West Weddings Winter 2013

FREE COVERING BATH, BRISTOL , GLOUCESTERSHIRE, SOMERSET & WILTSHIRE

WINTER 2013

WWW.WEST-WEDDINGS.CO.UK

TIPS FOR YOUR PERFECT CEREMONY

12 pages of

GORGEOUS GOWNS

SUNNY HONEYMOONS IN PARADISE

Ideas and inspiration from real life weddings

An English country garden We celebrate a winter wedding at the beautiful Hestercombe Gardens

GOWNS | MENSWEAR | PHOTOGRAPHY | VENUES | JEWELLERY | INSPIRATION winter 2013_Cover FINAL.indd 1

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The Anne Harding Bridal Experience We look forward to welcoming you to Anne Harding Weddings - situated in Stoke Bishop just a few minutes from the Downs and close to the city centre, our bridal and menswear showroom offers you Free Parking and a spacious showroom.

We are the only bridal shop in the area that offer you the chance to either hire a bridal gown, buy your bridal gown or design your own made to measure bridal gown.

We understand how daunting the process of looking for your dream dress can be but also just how exciting finding your perfect bridal gown should be. We are a friendly, welcoming and professional shop and you will be made to feel at ease the minute you arrive instore - we will offer you a tea, coffee or cold drink on arrival and our team of bridal consultants look forward to helping you find your dream wedding dress.

We also stock an extensive range of Dessy bridesmaid dresses and we can coordinate the cravats colours to match exactly in our mens formal hire department, offering your wedding party the full service all under one roof.

Please telephone for an appointment on 0117 9683074 and we look forward to being part of your bridal experience!

Find us on facebook

(Anne Harding Bristol)

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK FOR EXCLUSIVE NEWS AND PROMOTIONS! 2 WEST WEDDINGS

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Formal Suit Hire for Men and Boys How will you make your entrance...

A Tailcoat is a long jacket, cut away at the front, single buttoned and tapered round to the back to form the ‘tail’.

A full range of Waistcoats and Cravats are available for hire with Tailcoats as well as extras such as Top Hats and canes.

Prince Edward Jackets are a longer, four-buttoned suit jacket which can be worn with the full range of Waistcoats and Cravats. Shoes can be hired with the Prince Edward outfit.

Lounge Suit jackets are cut much like a classic two-button suit and are also known as Short Morning Jackets which can also be worn with the full range of Waistcoats and Cravats.

Frockcoats have a knee length skirt all around the base of the jacket. It is a jacket with a single vent at the back.

Frockcoats can be worn with the full range of Waistcoats and Cravats. A Top Hat can be worn with the Frockcoat.

Anne Harding Formal Man is excited to offer Tailored Fit Light Weight Suits in a range of styles and NEW for 2014 are our SLIM FIT SHIRTS to hire or buy!!!! Visit our showroom in Stoke Bishop, Bristol to view our extensive range of suits telephone 0117 9683074 for an appointment.

Slim Fit Shirts to Hire

90-92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol Tel. 0117 9683074 • www.anneharding.com

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THE TEAM Editor: Helen Dorritt Editorial assistant: Ellie Pipe Blog editor & proofreader: Kate Hacker Writers and contributors: Madelaine Culver, Tilly Geoghegan, Antonia King, Zoe Lewis, Rebecca Paddick, Nicola Scott and Gianina Turner Photoshoot Art Direction: Kirsten Butler Design: Cath Evans, Dan Srokosz Production manager: Cath Evans Production co-ordinators: Emma Gorton & Ruth Wood Commercial director: Paul Kimberley ADVERTISING To advertise in future editions of West Weddings contact: Jacqui Lewis (Bristol customers) T: 0117 934 3136 E: jacqui.lewis@b-nm.co.uk Ellie Pipe (rest of region customers) T: 0117 934 3769 E: eleanor.pipe@b-nm.co.uk EDITORIAL To contribute to future editions of West Weddings contact: Helen Dorritt E: westweddings@venue.co.uk DISTRIBUTION To have a regular free delivery of the magazine to your business contact: Simon Butler T: 0117 934 3741 E: simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk PUBLISHER West Weddings magazine is published

by Venue at Bristol News and Media, 2nd Floor, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD T: 0117 942 8491

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ westweddings, like us on Facebook & check out our blog at www.westweddings. blogspot.co.uk FREE COVERING BATH, BRISTOL , GLOUCESTERSHIRE, SOMERSET & WILTSHIRE

WINTER 2013

WWW.WEST-WEDDINGS.CO.UK

51

Welcome to West Weddings Winter 2013

Glittering fairy lights, frosty trees, mulled wine, flickering candles, cosy faux fur shrugs… there are so many great finishing touches at a winter wedding that it’s no wonder this season is growing in popularity for couples looking to get hitched. We’ve therefore rounded up the very best of winter in this issue of West Weddings to help you make the most of this picturesque season.

Our photoshoot on p.51 is set in the beautiful Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset, a truly unique venue. Expertly styled by Kirsten Butler and captured by Martin Dabek from PhotoDabek, and featuring talented local suppliers including Bridezillas, Sassi Holford, the Bath Cake Company and Flowers for Eddie, the images are full of inspiration for all of you looking to celebrate love in a cold climate!

We launch a new feature this issue on p.62, our pinboard, where we share some of the lovely wedding ideas we’ve been lusting over this season. Our be inspired section also features gorgeous honeymoon ideas, practical advice on budgeting and expert tips for your ceremony – everything you need to help plan the day from start to finish.

As always, we love to hear from readers, whether you want to showcase your day in our real wedding section, share ideas and information or simply say hello. Drop me an email, send a tweet or write a comment on our Facebook wall – I look forward to hearing from you!

TIPS FOR YOUR PERFECT CEREMONY

12 pages of

GORGEOUS GOWNS

45

SUNNY HONEYMOONS IN PARADISE

Ideas and inspiration from real life weddings

An English country garden

Helen Dorritt Editor

66

We celebrate a winter wedding at the beautiful Hestercombe Gardens

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5

6

68

6 REGULARS 6 Wedding news

A round up of the latest news 12 Ask the experts

Your questions answered 20 Real weddings

Four couples share the details of their

big day 45 Grooms

Tips for your day and winter fashion 49 Budget and countdown

Keep track of those facts and figures 84 Photo gallery

Fantastic photography from the best in the West 88 Directory

Lots of local contacts 90 Last word

Should you change your name?

FASHION 33 Gown gallery

Sposa Elegante, Anne Harding and

Solitaire show off this season’s wedding

dresses 36 One size doesn’t fit all

Designing your own wedding dress 51 Cover shoot

Hestercombe is our perfect English

country garden setting

BE INSPIRED 61

62

Health in the heart of Somerset Ellie Pipe enjoys a weekend of relaxation at Cedar Falls Pinboard What we’re loving this winter

Winter 2013_Contents.indd 5

contents WINTER 2013

62

20

36

70

64

66

68

70

73

Ceremony SOS Advice for getting the most from

your ceremony Saving the Day Your guide to wedding insurance Beauty Bible The best of the winter’s beauty products Romance with a touch of spice We travel to Grenada to drool over Sandals’ new honeymoon resort Be your guest?

A look at the costs of a wedding for your guests

VENUES 75 A selection of the region’s best

places to celebrate your “I do”

COMPETITIONS 18 Lots of goodies to be had, including a wedding dress from Special Day and Appletons

73

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news News

dress?

TRASH THE

If you’re after a wedding or bridesmaid dress with a difference, Dumpster Design could be just what you need. Dumpster Design’s handmade, recycled and eye-catching fashion has proved that any material can be beautiful and wearable, as the label creates breathtaking outfits from everything and anything, including old flyers and leaflets, CDs and shopping bags. It’s has now launched a bespoke service for bridal attire, allowing brides to supply symbolic and intimate materials, such as fabric from a family wedding dress or photos, to create a one-off gown. Ecofriendly and unique? Sounds good to us!

DUMPSTER DESIGN W: WWW.DUMPSTERDESIGN.CO.UK

THE

WOW FACTOR What better way to beat the New Year blues than with a sneaky peak inside some of the finest West Country wedding venues? Combine this with a chance to meet top wedding industry experts, sample some delectable cakes and admire the latest bridal fashions, and you’re onto a winner. The good people at Wow Weddings look set to provide their usual high calibre wedding shows early next year so that you can feel inspired and start your 2014 wedding planning without delay.

The Bath wedding show will take place in the historic Bath Assembly Rooms on 5th January.

Located right in the centre of town, Bath visitors can expect to find everything they need from hen dos to honeymoons, as well as having the chance to enjoy spectacular fashion shows.

In Cheltenham, the wedding show will be held on 12th January in the Mercure Cheltenham Queens Hotel, with all of the wedding-related fun and frivolity under one very majestic roof.

The Bristol wedding show will be hosted at none other than the stunning Ashton Court Mansion on 19th January. This is an unmissable opportunity to admire the interior of the beautiful mansion house, pick up invaluable tips and contacts and just escape for an enjoyable winter day out.

WOW WEDDINGS W: WWW.THEBATHWEDDINGSHOW.CO.UK W: WWW.THECHELTENHAMWEDDINGSHOW.CO.UK W: WWW.THEBRISTOLWEDDINGSHOW.CO.UK

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old, new...

SOMETHING SOMETHING … something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in her shoe! If you want to complete the saying on your wedding day, new online boutique Elsie & Fleur has the perfect gift with which to do it. Made by Bristol-based crafter Jo Jones, the ‘sixpence in her shoe’ product features a shiny sixpence in a beautiful box, with a letter to explain the tradition.

Elsie & Fleur was born out of a desire for people to be able to buy items that are often unique but don’t carry a hefty price tag. All Elsie & Fleur products have been created with love by artisan crafters and makers based in the West Country. Its aim is to offer people the chance to buy unusual, handmade, yet affordable items from the comfort of their own homes, and is therefore a great place to source gifts for your wedding.

ELSIE & FLEUR W: WWW.ELSIEANDFLEUR.CO.UK

NEW HOTEL

A

FOR BATH

£10 million restoration has transformed Grade II* listed Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath and was unveiled at its official launch in October.

Bailbrook House, set within 20 acres of private grounds with glorious views over England’s only world heritage city, was originally built as a private residence in the early 1790s and then spent more than 190 years as an institution. The building programme has transformed the hotel into a leading four star destination, with a sympathetic restoration and refurbishment of the original Mansion House and a total refurbishment of Bailbrook Court.

The Mansion House now has 13 prestigious bedrooms, many with stunning original features, a new fine dining restaurant offering delicious modern British cuisine and excellent wines, three large lounges and a conservatory bar.

The country house setting provides a magical backdrop for weddings, with Bailbrook House Hotel holding a licence for marriages and civil partnerships.

BAILBROOK HOUSE EVELEIGH AVENUE, LONDON ROAD, BATH BA1 7JD T: 01225 855100 W: WWW.BAILBROOKHOUSE.CO.UK

Love spoons

If you know of a couple who love the retro vibe, or you’re a bride looking for a lovely gift for your bridesmaids or best man, log onto About Face’s online shop to check out a great new addition to its range, engraved vintage cutlery. The cutlery has been cleverly sourced and then hand stamped with a range of sentiments, and can be then personalised further with a name. These spoons are a really great way to recycle and make good use of vintage objects, as well as being a gift that’s unique to the receiver.

ABOUT FACE T: 07837 799938 W: WWW.ABOUTFACEONLINE.CO.UK

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cannot be used on footwear.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

News

This offer is valid from November 1st – November 18th 2014. Offer

Bridezillas

Bridezillas, the bridal accessories boutique in Keynsham, has now reached its two year anniversary after the concept of a bridal accessories store was dreamt up by Amanda Davis-Harrison when she was unable to find accessories for her own wedding day. Since its opening in 2011, Bridezillas has become nationally known and has placed its stamp on bridal accessories across the UK. With online sales all over the country and people travelling from as far as Scotland, London and Cornwall to visit the boutique, brides are realising that Bridezillas’ concept of specialising in accessories alone and having a physical shop where they can try on a variety of products is invaluable.

“We are proud to have had such an impact on accessories,” says Amanda. “It’s lovely to hear so much positive feedback from new brides who have been recommended to come here!”

With the largest selection of accessories and shoes in the south west, Bridezillas is the one stop shop after finding that all important dress.

As well as a range of fabulous shoes, veils, jewellery and much more, Bridezillas also has its own range of accessories, Abigail Grace Designs, which enables the shop to offer something unique to each and every individual bride. “Moving forward we are hoping to create a bigger brand for Abigail Grace, and we will be launching some beautiful new pieces during November. In 2014 we are also introducing a hire facility, which will include birdcages, post boxes, wishing trees and other lovely accessories!” says Amanda.

To celebrate its second year, Bridezillas is offering West Weddings readers a whopping 20% off! To qualify for this discount please either bring this page to the shop or quote WWBRIDE20 online.

BRIDEZILLAS 18 HIGH STREET, KEYNSHAM, BRISTOL BS31 1DQ T: 0117 904 3039 W: WWW.BRIDEZILLAS.BIZ

SO SASSI 2014 COLLECTION ARRIVES IN TAUNTON So Sassi, the ‘esprit’ label from multiaward winning designer Sassi Holford, recently had its 2014 collection unveiled in the Sassi Holford boutique in Taunton.

The label, in its second year, has firmly established itself as fun, flirty and fashion conscious and is already on the short list for many 2014 brides.

So Sassi is the creation of a young design team working in a highly creative environment at Sassi’s studio in Somerset. Sassi oversees the design direction and commented: “After the success of the label’s first year, we now know its market, its bride and its style direction, so the success of the second collection has become very significant because expectations are higher”. You can

see some of these beautiful dresses in action at our photoshoot on pages 51-58.

The So Sassi and Sassi Holford 2014 collections are available from Sassi Holford Taunton, but the boutique also offers collections from international bridal designers and a selection of occasion wear to dress the rest of the bridal party – including Sassi’s own Mother of the Bride outfits.

For those of you hunting a bargain, the Sassi Holford annual winter sale takes place in January with discounts of up to 70% on sample gowns – definitely a date for your diary!

SASSI HOLFORD T: 01823 256308 W: WWW.SASSIHOLFORDTAUNTON.CO.UK

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News

LOVE ACTUALLY WEDDINGS REACHES THE 100 MILESTONE! It was fitting that the 100th Love Actually Weddings fair on 29th September was held at Tortworth Court Hotel – the same place where it all started for owners David and Emma five years ago. Although not planned, it made it even more special for the company to achieve this milestone at the venue. “Tortworth Court just feels like our second home!” said Emma. She and David thanked all the suppliers, brides and venues who have supported their events since 2008.

The occasion was marked by prizes for lucky brides: the 100th bride registered on the day received a special prize of £100, and at the end of the fashion show, another bride won a bottle of champagne.

LOVE ACTUALLY WEDDINGS W: WWW.LOVEACTUALLYWEDDINGS.CO.UK

COMING UP Although the gardens might be somewhat lacking in blooms at this time of year, flower lovers can get their fix as the Tallulah Rose Flower School launches its spring timetable of bridal workshops. Its one day sessions are a lovely way to start thinking about one of the most important parts of your big day – your wedding flowers. Whether you are looking to do your own event flowers or are simply in need of some floral inspiration, Tallulah Rose’s workshops offer a great opportunity to get some hands-on experience and professional tuition. From their beautiful school room in an elegant Georgian town house in Bath, you’ll have the chance to learn the basics, from how to select and care for your wedding flowers right through to making your own bridal bouquet and groom’s buttonhole.

Roses

TALLULAH ROSE FLOWER SCHOOL W: WWW.TALLULAHROSEFLOWERS.COM 10 WEST WEDDINGS

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GUILD WEDDING FAYRE

LoveActuallyweddings

SUNDAY, 5 JANUARY 2014 11am - 3pm Old Down Manor, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG ÂŁ1 admission and Charity Prize Draw with 25 winners. All proceeds donated to The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, organising and funding weddings for terminally ill people.

Your one stop shop... ...for a perfect wedding Please visit our website for more details www.theuniqueweddingguild.co.uk

Wedding Fayres NEW TIMES (11am - 3.30pm, unless specified) Christmas Special, Bristol Zoo Sunday 1st December (11.30am - 3.30pm) Christmas Special, Bailbrook House Sunday 8th December (11.30am - 3.30pm) Grand Thistle, Bristol Sunday 5th January

Ideal for weddings, private parties, corporate events, club nights and festivals!

Castle Hotel, Taunton Sunday 12th January Tithe Barn, Dunster Sunday 26th January Cotswold Water Park Hotel Sunday 2nd February Charlton House, Shepton Mallet Sunday 9th February

To hire our booth for your special day contact us at

enquiries@itsyourbooth.com or visiting our website itsyourbooth.com

ADMISSION is always FREE with loveactually For information of all our events, please visit

www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 11

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advice

Getting laser eye surgery, choosing a seasonal menu, finding the perfect flowers?

YOU NEED TO ASK THE EXPERTS...

These useful tips from our industry experts will leave you stress free.

A clearer view

Food for thought

My fiance and I are both considering laser eye surgery. How long is the recovery and what are the most important considerations when choosing a clinic?

We’re planning the menu for our winter 2014 wedding. We really want to showcase local, seasonal ingredients - do you have any recommendations for dishes?

I really want to use summer flowers in my bouquet for my winter wedding next year, but is this possible without it costing me a small fortune?

Geraldine Macdonald, Keynsham

Tom Ramsay, Trowbridge

Louise Green, Bath

Winter blooms

Phil Jaycock, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Bristol Laser Vision, says:

Ed Tatton, head chef at Berwick Lodge, says:

Tina Bignall of Tiger lily Flowers says:

Laser eye surgery can be an excellent solution for brides and grooms-to-be looking for a more permanent solution to glasses and contact lenses.

It’s important to undergo a suitability consultation as soon as you can, allowing maximum time for pre-consultation preparation (leaving your contact lenses out), postconsultation recommendations before surgery and post treatment recovery. However, with advances in technology and the associated quicker recovery, your journey from enquiry to your end result can only take one month or so. There are considerations to take into account with regards to how long to avoid particular activities. Further guidelines should be given to you at consultation.

When choosing your clinic, it is really important that you do your research. You should be happy with your surgeon, their qualifications, the laser platform used and the aftercare package that you receive. You should feel completely comfortable that all your questions have been answered and that proceeding with treatment is the right thing for you and your eyes.

I too am a big fan of keeping ingredients local and seasonal, not only for the great quality and taste but also to support businesses in the local community and to keep our carbon footprint down.

For a winter wedding starter I’d suggest hay smoked goose ham, sourced from free range poultry farm Madgetts Farm in Chepstow. I serve it with pickled cherries (we pick ours from Berwick’s orchard in the summer and pickle them immediately), celeriac remoulade and sorrel.

The celeriac gives the dish a lovely earthiness and creaminess. Dorset caught brill and halibut are both tasty and a fantastic size at this time of the year, so serve with pearl barley to create a great texture to the dish, plus braised leeks and lemon purée for sweetness and freshness - a perfect winter main course. For dessert, I love my chocolate and hazelnut financier, a sticky, nutty sponge served warm with caramel brittle and ice cream made with smooth, luxurious jersey milk from Somerset. After all, who doesn’t like chocolate?

The answer to that is quite simply, of course!

Many classic summer flowers, such as beautiful English peonies or roses, can be mimicked by flowers grown overseas in places such as Colombia or Ecuador. When it’s our winter it’s their summer, and such they are able to grow beautiful blooms and supply us just for the ‘out of season’ bride.

Many such farms are able to supply all year around, thus giving a regular purchaser an all year round guaranteed price, so hydrangeas at Christmas from Colombia will be the same price as they would be in our season in the summer.

Although buying flowers from abroad can seem bad for the environment, with hotter climates, greenhouses don’t need to be heated, fewer fertilisers are used and therefore, even with the cost of transportation, your flowers’ carbon footprint is often smaller. Plus the overall cost and quality is also often better than home grown flowers, given our unpredictable weather! So choose a florist who buys widely, not just from Europe, and you can guarantee to have the bouquet you want.

FFI: 0117 342 1600, WWW.BRISTOLLASERVISION.CO.UK

FFI: 0117 958 1590, WWW.BERWICKLODGE.CO.UK

FFI: 01454 856737, WWW.TIGERLILYFLOWERS.CO.UK

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News

The Language of FLOWERS

In Victorian times, flowers were used as a means of communication. Nowadays the internet is the most popular way to get in touch with others, which is why Tiger Lily Flowers in Bristol will soon be launching its brand new website.

Owner Tina Bignell decided that she wanted to reflect current trends of communication and bring her online presence up to date. The new home page will have an easy direct click through to contact the business, as well as a link to Tiger Lily’s

Facebook page which will be managed with new images weekly to provide inspiration and ideas. There will also be a direct email with immediate response, plus a dedicated wedding news page to share the latest information. The site goes live at the start of November - bookmark it now so you don’t miss out!

TIGER LILY FLOWERS 3 CHELFORD GROVE, PATCHWAY, BRISTOL BS34 6DD T: 01454 856737 W: WWW.TIGERLILYFLOWERS.CO.UK

to the manor born

C

alling all brides to be! Manor by the Lake, the exquisite wedding venue in Cheltenham, has an exceptional winter wedding package available from January - March 2014. The package includes exclusive hire of the venue and grounds for your ceremony and reception, a dedicated wedding co-ordinator, a delicious three course wedding breakfast plus an evening buffet. What could be better than a romantic winter wedding in the Cotswolds? This breathtaking venue, which could be straight out of a Jane Austen novel, might just prove to be the ideal place for you and your Mr Darcy to tie the knot in comfort and style.

MANOR BY THE LAKE HATHERLEY LANE, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL51 6PN T: 01242 542700 W: WWW.MANORBYTHELAKE.CO.UK

ERRATUM NOTICE In the Autumn issue of West Weddings, we accidentally attributed some of David J Brewin’s photographs to Interlace Photography on the competition page (p.18) and the photo gallery pages (p.8485). We apologise unreservedly to both photographers for this error and for any confusion caused by our mistake.

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Bridal Wedding Fayre Open Days FREE Admission & FREE Goodie Bag Arrival Drink upon Registration 11am - 3pm

KEN’S KARS

With some of the Finest Professionals in The Cotswolds Exhibiting Everything from the Necessity to the Unique .....

The Only Limit is Your Imagination !

Sunday, 26th January 2014 The Cheltenham Regency Hotel Gloucester Road, Cheltenham

Sunday, 16th February 2014 Hatherley Manor Hotel Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham

Sunday, 2nd March 2014 Crown of Crucis

Spacious 1920’s & 30’s cars for Weddings and film work

Down Ampney, Cirencester

www.idylliccreationswithlove.co.uk info@idylliccreationswithlove.co.uk

07772 210 742

Proud to Support Macmillan Cancer Support

WWW.KENSKARS.CO.UK Email: waynesmith78@hotmail.com

Tel: 01454 313194

16 Blanchards, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6LJ

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In the forest If you’re looking for a small but beautifully formed wedding venue, then check out Mill End Mitcheldean, a medieval self-catering property in the Forest of Dean. This gorgeous house can fit 40 people over five inter-connected units, offering a bohemian and boutique ‘at home’ wedding celebration venue with quirky table themes and catering, from vintage to baroque, Mediterranean to Moroccan.

For the happy couple, there’s a cathedral style, vaulted ceiling four poster room bedroom complete with a bath in the alcove. For other friends and family there are themed bedrooms, while the barn conversion offers dining space for 40 with an open plan kitchen and huge walls of graffiti art, plus a downstairs sitting room with a cocktail bar and 60” TV. In-house catering can offer seated three course dinners, Mediterranean tapas/deli style buffets, Moroccan warm buffets, local cream teas

News

served on vintage china and much more.

Mill End Mitcheldean also offers a host of other quirky touches including a chill out or children’s Bedouin tent on the top lawn, a ceremony space laid out in the green oak timber framed garden room, illuminated circus letters of your choosing in the garden and outdoor lighting and lanterns from the trees.

It also has use of a hot tub, wood fired pizza oven and pool table in an intimate yet informal setting.

The venue is ideal for the rite of hand-fasting - a modern, usually Pagan wedding ritual, or for intimate parties to renew vows.

It is also currently applying for a wedding licence, so you’ll soon be able to say your I dos in this gorgeous building.

MILL END MITCHELDEAN THE GENERAL STORES, MILL END, MITCHELDEAN, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL17 0HP W: WWW.MILLENDMITCHELDEAN.CO.UK

perfection

SHOWCASED TO Saturday 5th October saw The Wedding Works’ very first wedding showcase at its shop on Gloucester Road, Bristol.

The fizz flowed, canapés were enjoyed and 10 lucky couples won prizes while exploring the options available at this one-stop shop!

Most of the visitors on the day were new to The Wedding Works, which allowed the shop to introduce its ‘under one roof’ concept to potential clients and showcase it as a place where you can get all your wedding accessories from The Wedding Works’ extensive list of suppliers.

Due to the success of the event, the shop will be making this a twiceyearly event, and the next showcase will be held on 1st February 2014.

Its suppliers will be on hand to discuss your requirements and give you ideas to make your wedding or event memorable.

The Wedding Works has also had a new supplier in the last few weeks: Global Independent Travel from Clevedon, which specialises in honeymoon bookings. The company joins an impressive roster of suppliers of wedding accessories, including stationery, cakes, photography, venue décor and chair covers, to make The

Wedding Works the destination for all wedding and event-related queries.

THE WEDDING WORKS 427 GLOUCESTER ROAD, BRISTOL BS7 8TZ T: 07931 859986 W: WWW.THEWEDDINGWORKSBRISTOL.CO.UK

A LOVE THAT’S OUT

OF THIS WORLD

If you’re crazy about the Doctor and planning a wedding, then how about joining other fans to say your vows in front of the TARDIS? A British company is looking for 100 lovestruck Doctor Who fans to tie the knot, engage in a civil partnership or renew their vows, coinciding with the hit BBC show’s 50th anniversary.

The event will be taking place at the prestigeous Bloomsbury Ballroom in London on 24th November 2013. After the I dos, there will be a champagne reception and a Doctor Who themed buffet. Characters from the show will mingle with the guests and of course, the Daleks will be putting in an appearance!

There are also the options to purchase guest tickets – no marriage vows required – to witness the out-of-this-world event!

W: WWW.WHOVIANWEDDING.CO.UK

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New lease of life for the

News

OLD MANOR HOTEL Couples seeking a wedding venue in or around Bath are in for a treat with exciting plans afoot at the Old Manor Hotel. The beautiful 500 year old manor house located in Trowle, near Trowbridge, was taken over by hotel veteran Tudor Hopkins earlier this year and was granted a wedding license in August.

Mr Hopkins specialises in re-launching hotels and has plans for a small scale refurbishment which will be designed and directed by his wife Lucy. Their aim is to restore the house’s features and bring the Old Manor back to its original splendour, letting the old world charm of the place shine through.

The house and grounds will be available on an exclusive-use basis for wedding parties. Highlights include a bridal retreat, ceremonies in the milking parlour with original barn features, a canapé and Prosecco reception, full three course wedding breakfast and complimentary suite for the happy couple on their wedding night. The catering promises to be of the finest quality as top chef Mathew Briddon has joined the talented Old Manor team as head chef.

OLD MANOR HOTEL TROWLE COMMON, TROWBRIDGE ROAD, BRADFORD ON AVON, WILTSHIRE BA14 9BL T: 01225 777393 W: WWW.OLDMANORHOTEL. COM/WEDDINGS E: RECEPTION@OLDMANORHOTEL.COM

A VERY

WORTHY CAUSE The Guild of Professional Wedding Services will be supporting The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, the charity that helps organise weddings for terminally ill people, at its next wedding fayre in January.

The Guild members, who provide the very best wedding-related services in the South West, will be holding a prize draw at the fayre, with all monies going to the charity. 25 lucky prize draw winners will receive discounts from Guild wedding service providers. In addition to this, the ‘same value’ will be donated to the foundation by the Guild members to boost funds for terminally ill people wishing to get married.

The fayre will be held on Sunday 5th January 2014 at Old Down Manor in Tockington, Bristol.

Visitors to the fayre will have the opportunity to meet all the Guild members and also hear Naomi’s story, the founder of The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation.

THE GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL WEDDING SERVICES W: WWW.THEUNIQUEWEDDINGGUILD.CO.UK W: WWW.WEDDINGWISHINGWELL.ORG.UK. 16 WEST WEDDINGS

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COMPETITION

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A MINI BREAK FOR TWO AT THE 5 STAR ST DAVID’S HOTEL AND SPA IN CARDIFF BAY Enjoy two nights of pure indulgence at the fabulous 5 star St David’s Hotel & Spa overlooking the waters of Cardiff Bay, with dinner in the chic Tempus at Tides restaurant and, to welcome you to Wales, a bottle of fizz awaiting you on arrival.

St David’s Hotel & Spa is Wales’ leading luxury five star hotel, its exclusive location offering views over the water for all 142 bedrooms. The hotel is a favourite with visiting celebrities and boasts a world class marine spa, which was named one of the top 15 spas in the UK by Condé Nast.

TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply tell us the city location of the St David’s Hotel & Spa. Email your answer to westweddings@venue.co.uk by 17th January 2014.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prize subject to availability and open Sunday – Thursday until 31st March 2014.

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you...

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

Tell us about your big day or wedding plans; let us know all about the gorgeous dress you discovered or about that perfect venue. Ask us any questions you have about planning for your nuptials or share some useful tips of your own.

Email the editor at westweddings@venue.co.uk and you could be gracing the pages of our next edition.

MARK SIMMONS PHOTOGRAPHY Tel: 0117 9140999 Mobile: 07778 063 699

Natural Weddings “Mark Simmons has both the skilled eye and craftsmanship to make your wedding album come alive every time you turn the pages. Frozen action and classic art are merged to create an emotional trip down memory lane. Mark’s documentary style is energy filled, fun and delivered with an ever reassuring calmness for even the most camera shy family member. Moreover, Mark is a joy to work with and has a winning formula.”

Tina and Garry Tabor

www.marksimmonsphotography.com WEST WEDDINGS 19

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Realweddings

Charlotte and Martin Badger’s love for fun and adventure led to a wedding filled with laughter, dancing and an unforgettable party. Nicola Scott finds out more.

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hen these two sea lovers first set eyes on each other at a friend’s 21st in 2005 at The Walton Park Hotel, what they didn’t know at the time was that seven years later they would be vowing to spend their lives together at the very same location.

Despite a promising start, they didn’t make it on their first date until April 2007 when Charlotte gave up waiting for Martin (Badge), to make a move and asked for his number. Unbeknown to them, their mutual friends and family had been trying to set them up the whole time.

Charlotte recalls that “There was definitely an instant attraction on both sides, he was very tall and slim with blonde floppy hair and drove a VW campervan; I instantly thought he was insanely cool.” Badge chips in: “Chaz had the most awesome smile and I instantly fell in love with her. She had the most beautiful eyes and her aura just lit up the room. I was hooked and needed to know more about her.”

The proposal came the day after their four year anniversary. “He took me down to Clevedon seafront, where we had taken a stroll on our first date, and he proposed on bended knee at the jetty, to lots of cheers from the teenagers having a BBQ on the beach!” says Charlotte. “It was at sunset and very romantic, but also low key which suited us fine.” All her hints and nods at rings in shop windows had paid off as the ring was perfect; a gorgeous white gold ring with a single diamond set in the middle.

The venue was an easy choice for the couple, as they decided on The Walton Park Hotel where they had met all those years previously. “We have lived on the same road for years too; the sea view is amazing,” explains Charlotte. “It was the obvious choice for us both.” They were keen to hold both the ceremony and the reception at Walton Park, as it could accommodate up to 150 people. They both shared the desire for “an awesome party in the evening”, allowing everyone to enjoy dancing and drinking into the night. At the same time they were eager for the ceremony itself to be intimate and meaningful, so invited only 75 close friends and immediate family.

Charlotte’s Maggie Sottero designer gown was a great find, bought just a few weeks after the engagement, and an absolute bargain at £150. A seamstress in Congresbury later altered the dress and customised it with lilac ribbon throughout the corset. Charlotte accessorised her outfit with a pearl necklace belonging to her grandmother and earrings that were a wedding gift from the groom, who looked very smart in his suit hired from Sam Flower at Menswear of Nailsea, despite it being worlds away from his usual casual style. “It helped that Sam and her husband were both into VWs too so got Badge’s surfer style,” Charlotte adds.

Creating a personal, home-made feel was very important to both Charlotte and Badge, who made a lot of things together for their big day, including a table plan using a skim board and invitations. The CDs the couple made as their favours were a special touch. “I doodled each label individually which took hours and hours, but was worth it,” says Charlotte.

A pair of personalised Converse shoes each for the couple was another personal touch.

On the morning of the big day, the happy couple were lucky enough to wake up to clear, bright skies, although rain had threated to ruin play the night before along with their chances of being wed in the gazebo. The couple’s sense of fun and adventure shone through in the choice of entertainment: both a caricaturist and a magician were enlisted to interact with the guests and create a very individual wedding experience. Their shared love for all things surf was reflected in their unusual yet playful choice of wedding cake design: a sculpted VW camper

van and Beetle! This was made by Mike James Celebration Cakes in Clevedon and came complete with personalised number plates, serving as a super memory of the couple’s many trips in ‘The Bimble Bus’, their very own VW van.

The only slight hiccup was a typically chilled Badge forgetting to say how beautiful his bride was as part of his speech, and leaving her to complete the thank yous. She must have forgiven him though, as they went on to have a fantastic honeymoon in Mauritius where their first child, Indiana Violet, now eight months old, was conceived.

“The whole day and night was fabulous,” says Charlotte, “but the moments when we couldn’t stop laughing in the ceremony really stood out for me.

We had an awesome time with all our favourite people, which is what it’s all about really.” For the groom, it was their camper van cake and personalised Converse that put a smile on his face, and he was happy his bride said ‘I do’! “Our day was filled with fun, family and friends, with a packed dance-floor from start to finish; just what we wanted and more!”

DETAILS Venue The Walton Park Hotel, Wellington Terrace, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7BL T: 01275 874253 W: www.waltonparkhotel.co.uk Photographer Interlace Photography W: www.interlacephotography.co.uk Bride’s dress Maggie Sottero W: www.maggiesottero.com Groom’s outfit Men’s Hire of Nailsea, 10 Leighwood Drive, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 4SY T: 07557 789640 W: www.menshire.co.uk Flowers 1st Choice Florist, 246b Stapleton Road, Bristol BS5 0NT T: 0117 951 8070 W: www.1stchoiceflorist.co.uk Cake Mike James Celebration Cakes T: 01275 878713 W: www.mikejamescakes.co.uk Entertainment Demonpen Caricaturist W: www.demonpen.co.uk Darren Campbell Magic W: www.darrencampbellmagician.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 21

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Realweddings

Nicola Scott hears all about Scarlett and Kurt Swallow’s sunny day in Bath.

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carlett and Kurt met by chance at a hostel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while both enjoying individual round the world trips. Their chance encounter happened when both were enjoying drinks with friends at the hostel bar. “I was heading out to another bar and Kurt caught my eye,” remembers Scarlett, “so I dragged him out with us!” While Scarlett was in the last week of her gap year following graduating from university, Kurt was only in the third week of his year-long round the world trip. “We therefore had to wait nearly a year for our second date,” says Kurt. “It sounds clichéd but I genuinely thought she looked stunning and had a feeling I would know her for the rest of my life.”

Kurt’s feelings came true, leading to a proposal on bended knee while the sun set over the Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth. “I’d never been someone to dream about my wedding or being proposed to, but the setting was absolutely stunning and I couldn’t have asked for a better memory,” says Scarlett. The deal was sealed with a temporary ring made by Scarlett’s mum, a skilled silversmith, engraved on the inside with the date they first met.

After being recommended Strawberry Fields as caterers for their wedding, they researched venues the company worked for and were “wowed by the relaxed, laid back feel” offered

by Wick Farm in Bath, which was ideal for the unpressurised feel they both wanted for their May wedding. Both Scarlett and Kurt were also keen to use as many local suppliers as possible, and chose their flowers, wedding stationery, photography service and Scarlett’s dress from

of the day. “She did a fantastic job with the reportage-style photography that captured our wedding perfectly,” recalls Scarlett. Despite weeks before (and after) of rain, on the actual day it was glorious sunshine, leading to some beautiful shots in the grounds of the farm.

“I was really apprehensive about the day as I don’t like being centre of attention,” says Scarlett. “What I wasn’t expecting was to have so much fun! It was like having the best party with everyone in the world I love best, all enjoying themselves.” And after such a chilled day, the couple’s choice of honeymoon destination, Koh Tao in Thailand, allowed them to continue the relaxation for a bit longer!

DETAILS companies based in and around Bath. There was a subtle swallow theme for the big day as a nod towards their surname, reflected in the invitations, table plan and decorations. Kurt was keen to ensure there was “great tasting food and plenty of wine!” and Strawberry Fields certainly delivered on this point, producing a delicious wedding feast that Kurt cites as one of the highlights of the day!

Scarlett’s three best friends stood up beside her as bridesmaids, wearing gorgeous sky blue knee-length dresses with cream shoes, and two of Kurt’s nieces were flowergirls. Kurt’s best friend from school took on the role of best man in a dark grey suit and eggshell blue cravat, which subtly picked up the colours of the swallow motif.

Kristy Field was on hand to take photographs

Venue Wick Farm, Farleigh Hungerford, Bath, BA2 7NQ T: 01225 722238 W: www.wickfarmbath.co.uk Photographer Kristy Field W: www.kristyfield.co.uk Bride’s dress Clifton Brides, 11 St James Parade, Bath BA1 1UL T: 01225 447878 W: www.cliftonbrides.co.uk (NB: this shop has now been taken over by Krystle Brides) Bride’s jewellery Penny Pearson W: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PennyPearson Catering Strawberry Fields T: 01225 339394 W: www.strawberryfieldcatering.co.uk Wedding stationery and decorations Glyn West Design, 11 Marlborough Street, Bath BA1 2TX T: 01225 423670 W: www.glynwestdesign.co.uk Flowers The Painted Flower, Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB T: 07759 296172 W: www.thepaintedflowerbath.com WEST WEDDINGS 23

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Realweddings

well, well WELLS Emily and George Oram talk to Rebecca Paddick about their meticulously planned wedding at Wells Cathedral in Somerset.

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mily and George first met at Wells Cathedral School in Somerset, but didn’t become an item until some years later while studying at university. “I love retelling the story of George’s proposal to anyone who will listen,” says Emily, adding: “I was definitely very surprised on the day. For me, it was the epitome of romance.”

It was a beautifully sunny day, and the couple had decided to take a walk up the Brecon Beacons.

George secretly packed a picnic full of Emily’s favourite food and drink, Champagne, chocolates and strawberries. “We stopped halfway up Pen-yfan to have lunch and he proposed by getting down on one knee on top of a waterfall,” she recalls.

Soon after, the couple began planning their big day. “I wanted the day to be like a huge thank you to all the family and friends who have supported us, especially our parents – in fact, the people there were the most important thing,” says Emily. “Great music, great food and a beautiful setting were also integral to my planning. I wanted a sense of intimacy and elegance from all aspects of the day – from the cake, to the dress, to the venues.”

George also kept the guests in mind, he says: “I wanted everyone to be relaxed and have fun; it was important to me that our friends all had a chance to meet and socialise. For me, the guest list was key.

It had to feature everyone who was important in our lives.”

The couple chose Wells Cathedral as their venue, as it had been an integral part of their lives growing up – both had attended services, school assemblies and concerts there for years. “Getting permission to get married there is a long, complex process but ultimately worth every effort. Now the Cathedral is even more special to us both,” explains George.

For their reception, the couple chose The Bishop’s Palace in Wells – a stunning venue within walking distance of where the ceremony was held. “The gardens and grounds were a really idyllic setting for a summer wedding, and we were lucky enough to have our reception in the

recently renovated undercroft which has beautiful stonework,” says Emily.

In true British fashion there was a little cause for concern regarding the weather prior to the day, as George explains: “There was a torrential thunderstorm the night before which flooded the bridge over the moat to the Bishop’s Palace and made us very nervous, but on the day the sun came out and everyone stayed dry.”

The couple were lucky enough to have some wonderfully talented friends who were on hand to help, with planning and preparations, many of whom were also pupils or teachers at the Cathedral School. “Our drama teacher Jude Burns read an extract from ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ during the ceremony, while her husband Ed put together a string quartet for the reception in which he played alongside my school friend Anna Blackmur,” says Emily. Music during the ceremony was performed by school friend and ex-Wells chorister turned opera singer, Elizabeth Desbruslais; while another ex-chorister, Holly Hallam, created all the elegant and bespoke wedding stationery.

George took a very hands-on approach to the financial planning in the run-up to the wedding, as Emily recalls. “He was ruthlessly mocked by all our friends for having an incredibly complex spreadsheet which featured cost projections down the last stamp required for invitations!” Emily was behind most of the extra details and creative elements of the day, having written 108 postcards (one for every guest) with individual messages as favours, as well as all the place cards. She created the table plan on a reclaimed ornate mirror and her inner English-teacher shone through as every table was named after a famous author – each table then had a quotation from that author as part of the table decoration mounted on traditional luggage tags.

Both sets of parents helped immeasurably; both financially and by contributing ideas and adding a few surprises. Emily’s aunt arranged all of the flowers as a wedding gift, an incredibly generous

contribution, which showcased her amazing talent for creating perfect decorations. “The whole day genuinely felt like a combined effort of all our close friends and family which helped make it feel extra special,” says Emily.

Recalling his most special moments of the day, George says: “seeing Emily coming down the aisle and stand next to me. And arriving at the church in a red vintage E type Jaguar – I felt like James Bond!”

The couple’s first dance was to ‘Come Away with Me,’ by Norah Jones, which was one of the many highlights of the day for Emily. Her other special moments include, “watching Beth sing so beautifully during the ceremony. George was holding my hand and lots of people were tearing up, it was a really emotional moment. And also having my Dad walk me down the aisle and later giving such an amazing speech that everyone in the room cried. My friends have asked if they can borrow him for their weddings!”

DETAILS Ceremony venue Wells Cathedral, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UE T: 01749 674483 W: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Reception venue The Bishop’s Palace, Market Place, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD T: 01749 988111 W: www.bishopspalace.org.uk Photographer Interlace Photography T: 07870 811931 W: www.interlacephotography.co.uk Bride’s dress Stephanie Allin W: wwwstephanieallin.net Groom’s outfit Regency Groom T: 01242 584197 W: www.groomswear.co.uk Flowers Lesley Cavanagh W: www.garden-room.co.uk Cake Cakes by Samantha W: www.cakesbysamantha.co.uk Stationery Holly Hallam W: www.yourhandmadewedding.co.uk

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Beautiful and delicious, wedding cakes, cupcakes & cookie favors, designed especially for you.

Romantic florals or classic elegance with a sprinkle of vintage glamour ~ whatever your dream cake may be, we promise you a fabulous creation for your special day

Web: www.bristollaservision.co.uk Tel: 0117 342 1600

Come and have tea & sample some delightful flavours To book your free consultation, call Anne

0117 9243036 / 07791 208 754 prettyamazingcakes@gmail.com

Mr Philip Jaycock, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, MB ChB BSc FRCOphth MD

www.prettyamazingcakes.co.uk

We will listen to your ideas and offer our ideas to help you create your dream individually styled beautiful wedding flowers.

We will guide you through the whole experience and help you add the special details that make the difference between a good event and a fantastic unforgettable one.

From a single bouquet to an army of bridesmaids and button holes.

Friendly / experienced / helpful / professional staff that will take the stress away from you.

3 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD tel/fax 01454 856 737 email tina@tigerlilyflowers.co.uk web www.tigerlilyflowers.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 27

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Newport showroom

7 Clytha Park Road Newport NP20 4NZ Tel 01633 243 943 newport@allaboutevebridalwear.com www.allaboutevebridalwear.com

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Chepstow Showroom

28 High Street Chepstow NP16 5LJ Tel 01291 629 338 chepstow@allaboutevebridalwear.com

10/18/2013 2:34:56 PM

Realweddings

A family

AFFAIR Tilly Geoghegan details Nick and Jayne Evan’s celebrations.

Gianina Turner talks to Jess and Ed Lewis about their sunny Somerset wedding.

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n a meadow overlooking the North Sea, Nick got down on one knee and proposed to Jayne, thus proving her belief that he would propose somewhere unusual! The pair had met through mutual friend Cathy who, after setting up three couples, is referred to affectionately as ‘the matchmaker’. She arranged for them to meet for a drink at the local pub, and it was soon clear that romance was in the air. Jayne felt that Nick’s kindness and humour sealed the deal for her, as well as his lovely hazel eyes. Nick was drawn to Jayne’s “blonde hair, gorgeous smile and sense of humour.” Both Jayne and Nick had lost their previous spouses to cancer and so to find romance again made it extra special.

Jayne has been worshipping at the Gateway Revival Church in Yate for 36 years so it felt like the natural place to hold the wedding, and it was important to the couple that the ceremony was religious - “we wanted to say our vows before God and everyone,” explains Jayne. Nick’s five children and Jayne’s two children were actively involved in the ceremony which saw them united as a family.

Jayne was given away by proud son Jordan and accompanied down the aisle by Nick’s 3 year old great niece Beatrix as flower girl, plus Jayne’s daughter Carly and Nick’s daughter Deborah as bridesmaids. “Our girls looked so beautiful!”

Jayne remembers.

After some deliberation Nick decided to have not just one best man but two: sons Jason and Sam. On the big day each was given a task associated

with being best man; Jason gave the speech and Sam was the ring bearer, and also sang a beautiful rendition of ‘The King of Love My Shepherd Is’ at the church. Nick’s other sons Andrew and Philip were ushers and witnesses to the wedding.

The elated bride looked beautiful in a dress made just for her by Jan at Bride at Home in Downend, Bristol. The champagne hue and lace detail of the dress were complemented by a veil and shawl made by close friend Sarah and Swarovski crystal and pearl jewellery made by Amanda Davis-Harrison of Bridezillas. For the bouquet and flower arrangements, Jayne and florist Sara White of Foxglove Flowers settled upon a lovely spring garden theme with roses and purple lisianthus. Jayne’s pet dachshunds Rosie and Rollo sported matching sprays of flowers on their collars for the occasion!

After saying their vows, the newlyweds were then escorted to The Bodkin in Petty France, Badminton, where they were to meet their guests for the wedding breakfast and celebrations.

They travelled in style in a classy golden 1932 Oldsmobile provided by Kens Kars of Chipping Sodbury. “We chose the Bodkin for its cosy atmosphere, log fire, flagstones and wooden floors,” recalls Jayne. Guests were treated to a three course wedding breakfast and a slice of delicious lavish three-tier wedding cake made by “very talented lady!” and friend of the bride, Sally Thacker. Wedding breakfast over, it was time for the couple to take to the dance floor, with John

Denver’s ‘Annie’s Song’ providing the soundtrack to their first dance as husband and wife.

Photographer Rich McD captured the whole day beautifully and “felt like an old friend who easily fitted into the proceedings!” says Jayne.

For Nick, seeing Jayne walk down the aisle was the best part of his day, while Jayne thought she was going to cry when she saw Nick waiting for her at the altar, surrounded by all her friends and family. “It meant a lot to us to have family and close friends share our special day with us,” she says.

“We enjoyed everything from the beginning of the day to the end!”

DETAILS Reception venue The Bodkin, Petty France, Badminton GL9 1AF T: 01454 238310 W: www.bodkin-house-hotel.co.uk Photographer Rich McD T: 07768 033097 W: www.richmcd.co.uk Bride’s dress Bride at Home, 4 The Willow Centre, Downend, Bristol BS16 5UJ T: 07835 548377 W: www.brideathome.co.uk Accessories Bridezillas, 18 High Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1DQ T: 0117 904 3039 W: www.bridezillas.biz Transport Ken’s Kars T: 01454 313 194 W: www.kenskars.co.uk Florist Foxglove Flowers T: 07582 647514 W: www.foxgloveflowers.co.uk

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Confirm your Wedding before the end of December 2013 for March, April, June or September 2014, and receive a 10% discount on selected packages

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THEBRIDALROOM 40 high street, westbury-on-trym, bristol

the flower house wedding flowers by deborah clare

0117 373 1526 07587 009 200 www.theflowerhouse.org The flower house is an independent florist based in Bristol specialising in all aspects of wedding and civil ceremony flowers.

0117 908 9010 w w w. t h e b r i d e s r o o m . c o. u k

With nearly 20 years experience as a fully qualified florist I can offer you a personal and individual service with flowers and prices tailored to meet your budget yet exceed your expectations.

• BRIDAL WEAR • BRIDESMAIDS • ACCESSORIES

Special Day & Appletons 12 High Street, Keynsham BS31 1DQ | 0117 9860303 / 9863582

For the perfect look Over 500 Bridesmaid Dresses in stock.

A fabulous range of “Wedding Gowns to go” from £150.

www.specialdayandappletons.co.uk - APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED DESIGNER BRIDAL WEAR | BRIDESMAIDS | MENS FORMAL HIRE | MOTHER OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM 32 WEST WEDDINGS

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gowns

GownInspiration

ANNE HARDING DESIGN YOUR OWN DRESS SOLITAIRE BRIDES SPOSA ELEGANTE

A sense of style Anne Harding, the bridal boutique in Stoke Bishop, Bristol, is home to some dresses by amazing designers, including a West Weddings’ favourite, Essense of Australia.

Combining a superb fit with couture finishing, Essense of Australia gowns are all about the detail.

At the heart of each dress is luxurious fabric and exquisite beading, and Essense’s collection offers a stunning array of gowns that use silk chiffon, lace and many other beautiful fabrics to fabulous effect.

ANNE HARDING 90-92 Shirehampton Road, Bristol BS9 2DR T: 0117 968 3074 W: www.anneharding.com BELOW D1562 A stunning lace back is continued through to the bodice and skirt, and an illusion neckline adds a delicate detail.

LEFT D1431 A ace on tulle dress with dramatic mermaid skirt, exquisitely finished with a crystal belt.

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GownInspiration

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ABOVE D1526 A dress fit for a princess! The bodice has hand-sewn jewels amongst its vintage-inspired corded lace, and the delicate grosgrain ribbon sash is a perfect finishing touch. Available in champagne, ivory and white with a variety of sash colours.

he l t for

ABOVE RIGHT D1454 Made from luxe taffeta, this slim A line gown has a gorgeous sweetheart neckline and a gently curving back, sweeping into a puddle train. The jewel and floral embellishment ribbon belt finishes it off beautifully, and if you prefer a more romantic look, there's also an optional lace overskirt.

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RIGHT D1549 Lace over a satin sheath means this dress gently hugs your curves and flatters in all the right places. The beautiful lace cascades out into an A line skirt, and diamantes add just the right amount of sparkle. If you prefer a slinkier look, it can be ordered without the lace overdress for a more Hollywood glamour effect.

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Alison Miles Couture

Designers Include: Augusta Jones Benjamin Roberts Ellis Bridals Enzoani Ivory & Co Ronald Joyce Victoria Jane

Image courtesy of www.captureit.co.uk

Contemporary andtraditional Traditional Wedding Contemporary and Wedding Gowns individually designed and made Gowns individually designed and made to measure in the most beautiful silks to measure in the most beautiful silks Enquiries/appointments Tel: 01225 336805

enquiries/appointments tel: 01225 336805 Email: alison@alisonmiles.co.uk www.alisonmiles.com www.alisonmiles.com

Shoes & Veils

by Rainbow Club Headresses & Jewellery by Ivory & Co Bridesmaid Dresses

by Mark Lesley & Ronald Joyce 11 St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL 01225 446844 www.krystlebrides.co.uk info@krystlebrides.co.uk Find us on   & WEST WEDDINGS 35

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GownInspiration

ONE SIZE

oesn’ t dFIT

ALL…

Ellie Pipe speaks to some of the West Country’s finest designers to find out more about creating a bespoke wedding dress.

I

t’s an all too familiar scenario: an important event that you want to look your best for but you have nothing to wear. When that important event is your wedding day and compromise is not an option, the intensity of the scenario can escalate. This is an excellent opportunity to take matters into your own hands, avoid all dress-induced panic attacks and see about having your perfect wedding dress designed and made especially for you.

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

The first thing a designer will want to know is what sort of wedding you are planning.

This gives an indication of your personality and helps determine what styles to consider.

Designer Alison Miles advises brides to take their chosen venue into consideration when deciding on a dress pattern, as certain venues can inspire or fit particular designs.

Think about how you envision yourself at your wedding. If you plan to be dancing the night away at two in the morning, then the last thing you’ll want is an uncomfortably restrictive dress.

PUTTING PEN TO PAPER...

Designer Catherine Miller starts the design process by establishing what the bride doesn’t want to wear, thereby eliminating negatives and leaving only positive options to proceed with. It’s a good idea to seek out some inspiration and have a think about your specific likes and dislikes before meeting with a designer. It may be hard to conjure up an exact sketch of your perfect dress when put

A sketch from Love Design

on the spot, so take some time to find a few pictures of designs that you like.

Rebekah at Love Design Room advises brides to start by collecting images of things that they love. “Rather than just looking at wedding dresses, look at things that inspire you, for instance a beautiful garden or an old film.” A good designer will be able to translate the things that inspire you into a unique design drawn out on paper.

HOW MUCH INVOLVEMENT CAN I HAVE IN THE DESIGN PROCESS?

You may be a seasoned fashionista and a dab hand with a sketchpad, in which case, you should feel free to present your very specific ideas for a designer to bring to life.

If your dream dress is more of a fluid than specific concept, then have a good chat to your designer and ask them to draw a range of designs for you to choose from. The whole beauty of having a dress designed is that you don’t have to compromise; the dress is made to suit you and only you. Well, within reason of course - a dress of pure gold, hand stitched with unicorn tail thread may be a stretch for even the most accomplished designer!

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT STYLE SUITS MY SHAPE?

Your designer will be able to offer some advice as to what styles will work best for you.

“Don’t dismiss a certain style of dress if you really like it but think it might not suit you – when the pattern is made specifically for your

shape it might be OK,” advises Alison. “Talk to the designer and maybe explore that shape in the initial fitting stage.”

Bridal boutique Anne Harding, which offers brides a design-your-own gown service, recommends trying on a number of sample dresses so that you can experiment and get a feel for what suits you.

MATERIAL MATTERS...

Ask for advice on what fabrics would work well for your particular style of dress. Bear in mind that different fabrics can vary in cost so ask for an estimate of different prices. Catherine Miller is a silk specialist and talks of her love for the fabric. “I only use silk because it looks so fabulous. Being natural, it’s like a living thing. It has lustre

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GownInspiration

BEST BUDG ET BU If you n Y! eed y

our we dress to ddin but alsofit not only yo g u a shoes budget trin at Glasto, Lucille and K g aiy n can arr bury Weddinga design ange a dress s se very rearvice for a sona £700. ble

Catherine Miller's beautiful creation, left; Alison Miles' dress right; above and opposite page, the Love Design process in action!

like no other fabric and the finish is always beautiful,” she enthuses. “I also love the fact it comes in so many kinds meaning that whatever you want to create, there is a silk to do it with.”

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A WEDDING DRESS DESIGNED AND MADE?

This will largely depend on the individual designer. As with most things weddingrelated it certainly doesn’t hurt to start enquiries as early as possible to avoid disappointment. A minimum of six months is usually recommended, and ideally eight

IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR JESS WHEN SHE FIRST GLIMPSED HER WEDDING DRESS DESIGN… Jessica Morris Vasiljevic married husband Alex in Sorrento in the cloisters of the church of St Francis of Assisi in a dress designed and made by Leeds-based designer Anita Massarella.

“I wanted a dress made because I wanted something unique and also I’m quite an awkward shape so a lot of off the peg stuff doesn’t fit me well,” says Jessica. “The finished dress exceeded my expectations and I was amazed that Anita, the dress designer, drew something straight away that was perfect, exactly my style.”

months to a year is needed. If you need a dress at short notice, however, it never hurts to ask - sometimes miracles can be performed!

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR FITTINGS?

After an initial consultation you will need to book an appointment to be measured.

Be prepared – over 30 individual body measurements are taken! As a guide, you can then expect to have three fittings; a toile, the first dress fitting and final fit. One great advantage to using a UK-based dress designer is that you can see your dress through every stage in its creation.

CAN A DREAM DRESS FIT A REAL BUDGET?

Having a dress made for you is not necessarily your most expensive option at all. Prices for most professional wedding dress designers will start at approximately £1,300. The price will vary depending on fabrics, embellishments and the complexity of the design, but your designer will be able to give you an accurate quote once you have discussed all of these factors.

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID…

Your bridesmaids will love you even more if you resist putting them in an eighties style eyesore and instead opt for beautiful tailor made dresses. Bristol-based designer Karen Reilly not only makes stunning bespoke wedding dresses but can also make bridesmaid dresses, waistcoats and mother of the bride outfits.

CONTACTS ALISON MILES T: 01225 336805 W: WWW.ALISONMILES.CO.UK ANNE HARDING 90-92 SHIREHAMPTON ROAD, BRISTOL BS9 2DR T: 0117 968 3074 W: WWW.ANNEHARDING.COM ANITA MASSARELLA 490 HARROGATE ROAD, LEEDS LS17 6DL T: 0113 268 7783 W: WWW.ANITAMASSARELLA.CO.UK CATHERINE MILLER T: 01225 339294 W: WWW.SILKSPECIALISTCATHERINEMILLER.CO.UK GLASTONBURY WEDDINGS BRANDON HOUSE, WEST STREET, SOMERTON, SOMERSET TA11 7PS T: 01458 898007 W: WWW.GLASTONBURYWEDDINGS.CO.UK KAREN REILLY16 CHRISTMAS STEPS, BRISTOL BS1 5BS T: 0117 929 2614 W: WWW.KARENREILLY.CO.UK REBEKAH CROSS, LOVE DESIGN ROOM UPPER BRISTOL ROAD, BATH E: REBEKAH@LOVEDESIGNROOM.CO.UK

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Diamond

GownInspiration

SOLITAIRE

If you're looking for a dress with the wow factor, a trip to Solitaire Brides is definitely in order. Stocking some fabulous designers including Phil Collins, Sophia Tolli, Mon Cheri and Diane Harbridge, all dresses are handpicked by owner Lucy Carter and her team to ensure you have a fantastic choice. We love these gowns by Diane Harbridge which feature beautiful detailing, great corsetry and luxurious fabrics.

With the team's friendly, personal service, plus Lucy's modelling background, you'll come away with a dress that places you firmly centre stage on your wedding day!

SOLITAIRE BRIDES 69 HIgh Street, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2DQ T: 01761 416699 W: www.solitairebrides.co.uk

DAPHNE Vintage style gown with high neck detail and beautiful organza overlay with detailed roses. Available in ivory or white.

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GownInspiration

LINDSEY If you want to be a princess for the day, this is the dress for you, A lace up back, fully fitted corsetry and sweetheart neckline combine to make a dress that will turn heads!

CLAUDIA This gorgeous gown has a fully fitted corsetry within the gown for a beautiful shape The sumptuous detail on the bodice is created from diamantes and real Swarovski crystals, and there's a detachable bow on the back for a dramatic finish.

IRIS This romantic, floaty dress is from Diane Harbridge's new vintage collection, arriving soon!

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Solitaire 69 High Street Midsomer Norton Bath, Somerset BA3 2QD Tel/Fax: 01761 416699 www.solitairebrides.co.uk

are brought to you by the multi award winning Southwest Chair Covers...

Our aim is to offer you the finest quality decorations and enhancements for your big day along with our wealth of expertise in venue styling and room dressing.

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www.theeventworks.co.uk 0117 9111811 info@theeventworks.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 41

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GownInspiration

So elegant Ideally situated between Bristol and Bath, a trip to Sposa Elegante is well worth it for any brideto-be. Stocking a huge range of dresses from designers such as Mori Lee and Veromia, the friendly, welcoming staff will help you to find the dress you’ve always dreamed of.

This season, Sposa Elegante is stocking the new range of gowns by Enzoani, a company renowned for gowns with exceptional fit. The 2014 collection is no exception, with luxurious fabrics and exquisite detailing combining to create showstopping gowns!

SPOSA ELEGANTE 439 Bath Road, Saltford BS31 3AZ T: 01225 345101 W: www.sposaelegante.co.uk

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ADVICE FROM

grooms

the pros

Grooms

Tilly Geoghegan asks married men to share their wisdom with grooms-to-be.

PIC CREDIT: LEE HATHERWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

“On the day, write down all the things you love about your wife in a letter and give it to her as a keepsake on the birth of your first child or on your anniversary.”

DAVID LEE,STROUD MARRIED FOR 30 YEARS

“Make sure you thank you your in-laws in your speech – you’re going to be a part of their family for a long time!”

“Don’t spend lots of money renting suits. Instead, spend the money on buying a suit you like, look good in and makes you happy.”

JAMES BAILEY, BRISTOL MARRIED FOR FOUR YEARS

Plan a surprise on the day for your wife to make her laugh!

MIKE WHITE, BRISTOL MARRIED FOR FIVE YEARS

Relax and enjoy the day – after all, it’ll only happen once! Take some time to step back and soak it all in.

STEVEN WEBSTER, BRISTOL MARRIED FOR THREE YEARS

GUY JARNDYCE, TROWBRIDGE MARRIED FOR 10 YEARS

Throw two parties, one for family and one for friends.

That way, everyone gets along.

TOM PHILLIPS, BRISTOL MARRIED FOR 24 YEARS

“Video the ceremony.

I never did and I regret that.”

IVAN BROWN, BRISTOL MARRIED FOR EIGHT YEARS

Always assume things will take five times longer than you expect!

MIKE GARTSIDE, BRISTOL MARRIED FOR ONE YEAR

The best advice for grooms is that laughter is the best way to end an argument. Just make sure you judge it properly!

TOM O’KEEFFE, LONDON MARRIED FOR ONE MONTH

“If you choose to be ‘all modern’ and use an iPad as prompt instead of memorising your speech, be wary! Check the quality of your venue’s wi-fi, especially if you are planning to break into song mid speech and rely on a YouTube backing track...”

RIC NEILD, YORKSHIRE MARRIED FOR SIX MONTHS WEST WEDDINGS 45

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Grooms

groom

Here comes the With the help of Slaters Menswear, we look at outfits to impress on your wedding day.

Royal Stewart Standard tartan high button waistcoat outfit

Black Spirit Prestige tartan dark high button waistcoat outfit

S

ometimes, as a groom, it can feel that your bride has all this choice when it comes to what to wear on the wedding day, while you’re stuck with no option other than a morning suit. Well, we’re here to say that’s definitely not the case.

We asked expert tailors Slaters Menswear to share three looks that will ensure all eyes are on you, as well as your fiancée.

LOOK 1 – THE KILT

Yes, traditionally the kilt is the domain of the Scots, and to a lesser extent, the Welsh, but when you look this cool, it doesn’t matter what your heritage is. This dashing blue kilt with lighter blue and red stripes will not only make you look good, but feel good too - £4 from every hire charge will be donated to the charity Help for Heroes. The red kilt is cut from Royal Stewart tartan, the warm hue of which is ideal for a wintry wedding.

If you’re not sure that you can pull off a full on brightly coloured kilt, then the Black Spirit Prestige tartan outfit is the one for you. Its muted colours still give the full kilt Help for Heroes Prestige effect, but more in a whisper tartan dark high button waistcoat outfit than a shout.

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Grooms

Charlton Gray wool mix three piece suit, Calvin Klein white shirt, Jack Wood pale pink ruche tie and Jack Wood handkerchief

Jones suit, Andre tailored bold stripe luxury formal shirt, Slaters’ Evening Collection bow tie in wine Loake “Magnum” formal shoes

LOOK 2 – THE COLOURED SUIT

Who says the ladies should have all the colour while men are resigned to navy, grey and black sobriety? Cut a dash down the aisle with a coloured suit and add a wow factor to the vow factor. We love this zingy aubergine suit from Slaters, which will look great against a bride’s white or ivory dress. When teamed with a striped shirt, a bow tie and sharp shoes, this is a seriously hot look for a cold day.

LOOK 3 – TRADITION WITH A TWIST

You can’t go wrong with a grey suit but there’s nothing to say you can’t jazz it up a little. Let your personality shine through with finishing touches such as a coloured waistcoat, a dashing pocket handkerchief or a funky bow tie. In this look, a modern slim fit suit in winter-appropriate wool has been teamed with a pale pink ruched tie, an accessory more usually seen with a morning suit, leading to an outfit that’s the perfect blend of traditional and bang on-trend.

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Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/westweddings, like us on Facebook & check out our blog at www.westweddings.blogspot.com

ONLINE WWW.WEST-WEDDINGS.CO.UK

For that little bit extra...

You can now get even more from West Weddings by visiting our website. Finding what you need for your special day couldn’t be easier with our online directory and easy to navigate sections. Check it out today!

VIEW IT ONLINE If you are loathe to lend your copy to friends and family, just point them in the direction of our website - not only can they view the latest edition online, but they can browse through our old editions, which means nobody has to miss out!

COMPETITIONS Entering our fantastic competition online is a piece of cake! Simply log on to www.west-weddings. co.uk and click the competitions link which will take you to the great free prize draw, where you can enter with just a click of a button. This issue we have a mini break for two at the 5 star St Davids Hotel & Spa in Cardiff Bay.

PLANNING YOUR DAY PLANNING

STOCKISTS

ADDRESS BOOK

Need advice on where to start? If our handy countdown and budget planner wasn’t enough, you can grab more helpful hints and ideas on speech planning, invitation etiquette, seating plans and much more.

If you’re ever in doubt about where you can pick up your next copy of West Weddings, help is at hand! Just log on to our home page and select your area from the drop down list to find a full list.

It’s as easy as that!

Find what you’re looking for with minimum fuss.

We’ve got everything you’ll need for your big day - and remember, it can all be found locally. Our directory even has a search facility so you can go straight to what you’re looking for.

YOUR DAY

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News

the essential...

WEDDING

GUIDE Use this page to plan your budget and organise the big day - without the stress of last minute panics.

1 YEAR TO GO

Decide on the date.

Set your budget.

Make an appointment to see the minister if you are marrying in a church, or the registrar if you’re having a civil marriage.

Make a list of the guests.

Book the florist and the photographer.

Book the wedding reception and transport.

Start looking for your dress.

Decide on the best man, bridesmaids and the ushers.

Confirm all bookings in writing.

6 MONTHS TO GO Order the wedding stationery.

Send out the invitations.

Arrange the first fitting for your wedding dress.

Pick the bride’s wedding shoes and accessories.

Choose outfits for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, fathers, mothers and ushers.

Organise rings for the bride and groom.

Look for a band or DJ to play at the reception.

Take out wedding insurance.

Book the honeymoon and check your passports.

Consult your hairdresser about the day.

3 MONTHS TO GO Decide on your wedding list and circulate to guests.

Order the cake.

Confirm ceremony details with the registrar or minister.

Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids.

Discuss seating plan with the caterer.

If your honeymoon is abroad, arrange necessary vaccinations.

Plan your hen and stag parties.

Notify your bank, building society and relevant authorities of the date that your name will change.

1 MONTH TO GO

Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress.

Confirm the arrangements in writing with the reception venue, caterer, florist, photographer, transport provider and others.

Confirm the honeymoon arrangements.

Have hen and stag nights.

Finalise the reception seating plan with the caterer.

Anyone speaking at the wedding should write, time and practise their speeches.

1 WEEK TO GO Arrange a wedding rehearsal.

Collect your dress.

Wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in.

Complete your final beauty preparations.

Pack for your honeymoon.

Think through the logistics of the day so everyone is clear what is happening.

ON THE DAY Have a relaxing bath or shower.

Eat breakfast.

Bridesmaids and page boys arrive.

Hair and make-up.

Bride and bridesmaids get dressed.

The photographer arrives.

Wedding transport arrives.

Relax and enjoy the day!

BUDGET PLANNER Keep tabs on what you’ve spent, what you will need and how much money is left in the piggy bank with this handy guide.

PLANNER

ESTIMATED ACTUAL

Engagement ring Wedding ring (hers) Wedding ring (his) Dress Shoes Veil Lingerie Hair accessories Jewellery Hair trial and on the day Make-up trial and on the day Cosmetics Groom’s suit Groom’s shoes Attendants’ outfits Ceremony fees Flowers Reception venue Catering Drink Cake Entertainment Photography/video Transport Stationery Favours/attendants’ gifts First night hotel Honeymoon Going away outfit Honeymoon wardrobe Insurance Other

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A N E NGL I SH COU N T RY GA R DE N Our talented team of suppliers bring a winter wedding to life at the gorgeous Hestercombe Gardens.

Photography: Martin Dabek of PhotoDabek Words: Helen Dorritt

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H

PhotoWeddings

estercombe Gardens in Somerset is a nature lover’s paradise; a series of interlinked gardens full of surprises around every bend. What better venue, then, to create a ‘secret garden’ themed photoshoot?

Unexpected corners, meandering footpaths, a hidden stone temple; all of these combined to make the perfect backdrop for our West Country suppliers to create a dream winter wedding, full of gorgeous detailing and special touches.

T HE V E N UE Hestercombe Gardens is a hidden gem of a wedding venue. A collection of three gardens that span three centuries of garden history and design, plus a series of historic buildings, Hestercombe combines gorgeous interiors with stunning exteriors.

We were spoilt for choice with our photos, with every corner revealing yet another ‘must-have’ shot. Whether a leafy pergola, an unexpected archway, a pretty lake or a sundappled pathway, Hestercombe never failed to provide a stunning backdrop.

When you want to bring the celebrations inside, Hestercombe has several different intimate wedding venues all under the one roof. For civil ceremonies, The Orangery is particularly cosy in winter when fires can be lit in its beautiful fireplace. It’s also perfect for elegant drink receptions and offers stunning views across the Somerset countryside. If you prefer to say your I do's close to nature, perched high above the Pear Pond in the Landscape Gardens is the

18th century Temple Arbour, the ultimate romantic ‘hideaway’ for wedding ceremonies.

For your reception, the Woodland Barn is a beautiful self-contained building with gorgeous views into the woods, or you could opt for Bampflyde Hall, built in 1680, which offers high ceilings and wide spaces for your wedding breakfast and party afterwards. One of the best things about Hestercombe is that the price covers all the different spaces, so you have the freedom to use those which best suit the style of your celebration.

All food is made on site by Hestercombe’s team of chefs, and whether you want a three course meal, or prefer a hog roast or buffet, they will create a menu as unique as your wedding. And as well as all this, wedding co-ordinator Julie White has many years’ experience and will be on hand to help you through every step of the way, ensuring you have a day that you’ll never forget.

T HE PHOTOGR A PHY Martin Dabek of PhotoDabek is a Bristolbased photographer who specialises in creative wedding photography. He loves to find different and interesting angles for his photos - something which is certainly reflected in the images from our shoot.

Martin only shoots a limited number of weddings each year in order to be able to give his clients the best service possible.

He describes his style as “a mixture of real, candid moments, as well as dramatic and artistic photography,” and his aim is to evoke emotion in each picture and capture those natural moments, rather than always

taking posed pictures. Martin is a member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, and always keeps his skills up to date to ensure you have the absolute best images possible to commemorate your day.

Martin found plenty of inspiration in the grounds of Hestercombe. “I loved the number of arches that I found – these were ideal to frame shots.”

T HE BR I DE'S OU T FITS Our bride’s gorgeous gowns were made by bridal couture designer Sassi Holford, from the company’s So Sassi range, an ‘esprit’ line which is targeted at young, modern brides who love traditional gowns with a creative twist. All of the So Sassi gowns are handmade in the UK, ensuring the best materials, cut and finish, and are available in the Sassi Holford boutique in Taunton. These were expertly accessorised by Amanda DavisHarrison from Bridezillas, a boutique in Keynsham which is a treasure trove of pretty jewellery, veils, shoes and much, much more.

Rachel’s first dress was ‘Molly’, a statement gown with a floral overlay skirt and matching sash and bow. An unusual and very pretty fifties-style Peter Pan collar in satin completed this stunning dress, so to complement this, Amanda from Bridezillas added a double pearl drop strand head piece.

‘Trudy’ is part of Bridezillas’ new collection of Abigail Grace accessories, and to match its sparkle and pearls, Amanda added the ‘Bronwin’ bracelet, which has similar detailing, plus a pair of ‘Rhonda’ earrings.

Our second gown was ‘Mimi’, a tulle ball

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gown that features a stunning pearlised micro-sequin overlay. The gentle cowl neckline continues into an elegant deep V-back and the look is completed with diamante appliqué on the satin belt. As it was a very ‘fairytale’ style, Amanda elaborated on the delicate sparkle by adding a side tiara, ‘Laurie’, with a hand tied cuff with very similar detail to that of the belt. Crystal ‘Roxy’ earrings completed the look.

‘Veronica’, the third dress, was inspired

by Hollywood – and we can see how! Made from fine silk zibeline, with a box pleated skirt and stunning back bow detail, the dress is strapless with a sleeved overlay. This gown was simple elegance at its best, so Amanda accessorised it with a gorgeous statement hair piece, ‘Blossom’, a hand made webbed vine of rich ivory freshwater pearls with crystal centres. In keeping with the pearl theme she added a ‘Penelope Pearl’ cuff by Abigail Grace and pearl drop earrings.

Rachel’s final dress was ‘Megan’, a corded lace column gown featuring three-quarter length sleeves, a deep v back and a Dior bow belt in duchesse satin. Amanda gave this look a boho twist by adding the ‘Bohemia’ hair vine, a gorgeous twist of Swarovski pearls and crystals draped across the brow with two diamante encrusted brooches on either side.

This quirky vintage style was in keeping with the symmetry of the dress, and a swirling vintage style bracelet, ‘Demelza’, completed the look. ‘Montana’ earrings by Ivory & Co were the perfect finishing touch.

T HE SUITS Groom Jonathan's suits came from Anne Harding in Bristol, which boasts a fantastic range of outfits for men. Whether you want traditional morning suits or something with a more modern element, under the watchful eye of menswear expert Lee you're sure to find your ideal look.

Jonathan first wore a navy herringbone tailored fit morning tail suit with navy pinstripe trousers, accessorised with an ivory slim fit wing collar shirt and an ivory stripe waistcoat. “Navy blue is very on trend for 2014,” reports Lee, and we thought it worked very well for a contemporary twist on a traditional look. Later on Jonathan showcased a lightweight silver mohair tailored fit morning tail suit, with matching waistcoat. Cravats in Champagne, grape and Hunter green tied in with the colours of the shoot and finished off the outfits in chic style.

T HE H A IR Rachel’s beautiful hairstyles were created by bridal hair specialists Victoria Lovell and Jess Singer from No 3 Hairdressing, an established salon in Bath. Victoria and Jess took inspiration for the hair from the dresses. “Every dress was very classic and we wanted the hair to match, so we did a collection of buns and rolls. These are all very on trend at the moment for brides,” explains Victoria.

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Rachel’s hair was prepped with Bumble and Bumble thickening spray and thickening mousse, both of which were fantastic to give life to the hair, as well as adding bounce and texture to allow any style. Victoria and Jess also used Spray de Mode, also a Bumble and Bumble product, before and after to give a lovely photo finish. “This is a must have for any bride!” says Victoria, as it offers flexible hold, workability and protection from styling.

No 3 hairdressing prides itself on its wedding service and its relaxed, ambient and personable service. No job is too big or too small, and the team is happy to travel to you or offer an insalon service.

T HE M A K E-UP Grace Kingsley, a talented make-up artist who specialises in bridal looks, took inspiration from Hestercombe’s natural setting to create a look that tied in with the outdoors element of the shoot. She used hints of green on Rachel’s eyes for a gentle take on the smoky eye, and lips were coloured a delicate pink using Vaseline Rosy Lips lipbalm, ideal for those brides who normally don’t wear lipstick but need a hint of colour. Later on, Grace used Lola lipstick by Sleek to deepen the tint.

“The main thing that most brides want is flawless looking skin, so that's what I focus on,” says Grace. She achieved this with Rachel by using a primer from Skin Chemist to give her skin an even base and to keep all other make-up in place.

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PhotoWeddings T HE FLOW ERS The beautiful gardens at Hestercombe were complemented with flowers created

by Amy Cottington for the Tallulah Rose Flower School. For the ‘secret garden’ concept behind this shoot Amy chose the effortlessly romantic Amnesia and Mentha roses for their muted tones. “I didn’t want the colours to be too striking or vibrant; instead I wanted to evoke the delicate purple hue of dusk hitting the gardens in early winter,” she explains.

Soft silver-green berried eucalyptus was used in abundance to give texture and create that ‘picked from the garden’ feel, while astrantia and heather were included for their frothy softness. “I always use seasonal flowers in my work as they naturally reflect the season’s natural colour palette - so important for any wedding where there is an outdoor element,” says Amy. The bouquet she made had lots of movement, to echo the sprawl of a late autumn garden as it fades into winter - “anything too symmetrical or structural would have looked far too formal and ‘prim’ in a garden environment.”

Amy has her own small workspace in the city of Bath with a strong focus on wedding flowers and event styling, and also collaborates with the Tallulah Rose Flower School to host bridal workshops - giving brides to be an opportunity to explore different styling options for their own weddings and learn the basic of wedding flowers.

T HE C A K E Our beautiful birdcage cake was crafted by Celia Adams, the owner of the Bath Cake Company. Designed to fit in with our secret garden theme, the cake was decorated with wire sugared flowers, both realistic roses and fantastical creations, and completed with a hand-painted bird on the top tier.

Celia thoroughly enjoys creating cakes to a couple’s brief, but also has a range of designs in her portfolio which can be customised for your wedding. We can also confirm that Bath Cake Company’s products taste as delicious as they look, as the company uses only good quality ingredients, such as local free range eggs and real butter.

T HE STAT IONERY Our pretty stationery was created by Lizzy May, of Lizzy May Photography and Design, using a soft, muted palette of turquoise, pink and cream. Lizzy started out as graphic designer and photographer, and after helping out at Little Wedding Helper photo shoots, she decided to combine her love of weddings with her flair for design to create bespoke stationery for weddings. Lizzy’s other background as an ex-wardrobe mistress certainly shows through in her work and its use of lots of material in her designs. She especially loves working with re-purposed fabrics, and favourite methods for creating her stationery include fabric wrapped boards and wallpaper. Her bespoke service means that couples end up with stationery that’s as unique as they are.

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T HE MODEL S Our groom for the day was Jonathan Lloyd from Mustard Models. After being discovered in Hollister, Jonathan combines modelling with full time studying in Cardiff. Jonathan’s bride was Rachel Harvey, who appeared in our Autumn shoot and once again did a fantastic job showcasing our gorgeous outfits.

Her favourite look? “All the Sassi Holford dresses were stunning - it would be difficult to choose a favourite as I loved them all, especially when topped off with gorgeous Bridezillas accessories!” she says.

T HE STYL IST Although we loosely based the shoot on a secret garden concept, Kirsten Butler, West Weddings’ creative director and owner of The Little Wedding Helper, wanted to keep things very simple so that our amazing suppliers really had the room to show themselves at their best. She focused on a look that was rustic and natural, shot through with rich greens and deep purples, and highlighting the amazing outdoor spaces of Hestercombe Gardens. “I love how everywhere you turn there’s an archway or hidden corner - it really is a very romantic place!”

DETA I L S VENUE HESTERCOMBE GARDENS, CHEDDON FITZPAINE, TAUNTON, SOMERSET TA2 8LG T: 01823 413923 W: WWW.HESTERCOMBE.COM/WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTODABEK T: 0117 350 1032 W: WWW.PHOTODABEK.CO.UK BRIDE'S GOWNS SASSI HOLFORD, KENT HOUSE, WOOD STREET, TAUNTON TA1 1UW W: WWW.SASSIHOLFORDTAUNTON.CO.UK GROOM’S SUITS ANNE HARDING, 90-92 STOKE BISHOP ROAD, BRISTOL BS9 2DR T: 0117 968 3074 W: WWW.ANNEHARDING.COM ACCESSORIES BRIDEZILLAS, 18 HIGH STREET, KEYNSHAM, BRISTOL BS31 1DQ T: 0117 904 3039 W: WWW.BRIDEZILLAS.BIZ HAIR NO 3 HAIRDRESSING SALON, 3 SAVILLE ROW, BATH BA1 2QP T: 01225 443222 W: WWW.NO3HAIRDRESSING.CO.UK MAKE-UP GRACE KINGSLEY T: 07779 592317 W: WWW.GRACEKINGSLEY.CO.UK FLOWERS AMY COTTINGTON FOR THE TALLULAH ROSE FLOWER SCHOOL T: 01225 425998 W: WWW.TALLULAHROSEFLOWERS.COM CAKE BATH CAKE COMPANY, 14 FOUNTAIN BUILDINGS, LANSDOWN ROAD, BATH BA1 5DX T: 01225 446094 W: WWW.BATHCAKECOMPANY.CO.UK STATIONERY LIZZY MAY PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN T: 01454 412835 W: WWW.LIZZY-MAY.COM MODELS RACHEL HARVEY JONATHAN LLOYD @ MUSTARD MODELS, LOCATION HOUSE, 5 DOVE LANE, BRISTOL BS2 9HP T: 0117 955 1964 W: WWW.BIGMUSTARD.CO.UK STYLIST THE LITTLE WEDDING HELPER T: 07726 911951 W: WWW.LITTLEWEDDINGHELPER.CO.UK

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Englands Finest Wedding Cars Three matching ivory convertibles with lady chauffeuse for a personal and professional service

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Bridal make-up & hair by BBC make-up designer Call Sue on 01225 444 769 07774 791 210 suebide@aol.com

Elegant and Stylish Wedding Cakes ‘The cake was absolutely stunning - both to look at and to eat.’

“Creating memories is not just a job, it’s a hobbie”

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Tel: 01225 446 094 Email: info@bathcakecompany.co.uk Web: www.bathcakecompany.co.uk

Contact Mike Smith for more information: 07554005325 michaelsmith@flashmemories.co.uk www.flashmemories.co.uk

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be inspired BeInspired

Health in the heart of Somerset Ellie Pipe discovers that Cedar Falls is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life.

I

t was almost like the M5 was commissioned to be the ultimate test of Cedar Falls’ powers of relaxation. As we viewed the tailback as far as the eye could see down the motorway, it became very clear that we would not make our estimated arrival time of 5pm. It was, in fact, a whole hour later when we arrived, tense and travel weary, at the entrance to the Somerset health farm on a rainy Friday. But as we made our way up the winding drive and viewed the lush greenery surrounding the stately mansion house at the top, things slowly started to look up.

Inside, the reception area had a comfortable, homely feel. The décor, if ever so slightly rough around the edges, still exuded an air of timeless grandeur. With a ‘no mobiles in public areas’ policy firmly in place, the peace and quiet resonated around us. We were exceedingly grateful for a friendly and efficient check in; having only to decide what time we wanted dinner.

Our room was spotlessly clean and refreshingly free from the gadgets and gizmos so frequently found in hotel rooms these days.

We had a moment to acquaint ourselves with two very welcome modern touches, the kettle and TV, before dinner was calling.

I have to confess that I had held slightly panicked visions of having to smuggle wine and caffeine into the health farm as contraband items but, to my relief, Cedar Falls adopts a very healthy attitude to health which focusses far more on fresh ingredients, moderation and creativity than denial. Phew!

Bottle of wine duly ordered from an ample list, we settled to peruse the menu for the evening. Denial in fact wasn’t an option as

we debated over the bread basket, deciding eventually to sample both the sundried tomato and maize breads. A tasty chick pea dip was served as an alternative to butter but the bread was of sufficient quality to hold its own without requiring either. The clear winners from our evening menu came in the form of flat mushrooms filled with spinach and mozzarella cheese, followed by a main course of baked salmon fillet with herb mash, roasted vegetables and pesto dressing.

We ended with a surprisingly enticing bowl of frozen yoghurt (kiwi fruit or pistachio flavour – I had both) and a wholesome banoffee cheesecake. The food was inventive, cooked to perfection and just the right amount for a truly satisfying meal.

After good food, moderate quantities of wine and a good night’s sleep, we were woken by the pleasant sounds of the countryside and headed straight for breakfast; a fine (although entirely vegetarian) feast that set us up well for a day of pampering.

We took a stroll around the extensive grounds and fully enjoyed an hour long Espa aromatherapy massage before turning our attention to the deliciously indulgent spa facilities. While I love a spa as much as the next person, I do have a limited capacity for too much idle relaxation. The beauty of Cedar Falls is that you don’t have to be idle; the health farm sports extensive fitness facilities, including an outdoor pool and regular daily classes for you to make use of as much or little as you choose. Our big plans for the afternoon yoga session never did come to fruition, but we did manage to don our robes and head to the dining hall to sample

a delicious lunchtime buffet.

Having strung our stay out as long as possible, we had to reluctantly return to the real world with firm plans to return, perhaps for a pre-wedding treat or a weekend break - or just to combat the stress of the all too familiar M5 tailbacks!

CONTACTS Cedar Falls Health Farm and Spa Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3HR T: 01823 433233 W: www.cedarfalls.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 61

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pinboard

BeInspired

G THIS SEASON

ACCESSORIES: BRIDEZILLAS

PHOTO: DAWN WILKINS PHOTO

PER

Keep cosy during a winter wedding with this gorgeous faux fur muff!

PHOTO: DAWN WIL

HY, KINS PHOTOGRAP

LE WEDDING HEL STYLING: THE LITT

d with just Rich, winter hues are balance e’s a ther and a hint of golden glitter, ivy. the with as nod to Christm

PHOTO: DAVID J BREWIN PHOTOGRAPHY,

WEDDING HELPER

at dress Sassi Holford’s ‘Mimi’ is a gre ante diam ng rkli for winter – the spa t righ the just s add belt detail on the z! glit of unt amo

GRAPHY, STYLING: THE LITTLE

We love this arrang ement – use it to prettify the top table for your wedding breakfast, and then just add candles later on in the even ing!

PHOTO: DAVID J BRE WIN

PHOTOGRAPHY, FLOW ERS: TIGE

RLILY FLOWERS

WHAT WE'RE LOVIN

The Swarovski detai ling on the Freya Rose ‘Nadia’ shoe de licately evokes the image of ice crystals – a must for a winter wedding!

a fab oden star makes A shabby chic wo agic m of h uc d adds a to place setting an to your table.

For more visual inspiration visit our boards at www.pinterest.com/westweddings 62 WEST WEDDINGS

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Ceremony SOS

BeInspired

Gianina Turner shares some top tips from two wedding experts on what to consider when exchanging vows.

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S

o you’ve figured out when and where you want to get married - now it’s time to start planning the details for your big day. To give you a head start, we asked two wedding experts to share their most useful tips for the very first part - the ceremony. Award winning wedding planner Stephanie Allison from Sweet & Pretty helps couples turn dreams into reality, and writer Emma Woodhouse, founder of the Wedding Reporter, has already witnessed so many ceremonies that she’s filled up several notebooks with minute details from ceremonies big and small. Whether you’re saying ‘I do’ in a church or having a civil service, we have the right advice for every detail.

PRACTISE YOUR VOWS

“If you’re having a civil ceremony you don’t get the benefit of a rehearsal, so you might not get to say your vows out loud until the crucial moment. It’ll be right around then that you suddenly realise how monumental these words are and might find yourself getting overwhelmed,” suggests Emma. Why not ask your registrar for a copy of the ceremony transcript so you can practice your vows in the run up to the wedding?

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

“Although suggested wisdom dictates that you’ll need a choice of two songs for the interlude when you sign the marriage register, this can sometimes go on a bit and extend your two song limit,” says Emma. “Make sure you ask your musical entertainment to have an extra one prepared just in case, or have an extra song in your playlist if using recorded music.”

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

“If your church provides flowers, speak to them in advance to see if they can match your theme and colours. They will probably be quite basic so add pew ends and larger arrangements to decorate the church.

Lanterns and rose petals can be a great way to line the aisle if permitted by your church.

Also, if you are getting married in spring check it’s not Lent, as you may not be allowed any flowers in the church during this period,” advises Stephanie.

BEWARE OF THE VEIL

“Your ceremony might be the first chance you have to sit down since you got ready so be prepared for the fact that your veil is longer than you think. You may well end up sitting on it and yanking your head back, so just be careful to sweep it out to the side when you take a seat,” advises Emma.

THINK OF YOUR GUESTS

“Provide pretty little fans and parasols if you’re having an outdoor wedding on a hot day, or perhaps mittens and scarves if you ceremony is in a radiator-less abbey in the depths of winter,” says Emma. They make lovely gifts and your guests will remember the special touches.

HAVE AN EXIT STRATEGY

“You’ve put all that work into making a tearjerking, lovely ceremony, but make sure you don’t rain on your own parade by not knowing where you’re going next! Have a clear route in your mind as to where you are going to next if there isn’t a member of staff on hand to guide you,” says Emma. You can also ask one of the ushers to have the door open for you as you make your way out as Mr and Mrs!

BE ON TIME

“Try not to be fashionably late as you will need time to speak to the registrar before the ceremony and you may want a few minutes to touch up your make up and take a few calming breaths. The registrar may also need to get to another wedding after yours so they can only hang around for so long,” says Stephanie. Your groom will probably feel nervous waiting in a room full of people, so don’t make him wait too long either!

A FAMILY AFFAIR

You will need to have two witnesses to the marriage, who may be friends or family. Ensure your witnesses know that they have been chosen and that they will be expected to sit at the front of the room so they can see and hear what happens during the ceremony. “Readings are another way to involve friends or family in the wedding and make the ceremony more personal.

Choose two confident speakers to read them on the day,” suggests Stephanie. Don’t forget to check the readings with your registrar, if having a civil ceremony, as you can’t have any religious content in this type of wedding.

Once everything else is sorted, you can practise the best part, the kiss - after all, it marks the start of your happily ever after!

REAL BRIDE TIP Carly Montague, who married in 2012: “If you can afford it, then it’s nice to get a professional to play your music.

However, if using a CD player or iPod, then ask someone who you really trust to be responsible for it and even go over the playlist before the ceremony. That way you will have the right music at the right time.”

CONTACTS THE WEDDING REPORTER W: WWW.THEWEDDINGREPORTER.CO.UK SWEET & PRETTY WEDDINGS AND EVENTS T: 07725 656682 W: WWW.SWEETANDPRETTY.CO.UK

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SAVING

THE DAY! Although you hope it’s never needed, Antonia King looks at your options for wedding insurance.

L

et’s face it – when you’re planning your wedding day, poring through the myriad selection of dresses, wedding favours, cakes and all the oodles of fun things involved in organising your big day, the last thing you want to think about is insurance. It conjures up images of men in dull grey suits, going on about solemn vows and tut-tutting at the general enjoyment of weddings, not to mention the faint suggestion that it might be saying something about your relationship!

Earlier this year, however, we saw the closure of Chewton Place in Keynsham. The wedding organisers had to leave the premises at short notice and in the process let down several couples. All deposits were returned, but for some couples it meant the agonising task of trying to re-arrange at short notice – something which had already happened to one couple.

In today’s economic climate it’s no surprise that venues and caterers can go bust, but there are still plenty of other unexpected things that can go wrong. I have personal experience of this: I know of one groom who managed to set fire to himself on his stag do camping trip, as well as the more extreme case of the disappearing wedding planner.

With only three weeks to go the bride found out that the wedding planner (a friend), who she had trusted implicitly with arrangements and payments for her dream day, had done nothing apart from organise the ceremony.

The bride’s sister said: “It was horrendous watching my sister the night before her wedding going in to meltdown trying to make buttonholes for everyone. By the time the wedding was over she was exhausted and couldn’t stay up to enjoy the reception!”

With the average cost of a wedding at £15,000, it makes sense to have some kind of cover, but with insurance ranging from £18 to £200 the question is what does it cover and do you really need it?

A great deal depends on what kind of budget you have for your wedding. If you are having a small intimate ceremony and

reception with a few close friends it’s possible that you may not need it, as you could be covered by your normal household insurance.

Also, if you pay for deposits using your credit card, if a supplier fails to deliver you can claim your money back from your credit card provider for anything that costs between £100 and £30,000 under the Consumer Credit Act. Most policies will cover you for cancellation or re-arrangement of a wedding or reception due to accident, illness or bereavement within the main wedding party, or if your supplier folds. They will also cover loss or damage to wedding outfits, presents, rings, cakes and flowers due to accident, fire or theft, although for most insurers the same rules apply when it comes to keeping valuables secure especially when transporting things around. It’s always worth checking that any extras are covered too; things such as ceremonial swords or getting married abroad may need extra cover, and most policies don’t include your honeymoon.

Most insurance policies will also provide public liability insurance. This is especially important if you are having your wedding reception outdoors or in a venue that doesn’t normally hold large events. If you’re putting up a marquee somewhere like a family garden this is a must. Your close friends and family probably wouldn’t dream of suing because they twisted their ankle in a flower bed, but that ‘special date’ of your bridesmaid might not be so forgiving.

If you are super-organised and have your budget and plan worked out you can insure your wedding from two years in advance, but many insurers will let you insure your event right up until a few days beforehand. As long as you don’t know of any thing that could go wrong in advance, you will be covered. There’s also a lot of competition for your custom so it’s worth looking out for added extras.

John Lewis, for example, offers a counselling service for when it all gets a bit too much and you need a reminder about what is truly important about the day - not your cousins who are refusing to talk to each other!

The thought of having to cancel a wedding for whatever reason is not something anyone wants to consider, especially as the day gets nearer, but at least insurance can make sure that the costs are covered if the worst does happen, leaving you with peace of mind and the ability to focus on the more important things.

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Beauty BeInspired

BIBLE

We round up the best beauty products for the winter season.

1

Red lips at a winter wedding look absolutely gorgeous, and for a truly show-stopping red, look no further than Makeup Atelier Paris’ lipsticks. These lipsticks, beloved of professional make-up artists the world over, offer intesely moisturising and highly pigmented colour which won’t budge, no matter how many people you kiss or how many glasses of Champagne you enjoy! You can use as a light layer for a subtle colour, or layer it up to create a more dramatic look.

W: WWW.MAKEUPATELIERPARIS.CO.UK

2

Tom Ford has done it again – his latest make-up collection is a gorgeous selection of shades that we know any winter bride will love. Our favourite is the nail varnish in Black Sugar, an on-trend taupe with a pinky shimmer, which is ideal for a more dramatic bridal manicure or for a wedding guest. We can also vouch for the varnish’s staying power, as a two coat manicure lasted for well over three days without any chips.

W: WWW.TOMFORD.COM

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3

We’ve all heard of CC creams for the skin, but one for the hair? Well, Alterna Haircare has done just that – taking inspiration from cosmetics, it’s created a new Caviar CC Leave-In Hair Perfector. Free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oils and other nasties, you can use the cream on wet or dry hair to help condition, strengthen and manage your tresses.

The brand is co-owned by actress Katie Holmes, who vouches for the cream’s powers and ability to leave hair hydrated, shiny, soft and manageable. If it’s good enough for Katie, it’s good enough for us!

W: WWW.ALTERNAHAIRCARE.COM

4

A product that will make us look better in photographs?

Yes, please! Whether you’re a bride, a guest, or just wanting to look better in those night out photos that you know will end up on Facebook, try Revlon’s new PhotoReady Skinlights, a face illuminator that gives your skin all day radiance and glow. Available in Pink Light or Bronze Light, you can wear it on its own, mix it with foundation for a dewy finish or layer over your make-up to beautifully highlight your face’s contours, ensuring your skin looks polished, flawless and ready for any close up!

W: WWW.REVLON.CO.UK

5

Body spray often conjures up the images of teenagers drenching themselves in scent that’s cloyingly repulsive, so when we tried the new Q body sprays we were pleasantly surprised. Coming in three scents, Radiance, Awe and Balance, these light and delicious smelling sprays were a million miles from the memories of our youth, and are a gentle yet effective deodorant as well as providing a delicate scent. Our favourite is Radiance, the rose and bergamot fragrance of which complements Dior’s J’Adore perfume.

6

There’s a reason why certain beauty products become cult favourites – because they truly work, and Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour cream is no exception. You can use it to soften dry lips, hands, face – anywhere that needs a touch of TLC. Whether in the original tube form, or in this handy lipsalve, it’s the perfect item to have in your makeup bag on your wedding day.

W: WWW.ELIZABETHARDEN.CO.UK

W: WWW.QTHEFRAGRANCE.CO.UK

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Romance with a touch of spice

BeInspired

Ellie Pipe discovers the height of luxury on the tropical island of Grenada.

O

ne of the safest of the Caribbean islands, Grenada is steeped in history and will offer you and your loved one a warm, Caribbean welcome. Known as the Spice Island because of the nutmeg and mace crops that it’s a major exporter of, this island paradise offers just the right combination of serenity and spice to kickstart your married life together.

From December 2013, Sandals will bring its own distinct brand of ultimate luxury to the island. Situated on 17 acres of stunning land along the pristine Pink Gin beach sits the new Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort and Spa. This newest resort in the Sandals portfolio offers couples an unbeatable, all-inclusive honeymoon experience.

Located just minutes away from the Maurice Bishop International airport, LaSource Grenada is on the south west of the island where the finest beaches are to be found.

Divided into three distinct villages, the Grenada resort will bring you Sandals' most elaborate accommodations to date, as well as nine global dining options and an expansive

Wellness Centre where you can let any residual wedding stress simply melt away.

The Pink Gin Village exudes a serene, tropical ambience and comprises two blocks of rooms, each furnished with custom-built, contemporary furniture, elegant Turkish marble floors and lavish amenities. Pink Gin residents will have easy access to the gorgeous stretch of white sand beach that lends its name to the village. A romantic stroll along the dazzling seafront, before retiring for a soak in one of the brand new zero infinity pools, sets just the right pace for a blissful honeymoon.

Perched upon a cliff overlooking the resort and breath-taking Pink Gin beach, the allnew five-story Italian Village will consist of 48 rooms with two exclusive river pools at ground level. The sumptuous apartments offer the ultimate in fine living space, while the top, most extravagant suites come complete with butler pantries, stand-up showers, freestanding claw-footed bathtubs, living rooms, dressing rooms and private infinity edge plunge pools situated in the balcony. This accommodation gives ‘a room with a view’ a

whole new meaning!

If you’re really looking to push the boat out - after all, this is your honeymoon! - the brand new South Seas Village offers the Sandals signature Rondoval suites, top-tier millionaire suites and plunge pool suites. This village is situated right on the Grenada mountainside affording truly mesmerising views across the paradise island. Don’t let the small matter of needing a drink hinder your romantic relaxation time; instead, take advantage of the deliciously exotic luxury of a coveted, thatched roof swim-up bar located within the South Seas Village.

With all of this at your fingertips, you could indeed be forgiven for never leaving the sumptuous tranquillity of your island accommodation, but the sights of Grenada really are a must-see, if for the enviable holiday pictures alone. The island offers fantastic water sports opportunities and the Sandals resort is fully equipped to offer the finest in water sports experiences, including SCUBA for certified divers. You could also take a visit to the vibrant capital of St Georges

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and take the opportunity to learn more about the island’s rich history. As well as all of the natural wonders of Grenada to entice you, there is also the option of taking part in any number of the resort-organised entertainment, ranging from themed cocktail parties to beach bonfires and live piano music and dancing at the ‘Living Room.’ At night, up the romance even further with a cosy unwinding at one of the Sandals’ signature fire pits scattered across the resort.

If you are a fan of everything an all-inclusive package offers, then this is one resort where you can really indulge this to full advantage.

LaSource Grenada offers no fewer than nine global gourmet dining options. In keeping

with Sandals' Discovery Dining programme, internationally trained chefs create authentic dishes from around the world. In Pink Gin Village you can take your tastebuds on a trip around Japanese specialities in sushi bar Soy, enjoy French delights in Café De Paris or Le’Jardinier, taste Caribbean cuisine (fittingly) in Spices or indulge in a Mediterranean medley in the Mediterranean beach bar. The South Seas Village plays host to Kimono’s, a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, Cucina Romana for Italian fare, Butch’s Chophouse for steaks or Dino’s Pizzeria.

Not content to offer you the ultimate in luxury and stress-free holidays, Sandals even provides special honeymoon packages that

are perfectly tailored to suit you as a couple.

Extras include private transfers, Champagne, romantic oceanside dinners, chocolates, private couple’s massages and even massage lessons. Now that is how to start married life as you mean to go on!

CONTACTS SANDALS RESORTS: T: 0800 597 0002 W: WWW.SANDALS.CO.UK LASOURCE GRENADA W: WWW.SANDALS.CO.UK/GRENADA MORE INFORMATION ON GRENADA W: WWW.LONELYPLANET.COM/GRENADA

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Sunday 17th November 2013 and 26th January 2014 from 11am ‘til 2pm

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BeInspired

Be your guest?

We all love a good wedding, but it can cost a fortune, and as Rebecca Paddick discovers, not just for the happy couple.

I

n today’s economy we are all looking for more bang for our buck, but we all know that some weddings come with a rather large price tag. They can be very costly affairs for the bride and groom, but can also come at a surprisingly high price for the guests.

Going into the red for a friend’s big day is a concern shared by many. A recent OnePoll survey found that 2 in 3 women worry about the cost of going to a wedding. The research also highlighted that 1 in 3 women turned down an invitation to a friend’s big day because of the cost.

For richer, for poorer

This is a concern I unfortunately know all too well. A few months back I was delighted to discover my good pal was getting married and I was thrilled to be her bridesmaid, and had even offered to buy my dress. My friend is based up north so I had anticipated some travel expenses and a 1-2 night stay in a hotel. But, there was one expense I had not anticipated. When the invitation arrived in the post, along came with it a note asking all guests to pay a contribution towards their meal during the reception. This had pushed my budget up to around £500.

But, it would seem I am not the only guest in times of financial hardship, as the cost of attending the nuptials of a loved one has increased significantly in recent years. A survey conducted by Direct Line in 2010 found that a wedding guest spent an average of £294 each on preparations and gifts for each wedding they attended.

A new study commissioned by fashion brand Kaleidoscope found that the average Brit now spends £440 for every wedding they attend. Not surprisingly, the British women surveyed saw their outfit as being the most important part of

being a wedding guest. Accommodation came in second place when it came to costs, and when it came to gifts, over half of those surveyed said they spend more than £100 on a present for the bride and groom. With many of us attending up to five weddings per year, our matrimonial attendance is costing us an estimated total of £2,180 every year.

A fair share?

So although this hefty sum appears to be becoming the norm, is it fair? Should you expect your guests to hand over such a large amount of cash for your special day? West Weddings conducted an independent poll, asking if the average spend (between £400500) is an acceptable price to pay. The results found that 67% thought the price was too high, with one respondent saying: “Unless the wedding is abroad, that’s just crazy money.”

Another added: “Guests should just come along and share the day.” One respondent commented: “It is not my role as a guest to subsidise my friends’ wedding, if they can’t afford it they should have something smaller.”

The remaining 33% all agreed the average sum was high, but also said they would be willing to pay it for a close family member or friend’s wedding. One respondent said: “It all depends on who it is and how much notice was given. I would need some time to save that amount of money, but I would be happy to pay it for my closest friends.”

Compromise on cost

The soon-to-be bride and groom have a lot to think about in preparation for their big day, but with the majority of respondents wanting to pay less to attend a wedding, how can couples ensure nobody is left out of pocket?

1. Downsize. If you can’t afford a large wedding then is it fair to ask your guests to foot the bill? Your loved ones will think nothing less of a more intimate ceremony and reception, but asking them to make a contribution may raise a few eyebrows.

2 Keep it local. Some of your guests will inevitably have to travel from other parts of the country, or even the world, so try to host your day in a place that causes minimal upheaval. Train fares and hotel fees really bump up the cost for most guests. If you really have your heart set on a particular location you may need to consider laying on travel, such as coach hire, and even consider booking a hotel for guests.

3 Forget about gifts. Most couples now live together before they tie the knot so a wedding list has become redundant in recent years.

Making clear to your guests that you don’t expect a present will help alleviate some of the cost burden.

4 Give them time. Many of us don’t have a lot of money sitting in the bank so we have to save and budget for big events. Make sure you send invitations as soon as possible to ensure your guests can start putting money aside.

5 Remember their value. Yes, the day is about you but you need to look after your guests. You want them to be happy, to look forward to the day, to enjoy themselves and to remember the event for all the right reasons.

So if you have to change your plans slightly to please them, remember how important it is to have them with you on your special day.

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Ingleside House is the ideal country house wedding venue situated in the heart of The Cotswolds.

B e r w ic k L o dge , B e r w ic k D r i ve , Br i st ol B S10 7 T D

PHOTOS: BIG EYE PHOTOGRAPH

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With a full licence for civil ceremonies, couples can share their day with friends and family in this stunning Grade II listed venue. Due to our late license this also allows the happy couples to say “I do” as the sun sets or “kiss the bride” in candle light with log fires burning during the wintery evenings.

Our house can be hired exclusively for a party of 20 or for a reception of 200 offering total privacy and elegance to celebrate your special day. Whether you need a venue for a party or a corporate event our dedicated team can arrange everything to suit your requirements from the catering, entertainment, styling and planning.

We believe that any event big or small should be personal to each couple, therefore all weddings are tailor made to your personal wishes with no attention to detail spared. We care as much about the success of your day as you do so please feel free to contact us for more information or to request our wedding brochure.

5 Beeches Road, Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 1BN Contact: 01285 648230 info@inglesidecirencester.com

Recently awarded with 5 stars from the AA, Bristol’s best kept secret Berwick Lodge provides a stunning location for your wedding and offers a totally bespoke service to create the wedding of your dreams. The beautifully renovated building and grounds offer many unique features and what’s more the 2 rosette food is to die for!

www.berwicklodge.co.uk 0117 958 1590 @Berwicklodge www.facebook.com/BerwickLodge

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venues

VENUES

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THE GARDENS

OF LOVE

Helen Dorritt explores the charms of Hestercombe in Somerset.

N

estled just above the Vale of Taunton in Somerset, Hestercombe Gardens is a very special place. Set in a gently sloping valley, it’s incredibly peaceful and secluded, yet still has great transport links, being only 3 miles from Taunton and 6 miles from junction 25 of the M5.

Since the initial conception of the gardens in 1750, a long and varied story has unfolded. Created in three parts, each has been loved and lost at different periods in its history, leading to a venue with a unique atmosphere founded on love, passion and dedication throughout. Visually stunning, Hestercombe is a combination of beautiful gardens and many unusual and elegant buildings restored and rebuilt to the highest architectural and historical standards.

If you’re looking for a unique wedding venue, Hestercombe is proud to provide a bespoke wedding service for any couple. With three buildings licensed for ceremonies and three indoor options for receptions, plus the option to have a marquee as well, it’s suitable for any size and style of celebration. There are lots of beautiful places for guests to wander, relax and enjoy the day, and plenty of

space for kids to run and play or for old friends to catch up.

Hestercombe has endless romantic, dramatic and picturesque settings which your photographer will love.

Tended by a team of skilled gardeners all year round, every season brings new and beautiful plants, flowers and vistas to the fore so that both on the day, and when you look back on your photographs, you’re sure of an inspiring natural backdrop.

The enthusiastic and friendly front of house team, led by talented manager Richard Mira, is responsible for delivering high quality service on your wedding day, ensuring every little thing is organised. Meanwhile, Head Chef Kevin Davies and his kitchens team will create a fresh, inspiring menu with locally sourced ingredients to fit with your style of wedding. Whether it’s an afternoon tea, a sit down three course dinner or anything in between, they’ll deliver a special and individual feast just for you. And to help you make the most of all the options at Hestercombe, wedding planner Julie White is always on hand. Hugely experienced and full of good ideas, Julie will guide and support you to help you have the wedding of your dreams.

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HESTERCOMBE GARDENS CHEDDON FITZPAINE, TAUNTON, SOMERSET TA2 8LG T: 01823 413923 W: WWW.HESTERCOMBE.COM/WEDDINGS

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VENUES

A VENUE

WITH HEART

Ellie Pipe travels to the truly special Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire.

T

here are so many big decisions when planning your special day, but none are as important as finding a stunning venue. It has to encapsulate all that you desire and everyone has different priorities. It may mean ensuring it’s picturesque; a convenient distance from the church or where you live; available on the dates you have your heart set-on and, naturally, affordable. So that will mean looking at the menu choices and all the extras you have in mind. Will you require accommodation?

And above all is it going to help create the right atmosphere for your celebration?

Wedding and events manager, Claire Shea, who organises weddings and special events at South Gloucestershire venue Eastwood Park would be the first to say how important the feel of the place is. “Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life.

We understand that, and are fortunate at Eastwood Park to have an excellent team who want to ensure that all couples and their guests leave feeling they have had the best experience.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to make a judgement during a visit to a venue, but hopefully you will be impressed by our staff, the way we first handle your enquiry, the manner in which you are welcomed and our responsiveness and eagerness to ensure your day is all that you imagine it to be. Of course, look at those important testimonials too, and the photographs and videos we have, as sometimes it can be hard to visualise a venue set up for a wedding unless you see it transformed for yourself.”

It is recognising the importance and valuing the occasion that has prompted Eastwood Park this year to adopt The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation as its nominated charity. Claire felt strongly that she wanted to help raise funds for such an inspirational organisation, which helps to give those with terminal illnesses and life limiting conditions the wedding day of their dreams.

Claire was inspired by talking to The Wedding Wishing Well founder Naomi Thomas. “At 28 and just 6 days after the birth of her son Naomi was given the devastating news that she had secondary breast cancer; a life limiting illness where the average survival is just 5 years. Naomi desperately wanted to get married but ‘cancer’ was putting a huge financial and emotional strain on the couple. However, in late 2011 a wedding planner contacted her after seeing Naomi in her local paper promoting a charity. She said she wanted to help put her wedding together by asking local businesses to donate their services. Amazingly she pulled it off, and Naomi married Graham on 6 June 2012.”

It was Naomi’s desire to help others in similar situations that prompted her to launch The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, to help fund and organise weddings for others who are terminally ill. The full story will be published in the spring issue of West Weddings and further information can be found at www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk.

Eastwood Park is delighted to be supporting the organisation and offering its support this year through a number of events.

EASTWOOD PARK WOOTTON UNDER EDGE, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL12 8DA T: 01454 260207 W: WWW.EASTWOODPARK.CO.UK

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VENUES

LIVE MORE, LOVE MORE

EXPECT MORE

Ellie Pipe is inspired by Elmore Court’s vibrant new take on a country house wedding venue.

T

he story of Elmore Court is steeped in history. A privately owned, Grade 2 listed mansion house and estate, Elmore Court has been in the Guise family for 750 years.

The latest heir, Anselm Guise, is the one responsible for breathing fresh life into this much loved estate and taking it back to its roots as the family’s party house. Too magnificent a venue not to share, Anselm is now opening the estate to the public for the first time from November 2013 as a unique venue to host weddings and events.

Already benefitting from a prime location with views overlooking the River Severn and the Cotswolds, the 1,000 acre estate has recently undergone a multi-million pound transformation, incorporating a brand new ballroom which makes the unique centrepiece of the venue.

Run by folk with a background in food, festivals and events, Elmore Court will combine the heritage of the estate with contemporary and fun touches. Think state of the art sound and lighting systems, combining with regal Teniers tapestries in the Main Hall and an extraordinary choice of accommodation which includes a 12ft wide ‘mega bed’ or a stately four poster from 1636.

“We’ve taken a very contemporary view on how traditional country houses can be enjoyed, and with luck will assure its future,” says Guise.

Elmore Court offers a perfect combination of classic and contemporary for the discerning couple who want a wedding as fun as it is special. As well as the master ‘bridal’ suite, there are a further seven

en-suite bedrooms – each one unique and packed with interesting period features.

Inside the main house, the venue comprises of four distinctive reception rooms; the Dining Hall, the Main Hall (complete with precious restored Teniers tapestries), the Drawing Room and the Morning Room.

Choose to hold your wedding or civil ceremony in the licensed main hall, or church services can be organised in the nearby village church.

But what of this splendid new ballroom?

Situated at the rear of the house, the Gillyflower is Elmore’s own individual twist on a permanent marquee, constructed using the ancient technique of rammed earth taken from the estate. It’s so named because ‘the clove of one gillyflower’ was the annual rent that the Guise family paid when they were first granted Elmore. At almost 300 square metres in size, the Gillyflower will offer a flexible space with a state of the art sound system, dance floor, DJ booth and audio visual capabilities as well as its own built in bar. The building opens out onto rolling fields and woodland, creating a stunning backdrop to your wedding.

Catering options are imaginative and focus on locally sourced produce as well as a ‘grow to order’ service for your menu utilising Elmore’s extensive kitchen gardens.

The venue has the capacity to cater for up to 200 guests.

With their philosophy rooted in live music, fun and love, the team at Elmore Court certainly look set to offer a distinctly different take on a classic country house wedding.

ELMORE COURT ELMORE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL2 3NT T: 01452 720293 W: WWW.ELMORECOURT.COM

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VENUES

A VENUE FOR ALL

SEASONS Helen Dorritt takes a look around the beautiful Old Down Manor in South Gloucestershire.

H

idden away at the end of a country lane, the setting of Old Down Manor cannot be beaten. A beautifully-restored Victorian manor house nestled in acres of well-manicured grounds, with views across the Severn Valley, this is a venue which, whatever the weather and whatever the season, is sure to impress.

Old Down is offered on an exclusive basis, so you can relax and enjoy the day with just your loved ones around you. If you want to exchange your vows at the venue, there are five licensed rooms inside the manor house for civil ceremonies, including the Orangery with its chandelier and gorgeous views, and the intimate Bernays Room with its fireplace and immense stone casement windows. One of the most striking features of the manor house is the staircase, which sweeps down into the Grand Hall and creates the perfect backdrop on which to show off a gorgeous gown!

Once you’re married, you can relax with a drink in the Piano Room or, if the weather is playing ball, take a glass of Champagne out

into the rose garden or Victorian rockery. And if you’re feeling really adventurous you could always take a dip in the swimming pool!

You can be sure of a delicious first meal as a married couple, lovingly created by the Old Down catering team. Three months before the big day you’ll visit the venue for a menu tasting, where you’ll get to sample dishes in order to pick your favourite. Smaller guests aren’t forgotten either, with portions able to be sized down or a special children’s menu provided. After the meal you can dance the night away in the cellar nightclub that has a state of the art sound system, before relaxing from the excitement of the day in the luxurious bridal suite.

Those of you planning a winter wedding will be pleased to hear that Old Down is offering a fantastic package for any weddings booked between January and April 2014.

For £6,250 for 50 guests you get a three course wedding breakfast, an evening buffet, complementary use of the bridal suite and a host of other lovely touches.

OLD DOWN MANOR FOX HOLE LANE, TOCKINGTON, BRISTOL BS32 4PG T: 01454 414081 W: WWW.OLDDOWNMANOR.CO.UK

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FOUR PILLARS HOTEL

2013 & 2014

Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge South Gloucestershire GL12 8HH WEST WEDDINGS 81

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venues AZTEC HOTEL & SPA

BERWICK LODGE

Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QF

Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS T: 01454 201090 E: aztec.events@shirehotels.com W: www.aztechotelbristol.com CAPACITY: Up to 150 for Wedding Breakfast and 250 for Evening Reception.

THE BRISTOL HOTEL

Berwick Lodge, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7TD T: 0117 958 1590 E: info@berwicklodge.co.uk W: www.berwicklodge.co.uk

T: 0117 9230333 E: bristolevents@doylecollection.com W: www.doylecollection.com/bristol CAPACITY: Up to 280 for a Wedding Breakfast and 400 for an Evening Reception

FACILITIES: At the Aztec Hotel & Spa, we’re proud of our four-star approach to everything we do and we’re confident you won’t find a warmer reception anywhere in the South West. This stylish hotel is a clever mixture of old and new.

Striking timber beams blend with contemporary artwork and stone flagged floors adorned by brightly coloured feature rugs. Our approach to events is a simple one - there is no one size fits all, every event is as unique as you are and the day of your dreams doesn’t have to cost the earth.

CAPACITY: From an intimate 20 guests up to 80 for a civil ceremony and reception. 150 for an evening party. Marquees available for larger numbers.

FACILITIES: Set in 18 acres of garden and woodland, yet only minutes from the M4/M5, Berwick Lodge offers an exclusive, secluded and private venue for you and your guests with service that’s second to none. The beautifully renovated building and grounds offer 10 luxury individually styled bedrooms, many photo opportunities and food to die for! Exclusive hire available.

FACILITIES: Why look any further than The Bristol Hotel for arranging your dream wedding. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning Bristol Harbourside, and luxurious features such as rich deep carpets and Waterford Crystal chandeliers this is the most wonderful setting for your special day.

Indulge your friends and family with delicious cuisine, memorable surroundings and a wealth of warm hospitality.

INGLESIDE HOUSE

THE KINGSCOTE BARN

MANOR BY THE LAKE

Ingleside House, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester Gloucestershire, GL7 1BN T: 01285 648230 E: info@inglesidecirencester W:www.inglesidecirencester.com CAPACITY: Wedding breakfasts for up to 100 guests and evening party for up to 200 guests.

FACILITIES: The Grade II listed House in the heart of the Cotswolds offers an idyllic location for your big day. Ingleside House is an exceptional wedding venue set in its own grounds, and after a yearlong refurbishment the house offers versatile rooms with original features. With unique and stunning reception rooms each licensed for civil ceremonies this elegant property is available for exclusive use throughout the duration of the day.

Manor By The Lake, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6PN Binley Farm, Kingscote, Tetbury, GL8 8YE

T: 01242 542 700 E: weddings@manorbythelake.co.uk W: www.manorbythelake.co.uk

T: 01453 861161 E: info@kingscotebarn.co.uk W: www.kingscotebarn.co.uk

CAPACITY: Up to 200 for a wedding breakfast and up to 250 for an evening reception.

CAPACITY: Ceremonies & receptions up to 150 guests and 200 guests for an evening reception.

FACILITIES: The Kingscote Barn is a Cotswold Stone Barn which has been sympathetically restored to the highest possible standards nestled away in its own secret valley. The warm neutral décor allows you to decorate the barn with your own individual style and ideas. Exposed oak beams and soft lighting add to the romantic ambiance of this magical venue. Luxury onsite accommodation.

FACILITIES: Set in the heart Cheltenham, it is a hidden gem. Being the only solely exclusive-use wedding venue in Cheltenham, Manor By The Lake offers you the chance to hire your own private Victorian manor house and gardens for your big day. Manor By The Lake boasts charming rooms full of ornate carved wooden panels, stained glass and grand marble fireplaces all overlooking seven acres of award-winning gardens, woodland, rolling lawns and a picturesque lake. Manor By The Lake’s location is a key asset, situated just off the M5 with Staverton Airport and Cheltenham Spa station close by. The Manor also boasts twelve luxury en-suite bedrooms featuring four-poster beds and roll top baths.

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venues EASTINGTON PARK

EASTWOOD PARK COUNTRY HOUSE

ELMORE COURT

Elmore, Gloucestershire, GL2 3NT T: 01452 720 293 E: weddings@elmorecourt.com W: www.elmorecourt.com Eastington Park, Eastington, Nr Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3RY

Falfield, Gloucestershire GL12 8DA

T: 01453 827926 E: enquiries@eastingtonpark.co.uk W: www.eastingtonpark.co.uk

T: 01454 262805 W: www.eastwoodpark.co.uk

CAPACITY: Ceremony and receptions for up to 150 guests.

CAPACITY: Wedding breakfast 110. Reception 180 (more with marquee).

FACILITIES: Eastington Park is a stunning 18th century manor house set in 8 acres of mature landscaped gardens with accommodation.

Eastington Park is a fully exclusive use venue and our professional wedding planning team are on hand to help create your dream wedding day.

FACILITIES: Magnificent country house within 200-acre private estate with valley views. 69 bedrooms. Licensed for civil weddings and partnerships. Available exclusively.

OLD DOWN MANOR

Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG T: 01454 414081 E: info@olddownmanor.co.uk W: www.olddownmanor.co.uk Capacity: Up to 120 for a wedding breakfast and 200 for evening reception Facilities: Unique brand new venue within the South West with an investment of £4million, Old Down Manor is an exceptional wedding venue, with the added benefit of being exclusive to your party. With 13 well appointed bedrooms, beautiful reception rooms and a license for civil ceremonies, the magnificent property is yours for the duration of your wedding day.

TORTWORTH COURT FOUR PILLARS HOTEL

Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge South Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH T: 01454 263000 E: Tortworth@four-pillars.co.uk W: www.four-pillars.co.uk/tortworth

CAPACITY: Ceremony - 108, Drinks Reception 500, Dinner and Dance - 200 FACILITIES: On a 1000 acre estate with views over the River Severn and across to the Cotswolds, the grade 2 listed Elmore Court is the country’s newest wedding venue following a multi-million pound renovation. The estate and court has been in the Guise family for 750 years and combines heritage with contemporary. Elmore Court offers civil ceremonies, 8 bedrooms and a brand new ballroom, The Gillyflower (built out of ‘rammed earth’ with a flat meadow roof) – plus an experienced creative events team who will be there to advise all the way. A distinctively different take on a country-house wedding. Available exclusively.

DO PEOPLE KNOW YOU’RE A LICENSED VENUE? To advertise your venue in the next issue of

CAPACITY: Up to 280 FACILITIES: 190 bedrooms. Luxury country house hotel set in 30 acres of picturesque parkland, overlooking the lake. Also offers the 2 AA Rosette awarded Orangery Restaurant, spa and leisure club.

call Jacqui Lewis on

0117 934 3136 WEST WEDDINGS 83

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photo gallery

PhotoGallery

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PhotoGallery

Interlace Photography Contact Eleanor Saunders Telephone 07870 811931 Email eleanor@interlacephotography.co.uk Website www.interlacephotography.co.uk

WEST WEDDINGS 85

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PhotoGallery

Photo Dabek Contact Martin Dabek Telephone 0117 350 1032 Email info@photodabek.co.uk Website www.photodabek.co.uk

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PhotoGallery

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directory ACCESSORIES BRIDAL BRIDAL WEAR WEAR

Call Jacqui Lewis 0117 934 3136 Ellie Pipe on Callon Jacqui Lewis onor 0117 934 3136 Call Jacqui Lewis on 0117 934 3136 0117 934 3769 to to advertise advertise in in the the next nextissue issueof ofWest WestWeddings Weddings

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8/10/2012 3:25:12 PM 10/18/2013 1:25:48 PM 8/10/2012 3:25:12

directory directory TRANSPORT The His & Hers Collection from

Williams Executive Drives

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will take care of all the fine details for your Wedding Reception, leaving you to relax and enjoy your special day, Please contact our Wedding Co-ordinator for further details on how to book.

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to to advertise advertisein inthe thenext nextissue issueof ofWest WestWeddings WeddingsMagazine Magazine

Autumn 2012 Winter 2013

WE WANT TO HEAR HEAR FROM FROM

Tell Tell us us about about your your big big day or wedding day or wedding plans; plans; let let us us know know all all about about the the gorgeous gorgeous dress dress you you discovered or about discovered or about that that perfect perfect venue. venue. Ask Ask us us any any questions questions you you have have about about planning planning for for your your nuptials nuptials or share some useful or share some useful tips tips of of your your own. own. Email Email the the editor editor at at westweddings@venue. westweddings@venue. co.uk co.uk and and you you could could be be gracing the pages gracing the pages of of our our next next edition. edition.

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS DUE TO THE CANCELLATION OF THE WEST WEDDING SHOW WE HAVE REGRETTABLY AND IN DRESS: ACCORDANCE WITH OUR WIN A WEDDING Postal and online entries to be received by 1.02.13 HOUSERULES, TO before POSTPONE THE Winner selected at West WeddingsHAD Show and notified 1.03.13 WIN A WEDDING DRESS PROMOTION. ALL The winner’s wedding date must be six months after 1.03.13 and within two years of the competition ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR THE PROMOTION closing date.

Special Day and Appletons will award the winner a wedding dress to the value of £1,000. No other WILL NULL ANDas VOID AND ALL ENTRY items (i.e suits, BE hats, shoes) can be redeemed part of this prize.

Only brides-to-be can qualify to win the competition but entries can be made on behalf of a bride-to-be DATA COLLECTED DESTROYED. by third parties.

The winner will be the first entry drawn at random, from all eligible entries. The draws will take place on the following dates and the winner will be contacted accordingly.

Data protection: The data supplied to us will not be used for any other purpose than the administration of this competition and for the prize suppliers to contact you.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

CONDITIONS: A. TERMS General&terms and conditions relating to all competitions in West Weddings Autumn 2012 edition: terms and conditions relating to allorcompetitions West Weddings Wintercompetition, 2013 edition: 1. A. General No employees of Bristol News and Media any companyinassociated with a particular promotions, game or any member of their family may enter.

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Last Word

Any other

NAME? Should you take your partner’s last name when you marry?

Madelaine Culver says no, but Zoe Lewis is in favour of this tradition.

Yes

Committing to marriage is the next exciting step in you and your partner’s relationship, one which will see you live the rest of your lives together in union, until death do you part. It’s not just a chance to show the world your love and respect for each other, but also a significant step away from a life led as a single person.

In due course you will start to share many aspects of your life as a newly married couple. If you are not already living together by now, you will no doubt be looking to move in together soon after your wedding.

Many married couples also set up joint bank accounts.

A significant factor of getting married is committing to your future together; a commitment which will be agreed in front of your closest family and friends.

Keeping your original surname could send a slightly worrying message to these people. Do you not want anyone to know you are now married? What’s worse is that some people could assume your original surname is your husband’s name anyway, and what would be more annoying than having to constantly explain this is not the case? You also leave yourself open to questions from others who are curious at your decision to keep your maiden name.

Insisting on keeping your original surname could also lead to problems later on in life, especially if you decide to have children together. Will you insist that they take on your surname as well? Don’t forget your husband’s feelings when it comes to this situation; he may be very passionate about carrying on his family name.

Taking your husband’s name could come with more positives than you think. Try sounding out your full name as it stands, and then switching your surname with your husband’s. It may roll off the tongue better, or even be easier to pronounce. His surname could even be nicer than yours; although you may refuse to admit it. Sharing is a significant part of marriage, and an important aspect that you will both have to adjust to and work at throughout your lives as a couple. So why not show your commitment to this by sharing the same surname with your husband?

No

Marriage is one of the most exciting and significant commitments you will ever make but why over complicate things by dropping your last name?

I’m not suggesting that taking his name is the wrong thing to do, but if it you’re doing it only out of expectation then make sure to consider all your options first.

It is an age-old tradition in Western culture that the woman takes on her man’s last name, but why should this continue in the 21st century when so many other customs have slipped by the wayside? Marital name changing goes back a long way, and stems from the days (luckily gone by!), when becoming a man’s wife meant becoming his family’s legal property.

Times have moved on a fair way since then so why shouldn’t we break away from convention and opt for a more contemporary approach?

You may feel as though you’re letting your man down by choosing to keep your maiden name, but there are practical benefits you might want to consider before making an unnecessary change. Not only will you

avoid the gruelling task of updating the details on every legal document you possess (that’s right, all of them!), you will also save yourself a bit of cash by not having to renew your current passport - a process that will set you back over £70!

In giving up your name you may also feel like you’re losing the identity you have been shaping for yourself since you were a little girl.

It’s a change that can be difficult to adjust to, not only personally, but professionally as well. After years of building up your career around your own family name is it really necessary to give it all up and re-establish yourself under a new one?

There are a few ways to get around this tricky issue if you don’t want to lose your name completely. You could, for example, add his name to yours to create a double barrelled surname.

Or you could, dare I suggest it, let him take yours instead (although this may take a bit longer to persuade a groom to commit to). Ultimately your name is part of what makes you who you are, and a decision to change it shouldn’t be taken purely because you feel you ought to.

your What do you think? Let us know

thoughts via email or Twitter

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Sposa

Elegante

For further information or to book an appointment please call

Tel: 01225 345 101 439 Bath Road, Saltford (on the A4 between Bristol & Bath) www.sposaelegante.co.uk email: info@ sposaelegante.co.uk

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