonia’s heart sing? “Those that are full of love,” she says.

“It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Yes, of course most weddings don’t go quite to plan, but when people are having a great time they don’t care!”

So what trends do the guys here embrace?

“Bringing the outdoors in, and decorating tables and parts of the venue with lots of foliage, in a less structured, more whimsical way,” says Sonia. “It creates such a relaxed feel, and who doesn’t love that?

Food is becoming more relaxed too, but sweet carts, cupcakes, and those twee signs that say ‘pick a seat, not a side’ all seem to have had their day.”

The cost of hiring The Radnor Rooms ranges from £1,500-£2,000 inc VAT, depending on the time of year and day of week. “Budget around £35 per head for a three-course meal,” Sonia says, “or opt for sharing platters to save money. If splashing out, have a free bar – guests love it! – and offer canapés with your welcome drinks. Oh, and go to town on flowers!”

It you fancy checking out the venue first-hand, they have an Open Day on Saturday 10 Feb, 12-3pm, in association with Heartfelt Vintage: think workshops on flower crowns, all completely free. theradnorrooms.co.uk VOW | 6 5

on the be ach Trudging slowly over wet sand

Picture by Liberty Pearl Photography

Traditions we love

the shore thing There’s very little that’s more romantic than a beach: the sound of the waves crashing on the shore; the salt breeze that blows your hair in your eyes and your skirts around your waist until you feel as if you are as one with the wind; the far horizons, the urge to cling to someone else, and the sense of endless possibility.

The feeling that there’s just the two of you and nature and the edge of the world.

And then there’s the risk factor too. Will sand ruin your hem?

Will water trash your shoes? Will your prince need to scoop you up and carry you to safety as the tide scurries in, as with the lucky Mrs Murray here? We all know there’s something sexy about a little danger, and it’s no coincidence that beaches show up in many of the styled shoots we run in Vow Magazine. They speak of the give and take of two worlds colliding like little else.

Next up: Vow returns on 23 March. And it’ll be overflowing with exciting VOW Live news…

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Margaux Tardits: meet Fr ance’s hot new bridal fashion star

Plus! Sand between our toes, a convoy of tricycles, and a missing bird of prey…

Sharp looks: Glamour in the shadow of Madame Guillotine

Stag party: a couple elope to the woods (and bring along their antlered pal) The South West’s new wedding bible

Vow Live: the best of the west on Bristol’s dockside