Editor loves and inspiration

“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

When Elizabeth was working as a nanny in central London, she barely had time to herself, let alone to meet a potential partner. But school friend Phillipa had someone in mind for her and gave Elizabeth her colleague Ben's number suggesting they should meet up.

We fast forward eight years to 2021 when Ben got down on one knee during a weekend break in Tetbury and asked Elizabeth to marry him. “I was so surprised I thought he was joking,” she remembers.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Not sure how to put a three-course menu together? Naomi Coombes at Mesa Catering in Bristol has some food for thought:

"We'd suggest a light starter, perhaps served on a sharing board so guests can take as little or as much as they like at this stage.

"Then, to keep things simple, having just two to three options for main course is best. A couple of meat/fish options and a vegetarian/vegan choice.

"Finally, having two choices for dessert should be ample. Usually, having something chocolatey along with a lighter, more fruity option should cover all bases."

See more from our Catering feature in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Jane Dare, make-up artist from Eye Do!, tells us her top 2023 trend predictions:

This year's brides are all about emphasising natural beauty. Timeless, natural looks, luminous, natural, glowing and healthy skin complete with more subtle contouring. Eyeshadows range from complete nude, all the way to a neutral-toned smoky eye, perfect for that natural glam vibe. High-end glam on the other hand embraces glitter and metallic-based eyeshadows such as silver, bronze and copper providing a touch of colour and flash.

“Coloured eyeliner has arrived and is already trending more than black. Apply it to the upper lashes, central eye or add a personal, artistic flair. Eyelashes are centre stage. Think extensions full of volume and length or something natural, both with waterproof mascara, of course! Brows are naturally feathered rather than heavy and gently frame the face."

See more top tips in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download

Sammy met Liam through work. “He called 'dibs' when he first saw me,” she says. “But we didn't actually have our first date until six months later.” The couple were like two peas in a pod even during those early days and they shared plenty of laughs together.

Sammy was standing in her pyjamas trying to sort out last-minute laundry and packing for their holiday when Liam proposed. “We both knew we wanted to be together, so getting engaged felt like a natural progression, but I hadn't expected it to happen at that moment,” Sammy shares. Neither had Liam in fact! He'd asked his dad to pick up the engagement ring from the jewellers before making the excuse to Sammy that he was going to play football so that he could slip out and collect it from him. He even went to all the effort of putting his sports kit on. This was all so that she wouldn't suspect his intention to propose while they were away. “But when he saw the ring, he got so nervous he ended up asking that night before we left,” she says.

See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourbristolsomerset.wedding/free-download