West Weddings Winter 2014

FREE COVERING BATH, BRISTOL , GLOUCESTERSHIRE, SOMERSET & WILTSHIRE

WINTER 2014

WWW.WEST-WEDDINGS.CO.UK

Be inspired by REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

IN A VERY GOOD CAUSE: CHARITY GIFT LISTS

Top ten tips for GORGEOUS GOWNS FROM Essense Maggie Sottero Ronald Joyce Demetrios Sottero and Midgley

PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY

Baby, it’s cold outside!

Join us in the gorgeous Somerset countryside for a cosy winter wedding at The Battleaxes

GOWNS | MENSWEAR | PHOTOGRAPHY | VENUES | JEWELLERY | INSPIRATION Winter 2014_Cover.indd 1

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The Anne Harding Bridal Experience Essense Designer Day – Saturday 29th November Book now to preview the brand new 2015 essense Gowns and have a sneak preview before these dresses hit the stores early next year! enjoy a glass of bubbly and we are offering 10% discount on the day – telephone 0117 9683074 for your appointment as spaces are limited.

Find us on facebook

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 fnding 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 fnd 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!

(Anne Harding Bristol)

Join uS on FAceBook FoR excluSive newS And pRomoTionS!

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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 outft. 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

Tai Fit S lored uit Hire s to

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

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THE TEAM Editor: Helen Dorritt Writers and contributors: Meena Alexander, Louise Jarndyce, Richard Jones, Antonia King, Rebecca Paddick, Gianina Turner Photoshoot art direction: Kirsten Butler Design: Cath Evans Production co-ordinators: Emma Gorton and Ruth Wood Commercial director: Abbie Grant Blog editor: Gianina Turner ADVERTISING To advertise in future editions of West Weddings contact: Jacqui Lewis T: 0117 934 3136 E: jacqui.lewis@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 Bristol News and Media, 2nd Floor, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD T: 0117 942 8491

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

WINTER 2014

WWW.WEST-WEDDINGS.CO.UK

Be inspired by

Welcome to West Weddings winter 2014

Mugs of hot chocolate cheekily flavoured with Baileys, flickering candles, keeping snug in cosy scarves while outside in the frosty air... these are some of my favourite winter things, which is why I loved our cover shoot this issue. We were welcomed by The Battleaxes in North Somerset and had a team of amazing local wedding suppliers to put together a wedding full of gorgeous seasonal inspiration - turn to page 49 to check it out!

Winter is a great time of year to have your big day, and we’ve got plenty of ideas for you this issue, from our gown galleries starting on page 29 to the best new season beauty picks on page 70. If it feels like it’s all getting a little on top of you, head to page 73 where we’ve compiled our top ten tips for planning your wedding without losing your mind! And if the chillier days do get a bit too much and you’re in need of a little sunshine, check out Richard Jones’ travel guide to Las Vegas on page 64.

So grab a blanket, throw a log on the woodburner, pour yourself a cuppa and settle down to dreaming about your perfect winter wedding!

REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

IN A VERY GOOD CAUSE: CHARITY GIFT LISTS

Top ten tips for GORGEOUS GOWNS FROM Essense Maggie Sottero Ronald Joyce Demetrios Sottero and Midgley

PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY

Baby, it’s cold outside!

Join us in the gorgeous Somerset countryside for a cosy winter wedding at The Battleaxes

Helen Dorritt

GOWNS | MENSWEAR | PHOTOGRAPHY | VENUES | JEWELLERY | INSPIRATION Winter 2014_Cover.indd 1

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4 WEST WEDDINGS

Winter 2014_Contents.indd 4

Editor

42 14/11/2014 12:39:50

Contents

70

16

WINTER 2014

41

REGULARS 7 Wedding news

A round up of the latest news,

events and dates for your diary this season 13 Ask the experts

Your wedding questions and

dilemmas answered 18 Real weddings

Five couples from the region

share all the special details of their

big days 41 Grooms

How to pick your best man, plus

our favourite cufflinks 45 Planner

A handy way to keep track of those

facts and figures in the countdown

to your wedding 46 Online

Find out how to get your West

Weddings fix in between issues!

82 Photo gallery

Fantastic photography from the

best in the West 89 Directory

Lots of local contacts 90 Last word

Would you consider getting

married abroad?

FASHION 29 Gown gallery

Be inspired by the latest dresses

from local boutiques including

Krystle Brides and Anne Harding 49 Cover shoot

Our winter wedding showcase

at the cosy Battleaxes in Wraxall,

chock full of fab ideas from our

team of talented local suppliers

29

BE INSPIRED 63

64

67

70

73

Pinboard What we’re loving this winter The winner takes it all A guide to getting married and celebrating in Las Vegas The gift of giving Rebecca Paddick talks to couples who opted for a charity gift list Beauty Bible The best new products for winter How to plan your wedding Top tips from experts on staying sane while organising your big day

18

64

67

VENUES 75 A selection of the region’s best places to celebrate your “I do” WEST WEDDINGS 5

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news

News

Happy birthday

Krystle Brides!

Krystle Brides in Bath is celebrating a very special milestone this winter – its second anniversary!

This Bath-based bridal boutique opened its doors in October 2012 and since then has gone on to help lots of local brides to find their perfect dress.

Over the last two years, Krystle Brides has introduced new labels to Bath including Maggie Sottero and Pronovias, two labels that are a perfect complement to its existing collections from Ellis Bridals, Augusta Jones, Ivory & Co, Mark Lesley, Anoushka G, Enzoani and Benjamin Roberts. The shop also works closely with other small businesses in Bath, such as Bath Spa Florists, who supplies the shop with fresh flowers for brides, giving them a great all-round experience. “We are proud to say we have built up a gleaming reputation not only with brides from the South West but in fact from all over the UK,” says Krystle. “We had a record month in August and we believe it is our relaxed, professional manner that has resulted in our success. We have a fun and friendly team who will try their very best to find every bride their dream dress, and we hope our next two years will be as fabulous as the last!”

KRYSTLE BRIDES 11 ST JAMES PARADE, BATH BA1 1UL T: 01225 446844 W: WWW.KRYSTLEBRIDES.CO.UK

To the manor born Taking place in the glorious Ashton Court Manor, the Bristol Wedding Show is a true highlight of the wedding fair season. Beautifully blending splendour with talented and professional wedding suppliers from the area, there will be a range of services showcased, from breathtaking bridal wear, stunning venue décor, exquisite weddings rings to amazing floral displays, tantalising cakes, and amazing photographers - the list is almost endless!

The Bristol Wedding Show has free entry, and you can pre-register for ‘No

Q tickets’ in advance, saving you time on the day. Taking place on Sunday 18th January 2015, from 11am to 3.30pm, there will also be a summer event on Sunday 28th June 2015.

THE BRISTOL WEDDING SHOW W: WWW.THEBRISTOLWEDDINGSHOW.CO.UK FA: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BRISTOLWEDDINGSHOW WEST WEDDINGS 7

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on a

News

New 2015 diary dates from

Eastwood Park

d i

O

ne of South Gloucestershire’s award winning wedding venues, Eastwood Park, is creating new monthly “showcase” evenings during 2015. The first of these will be held on Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 24 February 2015, so you grab your diary and make a note!

Offering something very different to the traditional wedding fair, the country house venue is giving you the chance to explore its many different sized function rooms and its stunning estate for your wedding. Make the most of seeing what there is to offer in a relaxed setting, with Eastwood Park’s dedicated team on hand to greet you. And by taking place in the evenings it provides busy working couples a more convenient alternative to daytime appointments.

Voted the Best Wedding Venue in the Bristol & Somerset Wedding Awards,

Eastwood Park has also recently been nominated for the Wedding Industry Awards 2015 and again for this year’s Bristol & Somerset Wedding Awards.

Located within 220 acres of tranquil countryside, the venue offers a picturesque yet friendly wedding venue. From the beautiful country mansion to formal

Chosen for you

gardens and stunning countryside views, there’s nothing better than a visit to see it for yourself!

EASTWOOD PARK WOOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL12 8DA T: 01454 262805 W: WWW.EASTWOODPARK.CO.UK E: CLAIRE.SHEA@EASTWOODPARK.CO.UK

Best foot forward

Created by a frustrated brideto-be who visited a few fairs but came away feeling uninspired, Chosen Wedding Fairs has become a wealth of inspiration for couples since running its first event two years ago. With the focus on British designers and bespoke makers, the aim of a Chosen Wedding Fair is to keep things fresh, exciting and full of inspiration, to help people put their own personal and individual mark on their big day.

Chosen Wedding Fairs is just about to launch its #WeddingRevolution campaign to brighten up fairs across the UK, and its next Bristol event is at the Paintworks Event Space on 1st February. If you also love a daily dose of wedding inspiration, check out Chosen’s fab boards on www.pinterest. com/chosenwedding and follow them on www.instagram.com/ chosenwedding.

If you’re planning a winter wedding, don’t let any potential showers or muddy grounds ruin your day!

Instead face the rain elegantly and keep your dress clean for any outdoor photos in a pair of wedding wellies from The Welly Shop. In a lovely shade of ivory and finished with a pretty ribbon and fuchsia cotton lining, these stunning wellies are also ideal for marquee or festival style weddings. In fact, knowing the unpredictable nature of British wedding, stock up on a pair whatever season your wedding is going to be in!

CHOSEN WEDDING FAIRS W: WWW.CHOSENWEDDING.COM

W: WWW.THEWELLYSHOP.COM

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An elegant addition to your wedding planning

News

PHOTOGRAPHS: TIME LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen we heard that bridal showcase management team Elegant Additions had teamed up with Thornbury Castle to organise a brand new wedding fair experience for couples in the South West, we knew that it was a match made in heaven!

Run by Alison and Tamzin, Elegant Additions is saying goodbye to the traditional wedding fair and is instead introducing the exclusive wedding and venue showcase.

Couples and their families are encouraged to spend a day out at Elegant Additions’ venue showcase events, enjoying the atmosphere and seeing how it would work for their wedding day. And with a whole host of events on the day, from firework displays to fashion shows, and even falconry, it’s a great way to see a venue in action.

After making its mark in Worcestershire, Elegant Additions is now heading to the South West, with its first fair in the region at the beautiful Thornbury Caste on 22nd February. Laura Dudley, group sales manager at the Castle, says: “Tamzin and Alison have a proven track record for arranging a number of successful wedding showcases in Worcestershire and the

surrounding areas. Their enthusiasm, passion and great organisational skills are already proving to be priceless; they’ve managed to secure some key exhibitors allowing us to focus our efforts and attention on making sure we are presenting Thornbury Castle as the perfect wedding venue.”

ELEGANT ADDITIONS T: ALISON 07808 923288 (WOMBOURNE), TAMZIN 07800 592038 (WORCESTER) W: WWW.ELEGANTADDITIONS.CO.UK

Wedding Open Day & Bridal Exhibitor Showcase 22nd February 2015 – 11am until 4pm

www.thornburycastle.co.uk BS35 1HH

Come and meet the hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinator and chat with a fabulous array of the areas leading wedding suppliers.

Experience this amazing venue and see how it could host your dream wedding day.

All you need for your wedding under one truly stunning roof!

Wedding inspired activities throughout the day.

Fireworks display at 4pm • Free Goody Bag Free Parking • Free Admission Free Prize Draw For further details visit www.elegantadditions.co.uk or email info@elegantadditions.co.uk

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

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.

• Sweet Cart • Carpet Runners • Chair Covers & Unique Accessories • Starlight Backdrop • Dance Floors • Post Boxes • Candleabras • and much more...

Package deals available... contact us today!

www.theeventworks.co.uk

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

0117 9111811 info@theeventworks.co.uk

• BRIDAL WEAR • BRIDESMAIDS • ACCESSORIES

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

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

We will guide you through the whole experience and help you add the special details that make

the diference between a good event and a fantastic unforgettable one.

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

3 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD Tel 01454 856 737 email tina@tigerlilyfowers.co.uk web www.tigerlilyfowers.co.uk

Photography by Andrew Jackson

Photography by Your Pictures

©LW

Chauffeur driven classic1960’s Jaguars in stunning colours for weddings, blessings and civil partnerships Covering Bristol, Bath,South Glos and North Somerset Tel: 01454 600072 www.ajeclassics.co.uk

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News

Love ctuallywe

g

Wedding Fayres (11am - 3.30pm, unless specifed)

I do at the zoo T

here are few more stunning wedding venues in Bristol than the Clifton Pavilion at Bristol Zoo, so if you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, you’ll be pleased to hear that Love Actually Weddings will be hosting its Christmas special wedding fayre here on 7th December from 11am - 3pm. Admission is always free with Love Actually, so why not pop along and join in with the festivities and speak to some of the best wedding suppliers across the region? David and Emma, organisers of Love Actually, will also be serving up mulled wine and mince pies to add to the occasion.

With a licence to perform wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, you can enjoy your ceremony at the zoo as well as your celebrations. It’s available on an exclusive basis for up to 120 guests and, with complimentary access to the zoo gardens, you can enjoy an incredible range of photographic opportunities.

After the festive season, David and Emma will then be hosting further events across the South West, starting at The Grand Thistle in Bristol on 4th January. They then head down to The Castle Hotel in Taunton (11th January) and go further south again, hosting the Tithe Barn Wedding Fayre in Dunster on 25th January.

After hosting well over 100 events, you are sure to receive a very warm welcome from Love Actually. David and Emma have been meeting and greeting engaged couples since 2008. Emma comments: “It’s a wonderful industry to be involved in. Every week, I get to meet excited brides and grooms eager to plan the day of their lives, which is so lovely and makes our job all the more worthwhile.”

Bristol Zoo, Christmas Special Sunday 7th December z 11am-3pm The Grand Thistle Hotel, Bristol Sunday 4th January Castle Hotel, Taunton Sunday 11th January Dunster Tithe Barn Sunday 25th January Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Nr Cirencester Sunday 1st February Bristol Golf Club, South Gloucestershire Sunday 8th February The Chase Hotel, Ross-on-Wye Sunday 15th February Charlton House, Shepton Mallet Sunday 22nd February Tortworth Court, Nr Bristol Sunday 1st March The Bishops Palace, Wells Sunday 8th March Hatton Court Hotel, Gloucester Sunday 22nd March

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

LOVE ACTUALLY WEDDING FAYRES T: 01275 331188 W: WWW.LOVEACTUALLYWEDDINGS.CO.UK

www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk ©LW

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News

British bridal design at its best Nominated four times for Designer of the Year, British bridal designer Donna Salado is renowned for her collections which combine theatricality with just a hint of British eccentricity. Originally launched in 1991, Donna’s designs feature luxurious fabrics combined with beautiful silhouettes and a fantastic attention to detail.

If you’d like to meet this talented designer in person, then head to Keynsham boutique Special Day and Appletons on Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February for very special weekend! It’s by appointment only, so get in touch with Jackie Sweeting to reserve your spot now.

SPECIAL DAY AND APPLETONS 12A HIGH STREET, KEYNSHAM BS31 1DQ T: 0117 986 0303 W: WWW.SPECIALDAYANDAPPLETONS.CO.UK

Destination: wedding!

A

s 2014 comes to its close, the very successful destination shop The Weddings Works is celebrating its fourth year. Peri Said, who owns this original ‘wedding fair on the high street’ store and is the venue dresser for the

business, says: “It has been an exciting time, and we have met and helped some really lovely brides, grooms and their families, as well as working with some very worthwhile charities to help their evening of fund raising. We have had a fantastic few years and look forward to the future with lots of new designs and ideas to bring in for 2015 weddings and events.”

Peri also adds: “With this growing business we have seen more ‘word of mouth’ recommendations through the door than ever before, plus recommendations from hotels, and we have built a great reputation within Bristol and its surrounding area enabling us to be on the ‘preferred suppliers’ list of many of the wedding venues.”

The Wedding Works in Bristol is a home of inspiration for all couples and event organisers, where you can find almost all the services you require for your wedding or event, from stationery to photography and videography, candy buffet to cake stands, venue décor to cakes and flowers. This is the place to go for all things wedding and events on the ever-eclectic Gloucester Road, which will bring out your creative flair and leave you wanting to book your special day with one, some or all of the suppliers.

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

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Advice

News

Venue décor, re-styling a ring, how to tell people you’re not inviting children?

YOU NEED TO ASK THE EXPERTS...

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

Light up your love

In with the new

Mini guests

We’re hiring a room for our reception that’s a blank canvas, and I’m a little daunted on how to decorate it so that it looks more like a wedding venue. What ideas do you have for big, bold décor?

My fiancé proposed with his grandmother’s engagement ring, but I don’t really like the style, as it feels really old fashioned. Do you think that there’s any way it can it be changed?

I’m not keen to have children at our wedding, but there are some of my friends and family who are already assuming that their little ones are invited. How do I tactfully let them know that this isn’t the case?

Sophie James, Bristol

Sarah McCourt, Devizes

Daisy Smith, Bath

Siobhan Thomas from LightHaus Events says:

Clare Chandler from Clifton Rocks says:

Helen Dorritt from West Weddings says:

A huge wedding trend at the moment which steps away from the classic decorations and looks set to stay is giant, illuminated letters.

Not only are these big, bold and perfect for dressing your venue, but they will also provide you with fantastic lighting, particularly into the evening. Use them to WOW your guests on entering the building and don’t be afraid to ask your supplier if you can move them around throughout the day. For example, my brides will often use LOVE near a doorway at the beginning of their wedding day and then ask venue staff to move them closer to the dancefloor for the evening celebration. Alternatively, using MR & MRS behind your top table will create a lovely atmosphere for the dining area and provide you with some gorgeous speech photos too.

The short answer is yes, definitely! The longer answer is that there are a lot of options you can do to make a ring more wearable and in your style. Here at Clifton Rocks, we often work with couples to re-model jewellery that has been passed down to them but which might not be totally to their taste. We can melt down gold and other precious metals and re-cast it into a different shape. We can also re-style and re-set stones, so they’re in a style that you’re a lot happier with, with the end result being something that is totally unique and still holds that sentimental attachment. I love being able to re-use jewellery to make something that is unique to a couple and that they will treasure forever, and hopefully create an item that will be passed down through the family.

The issue of children attending weddings is always a tricky one, but the thing to remember is that it’s your day and you can have whoever you’d like there, with zero guilt about this decision.

As you say, there will always be people who automatically assume that their children are going to be part of the day, so I would suggest putting in a pre-emptive (yet gentle) phonecall to them before the invitations are sent so they know the score. Saying something like “we’re not having children as we’d really like you to be able to relax and enjoy the day” usually does the trick.

You can add a line to the information sheet on the invitations as well, stating something like ‘We do apologise, but due to the restrictions on guest numbers at our venue, we are unable to extend this invitation to your children.’ Best of luck!

FFI: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LIGHTHAUSEVENTS

FFI: 0117 9731342, WWW.CLIFTONROCKS.CO.UK

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News

B

ridezillas boutique, the award-winning accessories shop, has packed up its gorgeous stock and moved from its original location in Keynsham to great new premises in Brislington, Bristol. The new boutique is now closer to the city centre and Temple Meads station, and also has lots of parking close by, making it even more accessible to brides travelling from all over the region to sample the delights on offer!

Due to the move, there are even more pretty wedding items for you to swoon over, including a larger range of shoes, from labels such as Pink and Benjamin Adams, a range of pre-loved dresses (and a gorgeous changing room to try them on in!), and the largest selection of bridal accessories in a boutique in the South West, with bespoke pieces from Bridezillas’ own Abigail Grace Designs. But while the number of accessories on offer may have got larger, the intimate, personal feeling of the boutique is still very much evident, with Amanda and her staff on hand to help you look and feel fabulous on your big day. Why not book a VIP ‘Wedding Wednesday’ appointment, where you can bring in your dress and receive expert and friendly advice on accessories? You can also request late night opening on a Wednesday evening if you’re short on time! And once your big day is over, there’s the option to sell your dress onto another lucky bride through the shop.

On the move!

BRIDEZILLAS 10 SANDY PARK ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL BS4 3PE T: 0117 904 3039 W: WWW.BRIDEZILLAS.BIZ

You deserve to look as special as we believe you are!

PhotoDabek

“CHERISH THE DRESS” PRE LOVED DRESSES CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT OUR VIP WEDDING WEDNESDAY APPOINTMENTS VISIT THE BOUTIQUE BRIDEZILLAS LTD, 10 SANDY PARK ROAD BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL, BS4 3PE 0117 9043039

WWW.BRIDEZILLAS.BIZ

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Get yourself noticed by the Bride-to-be’s!

Call Jacqui Lewis on 0117 9343136 to advertise in the next issue of West Weddings Magazine

Hairoics Mobile Hair and Beauty

Over 10 years salon experience.

Specialising in Bridal Hair and MakeUp. "My Hair and MakeUp were absolutely flawless and far beyond my expectations" –Bride of 2014 Contact Hazel Tel ~ 07711 779292 ~Hairoics Mobile Hair and Beauty

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News

When Rachel met Ali W

hen you work for a venue as stunning as Clifton College, it’s no surprise that you end up holding your own wedding there! And that’s exactly what happened when its events manager Rachel Gough married Alistair Macfarlane there in August this year.

The venue is also the reason that Rachel got together with Ali in the first place, when she was organising his sister’s wedding a couple of years ago.

The happy couple first met the day before the wedding when the family came to set up the room, and Ali saved the day by decorating the Christmas tree that had just fallen over, in the nick of time before the bride and groom arrived! “It meant a great deal to be married at the place we had met,” says Rachel. “Also because I know it’s the best wedding venue in Bristol, and the staff did such a fantastic job ensuring I relaxed and enjoyed the day, without working myself!”

Rachel wore a stunning gown from Krystle Brides, and Anna from Luna Photography expertly captured the day, including some fabulous shots of the bride giving an expert Irish dancing demonstration. Look out for more details of Rachel and Ali’s day in the next issue of West Weddings.

CLIFTON COLLEGE 32 COLLEGE ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL BS8 3JH T: 0117 315 7669 W: WWW.EVENTSATCLIFTON.COM

Let them eat pie If you’re planning a winter wedding, then forget salad and salmon to serve at your wedding breakfast. When the weather’s chilly, your guests will want something hearty, so a Pieminister pie could be just the thing.

Based in Bristol, this award-winning company has just launched its limited edition festive menu: Merry Berry (free range turkey, bacon and cranberry), Mistlemoo (British beef steak, Stilton, prosciutto and chestnut), Deer Santa (British venison, dry cured bacon, red wine and

puy lentil) and Christingle (Cheddar cheese and honey roast parsnips with leeks and chestnuts), which join its existing range of delicious bakes, such as the goats cheese Heidi pie and Matador pie with beef and chorizo. And if you’re interested in adding the pie factor to your wedding, then you’ll also be pleased to hear that the company offers a special wedding catering service, providing canapes, starters and more as well as its yummy pies.

PIEMINISTER W: WWW.PIEMINISTER.CO.UK

West Country luxury New Bath bridal boutique LuxQuisite opened its glamorous doors on Saturday 27th September, welcoming guests with a glass of fizz and a goodie bag. With designers such as Pronovias and Atelier gracing its rails, this new shop offers skilled advice, styling and customer service from bridal expert and store manager, Luisa Fisher. Luisa aims to tailor the experience to the individual, making customers feel confident, welcomed and understood, and as well as helping you find your dress and accessories, she also has a range of trusted contacts for all other elements of the big day. LuxQuisite is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9.30am–5.30pm and has a late night opening on Wednesday between 11am–8pm.

LUXQUISITE T: 01225 313434 E: INFO@LUXQUISITE.CO.UK W: WWW.LUXQUISITE.CO.UK

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News If you head to the Marriott Royal Hotel on Sunday 11th January, you’ll find over 70 of Bristol’s finest wedding suppliers, services and experts all taking part in the latest Wedding World exhibition. From high street names to luxury brands and bespoke specialists, it’s a date not to be missed, and a chance to source some fantastic suppliers for your big day. As well as the opportunity to meet lots of local businesses, there will be two fabulous fashions shows and sensational wedding entertainment. This is also a great chance to have a look at the gorgeous Royal Hotel, with its beautiful Victorian architecture, and which is located in the very heart of Bristol next to the cathedral and the historic waterfront. The exhibition runs from 10.30am-4pm, and admission on the day is £2 per person, which includes a glass of fizz and a goody bag, but you can also sort out a free ticket by visiting the Wedding World website in advance of the exhibition.

WEDDING WORLD T: 01454 322743 W: WWW.WEDDINGWORLDEXHIBITIONS.CO.UK

A date for your diary

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Realweddings

Showered with love and happiness Meena Alexander hears about Rachel and Liam Hall’s Bristol celebrations

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hen Rachel and Liam became close friends at university, everyone could see what would happen next. “Rachel was one of the first handful of people I met after moving to Bristol in my first year – I was instantly attracted to her,” confesses Liam. The pair eventually gravitated into a relationship, and the rest is history. Nine years on, Liam plucked up the courage to ask Rachel’s father for her hand in marriage. His plan didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped, however, and in his haste he blurted out his intentions when they had a brief moment alone.

Thankfully Mr Poynton took it all in his stride. “It wasn’t really a problem as they had previously discussed my dowry,” jokes Rachel. “They agreed on two bags of Skittles and a camel, which my dad did actually pay up!”

The proposal came as a surprise to the unsuspecting Rachel, as Liam had secretly organised a party for her at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant. Dropping to one knee just before dessert, he presented his bride-to-be with a beautiful pink sapphire engagement ring – something she’d always wanted. “I always knew he would do something wonderful. Even though we’re not traditional romantics on a day to day basis, he knows how to make me feel like the only woman in the world,” says Rachel.

The couple organised most of the big day themselves, focusing on one area at a time to make the momentous task manageable. Picture sharing site Pinterest came in handy for Rachel. “It really helped me to find ideas I liked and made it much easier to communicate these ideas to suppliers.”

For the all-important wedding cake, they settled on Hey Cupcakes in Bradley Stoke. “Cake testing was definitely the part Liam had been looking forward in the planning of the wedding, and Jo’s not only tasted amazing but looked amazing too.”

The 5th of November became a day to

remember in more ways than one when Rachel married Liam at her local church in St Mary Redcliffe. “Getting married in a church was the most important thing to me, as my faith is a really important part of who I am,” Rachel tells us. She was the perfect bride, even ensuring everything ran smoothly by turning up early to the church – a first at St Mary Redcliffe according to the vicar!

Unfortunately not all of Rachel’s organisation went to good use. “I can take forever to get ready like many women,” she admits, “and so I decided to plan a detailed timeline for the day down to thirty minute intervals. No sooner had I checked into the hotel the night before the wedding than Liam called me to say I’d left the folder with all my meticulous planning in it at home!”

The bride’s dress hunt also proved a challenge, and after visiting every shop in a fifty mile radius she had almost given up. “A friend from work recommended Future Brides in Chipping Sodbury where I spotted my dream dress, but I was beaten to it by another bride at a sample sale!”

Disheartened, Rachel went back to the drawing board, but it was clear that the dress was meant for her. “They held my details on file,” she explains, “and when the bride had changed her mind, I wound up with the dress – it needed no alterations, a perfect fit!”

With a spot of unexpected November sun to warm them, the wedding troupe made their way to The Mercure Holland Hotel for the reception, where Eleanor from Interlace Photography captured every happy moment. “She gave us some beautiful images, listened to all our ideas and did everything she could to capture our day perfectly,” says Rachel. Eleanor had her work cut out for her towards the end of the day, however, when she attempted to get a long exposure shot of the bride and groom. “We tried to have our groomsmen run around us with sparklers, but they couldn’t even remember how to spell the word ‘love’ they were

that drunk! It was a hysterical disaster.”

With a Caribbean cruise to look forward to after their perfect day, Rachel and Liam couldn’t have been happier. “I just felt so showered with love and happiness that I was on a natural high all day,” says Rachel. And Liam agrees: “The best part of the day for me was seeing Rachel happy - I’ve never seen her smile so much before.”

DETAILS Reception venue The Mercure Holland Hotel, Redcliffe Parade, Bristol BS1 6SQ T: 0117 968 9900 W: www.mercure.com Photographer Interlace Photography T: 07870 811931 W: www.interlacephotography.co.uk Bride’s dress Future Brides, 42 High St, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6AH T: 01454 311722 W: www.futurebrides.co.uk Groom’s outfit Moss Bros W: www.moss.co.uk Flowers Jane Taylor W: www.janetaylorflorist.co.uk Cake Hey Cupcakes, Bradley Stoke T: 07811 159843 W: www.heycupcakesbristol.co.uk Hair Lean Evans W: www.facebook.com/ hairbyleahevans Make-up Evie Smith W: www.eeviesmakeup.com WEST WEDDINGS 19

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Pump and circumstance Realweddings

Sally Mann and Dave Taylor enjoyed a sunny spring wedding at the Pittville Pump Rooms, reports Antonia King 20 WEST WEDDINGS

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ally and Dave met up for their first date together in Cheltenham over bangers and mash. Exactly four years later, on the anniversary of this occasion, this time there was a proposal on the menu. “When I came downstairs ready to go out, I opened my anniversary card from Dave, which had a picture of a ring in a box inside, and that’s when he got down on one knee to propose!” recounts Sally.

Wanting to stay in their home town of Cheltenham for their wedding day, they discovered their venue while exploring the grounds of the Pittville Pump Rooms. Sally and Dave love to walk around its lake together, so it was a natural place for them to choose, with its elegant style typifying Cheltenham’s classical architecture. The big day was in April and was a cool but sunny day, perfect for their guests to enjoy the gardens as well as the venue.

Photography was a priority for the couple, who hired Marcus Ward at Bigeye Photography to record the day. “I don’t think we could have picked a better photographer than Marcus! He was really helpful and willing to traipse across Gloucester and Cheltenham on the morning of the wedding, and his photos are stunning and capture our day from start to finish perfectly.”

Sally did all of the organisation herself, and also added personal touches to their day by creating the decorations as well. “I made the table plan, origami cranes, sunflower seed favours, bunting, sweet bar, confetti and cards boxes, signs for our chairs… the list is endless!

But it did look pretty special.”

It was handmade craftsmanship that drew Sally to choose her dress. With no clear idea of the kind of gown she wanted, Chanticleer in Cheltenham was able to help her choose a style that suited her height and figure. “I loved the quality and care that the ladies took in making the dress. It made me feel like a princess but had

the retro style I was after.” Dave and his best man Stuart chose their suits from the classic tailoring of Austin Reed.

Fosters Event Catering made sure that the food side ran really smoothly. “The food was extremely tasty!” reports Sally. The cake came as a wedding gift from the couple’s friend Lois. Sally and Dave weren’t keen on the more traditional fruitcake or lots of icing, so they opted for a tiered ‘naked’ Victoria sponge cake, beautifully decorated with flowers and mini bunting, which fitted with the fresh spring feeling of the day.

“When I walked down the aisle I felt so much the love in the room,” says Sally. “It’s a cliché, but I just had the best day ever from start to finish, and I don’t think that I have ever been so happy as I was on my wedding day!”

DETAILS Venue Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE T: 0844 576 2210 W: www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/weddings/ pittville-pump-room Photography Bigeye Photography T: 01242 514591 W: www.bigeyephotography.co.uk Bride’s dress Chanticleer, 21 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HE T: 01242 226501 W: www.chanticleerbrides.co.uk Groom’s outfit Austin Reed W: www.austinreed.co.uk Flowers Donna Beaver, The Flower Studio, 1 Arkle Close, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4RE T: 01242 704134 W: www.donnabeaver-theflowerstudio.com Catering Fosters Events, Unit 5, Avonside Industrial Park, Avonside Road, Bristol BS2 0UQ T: 0117 977 6611 W: www.fostersevents.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 21

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Realweddings

Sunshine in Somerset

Katherine and Stuart Younie share the details of their big day with Meena Alexander

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hen Stuart met Kat, it was a classic story of love at first sight – until they realised that in fact the ‘first sight’ part wasn’t entirely true. “Technically the first time we met was at a party when we were younger,” explains Kat. “Stu was dressed as a Storm Trooper and we only realised we’d met a couple of years into the relationship!”

Dressed a little more appropriately, Stu whisked Kat off on a surprise trip to Gidleigh Park in Devon to propose with a beautiful diamond ring – and it’s safe to say his blushing bride was impressed. “I expected him to try and make a joke somehow but he didn’t – it was seriously romantic!”

Brympton House, a gorgeous stately home in Somerset, was decided upon for both the ceremony and the reception. As the familyoriented pair wanted one big overall venue where guests could come and go as they pleased and have somewhere to stay the night, Brympton was a natural choice. “We wanted it to be a relaxed and easy day for all - we had the bar open before the ceremony so people could mill around. We didn’t want it to feel too formal so we opted for large platters and sharing plates and had large round tables with groups of friends together.”

Stylists and florists Tie the Knot provided a beautiful array of seasonal flowers perfectly in keeping with Kat’s vision. “I couldn’t have imagined they’d be so perfect!” And PhotoDabek was on hand to capture all the moments. “Martin was amazing! I’d recommend in a heartbeat – so many lovely extras, he takes real interest in his clients and the photos are brilliant.”

Kat wore a dress from College Green Bridal, and added something blue and something borrowed in the form of her sister’s sapphire necklace and matching earrings. Hair was left to Tomlinsons of Clifton, who didn’t disappoint.

“My hairdresser Amy was super; even my sisters who are all married said they preferred the hair on my wedding day to their own!” says Kat. Emerging from the chapel to a gorgeous sunny day was a good omen, and the rest of the day was dedicated to celebrating with those nearest and dearest to the newlyweds. “All I wanted was for my friends and family to have a really fun day where there would be lots to eat and drink and good music to dance to in the evening. I wanted it to be fun, relaxed and a celebration of what we had and what it meant,” says Stu. And that it was, with upbeat band Funkty Dumpty providing the tunes and getting everybody up on their feet. Unfortunately, it seems some people were a little too eager to show off their moves. “Stu is rather known for his ‘enthusiastic’ dancing,” says Kat. “On the second dance he went from what he is adamant was the ‘perfect worm’ into a Cossack dance and badly sprained his ankle – he couldn’t walk the next day and his ankle was sore and swollen for the first half of the honeymoon!”

Although the day was full of fun and laughter, Kat recalls the more intimate moments: “Just after we said our vows we had a quiet moment where we were standing in the sunshine sipping Prosecco. It was wonderful to be surrounded by all the people we love, everyone was smiling and laughing – there was such a great feeling all day, I’ve never smiled so much in my whole life!”

The groom felt the same, and expresses his disbelief at how fast the day went. “It flew by. I had such an amazing time and I enjoyed every moment from the ceremony right through to dancing like an idiot in the evening. There is no better feeling than to share that day with the person you love.” Sounds like a pretty good time to us.

DETAILS Venue Brympton House, Brympton D’Evercy, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8TD W: www.brympton-weddings.co.uk Photography PhotoDabek W: www.photodabek.co.uk Bride’s dress: College Green Bridal, 44 College Green, Bristol BS1 5SH W: www.collegegreenbridal.co.uk Groom’s outfit Austin Reed W: www.austinreed.co.uk Hair Tomlinson Hairdressing, 31 Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HR W: www.tomlinsonhairdressing.com Styling and floristry Tie the Knot E: elliestylesbrympton@hotmail.co.uk; danitietheknot@hotmail.com Band Funky Dumpty W: www.funkydumpty.com WEST WEDDINGS 23

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Designed to perfection Realweddings

Great music, a VW camper van and a delicious wedding breakfast were just some of the highlights of Ellie and Chris Gross’ wedding in Bath. They talk to Meena Alexander

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hen Ellie used a particularly tricky engineering lecture during their first year at university as a ploy to introduce herself to her now-husband Chris, the pair were immediately drawn to each other. "Chris was so kind and down-to earth, I felt as if I knew him as soon as I met him,” Ellie says. A few years later Chris proposed, getting down on one knee at the top of a hill on the scenic Cotswold Way before producing a gourmet picnic complete with Champagne. An excited Ellie happily accepted the engagement ring, a beautiful vintage solitaire that had once belonged to Chris’ grandmother. “Giving the ring to Ellie was an affirmation of how pleased my family are to have her become a part of it,” says Chris.

Unfortunately, what Chris didn’t know is that this romantic gesture resulted in his getting bitten by a tick, which he didn’t find until on the plane to Australia two days later, resulting in emergency medical treatment!

Despite this rocky start, the rest of the planning went without a hitch. The couple wanted to plan the wedding together to make sure it suited them both down to the last detail, and it showed – full of personal touches and creative flair. “We consulted our family only when we wanted affirmation,” explains Ellie.

“Our parents respected that we knew what we wanted.”

Being an architect and structural engineer, the pair naturally chose stunning venues for the ceremony and reception in the beautiful city of Bath. They were married in the church of St Michael’s Without in the city centre, before relocating to the striking Georgian architecture of Summerhill Mansion later on in the day, a beautiful manor which is part of Kingswood

School and which has striking views across the valley. Also being great lovers of the outdoors and avid campers, it seemed natural that the couple would arrive in their own vintage VW Camper van.

The sumptuous wedding breakfast was definitely a big hit with guests, with not a hint of ‘school dinners’! “We had guinea fowl followed by orange treacle tart – lots of guests said it was the best wedding food they’d had!” says Ellie.

Despite being initially unconcerned with finding the ideal dress, Ellie soon discovered a hidden gem at Brides of Bath which was perfect for her. With some minor alterations by Catherine Miller, the unique Monique Lhuillier dress was ready for the wedding and added to the magic of the day. “Turning around in the church and seeing Ellie walking down the aisle looking stunning in her dress was the best part of the day for me,” says Chris.

Ellie’s priorities for the wedding included good music, and a band called Vegas added to the upbeat mood of the day – even going as far as learning ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ especially to play for Ellie and her father. The romantic atmosphere was captured perfectly by photographer Kristy Field, who the bride and groom chose due to her beautiful use of light and colours. “She was a pleasure to have around on the day, making everyone relaxed and unobtrusively snapping great shots of people.”

Summing up the day, the couple couldn’t have been more content. “Marrying your best friend, sharing that with the people you love most and knowing how happy they are for you made us so happy. Great food and music, beautiful surroundings and a lovely bunch of people making the day go effortlessly completed a fantastic day.”

DETAILS Ceremony venue St Michael’s Without, Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ T: 01225 447103 W: www.stmichaelsbath.org.uk Reception venue Summerhill Mansion, Kingswood School, Bath BA1 5RG T: 01225 734332 W: www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk Photography Kristy Field W: www.kristyfield.co.uk Bride’s dress Brides of Bath, 33 Manor Park, Bath BA1 3RJ T: 01225 420605 W: www.bridesofbath.co.uk Dress alterations Catherine Miller T: 01225 339294 W: www.silkspecialistcatherinemiller.co.uk Groom’s outfit Moss Bros W: www.mossbros. co.uk Band Vegas W: www.vegaslive.co.uk

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A Cotswold celebration Realweddings

A beautiful church and house were the settings for Helen and James Pearce’s September nuptials, writes Meena Alexander

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elen became the envy of hopeless romantics the world over when she received a very special surprise on Christmas morning in 2011. “James was working in New York City for six months and I went to visit him over the festive period,” she explains. “He proposed at his Manhattan apartment with a beautiful Tiffany engagement ring, before taking me to a fantastic French bistro for a Champagne Christmas lunch.”

Helen was smitten with her classic ring from the famous New York jewellers, and the pair couldn’t wait to break the news to their loved ones back at home. “It was great going on Skype to our families – James’ mum was so shocked she ran away from the computer in tears!”

Once back on home soil, the couple were eager to start planning their autumn nuptials.

With the help of both families, from the bride’s mother and sister providing the wedding cake to the groom’s mother and aunt helping with the finishing touches, Helen and James’ vision came together without a hitch. “I found the experience of planning the day really enjoyable,” reveals Helen. “One piece of advice I’d give is don’t get consumed with the small things such as colours not being exactly the same. Nobody will notice on the day and it’s likely to just stress you out, making the process a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”

A warm September’s day at the picturesque St James the Elder Church in Horton, South Gloucestershire made for a truly memorable ceremony. “The church is where my parents married and I was christened so it has many happy memories for the family,” explains Helen.

It seemed that the couple even had the blessing of the heavens as the sun beamed through the

church windows just after they exchanged vows.

The festivities continued at Westonbirt House, which the bride’s mother christened their very own ‘Downton Abbey’ due to its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens.

Personal touches added a feeling of intimacy to this Cotswolds wedding, with everything well thought out, from the couple’s favourite wine to a candy buffet, which proved to be a popular attraction for adults and children alike.

For the sociable pair, it was important that their guests should enjoy themselves to the fullest, and with an extensive menu provided by Chartwells, everyone’s preferences were catered for. Both Helen and James agree that guest satisfaction was high up on their list of priorities, particularly as some had come from as far afield as the US. “I wanted a day where all our guests could relax and enjoy themselves whilst celebrating with us, as well as getting a feel for the things we love,” says Helen.

The bride exuded elegance in a beautiful dress from The Mews of Clifton Village, and it was a classic story of love at first sight. “I only looked in one other bridal boutique as I knew I’d found the one,” she says. “The ladies at The Mews have a great eye for accessorising and their help in choosing the perfect dress made me feel a million dollars on my big day.” Her choice clearly had the desired effect and made a strong impression – “the best part of the day was seeing Helen walk down the aisle,” admits James.

AJE Classics provided the transport for the wedding party, and a few moments of alone time proved valuable for the bride. “The cars looked fabulous and it was lovely to have that time with my dad travelling to the church and with James after the service. The cars arrived

bang on time and they even had brollies on standby in case the heavens opened – lucky for us they didn’t!”

The occasion was captured by Bristow Photography who made everyone feel at ease resulting in an abundance of beautiful pictures in the more informal style the couple had hoped for. “We couldn’t have wished for a better recording of our day,” Helen states.

In the end, the couple agree that the momentous occasion was worth every second spent preparing and planning. “We had the most memorable and special day, filled with all the people who are so dear to us. It felt great to become Mr and Mrs and we couldn’t have wished for a better day.”

DETAILS Ceremony venue St James the Elder church, Horton, South Gloucestershire W: www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com Reception venue Westonbirt House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QG T: 01666 881404 W: www.westonbirtweddings.com Photography Bristow Photography, 41 Church St, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8JG T: 01666 504411 W: www.bristowphotography.co.uk Bride’s dress The Mews, 30 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DS T: 0117 973 8784 W: www.themewsclifton.co.uk Catering Chartwells W: www.chartwells.co.uk Transport AJE Classics, Codrington, South Gloucestershire T: 01454 600072 W: www.ajeclassics.co.uk WEST WEDDINGS 27

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Designers Include: Augusta Jones Benjamin Roberts Ellis Bridals Enzoani Ivory & Co Maggie Sottero Ronald Joyce Victoria Jane San Patrick by Pronovias Shoes & Veils

by Rainbow Club Headresses & Jewellery by Ivory & Co, Richard Designs and Halo & 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 &

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gowns

GownInspiration

KRYSTLE BRIDES CLIFTON BRIDES SPECIAL DAY & APPLETONS ANNE HARDING

Bridal beauty in Bath Since its opening two years ago, Krystle Brides has prided itself on its sparkling service, something which has been recognised by the shop's nomination for the Wedding Industry Awards 2015. Run by Krystle Herbert-Worgan, and located in the very centre of the beautiful city of Bath, the boutique stocks a fantastic range of designers including Ivory & Co, Maggie Sottero, Ronald Joyce and Augusta Jones. If you're also on the hunt for outfits for your favourite ladies, Krystle Brides carries Mark Lesley and Ronald Joyce bridesmaid dresses too, as well as headdresses, veils, jewellery and shoes by Rainbow Club and Diane Hassell – everything you need under one roof!

The dresses on the following pages are from Maggie Sottero and Ronald Joyce’s latest collections, and are being stocked at Krystle Brides in 2014-5.

KRYSTLE BRIDES 11 St James Parade, Bath BA1 1UL T: 01225 446844 W: www.krystlebrides.co.uk MAGGIE SOTTERO W: www.maggiesottero.com RONALD JOYCE W: www.ronaldjoyce.com

Maggie Sottero ‘Francesca’ A stunning sheath gown featuring bold floral embroidered overlay, accented with sparkling Swarovski crystals. Finished with an illusion lace back adorned with crystal button closure and separate satin slip dress. This dress comes with Monroe slip dress or a slip dress with raised back.

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GownInspiration

LEFT Maggie Sottero ‘Indiana’ Intricate beaded embroidery with shimmering metallic threading and dazzling Swarovski crystals adorn this lightweight tulle sheath with stunning illusion keyhole back.

BELOW Maggie Sottero ‘Briony’ Embroidered floral appliques adorn an elegant tulle skirt embellished with twinkling sequins and demure illusion lace back. Finished with zipper back and button down closure.

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GownInspiration

RIGHT Maggie Sottero ‘Debra’ Flowing Mystique organza A line gown with corded Alençon lace bodice, available with glittering Swarovski crystal grosgrain ribbon belt. Finished with zipper over inner elastic and covered button closure.

BELOW Ronald Joyce ‘Rhodes’ An absolutely fabulous gown that re-thinks the traditional fish tail skirt and creates a showstopper with ballgown qualities.

Rhodes has a small illusion back that is decorated with simple fabric covered buttons, and is encrusted with beading, crystals and embroidery, making this gown truly gorgeous and one of a kind.

BELOW Maggie Sottero ‘Melanie’ Delicate corded lace on tulle skims the shoulders and neckline of this lightweight gown while buttons trail a zipper closure accenting an illusion back. Offered with Monroe slip dress or slip dress with raised back.

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GownInspiration

Your dream dress!

With 25 years of trading and 60 years of collective experience at matching brides to their dream dress, a trip to visit the ladies at Clifton Brides in Bristol should definitely be on your to do list this season!

With gowns from designers including Lillian West, Ti Adora, Art Couture and WToo, the shop has plenty of gowns to capture your imagination and your heart. The two beautiful dresses on this page are both by American designer Demetrios, showcasing the designer's love of luxury fabrics at affordable prices. If you like what you see, give Clifton Brides a call today to make an appointment to try on one of these gorgeous gowns! It's also worth finding out about the shop's sample sale on 20th-23rd December, which is your chance to grab yourself a bargain!

CLIFTON BRIDES 186, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XU T: 0117 923 7928 W: www.cliftonbrides.co.uk DEMETRIOS W: www.demetriosbrides.com

ABOVE GR267 Look timelessly romantic with this soft tulle, sleeveless, A-line bridal gown. The v neck front is also continued at the back, and the bodice is adorned with delicate lace and flowers on the waist for a vintage-inspired look.

LEFT GR3210 A chic, A-line dress with bateau neckline, We love the clusters of sparkling beading on the shoulders, which flows down to adorn the plunging back. A beautiful bow on the back follows the sweep of the dress into a chapel lenght train.

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Câ„“ifton Brides 2 5 Y E A R S O F B R I DA L S T Y L I N G

Personal one to one consultations with experienced bridal stylists Proud stockists of world renowned British and international designers Experts in bespoke gowns with a fitting service you can rely on

Recognised customer service

Call us on 0117 923 7928 to make an appointment 186, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XU www.cliftonbrides.co.uk

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GownInspiration

Simply stunning Special Day and Appletons is pleased to be the only Sottero and Midgley stockist in the Bristol and Bath area, and has a selection of the label’s beautiful gowns available for you to try on in store, some of which are featured on the next two pages. Owner Jackie Sweeting is on hand to guide you in choosing your dream dress, from the shop’s lovely selection which also features designers Donna Salado and Bonny Bridal.

SPECIAL DAY AND APPLETONS 12 High Street, Keynsham BS31 1DQ T: 0117 986 0303 W: www.specialdayandappletons.co.uk SOTTERO AND MIDGLEY W: www.sotteroandmidgley.com

ABOVE CONSTANCE A sleek satin sheath which flows into a puddle train, with unusual Mandarin collar and pretty Swarovski crystal detailing.

The back has a gorgeous key hole cut out, to add the perfect finishing touch.

LEFT ANASTASIA With its sheer silvery sleeves, this is a great dress for the cooler weather, and the glimmering metallic embroidery is perfect for winter glitter! A lovely illusion back with row of pretty buttons completes this satin sheath gown.

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GownInspiration

ABOVE CLEMENTINE For the bride who wants a dress with drama!

Gorgeous metallic floral appliquĂŠs adorn a v necked tulle sheath with beautiful keyhole back. Available in ivory with silver/gold accent and pearl with silver/gold accent.

LEFT ROSEMARY A crossover detail hugs the waist and beautiful Swarovski cap sleeves add just the right amount of sparkle. Made of delicate chiffon, this dress drapes beautifully. Available in white or ivory.

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GownInspiration

Essentially gorgeous Essense of Australia prides itself on its attention to detailin all the gowns it designs, which can be seen in the gorgeous outfits on these pages. Featuring beautiful fabrics such as angel satin, chiffon and lace, with Swarovski crystal and diamantĂŠ details, as well as looking great, you can guarantee a flattering and excellent fit, too.

To see these lovely dresses in person, head to Bristol bridal shop Anne Harding, which is situated just a short drive from the city centre in the suburb of Stoke Bishop. The staff at the shop pride themselves on excellent customer service, an in-depth knowledge of the wedding industry and a great range of weding dresses plus menswear, bridesmaid dresses and accessories. As well as Essense, the shop also has dresses from Justin Alexander, Martina Liana and Sincerity.

ANNE HARDING 90-92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 2DR T: 0117 968 3074 W: www.anneharding.com ESSENSE OF AUSTRALIA W: www.essensedesigns.com

D1604 Pretty sparkling silver vines cascade all over this delicate fishtail gown, with a sweetheart neckline and a full tulle skirt.

This dress is available in ivory, moscato, almond and white.

D1611 The A line skirt gathers on this chiffon dress drapes into a puddle train, and there is an optional diamantĂŠembellished grosgrain ribbon sash for that extra touch of sparkle.

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GownInspiration

D1598 FRONT AND BACK A soft, A line gown which is finished with a beautiful puddle train. A grosgrain ribbon and diamantĂŠ sash adds delicate detail, and the lace on the dress is continued in the pretty cap sleeves and gorgeous illusion back.

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GownInspiration

D1574 FRONT AND BACK This strapless A line creates a gorgeous silhouette with a beautiful full skirt. The bodice is overlaid with pretty lace and detail is added with tiny buttons down the back and an optional ribbon sash. It's available in natural, dove, mist, topaz or white.

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W

APPOINTMENTS

ayres

recommended

Come along to our wedding fayres to gather ideas and information for your y big day!

Holiday Inn Filton

Wedding Fayre

Filton Road, Filton, Bristol, BS16 1QX Sunday 1st February – 11am-3pm Fashion Shows mid-day and 2pm

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Wedding Fayre 57-59 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AD Sunday 1st March – 12-4pm Fashion Shows 1pm & 3pm For more details contact Wayne Smith

©LW

Both Fayres are FREE ENTRY & over 50 exhibitors covering all aspects of your wedding

T: 07723 347784 / E: waynesmith78@hotmail.com

An exclusive new Bridal Boutique in the heart of Bath offering gowns by Pronovias, Atelier & more.

4 BLADUD BUILDINGS | BATH | BA1 5LS 01225 313434 | INFO@LUXQUISITE.CO.UK WWW.LUXQUISITE.CO.UK FOLLOW US

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grooms grooms

The best choice Meena Alexander takes a look at how to choose your perfect best man

B

ride and groom aside, the best man is pretty high up there on the VIP list when it comes to the big day. He’s planned the stag do, psyched you up for the ceremony, kept the rings and is about to deliver the speech that could make or break the all-important wedding breakfast. The question is, have you made the right choice? Will he draw a laugh and a tear from everyone in the room, or will he have the guests cringing in their seats?

It’s best not to leave this to chance, and choosing the perfect best man can be a delicate affair.

Whether it be your best friend, your brother or even your dad, their CV should be carefully considered before putting your nuptials in their capable hands. See if your first choice is up to the challenge with five key criteria.

1: RELIABILITY In short, can he be trusted? You need your best man to be punctual above all else, so that flaky friend that didn’t show up to your last three birthday parties may not be the ideal choice.

Will he ensure you’re at the church on time, or will he be more interested in catching the last five minutes of whatever is on Sky Sports? As keeper of the rings, you don’t want someone who strolls in ten minutes late to announce that he’s left one of the wedding bands at home, and that the other one rolled down a drain on his way to

the church… Not so hilarious when the love of your life is waiting at the other end of the aisle.

Preferably, you need a best man that is even more reliable than you are, as you want to be able to relax, safe in the knowledge that he will do his best to make sure everything runs smoothly for you no matter what.

2: ORGANISATION Being good at planning is key to the role of best man, as he will be the one who organises the fated stag do. Will he be able to keep the rabble in check and get everyone one back in one piece in time for the big day? We’re looking for a fun holiday with all your closest friends here - NOT The Hangover Part Four – so make sure you choose a right hand man who knows how to have a good time without allowing the entire groom’s party to get facial tattoos a week before the wedding. Your bride will thank you for it.

3: STAMP OF APPROVAL Speaking of the bride, her approval of the best man is another important point to consider. If your best pal and your wife-to-be get on well, there’s a good chance he’ll be a winner – his genuine happiness at your marriage will make for a heartfelt speech and smiles all round. Yes, it should be your choice, but if you can avoid any wedding drama then it’s your duty to do so – if one of your potential candidates has rubbed your fiancée up the wrong way on more than one occasion, it’s probably best you rule him out as the best man. After all, it’s her big day too.

4. CONFIDENCE Then there’s the best man speech. The day revolves around it, and good or bad it’s bound to go down in wedding history. First of all, is

he a confident speaker? He doesn’t have to be a master orator who makes public speeches to thousands in his spare time, but a few choice gags and sincere words will be a huge success with family and friends if pulled off well. This particular wedding tradition is renowned for being the perfect opportunity to reveal a few embarrassing secrets about the groom, and who doesn’t enjoy a witty anecdote with their glass of Champagne. However (and this is a big ‘however’), there is a line that should not be crossed at a wholesome event like a wedding, and your choice of best man could be detrimental if he lacks a bit of decorum. Choose someone who knows how to have a laugh but will be able to resist the urge to air your dirty laundry when temptation strikes. It’s a family affair, remember.

5. FRIENDSHIP Last but not least, the rosy glow of true friendship. It seems like an obvious one, but is this man genuinely your closest friend? Picking someone to be your sidekick on what may be the biggest day of your life is the highest honour of friendship there is, so make sure it’s someone that you have a history with. To put it simply, the better you know them, the smaller chance of any nasty surprises on the day - you never can tell what alcohol does to a person at a wedding until you’ve experienced it first-hand. If you decide to choose one of your five brothers, or pick one of your pals from the football team out of a hat, there’s likely to be some bruised egos. Choose the person you’ve known the longest and who’s been there through it all. If there’s more than one who deserves the title, why not bend the rules and have several groomsmen? That way, no one gets offended and everyone’s happy.

Bestow the honour wisely and your day will go without a hitch. Having the right friend by your side to support you can make a wedding all the more special, and whatever happens, there’s no doubt you and your pal will be talking about it for years to come.

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grooms

Links of love Cufflinks are a great way to add a touch of personality to your wedding outfit, and also make a great gift for groomsmen. Here are some that have caught our eye this season...

AND A SIXPENCE FOR YOUR SHOE Silver sixpences aren’t just lucky for the bride – bring good fortune to your wedding with this pair, which can be customised to display a specific year. Buy them from www.ellieellie.co.uk

TRUE TO TYPE Made from old typewriter keys, these quirky little cufflinks will appeal to those grooms with a love of literature. Available from www.wheelsandbutterflies.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY STAGGERED Say thank you to your best man for organising your stag do with these silhouette cufflinks from www.annabeljames.co.uk

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grooms SET SAIL This brightly coloured bone china set from www.thenauticalcompany. com is perfect for sailors

STAMP OF APPROVAL Philatelists will appreciate the original vintage stamps used in these cufflinks from www.ellieellie.co.uk

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP Carry your heart on your sleeve with these bespoke photo cufflinks and ensure you have a reminder of a special person with you on the big day. Available from www.swankymaison.com

SAY CHEESE! If you’re a keen photographer then showcase your hobby with these rhodium and enamel vintage camera cufflinks from www.thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

VOWED AND AMAZED A handy reminder if you can’t remember the words you need to say at the altar! Get them from www.weddinginateacup.co.uk

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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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Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westweddingsmag, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westweddingsmag, find our boards at www.pinterest.com/westweddingsmag and check out our blog at www.westweddings.blogspot.co.uk

Online WWW.WEST-WEDDINGS.CO.UK

for that little bit extra...

You can now get even more from West Weddings by visiting our website, going to our blog, liking us on Facebook, sharing our boards on Pinterest and following us on Twitter.

With competitions, news, behind-the-scenes photos and more, we’ve got the world of West Country weddings sorted!

PLANNING 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.

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

YOUR DAY

TWEET TWEET! We love interacting with our couples online, and giving you even more wedding info, so don’t miss out - find us on www.twitter.com/ westweddingsmag, on www.facebook.com/ westweddingsmag and on www.pinterest. com/westweddingsmag.

BLOG-TASTIC Our blog at www.westweddings. blogspot.co.uk is the perfect read in between issues of your favourite local wedding magazine! Keep up with the latest news, reviews and ideas with blog editor Gianina and the team.

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

Unit SU10 (next door to Carluccio's) Quakers Friars Bristol BS1 3BU Easy parking in Cabot Circus car park 07779 008 245 mail@ruthgarnerphotography.com @littlewedspace littleweddingspace

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Now stockiNg the New 2015 collectioNs from AlAN hANNAh, chArlotte BAlBier, ivory & co ANd ANNAsul y with Accessories By flo & Percy, ivory & co ANd chArlotte mills BridAl shoes

Elegant and beautiful Wedding & Occasion Cakes, Cupcakes and Wedding Favour Cookies.

www.prettyamazingcakes.co.uk Call Anne 0117 9243036 / 0756 323 7803 to book a free consultation and cake tasting

Email: prettyamazingcakes@gmail.com

for

Flowers that wow! ♥ We loevres Flow

30 hill road, clevedon, North somerset, Bs21 7Ph

01275 876056 / 07800 718580 info@thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk www.thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk

07808 065987 ©LW

 Book a FREE wedding consultation

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Baby, it's cold outside!

So come on in and warm up at The Battleaxes in North Somerset, the ideal venue for our intimate and cosy winter photoshoot Photography: Martin Dabek Words: Gianina Turner

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N

o other venue captures the spirit of the season better than this charming English pub, making it the ideal location for a winter wedding shoot. The Battleaxes welcomed our ‘happy couple’ and team of suppliers with hot chocolate, a cosy fireplace and rooms chock full of character.

THE VENUE

Known for its idyllic countryside views and quirky interiors, The Battleaxes oozes charm, making it a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The venue is situated within easy reach from Bristol, and a stone's throw from the gorgeous Tyntesfield estate – in fact, it was the same family, the Gibbs, who built The Battleaxes.

Acknowledgements of the building's heritage are found in its décor, with period features such as open log fires and Gothic revival architecture, all of which made for superb backdrops for Martin's skilful photography.

The Battleaxes has two gorgeous spaces for weddings. The spacious Club Room, which can fit up to 85 for a seated meal, is full of nods to past grandeur yet with a cosy and contemporary feel. If you prefer something a little more intimate, The Shindig is a quirky snug with comfy leather armchairs and beautiful antique touches which can seat up to 40 guests – we loved the eclectic collection of lampshades and pictures which adorned the walls! The main bar and dining room can also be joined onto the Club Room to create a larger space.

When you book the venue, you also benefit from the services of a dedicated wedding planner and her team of friendly staff. Your guests will be treated to award-winning food – having seen (and tasted!) the dishes, you're in for a treat - and there's also on-site accommodation in the newly refurbished guest rooms. Charm, beautiful surroundings and delicious food – it's truly a match made in heaven!

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Winner of the prestigious Fearless Photographers Award, Martin Dabek made a return for our winter editorial filled with excitement at the chance to capture the mood and quirkiness of our chosen venue. He skilfully used the arched doorways, mirrors and decorations to create a 360 degrees view of the setting. “I decided to light the couple with warm yellow light inside the venue to give the feeling of warmth and romance,” explains Martin. “I also enjoyed photographing closeups of the beautiful details, including the stunning rings.”

When asked about his wedding photography style, there was no doubt about his passion for his job. “I love documenting those candid moments when nobody thinks you’re looking; memories that might otherwise be forgotten.

When it comes to photographing the happy couples I’m completely inspired by their personalities, and we work together to create dramatic and artistic images that perfectly capture their relationship.”

THE BRIDE’S OUTFITS

We were excited to get a preview of the 2015 dresses from The White Collection in Clevedon, a shop that opened this year and which has quickly established itself as a mustvisit for brides-to-be. Owner Lea Watson shares her business secret: “In our elegant and luxurious surroundings, all brides are treated to a friendly and personalised service with the emphasis firmly placed on creating a special and memorable shopping experience for the bride and her party.” As we unveiled the gorgeous gowns, plus the amazing accessories supplied by Bridezillas, there was a spark of excitement in our bride Rachel’s eyes!

Rachel first wore a strapless lace and organza layered illusion dress by Annasul Y, which Amanda from Bridezillas complemented with a delicate Abigail Grace Designs head piece, 'Ebba', made with fresh

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water pearls and Swarovski crystal details. A pair of double crystal and pearl drop earrings and a Pearl Divine bracelet worked beautifully with the lace on the dress. We then created a second look by replacing the head piece for a cathedral length corded edge veil, in which our bride looked exquisite.

Rachel next wore the Veronique tea length dress from Ivory & Co, made with blush lace and chiffon - perfect for a 50s winter look which beautifully complemented our vintage car! Amanda kept the accessories simple, with a handmade ostrich and marabou feather birdcage veil, a vintage-inspired crystal 'Freida' headpiece and crystal and pearl drop 'Sarah' earrings. To keep our bride warm during the outdoor photos, the 'Fifi' marabou blush shrug was added, while 'Mia' T-bar shoes by Benjamin Adams finished off the look.

Outfit number three saw our bride wearing a vintage design by Annasul Y which featured a peplum skirt and superb beading detail.

To finish off the Downton-esque elegance, Amanda accessorised it with a dark crystal 'Lady Rose' hair vine from Twilight Designs, which worked well with the beautiful 'Emeline' belt, dark crystal drop earrings and the 'Promise' bracelet, all from Ivory & Co. The final outfit, which also happened to be our bride’s favourite, was a Charlotte Balbier design called Tabitha – a gorgeous ivory lace gown with delicate beads and a bias-cut fishtail skirt. Rachel looked stunning wearing the statement 'Savana' hair vine made of fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals.

'Seychelle' earrings, 'Annabella' bracelet and clear crystal and pearl embellished gloves from Amanda Wyatt added a shot of show-stopping glamour.

THE GROOM’S OUTFITS

With a choice of three different suits, waistcoats and cravats provided by Anne Harding, our model David Hill-Souch enjoyed just what it feels like to be a groom for the day.

Lee Frost, the menswear manager, provide some of his new collections of groomswear and assisted David with piecing together the outfits. “We have a new selection of slim fitted shirts and a range of suits made from mohair fabric, which makes them lighter in weight,” says Lee. Perfect for all that wedding dancing!

David first wore a charcoal grey suit with coffee striped waistcoat and doeskin colour cravat. He then changed into a royal blue suit over a blue and grey tweed waistcoat and sky blue cravat, and the final look was a navy blue suit worn with a grey and blue waistcoat and a light blue cravat.

THE HAIR

Hair stylist Hazel King’s passion for creating superb bridal hair really came through during our photoshoot. With almost 12 years' industry experience, she is now the proud owner of Hairoics Mobile Hair and Beauty.

“I specialise in looking after brides on their big day, beyond the usual hair and make-up service - from touching up the lipstick to fastening the lace on her dress. I always aim to give my brides an enjoyable and stress free experience when it comes to planning their look for the big day.”

The first look for our blushing bride was a smooth fringe swept to one side and soft cascading waves, with a few locks loosely pinned at the back, which gave the veil a

base to slide in securely. For the second style, Rachel’s hair was gathered into soft barrel curls cascading over to one side. The next look was sleek and sophisticated with a smooth finished pleat at the back and swirling detail to one side. Hazel then chose a classic high bun for the final look, which exuded timeless glamour.

THE MAKE-UP

There's no doubt about make-up artist Jackie Fussell's love for her job: “My business JaxGlam is the result of a lifelong passion for make-up and beauty combined with extensive professional training.” She not only makes

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brides look exquisite on their big day, but also offers them beauty treatments - something our bride thoroughly enjoyed at the shoot! And because her business is mobile, Jackie can accommodate customers on the go, visiting a bride and her party at the venue or house on the morning of the wedding.

Jackie started by giving Rachel a mini-facial and then used Airbase Airbrush foundation, which is ideal for weddings as it provides a long-lasting finish that requires no touch ups.

Jackie highlighted Rachel’s eyes by mixing soft hues with a bit of shimmer from the Urban Decay Naked palette, creating a natural warm glow. The look was complemented with a touch of Portrait Pink by Besame on the lips. Later on this was changed for shades of red and brown, vintage-inspired colours also created by Besame. Our bride had a manicure with Strawberry Smoothy white flowers nail art on the feature fingers to create classic wedding nails with a twist.

THE RINGS

Clifton Rocks is a jewellery boutique based in Clifton Village in Bristol, which offers a collection of stunning rings from a range of talented designers, including owner Clare Chandler. The shop also offers the option to re-model and re-set family heirlooms into new designs. “I have always loved jewellery and the sentiments attached to it,” says Clare.

“I enjoy working with couples to design and make something that is unique to them, which they will treasure forever. It’s a real honour!”

Our bride and groom showcased an exquisite selection of handmade rings in gold, platinum and silver, with beautifully set diamonds.

THE FLOWERS

Every bride has one bouquet made with her favourite flowers, but our bride had two to choose from, supplied by Marie Parry from Mim's Flower Shed. “We went for a white

and silver theme to create a wintry feel, then warmed it up with peach and lilac tones,” explains Marie. She mixed rosemary, pistachio and other greenery with silver tones of senecio and eucalyptus, then white ranunculus and spray roses added a sophisticated winter feel. White wax flower and astrantia gave the arrangements texture and a really natural feel.

The groom’s buttonholes were mini bunches of foliage combined with either a thistle or spray roses.

Marie also provided the flower arrangements for the venue, including a fireplace garland made from various greenery with senecio and eucalyptus, which looked magical when lit with flickering candles.

THE CAKE

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occasions. Whether it’s lemon drizzle cake, chocolate or Cointreau flavour, Anne Gliddon delights engaged couples with her outstanding baking and sugarcrafting skills. As we admired the beautiful tiered cake upon its wintry sledge, Anne gave us the lowdown on the inspiration behind her design. “The cake consists of 4 tiers, decorated with edible silver leaf and sugar lace with hand piped details, trimmed with sugar roses. Taking inspiration from the current metallic trend in cake design, I used edible silver leaf on one of the tiers, combined with an intricate lace pattern. This is hugely popular with brides at the moment as it can often be made to match the lace of the dress.” The addition of edible silver butterflies and roses added to the overall romantic look.

THE CAR

The 1930 Austin 20 seven-seat limousine from Triggols Vintage Cars certainly made lots of passers-by stop and stare on the day of the shoot! Chauffeured by Andrew Triggols himself, the classic motor came from the village of Tickenham where the company is based. “My father Roger and I have been restoring vintage and classic cars as a hobby for forty years and taking brides to their weddings for around thirty years,” shares Andrew. “Initially we were asked by a few people if we could transport them to their wedding as they knew we had the cars and we happily said ‘yes’!” Triggols has a choice of 12 chauffeur-driven vehicles, some of which you may recognise from on-screen appearances in shows such as Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge, and Poirot. Andrew and Roger are also currently restoring a 1930 Rolls Royce 20/25 six passenger laundelette which should be ready for weddings in 2015.

THE LETTERS

Siobhan and Adam are the team behind Lighthaus Events – a small family business that specialises in supplying oversized illuminated letters for weddings and events.

Once switched on beside the bar, the whole room lit up with a warm glow, and added a fab personal touch to our winter wedding.

Talking to Siobhan, we discovered what

spurred the couple to come up with this innovative concept. “We had been looking at letter lights for our own wedding last year.

However, there were only a few companies in the country who offered them and none would deliver to the South West. We then endeavoured to make our own - along with everything else at our wedding! - but unfortunately as the date sped closer we just ran out of time and energy. After the wedding we realised there was a gap in the market, and so LightHaus Events was born.”

THE STYLIST

Kirsten Butler, owner of The Little Wedding Helper and West Weddings’ creative director, skilfully used the surroundings of our venue to influence the look and feel of our winter shoot.

"The Battleaxes is full of beautiful features, such as tall ceilings, open log fires and wooden floors, so I wanted to create a very soft and delicate wintery look with lots of natural textures and details using logs and pine cones to give that country rustic feel. It was great to use quirky props, such as the wooden sledge to display the cake on - who says you have to have it on a table! The giant light-up letters and candlelight also helped to create a cosy and intimate feel.”

When planning the style you want for your wedding day, Kirsten has some words of wisdom. “It’s important to work with the surroundings and features of your venue, adding personal and delicate touches that reflect you as a couple.”

THE MODELS

Our models Rachel Harvey and David Hill-Souch are both familiar faces to West Weddings and they filled the venue with their laughter and radiant smiles! After a successful autumn editorial, David joined us again to be our dapper groom, an engagement we were very glad he could fit in before he headed off to London to model jewellery at the British Museum for Vogue. Rachel also featured on our front cover last year. “Modelling for West Weddings is always a lot of fun and such a pleasure to work with a fabulous team of people.” We couldn't agree more!

CON TACTS VENUE THE BATTLEAXES, BRISTOL ROAD, WRAXALL, NORTH SOMERSET BS48 1LQ T: 01275 857473 W: WWW.FLATCAPPERS.CO.UK/THE-BATTLEAXES PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTODABEK T: 0117 350 1032 W: WWW.PHOTODABEK.CO.UK BRIDE’S DRESSES THE WHITE COLLECTION, 30 HILL ROAD, CLEVEDON, NORTH SOMERSET BS21 7PH T: 01275 876056 W: WWW.THEWHITECOLLECTIONBRIDAL.CO.UK GROOM’S SUITS ANNE HARDING, 90-92 SHIREHAMPTON ROAD, STOKE BISHOP, BRISTOL BS9 2DR T: 0117 968 3074 W: WWW.ANNEHARDING.COM ACCESSORIES BRIDEZILLAS,10 SANDY PARK ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL BS4 3PE T: 0117 904 3039 W: WWW.BRIDEZILLAS.BIZ RINGS CLIFTON ROCKS 31 THE MALL, CLIFTON, BRISTOL BS8 4JG T: 0117 973 1342 W: WWW.CLIFTONROCKS.CO.UK HAIR HAIROICS MOBILE HAIR AND BEAUTY T: 07711779292 MAKE-UP JAX-GLAM BEAUTY T: 07970 026364 W: WWW.JAX-GLAM.CO.UK FLOWERS MIM’S FLOWER SHED, PERRINPIT ROAD, FRAMPTON COTTERELL BS36 2AT T: 07808 065987 W: WWW.MIMSFLOWERSHED.COM CAKE PRETTY AMAZING CAKES T: 0117 924 3036 W:WWW.PRETTYAMAZINGCAKES.CO.UK CAR TRIGGOLS VINTAGE CARS, BARN FARM 181 CLEVEDON ROAD, TICKENHAM, NORTH SOMERSET BS21 6RG T: 01275 852440 W: WWW.VINTAGEWEDDING-CARS.CO.UK LETTERS LIGHTHAUS EVENTS T: 07971 693101 STYLIST THE LITTLE WEDDING HELPER T: 07726 911951 W: WWW.LITTLEWEDDINGHELPER.CO.UK MODELS RACHEL HARVEY AND DAVID HILL-SOUCH

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TRIGGOLS’ VINTAGE CARS VINTAGE WEDDING CARS FOR HIRE

Jax-Glam Beauty is a friendly and professional mobile beauty service, specialising in wedding makeup and pamper parties It goes without saying that your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. Whatever style of makeup you desire, I want you to look and feel your best. I'll work tirelessly to enhance your natural beauty and create a fawless look you'll adore.

If you're organising a hen party or pre-wedding pamper, I also host unique celebratory experiences infused with a little luxury and lots of indulgence to leave you and your friends feel fabulous for days to come!

Jackie Fussell Makeup Artist

Selection of 12 stunning Vintage Cars in navy blue, ivory, burgundy & black.

3, 4 & 6 passenger cars available.

Come and visit our garages to soak up some vintage atmosphere and take a no obligation peek at our cars.

For further information contact Andrew Triggol 07712 051892 or 01275 852440 E - info@vintagewedding-cars.co.uk W - www.vintagewedding-cars.co.uk facebook.com/TriggolsCars twitter.com/TriggolsCars

www.Jax-Glam.co.uk | Jax@Jax-Glam.co.uk | 07970 026364 /JaxGlamMobileBeauty |

@JaxGlamBeauty

©LW

©LW

Huge light-up letters for hire. Our 4ft tall, 3D letters provide amazing mood lighting and the perfect backdrop for those all-important wedding photos. We deliver, set up and collect the letters ourselves to ensure minimal hassle for the bride and groom.

For further information, contact Siobhan 07875099756 / email info@lighthausevents.co.uk www.facebook.com/lighthausevents @lighthausevents

WEST WEDDINGS 61

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Get yourself noticed by the Bride-to-be’s!

Call Jacqui Lewis on

0117 934 3136

to advertise in the next issue of West Weddings Magazine

Next Wedding F ayre Sunda y 4th Januar y 2015 11am-3pm Free Entry .

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pinboard

be inspired BeInspired

G THIS SEASON

WHAT WE'RE LOVIN

Show the world that you’re getting married with this fun ky cotton tote from Alphabet Bags .

marvellous Make your wedding blooming e seed tabl plan tty pre by giving these ours.

Fav er flow Wild from flies dragon

Add a touch of metal lic luxury to winter celebrations with Luck & Luck’s honeycomb baubles .

nk you Elephant Grey’s thoughtful tha bers of mem for ised tom cus be can s gift ily. fam and your wedding party

Finished in yellow gold vermeil, this twig-inspired bracelet by I Love A Lassie would be fab for a bridesmaid.

at West ture doily here We love a minia d ones pe ha t-s ar he ese Weddings and th eous. rg Teacup are go

by Wedding in a

For more visual inspiration visit our boards at WEST WEDDINGS 63 www.pinterest.com/westweddings Winter 2014_Beinspired.indd 63

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BeInspired

The winner takes it all

If a wedding in Sin City is on the cards for your wedding, Richard Jones helps you to plan the perfect trip to Las Vegas

W

hile the betting capital of the world houses thousands of slot machines (200,000 at the last count), as well as scores of gaming tables and bookies, it's also a popular venue for a different kind of gamble – marriage. The Nevada desert oasis has become synonymous with couples getting hitched, whether they have either planned their big day for years or are doing things slightly more 'spur of the moment' – after all, who can forget the episode of Don't Tell the Bride where the groom's wish to organise his big day in Las Vegas meant his bride nearly not getting on the plane?

However, with a little bit of planning, a trip out to this most famous of destination

wedding cities needn't be just luck of the draw. Although the big day itself takes a lot of organising, there's plenty for you and your loved ones to do before and after the vows, so a holiday centred around a day to remember can also become the trip of a lifetime. Here's our guide of the best things for you, as well as your entourage, to do while in Las Vegas.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

You can still gorge yourself at the all-youcan eat buffets in many of the Strip's older casinos, but there's a lot more on the menu in Las Vegas these days, and the city is now home to some of the best restaurants on the planet. Try Sugar Factory Bar & Grill at Paris, amd devour some of their strangely

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l addictive bacon waffles with buttermilk fried chicken and maple syrup, washing them down with a few liquid nitrogeninfused cocktail goblets.

If you love your pizza, try Carmine's at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace.

Italians know how to cater for families and large parties, and the New York chain's restaurant at the Forum Shops is the biggest in Las Vegas, serving up enough pasta, meatballs and salad to satisfy a Roman Emperor. Celine Dion is a regular diner here after her shows at the nearby Colosseum.

TEARING OFF THE STRIP

Admittedly, most of the action in Vegas takes place on the Strip, but you'd be a fool to spend your entire holiday exclusively on the four or so miles of Nevada desert that is the famous Las Vegas Boulevard, as there's plenty to do elsewhere.

If driving a supercar is on your bucket list, head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway to tick it off. After a session on a simulator, take a Lamborghini, Ferrari or McLaren for a spin under the expert tuition of the DR instructors. Just don't be tempted to drive off into the sunset before your big day!

For your 'something old', head downtown to the Neon Museum, the 'Boneyard' of old signs, while your 'something new' is a visit to zipline SlotZilla on Fremont Street, which launches riders from a 12-storey slot machine before soaring a distance of 1,800 feet at speeds of 35mph under the dazzling canopy lights.

TYING THE KNOT

After all the fun leading up to it, let's not forget that you're in Vegas for a wedding.

Virtually every taste and budget are covered in the city, whether it be a lavish do at one of the many luxury hotels, or even a drivethrough ceremony with Elvis as a witness.

If you'd like to emulate Michael Douglas in the film Last Vegas, head to ARIA for your big day, where you can enjoy the luxurious amenities and a cocktail or two with famed mixologist Craig Schoettler at Sage as you countdown to the nuptials at one of the eco-friendly resort's chapels.

Boxing fans may be interested to know that the MGM Grand, known as the home of boxing, is available as a venue. The Forever Grand Chapel has everything you need to make the experience one you will never forget, while a personal wedding planner will ensure bride and groom are exchanging rings and not stepping inside one! And the Golden Nugget, one of Vegas' oldest hotels, has just undergone a $350million renovation - just don't be tempted to throw the in-laws to the sharks at award-winning pool The Tank. The groom and his entourage can call next door at The Plaza's Biergarten for a pint of Dutch (or German) courage.

HONEYMOON IN VEGAS

After the stresses of your big day, leave yourself a bit of time to wind down ready for the long flight back home. Detox at Las Vegas' newest and most intimate spa, the smoke-free and gambling-free ESPA

Vdara resort. Try one of ESPA's technically advanced signature treatments On the Rocks or Desert Rose. They're not miracle workers, but it's a start! And why not end your trip on a romantic high – literally! The High Roller at The Linq is a 550ft ferris wheel and the largest in the world, dwarfing the London Eye. Oh, and if you've still not done the deed, you can get married in one of the 28 glass bubbles.

DETAILS Seven nights in Las Vegas costs from £975pp with Virgin Holidays including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick or Manchester direct to Las Vegas and room only accommodation at the 4V Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or 5V Aria Resort & Casino. Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a deluxe king double room, including all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 2 February 2015. Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected.

TO BOOK: WWW.VIRGINHOLIDAYS.CO.UK, 0844 557 3859 OR VISIT ONE OF OUR 120 STORES LOCATED IN DEBENHAMS, HOUSE OF FRASER, TESCO AND SAINSBURY’S STORES NATIONWIDE. START YOUR HOLIDAY BEFORE YOU’VE EVEN TAKEN OFF IN THE V-ROOM AT GATWICK OR MANCHESTER AIRPORTS… ADULTS £22, KIDS £12.

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Swan Hotel

For a wonderful winter wedding

The perfect setting for weddings, receptions and civil ceremonies

Tel 01749 836300 www.swanhotelwells.co.uk Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RX

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Your house is filled and your honeymoon is booked, so do you still need a gift list at your wedding?

Rebecca Paddick looks at the couples who are using their special day to raise funds for their favourite charities

CHIKS orphanage in Kerala was helped by donations from Isabel Williams and Ian Clark's wedding this year

The gift of giving W

edding presents are big business these days. Surveys have shown that guests spend an average of £47 each on wedding gifts. But when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot back in 2011, their list was a little different. The royal duo asked people wishing to give them wedding presents to donate instead to a fund for 26 charities, many supporting disadvantaged inner-city children. And it seems as though the royal pair started a trend. As more and more couples are now living together before they tie the knot, most already have a toaster, wine glasses and all the other everyday knickknacks that help make a house a home, so this has sparked the trend in a number of couples asking for alternative gifts on their wedding day. Contributions towards the honeymoon have proved popular but some couples are also asking guests to make donations to their chosen charities.

A COUPLE’S CHOICE

“Gift lists tend to annoy both of us, as they can be very prescriptive on what you spend, and have some random things on there that you get

the feeling the couples have bunged on because they have to – we once had one which had a £40 toilet brush on it, which is ridiculous,” says Helen Webster, who opted for charitable donations to WaterAid at her wedding to husband Steven in 2010.

The couple had lived together for seven years before tying the knot, and felt they had everything they could ever need. “Your wedding is one of the most expensive things you'll ever spend money on, so it's nice that a by-product of that is a charity benefiting from your happy day,” she adds.

Helen and Steven raised around £400 for WaterAid and, looking back, are still really pleased they opted for donations. “The charity is a vital one that does a great job,” says Helen.

“We were going to say no gifts at all, but people seemed to really want to give us something, so we suggested that people could give us a cheque, which we would halve between WaterAid and contributing to our honeymoon.”

PLEASING YOUR GUESTS

Opting for a combination of gifts and donations is often a way to compromise with generous

guests. “We also had an optional gift list, as a number of friends said that they specifically wanted to buy us something to mark our wedding,” says Geraldine Taylor. When she and her husband Andrew Linley tied the knot in 2013, they asked their guests to donate to the Donkey Sanctuary (TDS) in Devon. TDS provides donkeys worldwide with sanctuary and a home for life when they retire, are abandoned or if their owner can no longer cope. “The Sanctuary in Devon is based in Sidmouth, a town which I spent lots of summers holidaying as a child and where we stayed for our honeymoon,” explains Geraldine.

“We love the ethos of TDS, founded by an inspiring lady, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, who recognised the hard work, dependability and reliance that so many people around the world place on donkeys.”

As part of the reception, the couple had The Grazing Station, a pick ‘n’ mix sweet cart which included a collection box provided by TDS. “We also had collection boxes on every table during the reception,” adds Geraldine. Around £200 was raised on the day, and some people also chose to donate to TDS directly.

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PHOTOGRAPH: VICTORIA ELISE CRABBE

Geraldine and Andrew put TDS donation boxes on a sweet cart

Isabel and Ian visiting some of the children being helped by CHIKS

THE WEDDING WISHING WELL FOUNDATION Looking for a good cause to support through your wedding? Read on for more information about an inspiring charity that helps provide weddings for terminally ill people.

The guests at Isabel and Ian's wedding were happy to contribute to a charity

A WINNING COMBINATION

Asking for donations is a great way to combine one of the most important days of your life with a cause close to your heart. When Isabel Williams and her husband Ian Clark visited CHIKS Children’s Home on a trip to India, they knew their involvement with the orphanage wouldn’t end once they returned home. CHIKS rescues poor Indian children, often from the streets, and gives them total care, education and a future, freed from a cycle of family generations successively trapped in poverty. The charity has been steadily growing since the mid-1990s, and today nearly 200 children are happily living in loving and secure orphanages.

“Every couple’s situation is different,” explains Isabel. “But our families were very generous towards our wedding, which meant we were in a better position to pass on that generosity.” Isabel and Ian lived together for a few years before getting married, and so they already had many of the day-to-day amenities. Because of this, the couple’s gift list contained some large items such as garden furniture and a memory foam mattress, and guests were given the option to contribute towards the larger items or to donate to CHIKS. Isabel adds: “Some friends were

adamant they wanted to give us a contribution towards a larger item and some friends were very enthusiastic about the idea of giving to the charity, and it was lovely to see how excited people were about the idea.”

The couple raised around £1,000 for CHIKS, and say the generosity of their guests made their day extra special. “As we sat and opened the cards and gifts the next day there was an additional buzz every time I saw a donation for CHIKS,” says Isabel. “We felt we all had such a wonderful day, and it was beneficial for CHIKS too. It added an extra bit of icing to the cake!”

More and more couples today are looking to charity in order to spread the wealth and, indeed, the love. If you’ve already set up home and have no use for more saucepans or crockery, charitable donations could be a great solution.

DETAILS CHIKS W: www.chikschildrenshomes.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary W: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk WaterAid W: www.wateraid.org

The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, launched in 2012, organises and funds weddings for people who have life limiting conditions and terminally ill people. “Few things in life can be more important or rewarding than giving such a person a chance to have their dream wedding day,” says Naomi Thomas, founder of the foundation. “As we are fully aware that time can be precious, we are able to organise the arrangements against the clock where required.”

The charity is currently based in Exeter and primarily operates locally in the South West area.

“With more fundraising we have been able to increase exposure to our profile allowing us to take the foundation across the whole of the UK,” says Naomi.

Naomi’s aim for 2015 is to continue to grow the foundation and make more wedding day dreams come true. “We currently have to turn down 80% of applicants due to the sheer volume of applications and lack of funds,” she explains. “We’ve built a fantastic team here in the last 18 months, and I would love for us to be able to achieve more weddings next year.”

Anyone can get involved with the charity, either by making a donation or helping to fundraise. “We offer a gift list for anyone getting married and we also have a selection of wedding favours that people can buy from us for their weddings which gives a donation to the charity through the buying process,” explains Naomi. “You can also support us through anything you choose to do. Hold a bake sale, go for a run, host a five-a-side football match, etc.

Sponsors and suppliers can also help us through donating their wedding services if they are in a position to. It all helps, even £5!”

W: www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk

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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.

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BeInspired

Beauty Bible We bring you a round up of the best bridal beauty products for this season

1

Sothy’s LBD – Paris by Night

If you dream of Parisian glamour on your wedding day, then check out this new make-up collection by Sothy’s.

It’s got everything to complete your chic look, including a gorgeous emerald green eyeshadow, pretty Saint-Germain nude lipstick and golden shimmer dust in classic atomiser bulb. Ooh la la!

W: WWW.SOTHYS-UK.CO.UK

2

Ted Baker The Girl with the Beautiful Face

A fab selection of cosmetics in a gorgeous box. Featuring bronzer, two illuminating liquids, four cosmetics brushes, two lipstick crayons, liquid eyeliner pen, shimmer eye cream, eye glitter, a pair of false eyelashes and glue, plus two nail varnishes, it’s your wedding day make-up all sorted!

W: WWW.TEDBAKER.COM

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3

Merumaya Iconic Youth Serum

After launching two years ago, Merumaya’s fab range of skincare products is now available in John Lewis stores in the West Country. Its Iconic Youth Serum uses traditional natural ingredients together with the most recent high tech advances in cosmetic research, to help get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll be ready for your close up.

W: WWW.MERUMAYA.COM

4

Crème de la Mer Intensive Revitalizing Mask

Luxury skincare brand Crème de la Mer has recently added a fab new product to its range with the Intensive Revitalizing Mask, a cream formula that instantly plumps and revitalises your skin in just 8 minutes, thanks to the inclusion of Miracle Broth, the magic blend of antioxidants and marine actives that has given the brand its legendary status. If you’re looking for a prewedding treat, this is it.

W: WWW.CREMEDELAMER.CO.UK

5

Vatika Natural Night Repair Hair Cream

If your hair needs a little boost before W-Day, this new overnight product could be just what you’re looking for. With coconut, almond, egg, henna and honey, leave this gorgeously scented cream in overnight and, after washing out in the morning, find yourself with soft and nourished hair.

W: WWW.VATIKANATURALS.CO.UK

6

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Velvet

A gorgeous name and a gorgeous cream!

Created to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Aromatherapy Associates’ luxurious lotion combines the highest quality essential oils and plant extracts to help rejuvenate the skin. A great treat to get you through the winter months.

W: WWW.AROMATHERAPYASSOCIATES.COM

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www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk p72.indd 1

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How to plan your wedding (without losing your mind) Remain stress free with our expert top ten tips for organisational success Your wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life, but when you're in the middle of planning, sometimes things can feel a little overwhelming. The to do list can be endless (flowers, cake, seating, favours, keeping your feuding relatives apart) and the pressure can feel unbearable (find a dress that's The One, get into shape, choose the perfect hairstyle). So, with this in mind, we've put together our top ten dos and don'ts for how to stay sane throughout the process, based on advice we've been given from both industry experts and real life brides.

Sit back, have a cup of tea (or glass of wine) and read on for our planning pearls of wisdom...

1

Don't plan all the time. Instead, make a regular date to sit down with your partner to sort stuff out together, as this will save your entire life being taken over by wedding planning. “We used to do our planning on a Friday night, over a bottle of red,” says Helen, the editor of West Weddings. “It made it more of an occasion, and also meant we made joint decisions while we were nice and relaxed.” We advise one bottle max, though, or you may end up looking around you on your wedding day and asking yourself “Why did we hire a clown?”

2

Don't spend too much. It is so, so easy to go over your budget – an extra reception drink here, a second pair of shoes there, and justifying it as “well, it is my wedding!” Yes, a wedding is important but it's also the start of your married life together, which will not get off to the best start if you max out your credit cards. Prioritise what's important to you both.

3

Do give yourself enough time. It's good to get the venue and date sorted first, followed by large items such as your dress, which may have a longer lead-in time than you think, and booking a photographer, who can get busy. Everything else will then fall into place.

4

Do say yes to help. Lots of people love getting involved in weddings, so if you trust them, get them onboard with the planning, whether it's sourcing teacups for the candles you want to make or researching hotels.

5

Don't sweat the small stuff. You may think people will notice that the font size is 12 instead of 14, but trust us, they won't. Helen Pearce, whose beautiful wedding is featured in this issue, agrees. “Nobody will notice on the day and it’s likely to just stress you out just making the process a chore rather than enjoyable.” Amen to that.

6

Don't try and include too many ideas.

There are so many amazing photos, blogs, magazines and sites out there that you can end up with a massive list of stuff to make, do and include. Pick what reflects you as a couple and don't overegg the pudding, so to speak.

wedding hairstyle that reflects this, rather than going for something that's the complete opposite of the everyday you. You want to look like the best version of yourself, definitely, but you also want your partner to recognise you as you walk towards them.

8

Do remember that it's your day. Family and friends will have an opinion, but it's you and your partner's wedding, and noone else's, so do what makes you happy. Which leads us to...

9

Don't include anything because you think you have to. There are lots of wedding traditions out there, but just use the one you like and forget the ones you don't. And make your own traditions – it's your day! A wedding is a great opportunity to be creative.

10

Finally, do remember that, whatever happens on the day, as long as you end up married to the person you love, that's the most important thing. Sure, you want it to be an amazing event that your guests love and you'll treasure forever, but a wedding is a day, a marriage is forever.

7

Don't become something you're not. Your partner proposed to you because they love you as you are. You don't need to drop three dress sizes, grow your hair or wear something that you're not comfortable in, just because you think you ought to. If you always wear your hair down, for example, choose a WEST WEDDINGS 73

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Set in the heart of the North Somerset countryside, The Battleaxes in Wraxall boasts one of the most stunning backdrops in the area for weddings and civil ceremonies.

The Battleaxes is part of the Tyntesfield Estate and shows off stunning period features.

The grand Club Room is a large and inviting space, benefiting from beautiful Gothic Revival features, wooden floors and an open log fire. This coupled with our attentive staff, award-winning food and newly refurbished B&B guest rooms will ensure your day and night are to be fondly remembered.

We have a dedicated wedding planner to hold your hand as much or as little as you require.

Please call to arrange a visit to our beautiful venue.

CAPACITY: Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast 90 guests Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast 140 guests (over two adjoining rooms) Evening Reception - 140 guests

01275 857473

p74.indd 1

Bristol Road, Wraxall, BS48 1LQ thebattleaxes@flatcappers.co.uk

flatcappers.co.uk

14/11/2014 15:30:37

venues

VENUES

Quirkiness in the countryside If cosy and stylish décor, delicious food and a gorgeous rural setting are on your check list for your wedding ceremony and reception, Helen Dorritt advises that you make a trip to The Battleaxes

O

wned by The Flatcappers, who also run The Castle Inn in Bradford on Avon, The Battleaxes in Wraxall, North Somerset is the epitome of the country pub you’ve always dreamed about finding for your wedding. Delicious home cooked food, a welcoming atmosphere and comfortable rooms to relax in after a great night: your venue is now sorted!

If you think The Battleaxes has a hint of a grand country estate about it, then you’d be right: the pub was built by the Gibbs family, who also built the Tyntesfield estate (now owned by the National Trust) which is just a few minutes away. The Gothic revival features of Tyntesfield are evident in the chimneys and stonework of the exterior of The Battleaxes, and are also found in The Club Room, the larger of its two rooms. The history of the pub is also reflected in the names of the pub’s six bedrooms. The ‘Blanche Gibbs’ and ‘Wraxall’ made sense, but we did have to ask why number four was called ‘Guano’, only to discover that the Gibbs’ fortune was made on the back of this highly-effective fertiliser!

A lot of pubs give themselves the ‘gastro’ prefix these days, but few actually boast the food that’s worthy of this title. But food is

definitely a priority and a speciality at the Battleaxes, with all dishes prepared on the premises. The party menu boasts such delights as beetroot risotto with crumbled goats cheese, slow cooked chunky beef brisket chilli and hibiscus and red berry tea pavlova. Yum! The Battleaxes has two function rooms that you can use for your ceremony and reception, the aforementioned The Club Room and the delightfully titled The Shindig. The former can seat up to 85 people, and also has the ability to join with the main dining room if you need more space. The Shindig is a more intimate space, cosily furnished with leather chairs and antique lampshades, and which can seat 40 people, making it perfect for a low key wedding breakfast.

After the celebrations, you (and a lucky few of your guests) can stay in one of the lovely six ensuite rooms. All are individually and beautifully decorated, but if we had to choose one for our wedding night, our vote would go for bedroom five, aka ‘Tyntesfield’. The pub describes this room as “a couple’s paradise” and we’d have to agree, due to the huge bathroom with free standing bath and double entry shower plus a super king sized bed. Start your married life in style!

THE BATTLEAXES BRISTOL ROAD, WRAXALL, SOMERSET BS48 1LQ T: 01275 857473 W: WWW.FLATCAPPERS.CO.UK/ THE-BATTLEAXES

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Join us on Saturday 10th (12-5pm) & Sunday 7th September and Sunday 16th November Sunday 11th (11am-2pm) January 2015 for2014 our 11am ‘til Weekend” 2pm ”Big Fatfrom Wedding

free admission and a complimentary drinks & canapés reception on arrival

©LW

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VENUES

Pure indulgence Helen Dorritt explores what the luxurious Aztec Hotel & Spa has to offer for West Country weddings

A

ward-winning restaurant?

Check. Stylish rooms? Check.

Complimentary spa facilities?

Check. Licensed for weddings with a dedicated wedding co-ordinator? Double check! With all this and more, it’s no wonder that the Aztec Hotel and Spa in Bristol is one of the most popular venues in the region.

The Aztec has three rooms available for weddings: the intimate Cotswold Suite, which has its own bar and foyer area, the stylish Culbone Suite that seats up to 80 guests, and the Terrace, which overlooks the landscaped water feature. All three rooms are licensed for civil weddings and can also host your wedding breakfast and evening reception. And speaking of the wedding breakfast, you can guarantee your guests a delicious meal, whether that’s a three course sit down affair or a more casual buffet. The midnight post-dance floor bacon sandwiches also sound pretty good!

When the party’s over, your guests won’t have very far to go to find a comfortable bed, as the Aztec has 100 bedrooms at its disposal. Wedding guests receive a special rate and temporary membership of the spa – perfect for soothing any Champagne hangovers the next day!

If all this sounds just your cup of tea, then you’ll be very pleased to know that this

January, you’re invited to a big fat wedding weekend! No, not the sequel to the hit film, but a fab event being hosted by the hotel. On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January the venue will be throwing open its doors to a host of local wedding suppliers for a weekend that’s not to be missed. Saturday will start from midday with workshops hosted by its preferred partners, including Forever Living, Beez Neez Bunting Hire, Daisy Lane Floral Design, Wedding Day Movie, Iced Magic Cakes, Aztec Spa and many more! The type of workshops will include wedding top tips, hair and make-up demos, health and beauty talks and how to make your own wedding favours. On Sunday the hotel will be running a wedding showcase between 11am-2pm. The function suites will be set up for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast on both days and the Aztec’s wedding team will be on hand to answer any wedding related questions. You can sample drinks and canapés on Saturday, and drinks, canapés and lunch will be available on the Sunday to sample the type of catering the hotel can provide for weddings. The Aztec’s preferred partners will also be present on Sunday to showcase their services. Best of all, this is free to attend and car parking is complimentary too. Just turn up on the day and start your planning!

AZTEC HOTEL AND SPA AZTEC WEST, ALMONDSBURY, BRISTOL BS32 4TS T: 01454 201090 W: WWW.AZTECHOTELBRISTOL.COM

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VENUES

King for a day If you’re looking for a luxurious country setting for your wedding, then check out the Kingscote Barn, says Helen Dorritt

N

estled among the hills of the Cotswolds in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of Gloucestershire’s most exclusive venues. Winner of The Wedding Industry Award for ‘Best Wedding Venue in the South West’ for three years running, the privately owned and impeccably maintained Kingscote Barn is the perfect place to celebrate your marriage.

Sweeping down the drive you’ll first be enchanted by the far-reaching views and wildlife, before arriving at the beautiful and lovingly restored 17th century barn. Set in its own secluded valley overlooking rolling hills and natural beech woodland, the Barn is a photographer’s dream! There are plenty of with fabulous opportunities to capture your day, from photographs in the walled courtyard to the private romance of the Rose Garden. All areas are then softly lit for your guests to enjoy the outside space into the evening.

The Kingscote Barn is an approved venue for civil ceremonies and marriages, and also welcomes blessings, civil partnerships, humanist ceremonies and renewal of wows.

Following your ceremony, enjoy drinks and canapés in the reception room with access

to the large south facing terrace and lawns with exceptional views – yet more fantastic photo opportunities! If the weather’s kind, then the games paddock offers an opportunity for a game of croquet or boules, and is a great space in which to entertain younger guests.

The Barn is so versatile it can make any number of guests feel at home. Up to 130 can be seated on the ground floor for the wedding breakfast, increasing to 150 with the use of the mezzanine. The imbedded oak floor provides a great space for your first dance and subsequent shape-throwing!

The venue has carefully handpicked a choice of reputable catering companies to provide you with a wonderful selection of menu choices, including canapés, formal seated menu, hot and cold buffets, BBQ and spit roasts and evening menus. If you wish you can supply your own drinks, and even better, there’s no corkage fee.

As well as a ceremony and reception space, the Barn offers a range of stunning accommodation for the bridal party. You can therefore enjoy getting ready for your special day in its luxurious accommodation, giving you time to relax and enjoy the peaceful and idyllic setting in all its glory.

THE KINGSCOTE BARN BINLEY FARM, KINGSCOTE, TETBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL8 8YE T: 01453 861161 W: WWW.KINGSCOTEBARN.CO.UK

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CL I F TON COLLEGE ESTABLISHED 1862

Stunning Wedding venue in the heart of Clifton.

Wedding receptions for up to 180 guests For more information, contact Rachel Macfarlane T: 0117 315 7669 E: RMacfarlane@cliftoncollege.com

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FOUR PILLARS HOTEL

All inclusive Wedding Package

“Everything you need to make your wedding a truly memorable day” Based on numbers of 50 – package price - £3,900 3 course wedding breakfast Arrival drink Toast drink Wine with the meal Chair covers & sashes Top table flower arrangement Centre pieces

Please contact our dedicated wedding planner Gemma Smith on 01454 620000 Bristol-events@crown-golf.co.uk www.bristolgolfclub.co.uk www.facebook.com/BristolGolfWeddings

Table plan, place cards & menus DJ Overnight stay at local hotel Evening buffet Supervised use of a golf buggy for beautiful photos around the grounds

Mid week wedding packages (Monday – Thursday) only - £2,800 based on numbers of 50.

Hog Roast and marquees also available

St Swithins Park, Blackhorse Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS10 7TP

{ ith both barns licensed for Civil Marriage Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard offers versatility in planning your special day.

2014 & 2015

Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge South Gloucestershire GL12 8HH

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W

Photograph by Steve Gower

Exclusive use of our venue and gardens

Contact us for more information at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard, Redhill, Bristol, BS40 5RF Tel: 01934 864 404 www.aldwickweddings.co.uk @AldwickCourtFrm Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard

©LW

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Winter Weddings at Beautiful Bowood

Experience a magical day from only ÂŁ69 per person.

For more information or to book your private show round of the resort call our wedding coordinator Jade on 01249 823887, email weddings@bowood.org or visit www.bowood.org/weddings.

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PQ. Courtesy of Peter Smart Photography

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photo gallery

PhotoGallery

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PhotoGallery

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

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PhotoGallery

Your Pictures Contact Charlie Birchmore Telephone 01242 227573 Email charlie@yourpictures.co Website www.yourpictures.co

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PhotoGallery

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

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venues Aztec Hotel & SpA 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 BATTLEAXES Bristol Road, Wraxall, Somerset, BS48 1LQ T: 01275 857473 E: thebattleaxes@flatcappers.co.uk W: www.flatcappers.co.uk/the-battleaxes CAPACITY: Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast - 90 guests Ceremony & Wedding Breakfast - 140 guests over two adjoining rooms Evening Reception - 140 guests

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.

FACILITIES: Set in the heart of the North Somerset countryside, The Battleaxes in Wraxall boasts one of the most stunning backdrops in the area for weddings and civil ceremonies. The Battleaxes is part of the Tyntesfield Estate and shows off stunning period features. The grand Club Room is a large and inviting space, benefiting from beautiful, Gothic Revival features, wooden floors and an open log fire. This coupled with our attentive staff, award-winning food and newly refurbished B&B guest rooms will ensure your day (and night) is one to remember.

We have a dedicated wedding planner to hold your hand as much or as little as you require.

THE BRISTOL GOLF CLUB

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CADBURY HOUSE

St Swithins Park, Blackhorse Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS10 7TP T: 01454 620000 E: Bristol-events@crown-golf.co.uk W: www.bristolgolfclub.co.uk CAPACITY: 120 guests - civil ceremony 120 guests - wedding breakfast 200 guests - evening reception FACILITIES: As you pass the gates and enter the sweeping tree lined drive you are greeted with panoramic views of both Severn bridges, the Severn estuary and the surrounding countryside which provides the ideal setting for your wedding reception and the perfect backdrop for your wedding album.

Our extensive facilities allow you unrivalled flexibility, whether you are looking for the most intimate occasion or the grandest and most lavish celebration.

INGLESIDE HOUSE 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.

Congresbury, Bristol, BS49 5AD T: 01934 834343 E: weddings@cadburyhouse.com W: www.cadburyhousebristol.co.uk CAPACITY: From an intimate 20 guests to 350 FACILITIES: Beautiful 18th century house with a modern twist, offering first-class facilities for large or smaller intimate weddings with 132 bedrooms, health club, spa and hair salon on site. Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships.

MERCURE BRISTOL NORTH THE GRANGE HOTEL Mercure Bristol North, The Grange Hotel Old Gloucester Road, Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1RP T: 01454 771403 E: 063cs@jupiterhotels.co.uk CAPACITY: day 150, evening 180 FACILITIES: This elegant country hotel, dating back to 1851, is set in 18 acres of attractive grounds, creating the perfect setting for your wedding. The Grange Hotel sits in beautiful gardens and really is the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs. 68 bedroom four star hotel.

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venues BERWICK LODGE

BOWOOD HOTEL

Berwick Lodge, Henbury, Bristol, BS10 7TD

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PQ

T: 0117 958 1590 E: info@berwicklodge.co.uk W: www.berwicklodge.co.uk

T: 01249 822228 E: weddings@bowood.org W: www.bowood.org/weddings

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.

CAPACITY: A variety of Suites available to accommodate up to 160 guests for both a civil ceremony and a reception.

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: Set in the beautiful 2,000 acre Bowood Estate in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside yet only minutes from civilisation, Bowood offers the complete package as a wedding venue, from the ceremony itself to the reception for up to 160 and a boutique hotel for guests to stay in.

There is also a gorgeous spa and exclusive 4 bedroom lodge (Queenwood Lodge) ideal for the bride and bridesmaids to stay in the night before. ©LW

EASTINGTON PARK Eastington Park, Eastington, Nr Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3RY T: 01453 827926 E: enquiries@eastingtonpark.co.uk W: www.eastingtonpark.co.uk CAPACITY: Ceremony and receptions for up to 150 guests.

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.

THE KINGSCOTE BARN

EASTWOOD PARK COUNTRY HOUSE Falfield, Gloucestershire GL12 8DA T: 01454 262805 W: www.eastwoodpark.co.uk CAPACITY: Wedding breakfast 110. Reception 180 (more with marquee).

FACILITIES: Magnificent country house within 200acre private estate with valley views. 69 bedrooms.

Licensed for civil weddings and partnerships. Available exclusively.

OLD DOWN MANOR

Binley Farm, Kingscote, Tetbury, GL8 8YE

Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG

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

T: 01454 414081 E: info@olddownmanor.co.uk W: www.olddownmanor.co.uk

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

Capacity: Up to 120 for a wedding breakfast and 200 for 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: 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.

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venues OLD MANOR HOTEL Trowle Common, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA14 9BL T: 01225 777393 E: Tudor@oldmanorhotel.com W: www.oldmanorhotel.com CAPACITY: Ceremony up to 150 guests. Wedding breakfast up to 150 guests. Evening party up to 165 guests FACILITIES: Drawing room for ceremonies up to 15. Milking Parlour for ceremonies up to 150. Green house marquee for wedding breakfasts up to 150.

Walled gardens for photography. Games room. Croquet Lawn. Parking for over 50 cars. 21 en-suite bedrooms.

THE PARK HOTEL FALFIELD NEW EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE NOW OPEN BOOK FOR VIEWING AND CONSULTATION WITH A CREAM TEA APPOINTMENT Gloucester Road, Whitfield, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8DR T: 01454 260550 E: info@theparkfalfield.co.uk W: www.theparkfalfield.co.uk CAPACITY: Wedding meal - 60 seated in the ballroom FACILITIES: Ballroom, 10 bedrooms, Bridal Suite, Cocktail Lounge, Bar, set in 5 acres of gardens

BEST WESTERN PLUS SWAN HOTEL Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RX T: 01749 836300 W: www.swanhotelwells.co.uk CAPACITY: 90 guests for a sit down wedding breakfast and 150 for evening receptions FACILITIES: Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a large wedding reception or the civil wedding ceremony itself, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Swan Hotel prides itself on providing the perfect wedding venue in Somerset. Civil wedding ceremonies are held in the delightful Garden Room. This light and airy room lends itself beautifully to civil wedding ceremonies and opens out onto a secluded Walled Garden. The Oak Room, located on the ground floor, has its own reception and bar area and seats up to 90 guests for a wedding breakfast. Evening functions for up to 150 guests can be catered for by hiring the interconnecting Garden Room.

At the front of our hotel, Swan Terrace provides a unique opportunity to capture Wells Cathedral as a stunning backdrop for wedding photographs.

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

THORNBURY CASTLE HOTEL Thornbury Castle Hotel, Castle Street Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH T: 01454 281182 E: events@thornburycastle.co.uk W: www.thornburycastle.co.uk CAPACITY: Ceremonies and receptions in the Tudor Hall up to 66 guests and 100 guests for an evening reception.

FACILITIES: Thornbury Castle is one of the most romantic hotels in the country, making it one of England’s most sought after wedding venues. With its magnificent medieval architecture, impressive Tudor Hall, 26 luxurious bedchambers and award winning food, it really is the perfect location for an unforgettable wedding, not to mention being in easy reach of Bristol, the M4 and M5. The castle’s idyllic walled gardens provide an unsurpassed setting for your drinks reception and photographs.

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 spa and leisure club.

call Jacqui Lewis on

0117 934 3136

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directory

directory

Call Jacqui Jacqui Lewis Lewison on0117 0117934 9343136 3136 Call to advertise in the next issue of West Weddings to advertise in the next issue of West Weddings

Call Jacqui Lewis on 0117 934 3136 to advertise in the next issue of West Weddings

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Last Word

Trouble in paradise?

Yes

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a good excuse for a sun-soaked holiday? Getting married is one of the most exciting occasions in any person’s life, and most people work hard for months to make sure their wedding day will be one to remember. Why not take a once-in-a-life time trip to an exotic location in order to add that extra element of magic? At first glance it sounds like an extravagant idea reserved for the rich and famous. However, when you really look at it logically, a destination wedding can be much cheaper than having one at home.

When it comes down to it, the people who share your special day with you should be strictly your nearest and dearest. Getting married at home, you’re much more likely to feel obligated to invite people you don’t really want to be there, just to avoid any offence. A wedding abroad, however, requires a smaller, more intimate guest list, and not only can this make the day all the more personal and special, but it’s also the perfect excuse to leave those rather annoying second cousins at home - without running the risk of them turning up and crashing the party. Granted, expecting family and friends to travel in order to be with you on your wedding day is a big ask, but chances are they’ll be glad of the excuse for a holiday and be just as excited as you are!

Striking and unique wedding photos are pretty much a dead cert – just imagine a flowing white dress against the backdrop of an idyllic Caribbean beach or the rolling Italian countryside. Planning your wedding remotely also means a lot of it will be in the hands of seasoned professionals, resulting in less stress and more time to find that perfect dress.

The guarantee of good weather, happy and relaxed guests and a unique wedding experience all make for what seems to me a nuptial no-brainer. Plus there’ll be a very short wait for your honeymoon. What more could you want?

Would you get married abroad?

Meena Alexander thinks it’s a great way to combine a wedding with a holiday, whereas Louise Jarndyce feels it puts too much pressure on your guests

No

It’s your wedding and your day and your opportunity to do what you want, of course, but if an important element of your wedding is about celebrating your relationship with your friends and family, then having it abroad is one of the worst things you can do. A wedding is expensive enough (hotel, outfit, travel, present), but add in a plane ticket and all the other resultant costs, and you’ve instantly priced attending your big day out of many guests’ hands. You really don’t want your wedding to be the cause of a financial headache for someone that you care about.

Even if your guests can afford to come, you’re forcing them to take at least three days’ leave from work and travel to somewhere that they may not particularly care to visit. It also puts extra pressure on those with children - do they come? Do they stay at home? Who looks after them if they don’t?

If photo opportunities are top of your must-have list, there are so many lovely places in the UK that you can get married. Admittedly we’re still a way from being able to get married in the open air (come on legislation to make that possible!) but there is still a plethora of beautiful spots that you can choose, whether it’s next to the sea on a rugged clifftop or in the rose garden of a stately home.

How much more gorgeous does it get? 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: 0117 239 7006 40 Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1EH www.sposaelegante.co.uk email: sposaelegante@mail.com

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Location, location... celebration

The Best Wedding Venue in Bristol & Somerset Bristol & Somerset Wedding Awards

2014 Set in beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, Eastwood Park mansion house and 200 acre estate is the perfect setting for your wedding.

Exclusive use of house Civil weddings Superb seasonal cuisine Choice of packages For more information visit our website, call Claire, our dedicated wedding planner, on

+44 (0) 1454 262805 or email claire.shea@eastwoodpark.co.uk

Eastwood Park Wotton-under-Edge Glos GL12 8DA

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