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THE TEAM Editor: Helen Dorritt Writers and contributors: Keri Beckingham, Cath Dean, Emily Hamilton, Michael MacMahon, Rebecca Paddick, Serra Phelby and Sharaye Stanberry Design: Cath Evans Production co-ordinators: Emma Gorton and Ruth Wood Commercial director: Abbie Grant Website editor: Gianina Turner ADVERTISING To advertise in future editions of West Weddings contact Jacqui Lewis T: 0117 934 3136 E: jacqui.lewis@localworld.co.uk Meloney Rodney T: 0117 934 3076 E: meloney.rodney@localworld.co.uk EDITORIAL To contribute to future editions of West Weddings contact Helen Dorritt E: westweddings@b-nm.co.uk DISTRIBUTION To have a regular free delivery of the magazine to your business contact Simon Butler T: 0117 934 3503 or 07715 770437 E: simon.butler@localworld.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS A yearly subscription (four issues) costs just £10 including P&P. Call Simon Butler on 0117 934 3503 or 07715 770437 to arrange PUBLISHER West Weddings magazine is published by Bristol News and Media, 2nd Floor, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD T: 0117 934 3000 Visit our brand new website at www.west-weddings. co.uk, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ westweddingsmag and like us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/westweddingsmag
Welcome to WEST WEDDINGS SUMMER 2016 It may well be coming up to ‘wedding season’, but as I write this, the rain is absolutely bucketing down outside. I’m still optimistic though that we’re going to have a glorious summer of warm weather and that the sun will be shining on all the forthcoming celebrations! One of my favourite features this issue is our guide to including pets in your wedding. Turn to page 60 to find lots of ideas on honouring your fourlegged friends, accompanied by some adorable photos of dogs Mabel and Pip, and Pancake the horse! We also take a look at wedding customs from around the world, and share expert tips on crafting the perfect speech. Boho beauty was the order of the day for our cover shoot at Tracy Park, where we decked our bride in blooms and created a wedding filled with romance. You’ll find twelve pages of inspiration starting on page 45. If you want even more from the world of West Country weddings in between issues, check out our website, www.west-weddings.co.uk, which has just had a fabulous make over. It’s packed with real weddings, the full photo galleries of our most recent shoots, a directory of local suppliers, our blog and lots more, so grab a cuppa and enjoy a browse. And did you know that you can also read this issue and all our back issues online for free? You’ll find the link on our website, or you can head directly to www.issuu.com/westweddings. That’s the weekend’s reading sorted then!
Helen Dorritt EDITOR Summer 2016_cover paths.indd 1
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Contents SUMMER 2016
REGULARS 7 WEDDING NEWS A round up of the latest news, events and dates for your diary this season 11 ASK THE EXPERTS Your wedding questions and dilemmas answered 16 REAL WEDDINGS Five couples from the region share all the special details of their big days 39 GROOMS How to achieve the perfect shave and tips for picking groomsmen 42 ONLINE Find out how to get your West Weddings fix in between issues! 43 PLANNER Keep track of those facts and figures in our wedding countdown 76 PHOTO GALLERY Fantastic photography to inspire your wedding album 82 CAPTURE THE MOMENT A special photograph from one couple’s wedding album
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FASHION 27 GOWN GALLERY The best of new season dresses, plus we chat to bridal designer Charlotte Balbier 45 COVER SHOOT Boho beauty at the gorgeous country venue of Tracy Park
BE INSPIRED 59 PINBOARD The outdoor wedding accessories that we’re loving this season 60 A PAWESOME WEDDING Emily Hamilton’s guide to including your pet in your big day 62 A MINI ADVENTURE Five gorgeous places for a West Country minimoon 64 ON BEHALF OF... Advice from Michael MacMahon on delivering the perfect speech 66 BEAUTY BIBLE The latest products to help you look great from top to toe 68 CUSTOM MADE A look at wedding traditions from around the world
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VENUES 71 A selection of the region’s best places to celebrate your ‘I do’
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THE BRIDAL ROOM 40 high street, westbury-on-trym, bristol
0117 908 9010 www.thebridesroom.co.uk • BRIDAL WEAR • BRIDESMAIDS • ACCESSORIES
©LW
You deserve to look as special as we believe you are!
Stockist of Eliza Jane Howell Martin Dabek Photography
WE ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKISTS OF BRIDAL ACCESSORIES IN THE UK BESPOKE DESIGNS WITH ABIGAIL GRACE VISIT THE BOUTIQUE BRIDEZILLAS, 10 SAnDy PARk ROAD BRISLIngTOn, BRISTOL, BS4 3PE 0117 9043039
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NEWS
NEWS
Captured in style!
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t’s well documented that the average cost of today’s UK wedding is around £25,000 and can therefore be a little daunting to plan. New business Style and Capture aims to take some of this stress away by bringing together a team that can help you plan a totally gorgeous day with all the frills, while also saving you time and money. Style and Capture is a collaboration of three Bristol artists – Emma Eirene from Emma Eirene Photography, Hannah Lang from Button Media and Adèle Brown from Tin Can Floral. Together they offer affordably fabulous wedding packages that include your wedding flowers, photographs and video. What’s more, with their knowledge and experience of planning weddings, they can offer help with styling tips and recommend other suppliers, so everything’s covered from cake cutting through to the last dance. Instead of three separate consultations, you need only have one port of call, confident that your flowers, photos and video will be consistent in style and reflect your personality as a couple.
H Emma, Hannah and Adèle have a relaxed, informal approach, creating beautiful memories of your day that don’t compromise on quality. They also offer great attention to all those little details in their work before the wedding, on the day and afterwards, adapting to the needs of you and their guests, and bringing a sensitive touch. STYLE AND CAPTURE T: 07722 383601 W: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STYLEANDCAPTURE E: STYLEANDCAPTURE@GMAIL.COM
Hearts of oak T
he Best Western Plus Swan Hotel in Wells already enjoys stunning views of the front of the cathedral, and now this wonderfully-located hotel has just got even better with the refurbishment of the Oak Room, one of the reception rooms available to those getting married. This lovely room seats up to 90 guests and has its own bar area, and can also be hired with the interconnecting Garden Room to cater for up to 150 guests. The hotel provides the perfect venue for intimate weddings, large receptions and civil wedding ceremonies at any time of year, and even better, there are currently a number of very special wedding offers available. Sunday to Thursday bookings attract a 10% discount on room hire and food. Weddings held at the hotel between October and February can benefit from room hire reductions of up to £200, and (subject to availability) bookings of £5,000 or more allow the bride and groom to enjoy their wedding night in the award-winning Cathedral Suite completely free of charge!
THE BEST WESTERN PLUS SWAN HOTEL SADLER STREET, WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 2RX WELLS T: 01749 836300 W: WWW.SWANHOTELWELLS.CO.UK
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NEWS
Curiouser and curiouser! This year’s Bristol and Somerset Wedding Awards went to Wonderland for an evening of celebration and fundraising
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ow in its third year, The Bristol and Somerset Wedding Awards is a celebration of the local wedding industry at its finest, as well as an opportunity to fundraise for local wedding charity The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. February saw the 2015 nominees gather at The Bristol Hotel to find out who had won these prestigious awards. Topping last year’s Cirque de Soleil spectacular was going to be hard, but this year’s theme was another world entirely, painstakingly replicating some of the most beloved details of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. From a sumptuous three-course meal that was styled around the Queen of Hearts’ playing cards, to stacked cups and
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saucers in place of centrepieces, beautiful foliage that transported guests into the garden of their dreams and psychedelic lighting, The Bristol Hotel’s ballroom became Wonderland for one night only. Twenty awards were up for grabs, ranging from venue and photographer to florist, hair stylist and more. Winners included several that West Weddings has had the privilege of working with, including Bridezillas, Pretty Amazing Cakes, Bijoux Floral, Stacey Jade, Lee Hatherall Photography, England’s Finest Wedding Cars and The Little Wedding Helper. While the awards ceremony was an opportunity for local wedding suppliers to come together and recognise one another’s talent and dedication to the industry, there was an altogether more emotive reason for many of those gathered to attend. In 2009, at the age of just 26, Naomi Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer, marking the beginning of her seven-year battle with the disease. While those seven years have been subject to tears and laughter, heartbreak and intense highs, it’s Naomi’s work with The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation that continues to inspire. The charity funds and organises weddings for those affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses, and so it was fitting to celebrate the work of the charity, and fundraise in its honour, during the awards. The evening was also a chance to present The Wedding Wishing Well Appreciation Awards, which recognise the
hard work and dedication of the volunteers that have come together to make the charity what it is today. The awards included Going the Extra Mile, Volunteer of the Year, Corporate Sponsor of the Year, Supplier of the Year, and Fundraiser of the Year.
FOR A FULL LIST OF WINNERS, VISIT THE EVENT’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT WWW. BRISTOLANDSOMERSETWEDDINGAWARDS. CO.UK. YOU’LL ALSO FIND MORE INFORMATION THERE ABOUT HOW TO ENTER THIS YEAR’S AWARDS. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WEDDING WISHING WELL FOUNDATION, PLEASE GO TO WWW.WEDDINGWISHINGWELL.ORG.UK
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NEWS
Love ctuallywe
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ollowing its 10th anniversary organising events across the South West, Love Actually Weddings will be hosting a number of summer special wedding fairs to help you plan your special day, and there is one particular person they will be looking out for! In that 10 years, organisers David and Emma will never forget the very early days of running the business when they received fantastic support from family and friends, whether it be modelling for a catwalk, helping out at registration or simply collecting empty glasses on the day. It was at some of the very first events hosted by Love Actually that one particular person, David’s niece Charlotte (pictured above), assisted in all of those important tasks. Nowadays you’ll only ever see David and Emma at the fairs, but they look back with strong affection for the support shown by so many people, especially Charlotte. David’s strong relationship with Charlotte started from the day she was born and it was good old Uncle David, aged 16 at the time, who taught her to walk at the age of just nine months old. They still share a very strong bond, so it was extra-special news when Charlotte announced her engagement to Stuart at the start of this year! “Charlotte has finally found the man of her dreams, so she can now attend our fairs, see her special uncle and find ‘everything but the groom’,” says Emma. “It sounds slightly more appealing than collecting glasses all day and we are just so happy for her.” The first summer special fair will take place at The Bristol Zoo’s Clifton Pavilion on Sunday 5th June. The Clifton Pavilion provides the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony, reception and evening party. Built in the 1920s, the building’s graceful architecture offers elegant rooms with beautiful views overlooking the west lawn, as well as the zoo’s colourful flamingos! David and Emma are then back in the city the following week to host the At-Bristol wedding show on 12th June from 10.30am-2pm, which will showcase another great selection of suppliers. Just imagine a ceremony under a thousand glittering stars in the stunning Planetarium, followed by drinks on the private outdoor sun terrace overlooking Millennium Square and Bristol’s beautiful harbour! Love Actually’s final summer event will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Swindon on 3rd July, which will be the first ever fair that the company has hosted at this venue. Admission is always free with Love Actually, so make a date in your diary this summer. LOVE ACTUALLY WEDDINGS W: WWW.LOVEACTUALLYWEDDINGS.CO.UK
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Wedding Fayres (11am - 3pm) Bristol Zoo, Summer Special Sunday 5th June @Bristol, Summer Special Sunday 12th June (10.30am-2pm) Hilton Hotel, Swindon Sunday 3rd July M-Shed, Bristol Sunday 4th September Cheltenham Park Hotel Sunday 11th September The Bishops Palace, Wells Sunday 18th September Tortworth Court, Nr Bristol Sunday 25th September
ADMISSION is always FREE with loveactually For information of all our events, please visit www.loveactuallyweddings.co.uk
©LW
Everything but the groom!
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Planned to perfection W
hen you’re planning a wedding it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, with a lot of decisions to be made. So if you’ve just asked the question or said yes to it, a trip to The Wedding and Event Works in Bristol is sure to make all this a lot easier! The Wedding and Event Works is a destination store on Bristol’s vibrant Gloucester Road that has everything you need for your wedding or celebration under one roof. This unique emporium is home to a florist, photographer, stylist, stationer, cake maker, make-up artist and more, allowing you to meet with lots of suppliers at one time, rather than making multiple appointments. “We wanted to take the hassle out of planning a wedding,” explains Peri Pigott, the creative force behind the shop and the owner of PERIDesigns, a venue décor and styling business. “Between all of us we have years of experience in the wedding industry, so we can offer you a friendly, bespoke service. You don’t have to book with all of us, but if you do, you can then guarantee it will be stress-free and save you lots of time, too!” The shop is open between 10am and
4.30pm on Tuesdays-Fridays, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. You can also arrange to pop in on a Monday or make an early evening appointment by ringing the shop.
THE WEDDING AND EVENT WORKS 427 GLOUCESTER ROAD, BRISTOL BS7 8TZ T: 0117 942 1770 W: WWW.THEWEDDINGANDEVENTWORKS.CO.UK
photography & videography • cakes & flowers • venue & room styling • table & napkin décor • candy buffet, favours & cake stands • covers & sashes • DJ entertainment • make up artist • vintage bunting & lace • invitations & table stationery • chivari chair hire
427 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8TZ T: 0117 942 1770
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Facebook.com/theweddingandeventworks
www.theweddingandeventworks.co.uk
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NEWS
Choosing a videographer, styling your wedding, invitation etiquette?
. .. s t r e p x e e h t k s a o t d e e You n These useful tips from our industry experts will leave you stress free
Ready to roll
Signature style
Invitation only
Question: I’d like to use a videographer but I don’t want our guests to feel as if they’re being put on the spot or interviewed. Is it possible to have a non-intrusive record of the day?
Question: I’ve got lots of ideas for the theme and look for our wedding so I’m thinking about hiring a stylist to help me bring it altogether, but what exactly do they offer couples?
Question: I want to invite a couple of my colleagues to the wedding who I’m really close with, but how do I do this without offending the others and making them feel left out?
Jodie Simmons, Bradford on Avon
Julia Devon, Gloucester
Catherine Hall, Swindon
Hannah Lang from Button Media says:
Kirsten Butler from The Little Wedding Helper says:
Helen Dorritt from West Weddings says:
Answer: Recent advances in technology mean that it’s perfectly possible to capture all the special moments with minimum fuss. Choose a videographer you get on well with and are confident will be considerate to your guests. Good social skills are crucial. You can specify which parts of the day you would like covered, so be clear with them how you want the day to go. A good videographer will capture interactions without drawing attention to themselves, so shots of guests chatting and laughing will look genuine and not staged. Cameras are also getting smaller and monopods are often used, which are quicker to set up so the videographer can respond to events more quickly. Modern lights have dimmer switches to control the light intensity so that guests aren’t startled. If your photographer recommends a videographer, then they may well have done weddings together before. This will be an advantage as they will have to work closely together to capture the wedding efficiently.
Answer: A wedding stylist is a service to
Answer: The etiquette around who you invite to your wedding can feel like a minefield at times, but as with everything to do with a wedding, it’s your day and you can do as you wish, as long as you’re polite about it! You can create a dividing line so colleagues don’t feel excluded; for example, by inviting those in your team, rather than the whole department. If you’re having evening guests, then they could be part of that group rather than being there for the whole day. But there’s nothing to say that you can’t invite some but not others, particularly if there are a few who you’re really close to and actually spend time socialising with outside of work. If you opt to invite only a selected few, make sure that you send invitations to their home addresses and not the office. Be tactful and keep any discussion of wedding plans with them to outside work hours. And if a colleague does ask outright if they’ve been invited, then explain that your guest list is limited to family and close friends only.
W: WWW.BUTTONMEDIA.NET
W: WWW.THELITTLEWEDDINGHELPER.CO.UK
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bring on board if you’re interested in making sure that your celebration looks fabulous! I love to work with couples who think outside the box, and want to put their individual stamp on the day and the venue. A stylist can help to get all the ideas out of your head and onto paper, and decide what will work in your venue and with your budget. They’ll then bring together all the elements of your décor and set up the venue so it looks just like the vision you had. Using a stylist will also take away the stress and hassle of trying to organise someone to decorate the venue on the morning of the wedding. If you do prefer to do the actual set up on the day, then some stylists, myself included, will also offer a one-off planning session. My inspiration sessions can be done in person (with tea and cake!) or over Skype. We’ll go through each aspect of your wedding, and I can then recommend suppliers to help you achieve the look you want.
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A grand day out N
ow the warmer weather is here, it’s a great opportunity to kick off your wedding planning by visiting some wedding fairs, and local organiser WOW Weddings has three fab events coming up this season that are not to be missed! First up is the Gloucester wedding show on Sunday 22nd May. Held at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel, you’ll find a host of suppliers to chat to, as well as free mini manicures, free make-up trials and a goodie bag for the first hundred people. The next date for your diary is the West Gloucestershire show at the beautiful Stonehouse Court Hotel, which is launching its brand new wedding suite. You’ll also find bridal wear, groom’s outfits, cars, accessories, photobooths and so much more. To complete its summer trio, WOW Weddings’ Bristol wedding show is being held at the prestigious Ashton Court Mansion on Sunday 26th June. You can enjoy a VIP tour of this gorgeous venue and its grounds, with a host of Bristol’s top wedding businesses ready to chat all things weddings to you! Admission for all of these events is free, and you can register for advance ‘no queue’ tickets by visiting the WOW Weddings website, where you’ll also find more information on the suppliers and host venues. WOW WEDDINGS W: WWW.WOWWEDDINGSHOWSWEST.CO.UK
Shopping for good B
uying a beautiful dress and supporting a worthy cause at the same time has now got even easier, with the expansion of St Peter’s Hospice’s bridal offer, ‘Upstairs at…’. The charity has opened two new boutiques above its shops in Portishead and Nailsea, in addition to the existing outlet in Westbury on Trym. These not only offer thrifty brides top quality wedding items at a fraction of the usual cost but also, as with all of their local shops, raise funds to support patient care at Bristol’s St Peter’s Hospice. With preloved, unique and great value items, a trip to ‘Upstairs at…’ is a must for any bride-to-be. You’ll find wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, mother of the bride outfits and accessories, and in buying something, you’ll be helping the charity meet its £19,000 daily running costs. BRIDAL AT ST PETER’S HOSPICE 126 HIGH STREET, NAILSEA BS48 1AH, 76 HIGH STREET, PORTISHEAD BS20 9EH AND 12 CANFORD LANE, WESTBURY ON TRYM, BRISTOL BS9 3DH W: WWW.STPETERSHOSPICE.ORG.UK 12
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We will listen to your ideas and offer our ideas to help you create your dream individually styled beautiful wedding flowers. 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 difference between a good event and a fantastic unforgettable one. Friendly / experienced / helpful / professional staff that will take the stress away from you.
3 Chelford Grove, Stoke Lodge, Bristol BS34 6DD Tel 01454 856 737 email tina@tigerlilyflowers.co.uk web www.tigerlilyflowers.co.uk
Wedding Videography Capture your day from wedding preparations through to the evening. Scan QR code to view a sample video.
www.buttonmedia.net 07788 511253 hannah@buttonmedia.net
©LW
Weddings with a difference... at the Aztec Hotel & Spa • A saving of over £1500 with exclusive offers • Professional four star service with catering for up to 250 guests • Picturesque gardens and stunning interior - perfect for photographs
• Spa Treatment facilities, ideal for pre-wedding celebrations • Complimentary Suite including a bottle of Champagne For more information please contact Lauren Manning on 01454 275344 or aztec.events@shirehotels.com aztechotelbristol.com
Aztec Hotel & Spa Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS
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Wedding Wedding Showcases Showcases Sunday May Sunday8th 3rd July Sunday July November Sunday 13th3rd Sunday 13th November
11am - 2pm | Free Admission 11am - 2pm | Free Admission Complimentary drinks Complimentary drinks reception with canapes reception withworkshops canapes plus interactive ©LW
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Perfect pitch F
ollowing the success of last year’s inaugural fair, The Word on Weddings is back again on Sunday 24th July at the home of Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate Stadium, for a planning event that’s not to be missed! You’ll find nearly one hundred exhibitors under one roof, giving you a fantastic opportunity to finalise lots of wedding details all at the same time. Some suppliers are exclusive to The Word on Weddings, and there will also be a range of fair-only deals from many of the companies exhibiting, helping you to make your budget stretch further. As well as the usual photographers, dresses, florists and chauffeurs, this fair will also have bagpipers, ice sculptors and many more unusual finishing touches! Entry is free, and the first 200 people through the door will receive a special goody bag. Ashton Gate has recently been extensively refurbished, and has a fab selection of wedding options for 20 guests up to 600+. And since there are lots of opportunities for pitchside photos, what better place is there for Bristol City fans to get married in? Don’t miss your chance to look round this unique venue! THE WORD ON WEDDINGS W: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BRISTOLWEDDINGFAIR ASHTON GATE STADIUM ASHTON ROAD, BRISTOL BS3 2EJ T: 0117 963 0680 W: WWW.ASHTONGATESTADIUM.CO.UK
Watch your wedding
Exciting news for tech fans — the UK wedding industry now has its own podcast made here in the West Country. Weekly On Weddings, aka the WOWcast, is produced by Bristol-based Ecomedia Collective, and West Weddings’ editor Helen was thrilled to be interviewed in one of the episodes! The WOWcast is part of the company’s innovative offer in the weddings business via its nowWOW brand, which also includes a brand new service called Watch our Wedding, where you can stream your wedding over the internet to absent family and friends. “I’ve just celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary,” explains founder and podcast presenter Kyle Hannan. “We had an amazing ceremony on a hilltop in Rome but back then there was no internet or social media. It took months to copy and post images to our friends and family. That got us thinking about how we can help with one of the biggest unknowns of any wedding — and we don’t mean the weather. We mean the disappointment when friends and family can’t make it on your big day.” nowWOW’s brilliant solution to combat this problem is to webcast a live video of your ceremony, as it happens, meaning that those loved ones who can’t be there in person can still enjoy sharing the day with you. To find out more, head to the nowWOW website, where you can also download the WOWcast for free. And to celebrate the launch of the service, nowWOW is offering a fantastic 30% discount for the first ten readers who book and mention West Weddings.
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Prep for success
ust in time for the wedding season, GMC Books has three brand new titles to help you with your planning. The Bride’s Essential Wedding Planner (£17.99) and The Bride’s Essential Book of Lists (£10.99) have a wealth of information on the planning process, along with comprehensive checklists – perfect if you’re a bride who likes to tick things off as they’re completed! The Bride’s Essential Bridesmaid’s Handbook (£8.99) is ideal if you’re standing up for your best mate, and need some tips, tricks and ideas to help make her wedding – and hen do – a celebration to remember. Buy all three from GMC’s website. GMC W: WWW.THEGMCGROUP.COM
NOWWOW T: 0117 230 3136 W: WWW.NOWWOW.UK
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NEWS
Dining with a difference L ooking for a restaurant with the wow factor? Thornbury Castle has just opened a new private dining room – and it’s in a dungeon! Beneath the stalwart walls of this magnificent Tudor castle lies a 16th century dungeon that now plays host to a bonded wine cellar, and Thornbury Castle has opened this up to adventurous diners who are seeking a very special and intimate experience. It’s a rare opportunity to be ‘imprisoned’ by candlelight with your favourite people, surrounded by an award-winning wine collection from some of the best artisan wine makers and estates in the world. There are wines to suit every palate and pocket, plus a talented sommelier to help you pick. The Castle’s chef will then design a sensational menu to enhance your wine choices and ensure the ideal balance is created. The dungeon is the perfect size for parties between six and eight, so a meal here would be a lovely thank you present for your bridal party, or a special pre-wedding meet up with both sets of parents.
THORNBURY CASTLE CASTLE STREET, THORNBURY, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BS35 1HH T: 01454 281182 W: WWW.THORNBURYCASTLE.CO.UK
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REAL WEDDINGS
So much laughter and love
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WORDS: HELEN DORRITT
Suzannah Varma and Stuart Walker had a relaxed garden party feel for their June wedding
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REAL WEDDINGS
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t took a year of meeting for a networking breakfast before Stuart plucked up the courage to ask Suzannah out. “She looked fantastic – even at 6.30am in the morning! Within minutes of the first time I saw her, I turned to my colleague and said ‘I like her’. He replied, ‘You’re here to do business, keep it in your trousers!’” Luckily the attraction was mutual. “He gave me butterflies like when I was a school girl,” says Suzannah. After a proposal on the Great Wall of China, which was nearly thwarted by the arrival of a group of noisy children, the couple set about planning their summer ceremony. Suzannah favoured a country wedding with a marquee, while Stuart had visions of a festival feel, and Nyland Manor in Cheddar ticked both those boxes, a venue that was found by the groom. “We couldn’t find a place we could agree on, so I told Stuart to choose and tell me when he had booked it,” explains Suzannah. “A deadline was set, with an agreement not to talk about it until then, but a week ahead of schedule Stuart took me to Nyland Manor blindfolded. I was really impressed – the place was perfect for both our needs, and it satisfied the events manager in me who also wanted all the practical elements in place.” Described by Stuart as “a boutique hotel which looks like a manor house,” this venue has gorgeous interior spaces as well as a large patio area leading to a croquet lawn and lake. With Suzannah being an events manager, it was no surprise that she took charge of the planning. As well as the usual activities you’d expect at a wedding, she and Stuart also treated
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guests to some fun surprises, such as singing waiters, a magician and a fireworks display. “We wanted the wedding to live long in the memory of all who came by adding little touches to personalise it,” says Stuart. All this attention to detail was definitely appreciated. “People were still talking about the day six months later, which was lovely,” adds Suzannah. Suzannah’s dress came from Just For You in Bristol, with alterations made by dressmaker Susan Gilby. She combined her grandmother’s pearls with jewellery from Bridezillas and, in a nod to her Indian heritage, wore a traditional red silk veil from India. The bridesmaids also wore a turquoise dupatta with their dresses, which co-ordinated beautifully with Stuart’s tie. In another reference to her heritage, Suzannah also had a traditional henna party with female guests the night before, many of whom then sported intricate designs on their hands and feet. Stuart finds it hard to choose one favourite moment. “Walking into the marquee as husband and wife, to be greeted by all of our family and friends standing and cheering, will take some beating – I felt very special, and could feel the love in the room. But every time I look through the photos another great memory is triggered.” Suzannah sums up the day as “overwhelming! The amount of help we had in the run up to the day was overwhelming, the attention that was focused on me on the day was strange and overwhelming and the aftermath was also overwhelming – it’s amazing how much there is still to do after a wedding.” Her favourite moment was dancing all evening. “The focus
had shifted from being all on me and the day had gone smoothly, so I could completely relax and do what I love best – I put my Converse on and danced until I couldn’t dance anymore!”
DETAILS
Ceremony and venue reception Nyland Manor, Draycott Road, Cheddar BS27 3RP T: 01934 743571 W: www.nylandmanor.co.uk Photography Joab Woodger-Smith W: www.joabsmithphotography.co.uk Wedding dress Just for You Bridal, York House, Bond St, Bristol BS1 3LQ T: 0117 942 8000 W: www.justforyoubridal.co.uk Alterations Susan Gilby W: www.susangilby.com Groom’s outfit Ted Baker W: www.tedbaker.com Jewellery Bridezillas, 10 Sandy Park, Bristol BS4 3PE T: 0117 904 3039 W: www.bridezillas.biz Catering Your Paella W: www.yourpaella.co.uk Oli’s Hogs W: www.olishogs.co.uk Entertainment Bravo Singing Waiters W: www.bravosingingwaiters.co.uk Fireworks Amazing Events T: 07791 157719.E: robbie@amazingevents.co.uk Magician Simon Si W: www.simon-show.com Band The Hammervilles W: www.thehammervilles.weebly.com The Schmoozenbergs W: www.schmusic.co.uk 17
12/05/2016 12:48:56
REAL WEDDINGS
Sean and Antonia Horton tied the knot at their dream location
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WORDS: SHARAYE STANBERRY
A double celebration Weddings WEST
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REAL WEDDINGS
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he love story between Sean and Antonia started in their teenage years over messaging site MSN, on which the couple would talk all evening after school. “Our friendship grew to become best friends. Eventually our feelings became stronger and we started a relationship," says Antonia. Shy Sean had planned the engagement for months in advance and had the ring for a couple of weeks before plucking up the courage to ask Antonia for her hand in marriage. “We were in a cocktail bar, and he just pulled a ring box out of his pocket, and said ‘would you marry me?’ I instantly said yes! I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” Antonia decided that Cadbury House was her perfect wedding location, but due to a few setbacks, including the death of Sean’s father Martin, the couple had to postpone their wedding and this dream location seemed like it wouldn’t be a reality. Then fate came knocking in the shape of the Bristol Post’s ‘Win a Wedding’ competition in 2014, which offered the chance for one lucky couple to win a wedding worth £12,000. Sean and Antonia’s love story struck a chord with readers, and they were the worthy winners. Best of all, the venue was Cadbury House, so the couple finally got to have their wedding there in March 2015. “I fell in love the moment I saw it,” explains Antonia. The
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venue was everything they wanted and more, in part due to the hotel’s wedding co-ordinator Alice Grant. “Alice was amazing. Sorting out the seating plan and breakfast were a little stressful, but she took control and was brilliant.” Antonia’s sister and aunt and Sean’s niece were the bridesmaids, and Sean’s close friend took on the best man role. Despite the typical English weather, the couple didn’t let that spoil their day. “The best part of the day for me was putting on my wedding dress,” says Antonia. “I felt like the princess I have always wanted to be! Best of all, I was walking down the aisle to marry my teenage sweetheart.” Her gorgeous strapless gown came from The Bridal Room in Westbury on Trym, while Sean’s dapper suit was supplied by Just for You Bridal. Being the more reserved half of the couple, Sean admits he was very nervous on the day. “I’m not the type of person that likes attention, but as the day went on I couldn’t have felt happier, knowing that I had just married this beautiful lady who I cherish so much. The best part of the day was seeing Antonia for the first time walking down the aisle, then finally hearing the words ‘you are now husband and wife’!” The day was also a double celebration as Antonia was eight months pregnant with their first child. “Even though I was massive, I still felt great. This was the wedding of my dreams,
and I was marrying the man of my dreams.” The couple are now enjoying married life with their baby boy, who in another lovely twist of fate was due on Sean’s parents’ wedding anniversary, and who has Martin as his middle name.
DETAILS
Ceremony and reception venue Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, Frost Hill, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5AD T: 01934 834343 W: www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk Photography Apricot Tree Weddings W: www.apricottreeweddings.com Bride’s dress The Bridal Room, 40 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ T: 0117 908 9010 W: www.thebridesroom.co.uk Groom’s suit Just for You Bridal, York House, Bond St, Bristol BS1 3LQ T: 0117 942 8900 W: www.justforyoubridal.co.uk Jewellery Warren James W: www.warrenjames.co.uk Flowers Tin Can Floral T: 07722 383601 W: www.tincanfloral.co.uk Cake The Icing Centre, 26 Nithsdale Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 4JR T: 01934 624565 W: www.icingcentre.co.uk Cars Spirit Wedding Cars T: 01934 516728 W: www.spiritweddingcars.co.uk 19
12/05/2016 12:54:23
REAL WEDDINGS
Vintage vibes
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WORDS: HELEN DORRITT
Emily Shellard and James Dawson said their vows in the gorgeous setting of Somerset’s Hestercombe Gardens
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REAL WEDDINGS
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or Emily and James, romance first blossomed in the aisles of the supermarket where they both worked part time. “Emily would often struggle to open the milk dollies, so called upon her knight in shining armour – me! – to come to her rescue!” explains James. “James had an air of mystery around him, which intrigued me, and made me want to get to know him better,” says Emily. “He seemed like the perfect gentleman: funny, caring, someone you can trust – a bit like your classic Mr Darcy. He was also tall, dark and handsome, which helped!” Fast forward 11 years and James went down on one knee by the Taj Mahal to pop the question to Emily. “The proposal was made extra special by our tour guide who arranged Champagne and a cake during our final dinner in India,” details Emily. “It was a long flight home, however, waiting to surprise my parents with the news!” The couple organised an intimate April celebration at the beautiful Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset after they fell in love with the stunning setting. “We’re quite private people and wanted a small, quiet ceremony with family and closest friends,” explains James. Emily agrees. “I didn’t want an extravagant affair, so I chose not to have any bridesmaids, flower girls or pageboys – just James and me tying the knot in front of close friends and family.” James’ fluid approach to timing is legendary – he turned up two hours late for the first dinner Emily ever cooked him – and early on in the relationship she realised that he’s regularly late for everything. With this in mind, she wasn’t taking any chances with the ceremony. “I told him the wedding ceremony was 30 minutes earlier to ensure he wasn’t late!” This wedding was definitely a bridezilla-free
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zone. “We shared responsibility and jointly decided on all the details – having been together for many years, making joint decisions came naturally,” explains Emily. “We were fairly laid back with what we wanted and accepted any offers of help.” James’ mum, Christine, crafted 50 small felt birds to decorate the tables and collected jam jars for candle holders, Emily’s mum Julie helped to make all of the invitations and table place names and Emily’s sister-in-law, Emma, handmade the flower decorations for the wedding cake – which had a last minute change of plan. “One week before the wedding I realised it was too late due to Easter to order the sponge cakes we wanted, so had to panic buy fruit cakes instead from the local M&S!” says Emily. Emily’s beautiful ruched dress with crystal embellishments came from Nicola Bridal in Weston-super-Mare, which she accessorised with ‘something borrowed’ pearl earrings from her mum. As befitting a wedding in a gorgeous garden, the bouquet and buttonholes from Sue at Country Garden in Clevedon looked stunning. The couple praised Sue’s great eye for detail, which even extended to advising on which type of flowers would be best avoided in order not to trigger any hayfever allergies. Since wedding photographer Robert Eyres is a good friend of James’ from university, the choice of who to record the day was an obvious one. “His service was second to none,” says James. “We went to Hestercombe for a practice shoot to get some ideas for the big day, which really helped as it meant the best man could coordinate guests on the day. Rob took exactly what we wanted: some formal photos for the album, but also some natural shots throughout the day.” These also included some embarrassing shots of the father of the groom’s over-enthusiastic ‘dad dancing’!
On the build up to the big day, the couple became increasingly nervous. “Not because of getting married, but all the planning that goes into it,” explains Emily. “We were anxious we had missed something!” But the day went without a hitch – “it was more than perfect,” she says. “James isn’t one for public affection or giving compliments, so my favourite part of the day was when he was getting emotional and teary eyed during our vows. It’s heart-warming to know how much it meant to him – actions definitely speak louder than words.” For James, the photos show how much he loved the day. “I was like a Cheshire cat, grinning from ear-to-ear!”
DETAILS Ceremony and reception venue Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8LG T: 01823 413923 W: www.hestercombe.com Photography Robert Eyres T: 07815 820 545 W: www.roberteyresweddingphotography.co.uk Bride’s dress Nicola Bridal Wear, 61 Whitecross Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1EJ T: 01934 417373 W: www.nicolabridal.co.uk Groom’s outfit Bride and Groom, 11A East Reach, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3EW T: 01823 327444 W: www.brideandgroomtaunton.com Hair and make-up Prim N Proper, 14 Oxford Street, Burnham on Sea, Somerset TA8 1LG T: 01278 782755 W: www.primnproper.co.uk Flowers Country Garden, 38 Old Church Road, Clevedon BS21 6NN T: 01275 343203 W: www.countrygardenclevedon.co.uk
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Our day in the sun
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WORDS: HELEN DORRITT
Natalie and Jay Redbond celebrated with a springtime wedding in Gloucestershire
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REAL WEDDINGS
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anye West’s dulcet tones provided the backdrop for their first meeting 12 years ago, but it wasn’t until six years on from then that Natalie and Jay started dating. As their early relationship was punctuated by visits to different zoos, and Jay works with animals, it was only natural that he popped the question to Natalie in the maze at Longleat Safari Park. “I had no idea how Jay would propose and it came completely out of the blue,” says Natalie. “I knew he had been acting strangely for a few weeks, especially the day he proposed!” Their May wedding started out with a ceremony at St James the Great Church in Cranham, which has special significance for Natalie. “My parents and sister got married at Cranham Church, and we were all christened there too. My mother grew up in Cranham and my grandparents still live there, so it has a lot of memories.” For the reception, the party moved to the stunning venue of Elmore Court in Gloucestershire, a stately home that also has a stylish modern function room, the Gillyflower, which is made of rammed earth and beautifully complements the house and grounds. The couple were thrilled with their choice, especially since one of Natalie’s wants for the wedding was to be able to relax and let someone else take control while she enjoyed the day. “Team E were amazing and couldn’t do enough to make the day run smoothly. We never worried that they wouldn’t deliver and they were great to work with. Everything about Elmore was perfect!” Natalie wore a gorgeous Suzanne Neville dress that was bought from The Mews in Clifton,
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as were the two bridesmaids’ Maid to Measure dresses. “The Mews team were brilliant,” enthuses Natalie. “From the moment I walked in I was put at ease, and they knew exactly what would best suit my shape. They got to know you and made the experience really personal.” She accessorised the dress with earrings by Sarah Hickey and her Pandora charm bracelet. “The earrings were unique and worked beautifully with the dress. Jay gave me my Pandora bracelet for a 30th birthday present, and then he gave me another charm on our wedding day with a blue bead in it, so it worked well as my something new and blue!” The groom, best men and fathers all wore grey three-piece suits from Moss Bros, complete with a special tie pin that Jay made himself. This featured a tiny salamander to reference the research trip to China that he’d undertaken the previous year to study these animals. As well as the delicious food provided by the team at Elmore Court, the cakes from Nom Nom Cupcakery were also a highlight. “We knew Emily made good cakes but these were perfect. People couldn’t get enough of them!” Natalie also loved her bouquet made by Alison Goulding at Wild About Flowers. “We went for a very natural arrangement with some Memory Lane roses. They looked beautiful and smelt lovely because of the sweet peas and lavender mixed in.” All of these details and the rest of the day were expertly captured by Martin Dabek Photography. “It’s great that Martin gets to know you before the wedding by doing an engagement shoot, as this means that on the wedding day you’re already at ease. He has a
good eye and came up with some great ideas.” With the only tiny hitch being Jay’s speech not going completely to plan – “he’d had a few too many glasses of Champagne, but as he was talking about me, most people thought that he was either nervous or emotional!” – the couple were thrilled at how perfectly their wedding day went. “We had all of our friends and family around us to share the day and we couldn’t have asked for it to have been any better. When can we do it again?”
DETAILS Ceremony venue St James the Great Church, Cranham, Gloucestershire GL4 8HS Reception Venue Elmore Court, Elmore, Gloucestershire GL2 3NT T: 01452 720293 W: www.elmorecourt.com Photography Martin Dabek Photography T: 07906 383159 W: www.martindabek.com Bride’s dress The Mews, 30 The Mall, Bristol BS8 4DS T: 0117 973 8784 W: www.themewsclifton.co.uk Jewellery Sarah Hickey W: www.notonthehighstreet.com/ sarahhickeyjewellery Groom’s outfit Moss Bros W: www.moss.co.uk Flowers Wild About Flowers T: 01453 758843 W: www.wild-about-flowers.co.uk Cake Nom Nom Cupcakery T: 01453 731199 W: www.facebook.com/nomnomcupcakery Transport Barrington Chauffeur Services T: 01452 780781 W: www.barringtonchauffeurservices.co.uk 23
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REAL WEDDINGS
Full of family, friends and fun
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WORDS: HELEN DORRITT
Rhian Hatton and Greg Pickering enjoyed a sunny September wedding in the Cotswolds
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REAL WEDDINGS
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t was just two days shy of exactly ten years when Rhian and Greg got married, a relationship which had started at medical school at Bristol University and had then been marked with an engagement ring during a surprise trip to Barcelona. When it came to planning their wedding, the beautiful Cotswolds was the ideal location between their home and their families’, and the gorgeous Stone Barn ticked all their venue boxes. “We especially liked the exclusive use feature, and the fact that there was a stunning and distinct space for the ceremony in addition to the light and airy Dutch barn for the reception and breakfast,” explains Rhian. Kevin Belson was the photographer for the day, who Rhian and Greg picked after seeing his website. “We wanted a relaxed documentary style without too many posed shots,” says Rhian. “Moments after meeting Kevin and his wife Carol for our engagement shoot we knew they were the perfect choice for us. Having seen our photographs, we were right!” The couple used a birdcage motif on their invitations, which was carried through to the decorations, table plan, table names and wedding cake, a delicious layered creation made by Rhian’s sister and bridesmaid, Cerian. “We especially loved the red velvet layer, which was a special request!” Rhian also wore Cerian’s veil, which was the perfect accessory to her Annasul Y dress from The White Collection in Clevedon. Rhian and Greg both surprised each other with a gift to wear on the day: a pair of earrings for her, and a pocket watch for him. Flowers were the main decoration for the barn, which included two hanging spheres, filled milk churns flanking the registrar, birdcages of blooms hanging from the ceiling and vintage crates overflowing with flowers,
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all provided by The Wilde Bunch. “One of my favourite moments was when the light was flooding into the barn filled with beautiful flowers – it was incredible and truly memorable,” enthuses Rhian. She was also thrilled with her David Austin Sweet Juliet rose bouquet, and the unusual succulent-based buttonholes for the groom and ushers. “Everyone loved these and commented on them.” With vegetarians on the bride’s side and butchers on the groom’s, it wasn’t an easy meal to plan, but Cripps Kitchen pulled it off with aplomb. “The food was incredible!” says Rhian. “We wanted the meal to be a social event and each of the courses had a sharing element. We had a goat’s cheese salad or pork terrine to start, followed by ribeye of beef, carved at the table by nominated friends and family in personalised aprons and chef’s hats, or French onion tart with potato dauphinoise and green beans. Dessert was a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, then finished off with espresso martinis and macaroons, and we had pizzas later on in the evening.” Sounds like a memorable wedding breakfast to us! Guests also enjoyed some fantastic entertainment throughout the reception, as Rhian details: “Most guests arrived via a vintage red Routemaster bus, and we had a string quartet playing during the reception and drinks. Throughout the day we had Oli from Spoolfrog wandering around recording our very own marryoke video, which proved immense fun both for those taking part and watching from a distance. Later in the day we had a photobooth in place of a typical guestbook, and the Zu Zu Men then provided the evening’s musical entertainment.” Rhian has some tips for couples planning their day. “Make sure you do what you want to
do and not what other people or what you think other people want you to do. Try and relax and just enjoy the day as it goes by in a flash! We had a fantastic day full of family, friends, fun and laughter. Our dream wedding and more!”
DETAILS Ceremony and reception venue Stone Barn, near Upper Windrush, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 3RF T: 01285 721909 W: www.crippsstonebarn.com Photographer Kevin Belson Photography T: 07582 139900 W: www.kevinbelson.com Catering Cripps Kitchen T: 01285 721900 W: www.crippsbarn.com Baz and Fred’s Mobile Pizzeria W: www.bazfred.com Wedding dress The White Collection, 30 Hill Road, Clevedon BS21 7PH T: 01275 876056 W: www.thewhitecollectionbridal.co.uk Groom’s outfit Ted Baker W: www.tedbaker.com Thomas Pink W: www.thomaspink.com Hair Bella Bridal Hair T: 07789 735691 W: www.bellabridalhair.co.uk Make-up Emily Tarrant T: 07887 577606 W: www.emilytarrantmakeup.com Flowers The Wilde Bunch T: 07966 183530 W: www.thewildebunch.co.uk Entertainment Vyne String Quartet W: www.vynestringquartet.co.uk The Zu Zu Men W: www.thezuzumen.com Vintage bus hire Past Time Bus W: www.pasttimebus.com Photobooth Party Booth Hire W: www.partyboothhire.co.uk Spoolfrog W: www.spoolfrog.co.uk 25
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An exquisite English vineyard, overlooked by the Mendip Hills.
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 complimentary consultation
Email: bake@prettyamazingcakes.co.uk ©LW
With beautiful views and country surroundings, Aldwick Court Farm is a superb venue for weddings and other special occasions.
tel: 01934 864 404 | www.aldwickweddings.co.uk
Bridal at St Peter’s Hospice Three dedicated bridal and occasion wear departments offering preloved, unique and great value: bridal wear, occasion wear, evening wear and accessories. Now open at the following St Peter’s Hospice Shops: Nailsea - 126 High Street Portishead - 76 High Street Westbury-on-Trym - 12 Canford Lane
You don’t need to spend a fortune to look a million dollars.
/stpetershospice Registered Charity No. 269177
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GOWNS
GOWNS Your essential dress A drive over the bridge to Chepstow is well worth it in order to visit bridal boutique All About Eve. This award-winning shop has an ethos of VIP service, helping you to find the dress of your dreams from its extensive selection of gowns by Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, Mark Lesley and more. This season, All About Eve is showcasing the latest dresses by Essense of Australia. The Essense design team prides itself on using luxurious fabrics such as tulle, crêpe and lace, while meticulous attention to detail using materials such as diamantes, beads and crystals ensures that each dress is finished off in perfect style. You’ll find all of these dresses in store at All About Eve, plus lots more inspiration from Essense’s new season collection. ALL ABOUT EVE 28 High Street, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 5LJ T: 01291 629338 W: www.allaboutevebridalwear.com ESSENSE OF AUSTRALIA W: www.essensedesigns.com
LEFT & BELOW D2009 One for the lace lovers! A beautiful illusion collar flows into semi-cap shoulder straps and a deep v neck back.
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GOWNS
ABOVE D2002 This fit and flare dress is accentuated with diamante-beaded lace. The back is as pretty as the front, too, with peek-a-boo detailing. RIGHT D2000 A proper princess dress! We love how the lace gently cascades over the full skirt, and the waist detailing adds just the right amount of sparkle.
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GOWNS
BELOW & LEFT D2029 You’re sure to make a grand entrance in this stunning dress! The ethereal tulle skirt flows into a breathtaking train.
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The Anne Harding Bridal Experience
Half Price ss Wedding Dre Boxing Cleaning and Dry - visit our new the to Cleaners next Bridal Shop!
Bristol’s Bridal Specialist that offers you the option to hire or buy your designer wedding gown Ask us for more information on our exclusive hire options and our interest free monthly payment plans.
View our range of Bridesmaid dresses and don't forget our Mens Formal Hire, offering the best service and styles for miles! Find us on facebook
(Anne Harding Bristol)
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK FOR EXCLUSIVE NEWS AND PROMOTIONS! 2
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GOWNS
High street delights Full of beautiful detailing and fabulous fabrics, the Phase Eight collection of wedding dresses is well worth a shopping trip to visit! The latest collection features romantic lace, flowing tulle and sparkling embellishments, in a variety of styles from above the knee to full length. Whether you’re planning a city, country or destination wedding, there are plenty of gowns to inspire you. Phase Eight gowns come in sizes 6-18 and range in price from £275 to £650. As well as bridal, there’s also a selection of bridesmaids’ dresses, mother of the bride/groom outfits and accessories. Selected stores also offer wedding styling sessions with a consultant to provide expert advice, which can be booked through the website. PHASE EIGHT W: www.phase-eight.com
LEFT EVANGELINE A fully embellished bodice sweeps into a soft,full tulle skirt. There's also a pretty cut-out detail on the back. BELOW JOANNA Inspired by vintage designs, this elegant full-length gown has a loose layered bodice with a petal mesh base.
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GOWNS
LEFT MAEVE Rock the ombre trend with this delicate sequinned gown, which is also fully lined with jersey for comfort. BELOW CRESSIDA Three quarter length sleeves, a boned bodice and beautiful scalloped eyelash lace detail this prom-style short dress.
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GOWNS
ABOVE JOSEFINA We love the sheer floral embroidered neckline and fishtail hem on this shimmering beaded gown. A small train and row of buttons complete the look.
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GOWNS
WE LOVE...
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CHARLOTTE BALBIER LILAC
What could be prettier for a summer wedding then a dress bedecked with blooms? Gowns with these types of raised fabric detailing, often enhanced with crystals and pearls, were a feature on the S/S16 bridal catwalks. It’s not hard to see why, as flowers and weddings are the perfect partner! The best thing about this trend is that you can opt for a simple scattering of flowers, such as on the Sincerity gown, or go for full-on florals as on the Ian Stuart Soufriere. These embellishments work really well on flowing and romantic dresses, as shown on the Charlotte Balbier and Claire Pettibone styles. They’re also a great way to add a pop of colour, whether it’s the pastel palette of the Lillian West gown or the stronger colours of Sassi Holford’s Marilyn.
IAN STUART SOUFRIERE
...3D florals
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Weddings
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LILLIAN WEST 6391
CLAIRE PETTIBONE PRAIRIE ROSE
MAGGIE SOTTERO SHELBY
SINCERITY 3880
SASSI HOLFORD MARILYN
JENNY PACKHAM HERO
GOWNS
GET THE
look
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GOWNS
A Balbier bride Join us for a chat with award-winning UK bridal designer Charlotte Balbier
C
AS THE DAUGHTER OF A RENOWNED BRIDAL DESIGNER – AMANDA WYATT – HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK IN THE WEDDING FASHION INDUSTRY? I was brought up surrounded by bridal dresses, materials and sketches of bridal gowns. I actually come from a very long line of bridal designers as my grandfather manufactured gowns in the 1960s and ran a successful business for generations. We have a bridal empire going on and we love it every day! HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH SO MANY BEAUTIFUL STYLES FOR EACH SEASON? WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM? My aim is for Charlotte Balbier gowns to be fresh and modern. I also want my designs to be one step ahead of the game, and this is evident with our new Separates Collection. This was created to celebrate a bride’s individuality and break the rules. There are 11 interchangeable separates, all designed for the bride to build and create her own individual look. You can mix a satin slip with a lace topper and a satin sash or a ballgown with a cropped lace bolero. 36
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TEMPEST TOPPER AND COSIMA SKIRT
harlotte Balbier is well known in the industry for creating gorgeous, romantic dresses, filled with swoonworthy details and beautiful lines. With a new collection now available to view, Balbier Separates, and another collection, Untamed Love, on its way, Charlotte took time out from the studio so we could find out more about the creative process, what she wore to her own wedding and what it's like to be part of a bridal dynasty...
TALK US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FROM INITIAL IDEA TO FINISHED GOWN. IS THERE A SPECIFIC PART YOU ENJOY THE MOST? Firstly there is the idea, which comes from research, scribbling down ideas and gaining inspiration from shows and Pinterest. I also love to hear feedback from my brides on their favourite gowns, shapes and materials. I’ll sketch down the idea and work with our seamstresses to pick out the most suitable materials and trims. I love to work with French lace, soft silk chiffons
and delicate soft satin. Designing a wedding gown from sketch to dress is a process that can take around 12 weeks altogether. Each dress is hand-stitched by artisans. WHAT’S THE BEST BIT ABOUT DESIGNING WEDDING DRESSES? This definitely has to be seeing the gown on the bride on the best day of her life. Being in bridal is a feel good job because you are a part of a girl’s most treasured day of her life. We love
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LANGLEY
SEPARATES ACCESSORIES
GOWNS
HARPER AND TEMPEST
FAWN, HARPER AND THE 1254 SASH
CECILY
receiving photographs of a bride wearing her dress on her big day.
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YOU DESIGNED YOUR DRESSES FOR YOUR OWN WEDDING. WHAT DID THEY LOOK LIKE AND WAS IT EASIER TO CREATE YOUR OWN GOWNS? Choosing my gowns for my big day was a tough decision! I wanted a timeless elegant look that was very feminine and stayed true to my style and personality. The day dress was a silk organza full ballgown skirt with a deep French lace trim, fitted to the natural waist with a sash and flower detail. The evening gown was a small A line skirt with godet fit and flair. I used gold French lace fabric with a small spot tulle over a soft Champagne satin. Both these gowns are in my 2015 Iscoyd Park collection – the day gown is called ‘the Charlotte’ and the evening gown is called ‘Iscoyd Park’. WHAT DOES A BALBIER BRIDE LOOK LIKE? A Charlotte Balbier bride is confident and daring in her wedding dress and everyday fashion choices. She always remains true to her feminine side and expresses that through her Balbier gown and wedding day, as well as celebrating her individuality and style. CHARLOTTE BALBIER W: WWW.CHARLOTTEBALBIER.COM YOUR LOCAL STOCKIST IS THE WHITE COLLECTION 30 HILL ROAD, CLEVEDON BS21 7PH T: 01275 876056 W: WWW.THEWHITECOLLECTIONBRIDAL.CO.UK 37
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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@b-nm.co.uk and you could be gracing the pages of our next edition.
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GROOMS
GROOMS
A close shave 1 Check out our pick of the latest products to get your face ready for its W Day close up
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It seems like there’s no end to the amount of blades that disposable razors now sport, but there’s a definite advantage to the five blades on this latest model from Wilkinson Sword, as they hug the contours of your face to get all those irritating little hairs other razors miss. It also has a lubricated gel strip and ergonomic handle, and there’s a sensitive version with aloe vera for those whose skin needs a little more TLC. WILKINSON SWORD HYDRO 5, £9.99 W: WWW.WILKINSONSWORD.CO.UK
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If you prefer a more old-fashioned approach to your razor, try the Claymore open razor from The Bluebeards Revenge. It has a beautifully smooth, moisture-repellent blackwood handle and a carbon steel blade, meaning you’ll get an incredibly close shave. Yes it’s pricey, but it’s a good investment and is a great eco-friendly option, too. Bluebeards Revenge also makes this accompanying PostShave Balm, which reduces beard growth and will help to eradicate any redness or irritation after your shave – crucial when it comes to kissing the bride (or groom!). CLAYMORE OPEN RAZOR, £149.99, POST-SHAVE BALM £9.99 FOR 100ML W: WWW.BLUEBEARDS-REVENGE.CO.UK
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Stop stealing your fiancée’s moisturiser and get your hands on this cream from Heaven Skincare, which is specifically designed for men. It contains hyaluronic acid for tighter, brighter and smoother skin, plus grass to remove any post-shave redness and clarisage essential oil to naturally decrease stress levels – what better for a groom-to-be? The sleek, black packaging will also look good on your bathroom shelf. ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER FOR MEN, £64 FOR 50ML W: WWW.HEAVENSKINCARE.COM
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The Real Shaving Company has a regime of products that can be used before, during and after shaving, delivering superior shaving results. Start with the Daily Face Scrub to smooth the skin, use the rich lather of the Shave Cream to get a close shave, then finish with the Super 8 Balm, a light, easily absorbed cream that revives dull skin and makes you feel fresher and more energised. FROM £3.99 FOR 100ML W: WWW.REALSHAVING.COM
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The best men for the job If you’re deciding who to ask to be your groomsmen, Serra Phelby has advice on who should make the cut
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ou’ve announced your engagement and you’ve started to plan your wedding, so it’s about now that your friends and family will start to wonder who you’ll pick to be your groomsmen. If this is something you’ve not really considered before and you’re unsure who’s the best for the job, here are some points to consider.
MATCHING NUMBERS You can choose to match the number of bridesmaids to the groomsmen, which can be a good idea if you’re planning for the bridesmaids to be escorted down the aisle by them, or you can also choose to have an uneven number. To decide this, have a discussion with your bride about what type of ceremony you both want, as this will help to inform who you ask and what roles they might perform on the day.
HE ASKED ME — DO I ASK HIM? Do you have to ask a friend or relative to be a 40
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groomsmen because he asked you to be one of his? This is a tricky area, and it really depends on the relationship you have with them. The pressure is understandable, but you should ignore that you were asked to stand up for him and then ask yourself, do I really want this person to be one of my groomsmen? If the answer is yes then go for it. If the answer is no, then don’t feel like you must ask him. This is your wedding day and it’s your turn to choose.
FRIENDS VS FAMILY This is probably one of the hardest questions: do you pick your relatives or friends to stand up with you? What if you are from a big family and you have five brothers — can you ask them all? How will you choose without offending people? In this case, honesty is definitely the best policy. Once you have made your decision, explain to the others that while they are important to you, you were restrained by the number you could pick. Those who really care about you will respect your decision and won’t be
offended – after all, it’s your day, not theirs. You could also come to an agreement with people – you won’t be their groomsmen and they won’t be yours, which will sort out any future awkwardness. Why not ask those you can’t pick to be involved in the wedding with another role, such as giving a reading?
THE BRIDE’S FAMILY Choosing groomsmen from your fiancée’s side of the family is something you might want to consider, especially if you’re close to the bride’s brother. Again, talk to your bride: if it’s important to her that you pick her brother or other family member then it’s probably better that you do. Also consider whether your bride has already picked her bridesmaids and
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GROOMS
if so, whether she’s picked your sister. If it’s important to both of you that your siblings are involved, then there are other, less traditional ways you could do this – your sister could stand with your groomsmen and the bride’s brother could stand with the bridesmaids.
YOUR FIANCÉE VS YOUR FRIEND What do you do if your bride doesn’t like one of your friends? This is a tricky situation, so it’s probably best to start by discussing who you want to be your groomsmen with your bride and letting her know why it’s important that your friend is there to support you. She doesn’t have to like all of your friends, as long as they respect each other. Having said that, it may be worth considering why the bride
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doesn’t like them. Did he do something in the past to really offend her? If so, then it may be best to steer clear of such a conflict.
THE BEST MAN OF ALL When it comes to picking the all-important best man, it often comes down to the age old question of fun vs reliable. You want the run up to your wedding – and the stag – to be enjoyable, but you also want a best man you can guarantee will be there to help you. One way to do this is to have more than one best man, an option that’s becoming
increasingly popular. If you do this, you could also divide up responsibilities, so get one the one who’s good with events to organise the stag do, and the other, potentially more responsible, one to look after the rings or organise the suits. If you do want to pick just the one best man, it’s best to opt for someone who knows how to have fun but is also someone that you trust completely, and who won’t behave inappropriately. Remember, this is also the person who’ll make one of the key speeches at your wedding in front of all of your family and friends, so choose wisely! 41
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SPRING 2016
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FABULOUS FOOTWEAR & DELIGHTFUL DRESSES
The joys of spring
Your time to shine
We capture the beauty of the season with a gorgeous flowerfilled wedding at Ston Easton Park Spring 2016_cover.indd 1
A sparkling celebration
Join us for a glamorous winter wedding at Bristol Grammar School 04/02/2016 15:22:04
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Welcome the new season with a beautiful wedding at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard 13/11/2015 14:43:52
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Want even more inspiration in between issues? Head over to our new-look website where you’ll find real weddings and photo galleries, wedding fair information and a directory of local suppliers, our blog, a link to read all of our back issues online and much, much more! 42
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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.
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Plan your hen and stag parties. If required, 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. The photographer arrives. Hair and make-up. Bride and bridesmaids get dressed. 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
TOTAL 43
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Book your free consultation and come along to my Cake Studio where I will design you your perfect wedding cake.
01761 451142 enquiries@degournaymotorcars.co.uk www.degournaymotorcars.co.uk
Vintage, contemporary, sugar flowers and delicious cakes to choose from.
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Relaxed, Romantic Wedding Photography... 44
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Bristol, Bath & Surrounding Area
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If you’re coming to our wedding at Tracy Park, be sure to wear flowers in your hair. We offer a boho-inspired welcome to the new season Photography: Stewart McPherson Styling: Kirsten Butler Words: Helen Dorritt
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rural setting, dreamy dresses, a profusion of flowers... what more could you want from a summer wedding? Working with some of the region’s top wedding businesses for our styled shoot at Tracy Park Golf and Country Club, we created a day full of romantic details. Get set to swoon.
THE VENUE
One minute you’re in the suburbs of the city, the next you’re in an area of outstanding natural beauty, coming up the winding drive of Tracy Park Golf and Country Hotel to find a pretty manor house set in a glorious 240 acre estate. Tracy Park offers everything you could need for your wedding in one gorgeous package – a Jacobean manor house in the warm tints of Bath stone, a licence for civil ceremonies, extensive grounds to explore and be photographed in, beautifully decorated function rooms for your reception and 42 ensuite rooms to relax in after the big day! It’s a time of great change for Tracy Park, after new owners took over the venue last year. A £20 million investment is making this lovely venue even better, with more accommodation, refurbished rooms and a new outdoor pool, all of which are sure to be enjoyed by everyone at your wedding. And if you want to really wow your guests? Make a dramatic entrance onto the park’s helicopter pad!
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Stewart McPherson has to be one of the most enthusiastic photographers we’ve had the pleasure to work with. Brimming with energy (which included leaping over walls and up steps!), there was nothing Stewart wouldn’t do to get the perfect shot, which is what makes him a great wedding photographer. His approach to weddings is a narrative style, 46
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aiming to tell the story of your day from start to finish, noting all the unique details and little extras as well as capturing you both at your very best. Stewart also extends his talents to offer lifestyle portrait photography, capturing special moments with families, children and babies, and is also well-known in performing arts circles for photos of professional and amateur theatre performances.
THE DRESSES AND ACCESSORIES
Our dresses came from Lace and Grace, a Keynsham bridal shop that’s a brand new addition to the South West wedding scene. It’s run by mother and daughter duo Carol and Becky Pincott and specialises in vintageinspired gowns from designers such as Lusan Mandongus and Annasul Y. Carol is also a highly experienced dressmaker and designer who’s the creative force behind Lace and Grace’s own range of gowns, Ada May, and who can also offer a bespoke service. The three gorgeous dresses that Becky brought for our shoot were accessorised by Amanda DavisHarrison from Bridezillas in Bristol, a treasure trove of wonderful bridal accessories. Talented Amanda not only runs the business but also designs many of the headpieces and jewellery through her Abigail Grace label. Claire’s first dress was from Canadian label Mikaella by Paloma Blanca. Style 2016 has a delicate latte-coloured lining under floral lace, with a plunging neckline and matching v neck back and a pearl beaded waist detail. Amanda picked up on these pearl details with two brand new Abigail Grace pieces – a headpiece and matching bracelet in gold wire, plus a pair of delicate drop earrings by Maggie Gold. The second dress was something a little different – it was actually a top and skirt!
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Another gorgeous style from Mikaella, 2053 has a high waisted crepe fit and flare skirt that’s finished off with a cropped lace top, beautifully adorned in Swarovski buttons on the back and with a bateau neckline. Amanda accessorised this stunning outfit with a ‛Deco’ bracelet, ‛Vintage Drop’ crystal earrings and a dramatic ‛Elora’ headpiece, giving our bride a real Bohemian feel. Claire’s third dress was by Lusan Mandongus, and as it came from a collection inspired by romanticism, it was very apt. This gown is the epitome of boho chic, especially when accessorised with our flower crown! Cascading layers of tulle make up a full skirt that flows from a corded lace fitted bodice with deep v neckline. We loved how there were different layers to the skirt, creating a beautiful silhouette. The accessories were kept simple for this look – Amanda used Abigail Grace’s ‛Doreen’ hair vine, made with freshwater pearls and crystals wrapped in ivory ribbon, an ‛Amisi’ fabric floral cuff and a pair of long cluster ‛Sascha’ earrings. Claire also wore a beautiful pair of heart 50
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motif peep toe shoes by Charlotte Mill, who is stocked at Lace and Grace. The attention to detail by this designer is fantastic – on the sole of the shoe you’ll find the bridal saying ‘Something old, something new...’, and to complete the final line, there's a real silver sixpence embedded in the insole.
THE SUIT
A summer wedding calls for a lighter look, so Anne Harding in Bristol provided Matt with a biscuit-coloured suit from Peter Posh, accessorised with a sage green cravat to add a romantic finishing touch. This Bristol-based occasionwear shop has a fantastic range of men’s suits to hire for your big day, along with a huge selection of accessories including ties, shoes – even canes, for that vintage touch! Anne Harding also has a lovely selection of dresses for brides and bridesmaids, and has just opened an eco-friendly dry cleaning business in the same shop.
THE MAKE-UP
Our model Claire declared Sasha Pallari’s
make-up to be one of the nicest she’d ever modelled! We totally agree – this MACtrained make-up artist specialises in bridal and she created a wonderfully romantic look, with delicately smoky eyes and flawless skin. Sasha started by prepping Claire’s skin with MAC Face & Body foundation with MAC Prolongwear concealer, setting it with MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder. The eye makeup was created with Makeup Geek’s Crème Brûlée eyeshadow mixed with two MAC shades, Cork and Mythology. A soft cat’s eye was created with Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in brown for the wing, and finished with Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara. Sasha then gave Claire a natural glow with NYX Cream Blush in Golden and BECCA Cosmetics highlighter in Moonstone, and finished the look with NYX Round Lipstick in Heredes and NYX Lip Pencil in Nectar, with a final layer of Rimmel Oh My Gloss! in Just Peachy. To ensure the make-up stayed flawless all day, Sasha used MAC Prime + Prime Fix + to diffuse the products and give a beautiful finish to the skin.
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THE HAIR
Hazel Powell from Hairoics created two looks for our bride. She first curled Claire’s hair into soft ringlets and then pinned them with some height, creating a romantic yet natural look. For the second look on dresses two and three, Hazel smoothed the style to complement the headpieces, loosely pinning the curls at the back of the head to add structure and a pretty detail. Since Hazel is an expert in creating wedding hairstyles, it wasn’t surprising how gorgeous Claire looked! As well as styling hair, Hazel also offers a range of other beauty treatments to get you looking your absolute best for your big day.
THE FLOWERS
Tina Bignell is the creative force behind Tiger Lily Flowers, and wove some floral magic on the day to create bouquets, buttonholes, bumper flowers and more. The bouquet was a glorious mix of apricot roses, anemones, white
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peonies, ranunculus, viburnum and olive foliage. Long ribbons in sage and peach with lace wrapped stems were the perfect finishing touch. Tina used roses and gypsophila to weave a flower crown fit for a fairy queen, in which the airy white blooms of the gysophila beautifully complemented the pale, creamy roses. The same flowers were used to add a floral touch to the gleaming Bentley, with daisies also adding a tiny pop of bright hues.
THE CAKE
A wreath of delicate sugar peonies and roses adorned a four tier cake, iced in beautifully textured layers. Emma Buston from Bake My Cake created a gorgeous summery cake that was the perfect sweet treat for the day! This cake and Emma's other wonderful creations are made from her studio in Pill (in fact, right next door to photographer Stewart’s house!). Her speciality is crafting sugar flowers, and the gallery on her website has a veritable garden of edible blooms, enhanced with
intricate piping and other icing techniques. What’s underneath is just as good, too, with cake flavours including sticky toffee date, sunshine fruit cake and lemon sponge.
THE VIDEOGRAPHER
We had an extra-special element to our shoot this time, with Hannah Lang from Button Media providing videographic services to complement Stewart’s photos. If you head to our website at www.west-weddings.co.uk, you’ll find the the two videos that Hannah created – one which is in a similar style to those that she creates for couples, as well as a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the shoot. Hannah set up Button Media after over a decade of working in television and film production. As well as providing video for businesses, Hannah loves being invited to a wedding and getting all the details down in sound and vision! “It’s a privilege to be a part of your special day and craft a video that captures your unique story,” she explains. 53
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Button Media offers a range of packages to suit your budget and how long you want the film to last, and after professionally editing the footage, Hannah will create a three, six or ten minute video, complete with evocative music. Hannah is also part of Style and Capture, a new venture working with a photographer and a florist, more details of which can be read in our news item on page 7.
THE CAR
What could be more romantic than sharing a glass of Champagne in the back of a vintage car? Our bride and groom got to do just that in De Gournay Motor Cars’ gleaming Bentley Mark VI, which has fold-down picnic tables in the back seat as the ideal resting place for the bottle! Built in 1947, this car has been lovingly restored in classic silve and black. Flowers were wired to the bumper to complement its sleek lines and add just a touch of floral chic. De Gournay also has two other beautiful 56
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cars in its fleet – a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III and a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, the latter having a matching colour scheme and similar shape to the Bentley, making them a perfect pair. Run by husband and wife team Andy and Miranda Pearce, De Gournay only hires its cars out to one wedding a day, so you can be assured of personal service and wonderful attention to detail, being driven to your ceremony by smartly-dressed chauffeurs to start off your day in style!
THE MODELS
Claire Rammelkamp has been a blushing bride before, but it was the first time that Matt Glover has got dressed up to say his vows. Both of them are signed with Mustard Models in Bristol, with Matt working in sales when he’s not in front of the camera, while Claire is a recent graduate who’s setting up her own copywriting business in addition to her modelling work.
VENUE TRACY PARK, BATH ROAD, WICK, BRISTOL BS30 5RN T: 0117 937 1800 W: WWW.TRACYPARK.CO.UK PHOTOGRAPHY MCPHERSON PHOTOGRAPHY T: 01275 373293 W: WWW.MCPHERSONPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK DRESSES LACE AND GRACE, 7 MARKET SQUARE, KEYNSHAM BS31 1FS T: 0117 986 8911 W: WWW.LACEANDGRACEBRIDAL.CO.UK ACCESSORIES BRIDEZILLAS, 10 SANDY PARK ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL BS4 3PE T: 0117 904 3039 W: WWW.BRIDEZILLAS.BIZ MENSWEAR ANNE HARDING, 90-92 SHIREHAMPTON ROAD, STOKE BISHOP, BRISTOL BS9 2DR T: 0117 968 3074 W: WWW.ANNEHARDING.COM MAKE-UP SASHA PALLARI T: 07879 630506 W: WWW.SASHALOUISEPALLARI.COM HAIR HAIROICS T: 07711 779292 W: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HAIROICS-MOBILEHAIR-AND-BEAUTY FLOWERS TIGER LILY FLOWERS, 3 CHELFORD GROVE, STOKE LODGE, BRISTOL BS34 6DD T: 01454 856737 W: WWW.TIGERLILYFLOWERS.CO.UK CAKE BAKE MY CAKE, 20A HAM GREEN, PILL, BRISTOL BS20 0HA T: 07980 981890 W: WWW.BAKEMYCAKE.CO VIDEOGRAPHER BUTTON MEDIA T: 07788 511253 W: WWW.BUTTONMEDIA.NET CAR DE GOURNAY MOTOR CARS, TEMPLE BRIDGE BUSINESS PARK, TEMPLE CLOUD, BRISTOL BS39 5AA T: 01761 451142 W: WWW.DEGOURNAYMOTORCARS.CO.UK SHOOT STYLIST THE LITTLE WEDDING HELPER T: 07726 911951 W: WWW.LITTLEWEDDINGHELPER.CO.UK MODELS CLAIRE RAMMELKAMP AND MATT GLOVER AT MUSTARD MODELS W: WWW.BIGMUSTARD.CO.UK
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Offering an exclusive selection of bridal and bridesmaid gowns, shoes, accessories and a bespoke design service. Visit our vintage inspired boutique or contact us for an appointment. 7 Market Walk, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1FS 01179 868911 | info@laceandgracebridal.co.uk www.laceandgracebridal.co.uk Weddings WEST
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pinboard WE’RE LOVING OUTDOOR WEDDING DÉCOR THIS SEASON
These hanging vases from Bonnie and Bell are just the thing for a touch of whimsy. Prices start from £14
Add some romance to your reception with charming honeycomb hanging bird decorations from Luck & Luck, £5.25
Spell it out with Contempo Home’s picturesque candle bags, £19.99
DIY your centrepieces with these wooden tea light holders, £16 from The Wedding Of My Dreams at Not On The High Street
Festoon the trees and the dancefloor with these pretty and on-trend pastel pompoms, £6.99 from Ginger Ray
Add the festival touch to your wedding with this seating plan (£110) from Not On The High Street’s Wedfest
FOR MORE VISUAL INSPIRATION VISIT OUR BOARDS AT WWW.PINTEREST.COM/WESTWEDDINGS Weddings WEST
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BE INSPIRED Emma and Sam Adams’ dog Mabel is a natural in front of the camera!
A pawesome wedding Emily Hamilton explores the many ways in which you can give your four-legged friend a starring role in your big day
P
eople always say one of the most important parts of a wedding day is sharing it with the ones you love, so why shouldn’t this include our beloved pets? If you love your pet as much as we love ours, you’ll agree that they are more than just an animal – they’re a member of the family. Is it even possible, however, to have them attend a day that is full of excitable people, fragile objects and yummy food? The answer is a big yes! We’ve researched some fun and beautiful ways, whether they’re badly or exceptionally behaved. From dogs and cats, lizards and birds, rabbits and horses, there are lots of ways to include them in your special day.
LEAD THE WAY
What could be more special than having your companion walk you down the aisle? The great thing about this is that, depending on your venue, almost any pet could do this for you. If you would prefer a more traditional walk with a human, then you could also pair your pet up with a bridesmaid or page boy.
PUT A RING ON IT
Making your pet the ring bearer is a great 60
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Meg and Tristan Veale's dog Bailey left heart-shaped paw prints on Meg's dress!
way to include them in the ceremony, and works especially well for dogs. Try tying the rings to their collar with some rustic twine or ribbon, or placing them inside a pretty satchel that they carry on their neck. Perhaps you have a really relaxed and laid back cat? Some couples have had their cats sitting royally on a cushion with the rings beautifully presented in front of them. If you have a beloved bird, you could even tie the rings to the cage.
GRIN LIKE A CHESHIRE CAT
Having your pet included in the photographs is a perfect way to have them as a big feature of your day. Have your photographer whisk you off for some special photos, such as your pooch smiling at you while sharing a kiss, your cat having a big cuddle between you or even a romantic stroll with your horse. The world is your oyster with this one. Want to include owls, pigs, rabbits, parrots or even snakes? It’s been done!
Cheralyn Waldron-Wright enjoys a kiss from her dog at her spring wedding this year
WHALE OF A TIME
As we all know, some pets can have very special talents and just absolutely love to show them off, so set some time aside during the day for some animal entertainment.
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BE INSPIRED
Meg Veale had a special wedding portrait with her horse Pancake at her Gloucestershire wedding
PHOTO: RED MAPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: RED MAPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: RED MAPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
dog al in era!
Canine guests are sure to get a lot of fuss!
Maybe your dog has some impressive tricks up its sleeve, your parrot can say some funny things, or your horse can do some dressage. If you adore animals but don’t have your own pet, it can also be fun to hire some animal entertainment, such as duck rearing, pony rides or a birds of prey display. We advise doing careful research for this, however, to ensure you that you find ethical providers.
PHOTO: RED MAPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
PHOTO: PAT COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: PAT COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY
Ellie Cain and Pip, who also featured on the cake
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Honouring can work well for those pets that would be hard to handle on your special day. Maybe they’re very nervous and don’t like big crowds, or are just simply extremely cheeky and will gobble up anything they find. To really make your pet noticed and loved on the day, why not have them as your table centrepiece? Choose a different photo of them for each table for your guests to coo over, and you could even add a little note under the photos describing some memories of them, or funny things they have done. For a slightly more unusual and fun twist, have them do the inviting - make the invitations written out by your pet asking the guests to come and celebrate their ‘human’s’ wedding. You could also include them in your save the date photos, the order of service or have their photo placed at the altar. For a more quirky idea, you could even go as far as incorporating pet silhouettes into stationery or making them into a topper for your cake.
LOOKING THE BEES’ KNEES
You’ve sorted a part for your pet to play, now what about their attire? This is something you can get extremely creative with, whether you like to dress your pet up or not. First thing that comes to mind is of course a doggie tux, or a bow tie for your cat or rabbit. You can also get super creative with thinking outside the box – ask your florist to create a flower necklace or headpiece, which is especially great for horses. You could also try sprucing up your dog’s lead or bird’s cage with some flowers.
GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW
Although these are all possible, they do come with difficulties and should be planned carefully to try and avoid any possible issues. Assign someone to look after your pet through the day, whether it’s a friend or a pet sitter, and always be aware that some guests may not like animals and may feel very nervous around them. Also important to consider is whether your pet would actually be happy at such a busy occasion, and whether they would be comfortable if you want them to wear something. You also need to check what your venue will allow. Providing you can get past these limitations, however, the possibilities really are endless… enjoy your pawesome pet wedding! 61
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A mini adventure
It may be a bit shorter than a traditional honeymoon but it’s still just as sweet. Keri Beckingham discovers five perfect local spots for a minimoon
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fter the excitement of your big day finally arriving, newly-married couples have traditionally enjoyed a holiday as a way to help you wind down, relax and mark the start of your new life together. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly popular to spend this break a little closer to home and only go away for a few days away instead, in what has become known as a minimoon. There are lots of benefits of choosing this option, especially if you have children together or you’re choosing to save for a bigger honeymoon at some point in the future. There’s also the bonus of having reduced travel time, meaning that it’s a lot easier to get away from it all for a few days, and it’s often a more cost effective option, too. So if you’re planning a minimoon after your wedding, then where better than right on your doorstep in the glorious West Country? We’re spoilt for choice here with a range of fabulous countryside and pretty cities, making it hard to pick just five places!
PARK LIFE
Located near Chippenham in Wiltshire, Lucknam Park is a luxury 5 star hotel and spa that offers guests the chance to experience what living in a real country mansion would be like. Executive Chef Hywel Jones has held a Michelin star at the hotel’s Park Restaurant since 2006, making 62
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it the perfect place to stay for couples who consider themselves foodies. There’s the option for guests to pamper themselves in the spa with a relaxing massage or body treatment, or take a relaxing dip in the pool. For those who fancy something a little more active there’s also the chance to go horse riding, or to enjoy a scenic walk in the hotel’s fabulous grounds. A stay in a Classic room, which comes complete with iPod docking station and luxury bathrobes and slippers, starts at £340 a night for bed and breakfast. LUCKNAM PARK COLERNE, CHIPPENHAM, WILTSHIRE SN14 8AZ T: 01225 742777 W: WWW.LUCKNAMPARK.CO.UK
YURT LUSH
If you fancy a minimoon with a difference, and like the idea of getting back to nature, then a stay at Somerset Yurts could be for you. Situated on a working dairy farm in the beautiful Somerset countryside, the yurts promise tranquillity and a great opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet. Located just 5 miles north of Taunton, it’s the perfect spot for exploring the Quantock hills by day and enjoying some delicious meals at local country pubs such as The Monkton Inn by night – although the highlight for us is the chance to see the cows being milked and meeting some adorable calves on the farm itself! A two
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Clockwise from far left: enjoy the great outdoors at Forest Holidays; Somerset Yurts offers a luxurious glamping experience; explore Bath from The Queensberry Hotel; escape to the sea at Beach Hut Coastal Retreat; take a dip in Lucknam Park’s gorgeous indoor pool
night midweek stay at Somerset Yurts during low season starts from £150, and each yurt comes fully equipped with an electric point, chest of drawers, table and chairs and a rechargeable lamp – a true home away from home! SOMERSET YURTS HILL FARM, WEST MONKTON, TAUNTON, SOMERSET TA2 8LP T: 07811 350176 W: WWW.SOMERSETYURTS.CO.UK
QUEEN FOR A DAY
This boutique hotel is found in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, which in itself is the perfect location for a romantic minimoon. In the heart of the city, the Queensberry provides a great base for exploring all that Bath has to offer – the Roman Baths and the Thermae Bath Spa are definitely top of our list. Enjoying a meal in the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette Olive Tree restaurant also comes highly recommended, where dishes use ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Each room at the hotel is uniquely decorated and features a different design – we’ve got our eye on the Four Poster Suite with its massive seven foot square bed, freestanding bath and double walk-through shower. A one night room-only stay in a Classic room starts from £125 and includes White Company toiletries as well as the use of a DAB radio in your room. THE QUEENSBERRY HOTEL RUSSELL STREET, BATH BA1 2QF T: 01225 447928 W: WWW.THEQUEENSBERRY.CO.UK
SYLVANIAN SPLENDOUR
Imagine waking up in your own log cabin to the sound of birds tweeting and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Well, this could be a reality if you choose to spend your minimoon at Forest Holidays in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Whether
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you fancy spending your time sitting in the hot tub enjoying a glass of fizz, tackling the ropes in a tree-top adventure, spotting wildlife such as deer and owls in their natural surroundings or having a meal cooked for you by your very own in-cabin chef, there’s something to keep every couple occupied here. A weekend break (Friday to Monday) for two adults starts from around £395 in low season. FOREST HOLIDAYS BRACELANDS DRIVE, CHRISTCHURCH, COLEFORD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL 16 7NN T: 0333 011 0495 W: WWW.FORESTHOLIDAYS.CO.UK
BESIDE THE SEASIDE
The North Devon coastline is truly a thing of beauty, and what could be more special than enjoying it in your very own beach hut? Beach Hut Coastal Retreat in Ilfracombe offers minimooners the chance to stay in a stunning location with the sea right on your doorstep. The perfect place to relax and unwind, we love the thought of enjoying a cold glass of something fizzy in the hot tub as the sun goes down, or a romantic walk along the shore. Each hut is fully equipped with a sleeping area, shower room, kitchen and living area, plus an outside decking area. Staying here also makes the perfect base for exploring local fishing villages as well as cycle paths for those that are feeling more adventurous. With a three night weekend break starting from around £295, it’s an affordable way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the sea without having to travel too far. BEACH COVE COASTAL RETREAT HELE BAY, ILFRACOMBE, DEVON EX34 9QZ T: 01271 863006 W: WWW.DARWINESCAPES.CO.UK/PARKS/BEACHCOVE-COASTAL-RETREAT/ 63
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On behalf of… Speech coach Michael MacMahon shares his tips for delivering a great wedding speech
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peaking in public is stressful for most people; at weddings, even more so. This happy occasion presents emotional challenges which can ruin the speakers’ enjoyment of the day. If you are the bride’s father, particularly if it’s the first time you’ve done it, it’s a big deal – I know this to be true, as I have two daughters. If you’re the bridegroom, this is the most important day of your life so far. If you’re the best man, you’re expected to be entertaining… but we all know that not everybody is a stand-up comic. For the female speakers at weddings, the same is true: it’s a big and heartfelt occasion.
THE FORMALITIES In British tradition there were three speakers, all men. That’s changing, thankfully, and more women are speaking at weddings. In this traditional structure, the obvious task for the father of the bride is to welcome guests (whether or not he’s paying for the wedding). At the end of his speech he’ll propose a toast to the happy couple. The groom will thank the bride’s father for his remarks and conclude by proposing a toast to the bridesmaids. The best man replies on behalf of the bridesmaids (but he’s probably not reading this magazine, so we’ll forget him for now). These formalities can, of course, be changed as you wish to suit your day. There’s also a big advantage for any women speaking: there are few conventions about what to say, which means that you’re free from expectation!
BEGIN PLANNING EARLY As mentioned before, speaking in public is stressful for most people, but there are 64
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several things that can be done to reduce the stress and the first one is to begin planning early. Knowing that the planning has started (e.g. talking to family members for suitable stories) can have a calming influence. This is a practical step which can be taken by anybody; it’s why I always say it’s never too soon to begin planning a wedding speech.
speech, and having the conversations that’ll help you find your material. Don’t put it off, however – start today!
MY TOP TIPS ●
TRUE STORIES INVOLVING THE COUPLE ARE BETTER THAN JOKES, ESPECIALLY JOKES FOUND ONLINE. IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT STORIES, ASK AROUND.
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TAKE-OFF AND LANDING ARE THE CRITICAL TIMES, SO LEARN YOUR OPENING AND CLOSING SENTENCES BY HEART. FOR THE REST OF THE SPEECH, CUE CARDS SUIT MOST PEOPLE BEST.
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HAVE YOUR SPEECH THERE AS A COMFORT BLANKET, BUT TRY TO AVOID READING FROM IT. IT’S OK, HOWEVER, TO READ SOMEBODY ELSE’S WORDS: A POEM, FOR EXAMPLE, OR A MESSAGE FROM AN ABSENT FAMILY MEMBER.
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TEST THE ACOUSTICS OF THE VENUE BEFOREHAND. UNLESS THE ROOM IS SMALL AND YOU HAVE GOOD PROJECTION, USE A MICROPHONE.
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LESS IS MORE! MOST WEDDING SPEECHES LAST AROUND FIVE TO TEN MINUTES.
MIND OVER MATTER One of the most powerful tools in the armoury of any speaker is creative visualisation. This approach is used successfully by thousands of entertainers and elite sportspeople, and consists of deciding the outcome you want from a situation and creating a mental picture of that outcome, which can be carried around in your subconscious as you approach the event. The conscious mind can only hold one thought at a time, but unfortunately the subconscious has a habit of throwing up messages in a random way. Very often those messages are negative. Creating a positive picture – the smiling bride appreciating what was said, an applauding audience – can help a speaker anticipate the day ahead with pleasure rather than dread.
THE CLOCK IS RUNNING So visualisation has a place, but early planning is even more fundamental. Recently I wanted to find a photo for a blog post; you’ll see it above this article. I love it, because it reminds me that the clock is running. If you’re going to speak at a wedding, the sooner you start planning it the better. The lead time has probably been a year or more, so it’s tempting to put off the task of planning and writing the
CONTACT THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MATERIAL FROM MICHAEL’S NEW BOOK, THE WEDDING SPEAKER’S HANDBOOK, DUE FOR PUBLICATION LATER THIS YEAR. YOU CAN READ HIS BLOG POSTS ON THIS AND OTHER SUBJECTS AT WWW.MICHAELMACMAHON.COM
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IMAGES BY: EMMA EIRENE PHOTOGRAPHY
We are delighted to be able to offer our facilities and The Great Hall, as one of Bristol’s unique venues, creating the perfect setting for an event to remember. The stunning position, along with the central city location and the friendly atmosphere of Bristol Grammar School, make it the perfect location for your special wedding day. We host only one wedding per day, which allows you and your guests the exclusive use of all our function rooms, and access to our beautifully landscaped grounds. In collaboration with our fantastic suppliers and caterers, our team can help you create the wedding of your dreams. Your wedding day is important to us as it is to you, and at Bristol Grammar School you are assured the highest level of personal attention at all times, from the initial enquiry to the big day itself. No request is too small for us to handle! We want you to relax and enjoy the day.
Please call us on 0117 933 9815 or email nwestmancott@bgs.bristol.sch.uk to find out more, discuss your requirements or arrange a viewing. 76
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08/02/2016 17:43:26
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Beauty Bible We share our favourite new products to help you get wedding-ready!
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BALANCE ME TINTED WONDER EYE CREAM
Nobody wants dark circles or crows’ feet in their wedding photos, so banish them with this new product from natural skincare pioneers Balance Me. This handy little cream not only targets fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, but also offers a subtle hint of corrective colour at the same time. Rosehip oil hydrates, cucumber seed oil brightens and soothes and hyaluronic acid plumps out delicate skin. As with the rest of Balance Me’s products, this one is free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils and other skin nasties.
£20 FOR 10ML, W: WWW.BALANCEME.CO.UK
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PIXI ENDLESS SILKY EYE PEN
We’ve just discovered this gorgeous brand and are fans of a number of its products, all of which are cruelty free and suitable for vegans. Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pen is one of the softest, creamiest formulas around, gliding onto the skin and not budging all day, making it perfect for a wedding. It’s available in 15 shades, from nudes and naturals to rich jewel tones of purple and blue. £12, W: WWW.PIXIBEAUTY.CO.UK
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BRONNLEY ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY POPPY MEADOW
What could be better for summer than a range of products inspired by the scent of fresh petals? Mixing top notes of zesty mandarin and blackcurrant with a heart of jasmine, velvet rose and violet and base notes of smooth vanilla and incense, Poppy Meadow is a gorgeously vibrant bouquet of aromas. This new collection by Bronnley features eau de toilette, hand and nail cream, bath and shower gel, soap and body lotion, meaning you can smell gorgeous from top to toe. PRICE START FROM £5, W: WWW.BRONNLEY.CO.UK
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4
SOCK SHOP BEAUTY FEET
Make sure your feet are worthy of your wedding shoes by prepping them with Beauty Feet! Described as ‘a pedicure in a sock’, these simple socks have a secret heel pad that’s enriched with Chinese herbs and nano silver to revive the hard skin on your feet. It sounds bonkers but after wearing them for a few days, our tester’s feet felt decidedly softer and more moisturised. Best of all, the manufacturer claims they can be washed up to 300 times and still retain their moisturising ability.
£8.99, W: WWW.SOCKSHOP.CO.UK
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URBAN DECAY ALICE IN WONDERLAND POP UP EYESHADOW PALETTE
We’re a sucker for beautiful packaging, but the good thing about this eyeshadow palette is that the make-up itself is equally good! Urban Decay has teamed up with Disney to produce a limited range of Alice-inspired make-up, the packaging of which is inspired by the film and features vivid, kaleidoscopic colours. This eyeshadow palette not only has 20 glorious colours to blend and experiment with, but is also a absolute pleasure to display on your dressing table.
£45, W: WWW.URBANDECAY.CO.UK
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AUTOGRAPH MULTI BLUSHER
A delicate flush is perfect for a bridal look, and this new multi-hued blusher from Autograph is just the ticket for achieving that English rose glow. Shades of pink and beige combine beautifully to give a gradual build up of colour, with a wonderfully soft sheen. The silky formula and sleek packaging also make it feel like a much more pricey product.
£12.50, W: WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
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Rebecca Paddick discovers the delightful, the charming and the downright bizarre wedding customs and traditions from all around the world
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arriage is a global tradition that dates back centuries, so it’s no surprise that each culture has its own particular traditions for this ceremony. If you’re looking to add some fun to your wedding, why not take inspiration from neighbouring nations and incorporate some unusual rituals into your big day?
BLACKENING OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM In rural areas of Scotland, the bride, groom or both are taken out a few weeks before their wedding and covered in treacle, ash, feathers and flour (and other adhesive materials) by friends and family. The celebratory mess was originally carried out to avoid evil spirits and bring good luck. This could make for an interesting activity at the hen and stag parties – just remember to ask your friends to be gentle! 68
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SAW THIS
HAND IT TO HENNA
In Germany, newlyweds put their bond to the test by working together to saw a log in half in front of all their guests. The act is intended to showcase the bride and groom’s ability to work together and face the obstacles that may come throughout their marriage. We recommend you check with your venue before attempting this one, however, as they might not be so happy with sawdust scattered about the place!
As part of a traditional Indian wedding, brides and other female attendees have intricate henna designs on their hands and feet – check out our real bride Suzannah on page 18 who incorporated this into her wedding. There are many superstitions around henna designs, one being that while the henna stain still appears on the bride, she doesn’t have to do any housework! If you opt for the decorative designs, make sure a professional applies the henna, as the dye can mark the skin for up to three weeks.
CONFECTIONERY CONFETTI In Italian, ‘confetti’ doesn’t mean scraps of paper but rather sugary treats, particularly sugared almonds that guests receive as favours at the reception. While we wouldn’t recommend wasting food, asking your guests to throw tasty treats your way instead of inedible heart-shaped paper could help make your day that extra bit sweeter.
FLORAL FIXTURES In Pakistan, it’s traditional for the groom to wear a garland of flowers, known as a sehra, with sometimes the bride participating too. This is one pretty way to create
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BE INSPIRED The French celebrate using a croquembouche as the wedding cake.
an interesting twist on that traditional bridal bouquet and groom's buttonhole.
FRENCH FOODIES If you’ve attended a wedding in France, you would likely have been served a croquembouche as the wedding cake, a tower of cream-filled choux pastry dipped in a variety of sweet sauces and decorated with fruit, nuts, and sweet glazes. For the wedding reception, the less charming la soupe is served – leftovers are gathered into a toilet (or toiletlike bowl) from which the bride and groom must eat for good luck.
A SMORGASBORD OF OPTIONS Staying on the subject of food, if you’re not sure what to serve your guests, you might want to consider the Swedish approach and opt for a smorgasbord, a buffet-style mix of hot and cold meats, smoked and pickled fish, cheeses and salads – an easy way to suit all of your guests’ tastes.
UNITE YOUR GUESTS An Australian wedding ceremony might feature a unity bowl. Guests are given stones and asked to hold them during the ceremony. At the end, they place the stones in a decorative bowl that the couple will keep to remind them of the support and presence of their friends and family.
WELL WISHES
reception a tree branch is placed next to the bride and groom’s table, and paper leaves attached to pieces of colourful ribbon are placed at each guest’s place setting. Guests write their special wish for the couple on their leaves, which the bride and groom can hang on the tree.
DID YOU KNOW? IN KENYA, AS THE NEW COUPLE LEAVE THEIR VILLAGE, THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE SPITS ON HIS DAUGHTER’S HEAD AND CHEST SO AS NOT TO JINX THEIR GOOD FORTUNE.
COSTUME CHANGE In China, brides pick not one wedding dress, but three. First there’s the traditional qipao or cheongsam, an embroidered, slim-fitting gown that's usually red, a strong and lucky colour in Chinese culture. Next, the bride swaps into a white ball gown, then finally, she makes a quick change during the reception into a third dress of her colour choice, or a cocktail dress. IN A TRADITIONAL INDIAN WEDDING, THE BRIDE’S SISTERS PLAY A TRICK ON THE GROOM BY STEALING HIS SHOES ONCE HE ENTERS THE WEDDING TENT. A POLISH TRADITION INVITES GUESTS TO BUY DANCES WITH THE BRIDE AT THE RECEPTION. HER MAID OF HONOUR COLLECTS THE CHARGES AND THE DONATIONS GO TOWARD THE COUPLE’S HONEYMOON.
The Dutch substitute a traditional guest book for a wedding ‘wish tree’. At the
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Tracy Park
Wedding packages from only ÂŁ5,000 www.tracypark.co.uk | 01179 372 251 | weddings@tracypark.co.uk p70.indd 1
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VENUES
Ancient and modern Tracy Park combines a sense of history with the very best of modern conveniences, finds Helen Dorritt
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here’s something marvellous about stepping into a venue that’s soaked in history, knowing that you’re somewhere that has seen so many memorable occasions. Tracy Park Golf and Country Hotel is definitely one of those places – not surprising, really, when a look at the story of the estate reveals that it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book! Named for its French owners the de Tracys, Tracy Park is full of interesting historical details that reveal themselves as you walk around. The Masons restaurant is housed in the oldest part of the manor house, and is named for the beautiful Masonic carvings over its magnificent fireplace. The motto over the front door also has a Masonic connection, as it’s that of the Knights Templar – in hoc signo vinces, or ‘in this sign you shall conquer’. Anna Sewell used Tracy Park as the inspiration for Birtwick Park in her 1877 novel Black Beauty. It’s these fascinating anecdotes that make this a venue that history buffs will adore. Tracy Park is also one for country lovers. Although it’s just a handful of miles from both Bath and Bristol, and therefore very easy to get to, you certainly don’t feel as if you’re close
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to two major cities. The house is reached by a pretty winding drive, and the 240 acres of its estate is part of an area of outstanding natural beauty. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous spots for photos – in spring, look for the blossoming cherry trees, enjoy the riot of flowers in summer, and in autumn you’ll have a backdrop of beautiful foliage. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, and after a day of fun and celebration, there are 42 ensuite rooms for your guests to stay in, which have been renovated from the Victorian stables – yes, the very same ones that inspired Anna Sewell! And, as the name suggests, if you or your guests are fond of a round or two of golf, there are two championship golf courses for you to enjoy a putt or two on. Tracy Park is already a gorgeous setting for a wedding, but it’s set to get even better. After being taken under the wing of a new owner to join a group of country house hotels, a substantial investment is leading to exciting new developments. These include increased accommodation and even an outdoor pool. It’s therefore a great time to visit this pretty venue and see what part it could play in the history of your relationship.
TRACY PARK GOLF AND COUNTRY HOTEL TRACY PARK, BATH ROAD, WICK BS30 5RN T: 0117 937 1800 W: WWW.TRACYPARK.CO.UK PRICES START FROM £5,000 FOR A WEDDING PACKAGE
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WE WANT TO GET MARRIED...
… in a scho KINGSWOOD SCHOOL
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BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL
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lthough it may not be the first type of venue that people think of when planning a wedding, schools offer some fantastic options for your big day. For one, they’re housed in beautiful buildings with gorgeous grounds. They also have fantastic catering facilities on site, which makes preparing the wedding breakfast an absolute breeze. Schools make great venues if you’re a Harry Potter fan and have always dreamed of getting married at Hogwarts, or if the dreaming spires of Oxbridge architecture float your boat. And if one or both of you is a teacher, what could be a more appropriate venue? Read on for our pick of the top scholastic venues in the South West. A CLASS OF ITS OWN Impressive buildings? Check! Pretty grounds? Check! City centre location? Check! Clifton College is right in the heart of the exclusive suburb of Bristol, and offers Oxbridge-style charm for your wedding reception. You can choose to celebrate with up to 180 guests in the Great Hall, or opt for a more intimate affair in the Cricket Pavilion. You and your photographer will have no shortage of backdrops for wedding photos, including the stone Cloisters, magnificent gates and expansive lawns. There’s also a stunning chapel with beautiful circular windows, although we have to whisper this quietly as 72
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wedding ceremonies here are reserved for ex pupils and staff only. CLIFTON COLLEGE, 32 COLLEGE ROAD, BRISTOL BS8 3JH T: 0117 315 7669 W: WWW.EVENTSATCLIFTON.COM PRICES START FROM £1,425 FOR ROOM HIRE
THE KING OF VENUES The grand buildings of Bath’s Kingswood School atop Lansdowne Hill will offer your wedding guests some magnificent views, as well as an exclusive use venue set in 218 acres. It’s hard to believe you’re just steps from the centre of Bath! The first venue on offer for couples is Summerhill Mansion, a pretty Georgian house with chandeliers, a wooden staircase and an outdoor terrace. The second choice is the Dining Hall of the senior school, which was huge stained glass windows set in carved stone, a beamed ceiling and enough space to accommodate up to 160 guests. KINGSWOOD SCHOOL, LANSDOWN ROAD, BATH BA1 5RG T: 01225 734430 W: WWW.KINGSWOODENTERPRISES.CO.UK PRICES START FROM £1,500 FOR HIRE OF SUMMERHILL MANSION AND £1,100 FOR THE DINING HALL
A GRADE By day it’s an independent day school, but by night and holidays Grittleton House is a gorgeous Wiltshire wedding venue. The stunning house dates back to the 1850s, and is steeped in grandeur and period details.
MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL Grittleton has been hosting weddings for more than 30 years, so you’ll be in safe hands. If you do opt to get married at the venue, there are six beautiful rooms to choose from, including the elegant library, and there’s also a choice of two suites for your reception. And with 30 acres of private gardens, there’s certainly no shortage of photo opportunities! GRITTLETON HOUSE, GRITTLETON, CHIPPENHAM, WILTSHIRE SN14 6AP T: 01249 782434 W: WWW.GRITTLETONHOUSE.CO.UK PRICES START FROM £1,500 FOR VENUE HIRE
COUNTRY SPLENDOUR For those who dream of a Cotswold wedding, put Westonbirt House on your shortlist. The
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VENUES
ool CLIFTON COLLEGE
GET THE
venue
lawns for your arrival drinks or a spot of croquet. While it only offers ceremonies in the on-site chapel to former pupils, you can use it to have your civil ceremony blessed. If your guest list is larger than the 180 that the main Dining Hall can accommodate, you can put up a marquee in the school’s Longmead site, which has the distinction of once being voted one of the most picturesque cricket pavilion locations by The Times! MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL, MONKTON COMBE, BATH BA2 7HG T: 01225 721114 W: WWW.MONKTONCOMBESCHOOL.COM PRICES AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION
GRITTLETON HOUSE options within this Grade I listed house are extensive, with rooms available to hire in any number of combinations, including the Library, Orangery and Camelia House. The grounds also boast a walled Italian garden, lake and even a nine hole golf course! WESTONBIRT HOUSE, TETBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL8 8GQ T: 01666 881404 W: WWW.WESTONBIRTWEDDINGS.COM PRICES START FROM £3,000 FOR VENUE HIRE
WESTONBIRT HOUSE
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A VENUE WITH A VIEW You’ll find this pretty school in the Midford Valley just outside Bath. A summer affair is particularly lovely here, as you can take advantage of the well-tended grounds and
STEP BACK IN TIME With parts of its grounds dating back to 1532, Bristol Grammar School is steeped in history – what could be more appropriate for a school? The Victorian Great Hall in particular is straight out of the pages of a history book, with its polished wooden floor, hammer beam ceiling, magnificent stained glass windows and Gothic arches, all looked over by a beautiful pipe organ. BGS is a particularly good option if you’re having a large reception, as it can hold up to 380 seated in its 7,000 square feet space, and the central Bristol location makes it easily accessible for your guests. BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY ROAD, BRISTOL BS8 1SR T: 0117 973 6006 W: WWW.BRISTOLGRAMMARSCHOOL.CO.UK PRICES START FROM £2.300 FOR VENUE HIRE 73
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Paradise on earth Helen Dorritt explores the Cotswold charms of the stunning Owlpen Manor
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he poet Swinburne wrote that Owlpen Manor was “paradise incomparable on earth”, and we can certainly see why! This jewel of a Tudor manor house is tucked into its own private Cotswold valley, banked by steeply rising hills and glorious countryside as far as the eye can see. The Great Hall at Owlpen has stood for over five centuries, and it’s likely that people have been living on the same site for over a thousand years. Throughout the ages, all the marriages that have taken place here have been performed in the church, just a stone’s throw from the ancient manor – that is, until Valentine’s Day this year, when Emma Townsley became the first bride ever to tie the knot in The Great Hall. “When I first saw Owlpen I was immediately struck by the beauty of the location, and the Manor House itself,” says Emma. “We just knew that we had to get married there. And the stars must have been aligned in our favour, because when we called to make an enquiry we found it was available for a Valentine’s Day wedding. It was like a dream come true!” At Owlpen, they are no strangers to weddings: when Nicholas and Karin Mander bought the estate in the 1970s, they began to convert ancient farmhouses, weaver’s cottages, a mill and a Grade 1 listed Court House into 74
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nine elegantly-designed holiday cottages, and for the past fifteen years, Owlpen has hosted weddings receptions aplenty. The addition of a civil ceremony licence this year means that Owlpen now has even more to offer couples looking for a special celebration. It’s proving popular, too, as the venue has a steady stream of bookings for civil ceremonies and wedding parties this year and next. “There’s always a magical buzz about the place when a wedding is happening,” says Karin. “I think what people love about Owlpen is that they can book the whole estate for themselves, all weekend, and have their friends and family staying on site. So for them it feels like a holiday in the countryside as well as a wedding weekend.” You can say your vows in the Great Hall or the oak-beamed medieval Cyder House barn, or arrange a ceremony in the picture-perfect church just outside the gates of the estate. Receptions for 20 guests up to 200 take place in the Cyder House or in a marquee set in the gorgeous landscaped gardens, with a range of flexible options for how the day unfolds. “Owlpen was elegant, traditional, intimate and truly authentic,” adds Emma. “The attentive staff coached us through every stage of the process, with wonderful recommendations for catering and wine. It could not have been more perfect!”
OWLPEN MANOR OWLPEN, DURSLEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. GL11 5BZ T: 01453 860 261 W: WWW.OWLPEN.COM PRICES AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION
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Holiday cottages, weddings, garden and private tours. Nine holiday cottages, sleeping a total of 38 people. Nestled in the heart of the Owlpen valley. Exclusive tours of the manor house and gardens open for pre-booked groups. Cyder House restaurant also available for private dining for larger groups. Please pre-book. OWLPEN MANOR ESTATE, ULEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL11 5BZ WWW.OWLPEN.COM • TEL: 01453 860261 ©LW
Swan Hotel
For a wonderful wedding in Wells
Thornbury Castle is one of the most unique and romantic wedding venues in the country. Offering intimate all inclusive packages from £4,000 to exclusive hire of the Hotel with marquees to accommodate 200 guests within our beautiful grounds. 27 individually designed bedchambers Award winning cuisine and consultation with the Chef Civil ceremony licence
The perfect setting for weddings, receptions and civil ceremonies
15 acres of private ground and gardens Personal Wedding Coordinator Please contact our dedicated Wedding Coordinator to arrange a personal viewing and organise your bespoke package.
Tel 01749 836300 www.swanhotelwells.co.uk Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RX
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Telephone: 01454 281182 www.thornburycastle.co.uk Email: events@thornburycastle.co.uk
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PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTO GALLERY
McPherson Photography Contact Stewart McPherson Telephone 01275 373293 Email stewartmcpherson@btinternet.com Website www.mcphersonphotography.co.uk
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PHOTO GALLERY
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InterlacePhotography Contact Eleanor Cashman Telephone 07870 811931 Email interlacephotography@gmail.com Website www.interlacephotography.co.uk
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VENUES
EASTWOOD PARK COUNTRY HOUSE
THE GABLES HOTEL
T: 01454 201090 E: aztec.events@shirehotels.com W: www.aztechotelbristol.com CAPACITY: Up to 150 for Wedding Breakfast and 250 for Evening Reception.
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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.
Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard, Aldwick Court Farm, Redhill, Bristol, BS40 5RF T: 01934 864 404 E: weddings@aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk W: www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk CAPACITY: Exclusive use of the venue means we are able to accommodate up to 150 guests for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast. Evening receptions can be held for a maximum of 220 guests. FACILITIES: An exquisite English vineyard, overlooked by the Mendip Hills and set amidst beautiful countryside, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is a charming wedding venue in the heart of rural North Somerset. Home to Aldwick Wines, the venue, in all its splendour, is exclusive and secluded, boasting two beautiful stone barns licensed for Civil Marriage Ceremonies. A delightful and alluring setting, it is as stunning inside as it is outside, with the New Barn offering exposed timber beams, an oak-floored reception area, atmospheric bricked-walled bar and panoramic views of the countryside. With Aldwick’s dedicated team always on hand to extend attentive, friendly support, couples can rest assured that their big day will exceed expectations.
Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS
PHOTOgRAPH BY CHRISTO NICOLLE
ALDWICK COURT FARM & VINEYARD
AZTEC HOTEL & SPA
Bristol Road, Falfield, Gloucestershire GL12 8DL T: 01454 260502 E: weddings@thegablesbristol.co.uk W: www.thegablesbristol.co.uk CAPACITY: Up to 150 guests for Ceremonies and Receptions, up to 200 guests for Evening Receptions. FACILITIES: Set in a rural location and convenient for local churches, The Gables offers a delightful setting for wedding receptions, civil ceremonies and partnerships. As a privately owned hotel we offer friendly and flexible service and we will tailor make your wedding to ensure your perfect day - you can relax and enjoy the company of your guests while we take care of the rest.
Falfield, Gloucestershire GL12 8DA T: 01454 262805 W: eastwoodpark.co.uk CAPACITY: Wedding breakfast 110. Reception180 (more with marquee). FACILITIES: Magnificent country house within 200-acre private estate with valley views. 69 bedrooms. Licensed for civil weddings and partnerships. Available exclusively. ©LW
©LW
TORTWORTH COURT FOUR PILLARS HOTEL
TRACY PARK Bath Road, Wick, BS30 5RN T: 01179371800 E: weddings@tracypark.co.uk W: www.tracypark.co.uk
Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge South Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH T: 01454 263000 E: Tortworth@four-pillars.co.uk W: www.four-pillars.co.uk/tortworth
CAPACITY: With several rooms licensed to hold civil ceremonies, we can offer ceremonies for between 2 and 100 guests and are able to cater for up to 160 guests in the evening.
CAPACITY: Up to 280
FACILITIES: Set in 240 acres of mature parkland Tracy Park is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the Bath and Bristol area. This 17th century Jacobean Manor House boasts a magnificent façade which makes a stunning backdrop for your wedding photographs. The venue also has 42 recently refurbished en-suite bedrooms offering the perfect accommodation for guests.
FACILITIES: 190 bedrooms. Luxury country house hotel set in 30 acres of picturesque parkland, overlooking the lake. Also offers the spa and leisure club.
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VENUES 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.
THE KINGSCOTE BARN Binley Farm, Kingscote, Tetbury, GL8 8YE T: 01453 861161 E: info@kingscotebarn.co.uk W: www.kingscotebarn.co.uk CAPACITY: Ceremonies & receptions up to 150 guests and 200 guests for an evening reception. FACILITIES: The Kingscote Barn is a Cotswold Stone Barn which has been sympathetically restored to the highest possible standards nestled away in its own secret valley. The warm neutral décor allows you to decorate the barn with your own individual style and ideas. Exposed oak beams and soft lighting add to the romantic ambiance of this magical venue. Luxury onsite accommodation.
TYTHE BARN AT PRISTON MILL Priston Mill, Bath, BA2 9EQ T: 01225 423894 E: info@pristonmill.co.uk W: www.pristonmill.co.uk CAPACITY: ceremonies & Receptions up to 150 guests & 200 in the evening
FACILITIES: The stone walled 18th century Tythe Barn has a high vaulted roof with exposed timbers and is perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions. To one side of the barn there is a bar, well stocked with local brews and on the mezzanine a comfy seating area. The adjoining lounge, complete with wood burner, is a cosy area for reception drinks and relaxing in.
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BOWOOD HOTEL Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PQ T: 01249 822228 E: weddings@bowood.org W: www.bowood.org/weddings CAPACITY: A variety of suites available to hold up to 120 for a ceremony and 160 for a wedding breakfast. 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 evening reception for up to 250 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.
STON EASTON PARK Ston Easton Nr Bath, BA3 4DF T: 01761 241631 E: events@stoneaston.co.uk W: www.stoneaston.co.uk Capacity: Licensed to hold civil ceremonies for between two and 100 people, in six rooms throughout the house. We can cater for up to 80 people in our Saloon with a further 20 guests dining in adjoining rooms. We are also able to cater for 150 in a marquee positioned within the hotel’s grounds. Facilities: Ston Easton Park, built in 1739, is a grade 1 listed Palladian mansion of great distinction. Located 11 miles south west of Bath and 12 miles south of the centre of Bristol, the house contains some of the most exceptional architectural and decorative features of its period to be found in the West of England. All 23 bedrooms are lavishly furnished with fine fabrics and antiques. Indeed, some of our bedrooms even have original Chippendale four poster beds. The house itself is surrounded by 36 acres of romantic gardens and parklands, created by the renowned landscape architect Humphry Repton in the 18th Century.
DO PEOPLE KNOW YOU’RE A LICENSED VENUE? To advertise your venue in the next issue of
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call Jacqui Lewis on
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CAPTURE THE MOMENT
This is our space for showcasing people’s favourite wedding photos. Not necessarily the professional shots or the usual images seen in magazines – maybe not even of the happy couple – but the photos that sum up what made a wedding day so special. Kate Baker selects one from her wedding album
Berwick Lodge, Bri
Would you like to share your favourite wedding photo with us? Email westweddings@b-nm. co.uk with a high res (over 1MB) photo and a few lines explaining why it means so much to you, and you could be featured in a future issue! 82
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PHOTOGRAPHY: MANOR HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Snow much fun!
stol
“We both love the winter and dreamed of snow at our wedding. Some very special friends arranged a snow machine for us — it was a magical surprise!”
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Martin Dabek Photography
Andrew Jewell Photography
Formal Suit Hire for Men and Boys
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One of the largest Showrooms in Bristol, with an endless choice of waistcoats, cravats and designer suits – new slim fit range for 2016 If you are looking for the very best of service and the highest of standards you need look no further! View our huge range of Formal Hire, from the traditional to the contemporary. 90-92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol Tel. 0117 9683074 • www.anneharding.com Weddings WEST
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