Editor loves and inspiration

Ollie was in Chelsea's sister's class at secondary school, and years later an Instagram message brought them back together. When Ollie decided to propose, he chose a very windy spot in Scotland while the two were away on holiday. Although they didn't realise at the time of booking, their wedding date fell on that same day two years later.

The couple found themselves attracted to the openness and rustic feel of Old Oak Farm, and it was important to them that it was local. They were in fact the fi rst couple to tie the knot in the venue's new barn addition, which was fi nished just a week before the big day. “Rebecca and Andy at Old Oak Farm have such incredible attention to detail from the old oak cider to the fi repits, beautiful fi replace and outdoor skittle alley,” Chelsea remembers. The latter being particularly poignant as the couple are part of a local skittle team.

That all-important date was 27th May 2023, discover the full story of the day in the Jun/Jul24 issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Nic and Phil matched on Tinder, neither truly believing they'd meet anyone this way, let alone it leading to marriage! “Having both been married previously, we'd resigned ourselves to the single life,” Nic says. Their fi rst date was a Sunday lunch at The New Mill in Taunton, and Phil was the perfect gentlemen we're told. “The time fl ew by,” Nic continues. “There was an instant connection, easy conversation, lots of laughter and a common passion for music and gigs.”

Now a couple and holidaying in the Maldives, Phil surprised Nic by dropping to one knee and proposing to her on the beach, beneath the full moon on the island of Eriyadu. He'd made a ring out of tiny twigs and coconut husk from the beach. “It was the perfect location, and so romantic,” Nic remembers.

The couple chose The Castle Hotel to host their big day: a beautiful historical building in the heart of Taunton. “The wisteria that grows across the facade is stunning, as are the gardens,” Nic explains.

Discover the story of their big day in the Jun/Jul24 issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Fiona and Adam met during university fresher’s week. “I was attracted by his amazing dance moves – who am I kidding?” Fiona jokes. The two spent a lot of time together in halls and in between lectures, and soon fell in love.
In March 2022, the couple took a city break to Lisbon to celebrate Adam’s birthday. He chose the big day to propose as it was the only one they’d had without rain! He romantically popped the question on Praia de Carcavelos beach, just outside the city and the two celebrated in the evening with plenty of wine and tapas. “It was a total surprise to me, but it now made sense why Adam created a competitive race through bag check in at the airport and never let me carry his backpack during the trip!”

The couple were living in Bromley at the time, but Fiona wanted to get married closer to her childhood home. They had their hearts set on a rustic venue with ample outdoor space, and when they discovered Priston Mill it fit the bill. “It’s very picturesque and we were sold when we saw the beautiful Tythe Barn and surrounding grounds, especially in late spring bloom,” Fiona explains. So, they wasted no time in securing their date: 27th August 2023.

Discover the story of their big day in the Jun/Jul24 issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

For those of you wanting to share your big day with your beloved woofer, there's not one but two wedding dog chaperone businesses newly launched in the region. Both (understandably) obsessed with dogs and fully qualified of looking after your fur-baby.

So, check out www.fetchandflourish.co.uk and www.warnersweddings.co.uk today to find out how to involve your dog in your wedding. For more local news download the latest isse at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Over in Hot Topic, Rachel at Salt and Scent Events explains how an intimate tablescape works best when made big and impactful with plenty of fl owers and candles to elevate the space. We're here for it!

For a wealth of wonderful advice on planning an intimate wedding, turn to page 48 of the Jun/Jul24 issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Don't forget the gents when planning your wedding flowers. Making the groom's buttonhole special is a great way to help him stand out. This local shoot team opted for a Peach Fuzz theme in honour of this year's Pantone Colour of the Year.

Download the Jun/Jul24 issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download to enjoy the shoot in full.

Flower filled urns, like this stunner by Ambience Venue Styling, are a great way to make effi cient use of your blooming budget. Place them along the aisle or either side of the altar, then when the “I dos” have been exchanged, have them moved through to the reception space offering a warm welcome or top table embellishment.

For more venue styling inspiration, check out the Jun/Jul24 issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, coming soon to www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

The region's incredible wedding suppliers have very kindly sent us their warmest wishes for Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding's 100th issue celebration.

“Happy 100th birthday Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding! We're raising our glasses (and flashbulbs) to 100 issues of love stories, dream weddings, and timeless memories you've helped craft across the region. What a journey it's been turning wedding dreams into reality, one page at a time.

“In the spirit of celebration, we'd like to say thank you. Thank you for weaving the fabric of matrimonial joy and for being the go-to guide for couples embarking on their journey of love. Your dedication to capturing the essence of wedding bliss has not only set the bar but has been a beacon of inspiration for us all.

“As we stand amidst the confetti of this monumental celebration, Booth Nineteen promises to continue the legacy of creating unforgettable moments with a touch of vintage charm. Here's to the past 17 years of matrimonial magic, and to many more filled with stories that leap off your pages and into our hearts.

“Cheers to you, Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding for being an integral part of every “I do” in our beloved region. May your next century of issues be as splendid and as filled with love as your first. With heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the future.” – The Booth Nineteen Team, https://booth19.co.uk

Don't miss our 100th anniversary celebratory issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

The region's incredible wedding suppliers have very kindly sent us their warmest wishes for Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding's 100th issue celebration.

“Considering the maelstrom that Covid put on the wedding industry it's a testament to all the staff at Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding that the magazine has come through bigger and better than ever, not to mention hitting 100 issues! It's a worthy publication that's never dropped its standard and has kept consistent and comprehensive throughout. Well done!”
– Victoria Spicer, www.torybhair.co.uk

Don't miss our 100th anniversary celebratory issue, download it free at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

The region's incredible wedding suppliers have very kindly sent us their warmest wishes for Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding's 100th issue celebration.

“Congratulations and happy birthday from us all at Leigh Court.” – Fiona Parsons and team, www.leighcourt.co.uk

Don't miss our 100th anniversary issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download