Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers in Bristol and Somerset.
When it came to searching for a wedding venue, Court Farm was only the second Jess and Pete visited. “As soon as we saw it we fell in love and knew it was where we wanted to get married. It had different areas that we knew would be a great way to add variety and interest to our day for our guests,” Jess explains. What's more, being a complete blank canvas, Court Farm made it possible for the couple to shape the day of their dreams exactly as they wanted it from food to styling and everything in between. And with gorgeous accommodation for 14 guests to stay on-site the decision was a simple one. The date was set for 30th July, 2022.
Find out more in the current issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
“We met how a lot of people tend to meet nowadays, on Tinder,” says Abbey. She and Andrew were both students at the time and in Abbey's words “rather socially awkward homebodies,” so the internet seemed the perfect place to find love. She continues, “My favourite thing about Andrew was how easy he was to talk to. There were never any uncomfortable pauses or lull in conversation. In fact, we haven't stopped talking for the past six years!” - real bride, Abbey
Abbey and Andrew tied the knot at Pennard House on 5th November, 2022. Read all about their big day in the current issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Claire Hansen of North Somerset-based Claire Hansen Cakes (www.clairehansencakes.com) says: Springtime always means flowers to me; the first blooms of the year bringing with them brightness and joyful colour after the cosy darkness of winter. To bring a fresh, seasonal touch to your big-day bake, your cake designer and florist can work together to create something really special. The incredible blooms pictured here, supplied by Posee Floral Designs, perfectly encapsulate the spirit and beauty of the season and add a playful, light feeling of spring to the overall design with their candy colours. I also used a clear middle tier to add a dimension of light and air to the design, which reminds me of the feeling of a fresh spring breeze on the skin.
Find out more about bringing a touch of springtime freshness to your wedding day in our Hot Topic feature in the current issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
“Don't be constrained by tradition or do something just because you think you have to. Stick with your vision as much as you possibly can, budget permitting. You may find yourself receiving a lot of input and ideas from well-meaning friends and family members, but this can make you second guess what you've planned and making compromises to please others. But, try not to. The wedding might still look lovely, but is won't be yours." - Vickie, Sage & Belle, https://sageandbelle.co.uk
For more planning tips, check out our Planning SOS feature in the current issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
“Personally I don't agree with Alanis Morrisette's mid-nineties hit Ironic where she states that basically it's a shame if it rains on your wedding day. We're notorious as a country for our weather predictability throughout any of the seasons, so why not embrace whatever gets thrown at us? Yes, to those brollies. Yes, to those cool shades (just remember to take them off for some shots so we can see those lovely eyes). And yes, to fluffy capes and coats. We've got this!” – Em, Em & Woz Photography, https://emwoz.co
Check out our all-season photography feature in the current issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Georgia Bradley the wedding coordinator at Berwick Lodge tells us her 2023 trend predictions: “I believe eco-conscious decision making will be a big trend for 2023. Think thrifting and sustainability, casual yet cool with a focus on the experience.
"After the last couple of years, we've all done some reflecting and have a better understanding of what's truly important and this has certainly given celebrations a deeper meaning. Think about incorporating special gestures on the day, such as personalised notes; perhaps you could ask guests to make a charitable donation or fund a local project on your behalf."
See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Claire and Thomas met in their secondary school geography class aged 15. They instantly became friends and for a few months spent as much time in each other's company as possible before Thomas asked Claire out.
Let's jump ahead to 2019, the day the couple were all set to head off on holiday. Thomas offered to make Claire breakfast in bed and while he was downstairs he sent their dog up with a note on his collar that read: “I have a surprise for you, come and find me. Thomas X.” So, she made her way down and found him in the front room on one knee surrounded by lit candles. “I was in total shock! It took me a good minute to reply,” Claire remembers.
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
This project was born when celebrant Tracey James, Natalie from Blossom Co Floral Design and Stephie from Old Blue Photography, all keen to work together on something, came up with the idea for a relaxed glamour vibe showcasing the work of local suppliers. Their vision was cemented when Carina B Couture joined the crew with a stunning dress, shrug and headpiece. Very much taking the lead with the styling, the dress was complemented by the creamy lemon tones of the palette as well as by Daisy, the Nissan Figaro. “All of our suppliers came up trumps with their interpretation of the theme and we all love the results,” Tracey says. We do too!
See more from the shoot in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Our hen and stag feature is full of fun ideas. Always fancied yourself as Tom Cruise in Cocktail? Why not try your hand at mixology with a super-fun masterclass? Opa in Bristol welcomes bride tribes of up to 20 for a lesson hosted by a renowned and award-winning cocktail specialist. Allow your creativity, as well as the drinks, to flow!
See more from our Hen & Stag feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
Did you catch Kerry from Cheddar-based Angel's Kitchen on TV recently? She went over to Canada to take part in a Food Network competition, which involved building a 5ft by 4ft cake with dynamic moving elements. She competed with two other talented cake makers from the South West, Dusica Roberts and Verity Malinowska. To see how she and her team got on, head over to ITVx player and search: The Big Bake. The episode you're looking for is number seven, Bone Appetit.
See more news in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download
