Editor loves and inspiration

I'm obsessed with the hot pink and orange palette for this super-fun roller disco shoot, captured by local lovely Freya Steele Photography.

This trendy shoot features an alternative painted jacket, rock 'n' roll banner, plus striking dried flowers and headpiece. The quirky styling is bursting with vibrancy from the vinyl place mats, vibrant pink and orange streamers, and retro love heart stationery. And who doesn't love a bit of sparkle, brought to us here through the make-up. Rounded out with a gorgeous dress, outstanding suit, impressive cake, epic moving photo booth, bright backdrops and the most kind-hearted celebrant, what more could we wish for in a summer spectacular?

Don't miss it in the Jun/Jul23 issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download now at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

The inspiration behind this local lovely was a timeless, English garden, complete with simple white and ivory blooms and plenty of foliage. “It was important to keep everything understand yet elegant,” says shoot coordinator Cynthia Hoyi. From the bride's dress and delicate bouquet, to the cake and table settings, every element works in perfect harmony.

You can enjoy the shoot in its entirety in the current issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Real bride Kim wore a Christina Wu dress, which she chose because the train was the biggest she'd ever seen! She accessorised with a cathedral-length veil with tiny pearls scattered all over it. Meanwhile, her gorgeous bridesmaids were dressed in dusky mauve backdress dresses to fit the wedding's palette.

You can read all about Kim and Andy's big day at Wick Farm Bath in the current issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

This issue's venue styling feature takes a look at the top trends for 2023. One of my favourites is the rust colour palette. Holly Allman-Lopez from Ambience Venue Styling says:

“Rich, warm rust tones are more versatile than you might think. Featured in chair drapes, napkins or within floral displays, these hues give a warming feel perfect for autumnal nuptials bathed in candlelight. However, we're also seeing them used to accent lighter summer designs. Used in small quantities set against a light base colour, rust and terracotta tones really pop and offer an edgy, contemporary look. Introducing terracotta pots, rust coloured tea lights and even flowers such as toffee roses, painted latte carnations or dried varieties, is a great way to achieve this look while keeping a light and bright overall feel.”

Find out more in the current issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

I loved putting together our A-Z guide to wedding dress shopping for the Jun/Jul issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding. Our local boutique owners had some great advice.

For D is for Diary, Cathy Keen of 14 & Sixpence (www.14andsixpence.co.uk) said:

“Around one year before the big day (eight to 12 months minimum), you'll want to book a couple of appointments at local boutiques. You may want to research a little fi rst though, so look into silhouettes you're drawn to and the look you want to achieve before saving some images to your phone to take with you. You'll know when you're getting close to finding the one, and we have a couple of questions to ask to make sure!”

For more top tips on finding the one, check out the latest issue, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Lucy and Tom's ceremony, conducted by Jen the Celebrant, was a big hit with the couple and guests alike, and Lucy found herself delighted with how it all went. She says, “Jen took all of our bespoke requests and created a beautiful ceremony from ring warming to hand fasting, and a reading from my twin sister. We really appreciated her help and support, and joyous delivery."

Find out more about their big day in the current issue of Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding, free to download at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

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