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Honeymoons at home
Wonderful destinations in the UK
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Beauty news
Hair and make-up stories
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Groom's news
Check out the latest products on the market for men
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Garden venues
Glorious settings for the big day
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Dressing the bridesmaids
Great advice and gorgeous outfits
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North Somerset settings
Top spots in the area
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Time Trial
Slick watches for stylish men
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Inspiration
Ideas on how to create a circus themed wedding
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Wedding of the Year
Meet this issue's contenders
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Wax on, wax off
The team at County Weddings HQ try out hair removal products
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Real Weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 30th September 2011 |
| Bright beats |
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| Image provided by Albert Palmer Photography |
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Vibrant colours and gorgeous Bollywood-inspired details made up Heather and Jamie's musical celebration at Ashton Court Mansion
Music is said to be the food of love, and rhythm certainly played its part when Heather Crawley and Jamie Hunter met while both were DJing in the alternative music society at the University of Warwick. A mutual appreciation of good music led to a happy partnership. "Falling in love with Heather was easy," says Jamie. "We were in each other's pockets throughout our third year of university and the relationship simply flourished." Heather agrees that the romance was swift off the ground: "Jamie and I clicked straight away and we never tired of each other's company - it quickly became clear he was my other half."
Having decided that their nuptials would be bright and beautiful, Heather and Jamie needed outfits that were just as eye-catching as the colourful details of their wedding. It was with this in mind that Heather chose a stunning mix of blooms for her bouquet, which featured sunflowers, anemones and ranunculus, while her bridal gown was an exquisite creation by Sottero & Midgley. "My dress was a fitted A-line design with a flowing train and a laced corset back made of ivory chiffon. It had diamanté detailing and a beaded lace collar," says Heather. A chapel length veil with a raw-edge and scattered diamantés helped to complete the soft, delicate bridal look.
The evening entertainment comprised a fun casino with roulette and blackjack creating a competitive atmosphere, while a photobooth produced some memorable images. The rest of the party was cranked up a notch with a set from a very special DJ. "Owing to our background DJing at university, as well as an aversion to standard cheesy wedding pop, Heather's old co-DJ Holly Cruise came all the way from Manchester to provide the music for the evening celebrations. It was a brilliant mix of rock'n'roll classics and modern alternative favourites," recalls Jamie.
Looking back on their nuptials, Heather and Jamie have plenty of happy memories. "The whole day was perfect. The best part for me was saying our vows - I got a bit choked up," says Heather. "It was also lovely when we took a moment to ourselves during the evening party to sit on the mansion steps as it got dark."
To read on see page 30 of the current issue. |
| Glorious gardens |
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We showcase just a few of the many beautiful venues in the region with al fresco appeal
Forde Abbey
Built in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery, Forde Abbey has both beauty and tranquillity in abundance, making it an ideal setting for a serene wedding. The venue has two rooms that are licensed for civil ceremonies, the largest of which is the magnificent Great Hall with its stunning oak panelled ceiling, tall mullioned windows and huge open fireplace, which will seat up to 200 people and can cater to up to 80 guests. For a cosier setting, the Monks' Refectory offers a charming alternative. Both spaces lead out onto the enchanting gardens and are suitable for celebrations in both the summer and winter months.
Couples are free to tailor their wedding as they choose including the caterers, linen, cutlery, table layout, and timetable for their nuptials, and with no corkage charge, Forde Abbey is a surprisingly flexible venue.
In bloom: The abbey is surrounded by 30 acres of gorgeous award-winning gardens, which together with its breathtaking architecture presents a superb backdrop for big day photos.
Contact: 01460 220 231
www.fordeabbey.co.uk
For more gorgeous gardens see page 23 of the current issue. |
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| Bright ideas |
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Summer is the season of fun, and we have the scent of delicious barbecues and the sound of fantastic tunes from music festivals filling our heads. The sunshine makes us all feel positive and open to new experiences, all of which can lead to happy brides discovering fresh ideas for their nuptials.
If you're looking for tips on how to make your celebration stand out from the rest, why not try experimenting with entertainment? We look at different options to keep guests enraptured on your big day, from magicians to brilliant bands. An unforgettable performance should take place in a wonderful location, and this is certainly the region in which to find a beautiful setting. This issue we went on the hunt for glorious garden venues, and we were not disappointed.
Enjoy!
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| Jennifer Kettle, Editor |
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| Make sure your email editor@yourbristolsomersetwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a wedding planning service worth £495 |
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Ensure you have a wonderfully personal big day with the Design and Support Service from Finesse Planning
A completely stress-free wedding planned and executed to perfection is what every couple dreams of. The planning process can be difficult at the best of times, particularly if you are struggling with ideas, or have too many and simply don't know where to start.
Ruth Hunter of Finesse Planning has more than 11 years' experience planning weddings in South Wales and the South of England. Her Design and Support Service is the perfect solution for couples who require help developing the look and feel of their wedding, but would still like to have complete control of the planning.
For more information, call 07580 075 558 or visit www.finesseplanning.co.uk
We've teamed up with Finesse Planning to offer readers the chance to win one of two Design and Support Services worth £495 each. After meeting with Ruth to discuss their likes and dislikes, the winning couples will develop a design book, together with Ruth, to use as a foundation to plan the big day.
Couples can work with Ruth to brainstorm details such as stationery, venue decor, flowers, outfits and lighting, and can show their design book to their suppliers so they can gain an understanding of the effect they are trying to achieve for their wedding.
Couples will also receive full support from Ruth throughout the planning process on the phone and over email. Not only can Ruth provide essential advice when you need it, but also a shoulder to cry on if things become overwhelming and solutions for any last-minute problems.
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| Enter here |
| Venue spy |
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Couples on the hunt for a setting that combines a fantastic atmosphere with a flexible approach to weddings should definitely check out the Aztec Hotel & Spa in Almondsbury. Located close to Bristol, it's conveniently situated for guests travelling from afar and the hotel's stylish rooms offer a sophisticated place for friends and family to rest their heads.
Grand celebrations and intimate ceremonies can be arranged with the assistance of the welcoming staff, who are on hand to help you organise your special event. Aztec Hotel & Spa also has an award winning restaurant that provides quality cuisine for wedding breakfasts, all enjoyed in the wonderful reception spaces. A range of packages are available, so whether you want to look after your pennies or splash the cash, the venue can provide options to suit all budgets.
Check out the setting and meet the team at Aztec Hotel & Spa's next Wedding Showcase, which takes place on Sunday 4th September.
For more information visit www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk |
| The show must go on |
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A great wedding should include romance, commitment, and loved ones...not to mention a fantastic celebration! Check out some of our favourite entertainment options in the region
Movie magic
The silver screen has provided plenty of inspiration for romantic moments at weddings, whether you choose to recreate a famous dance routine from your favourite movie or simply hire a band to play tunes from a beloved soundtrack.
Amazing Weddings can help you feel like you really are in a film with its Love Actually Experience. Talented performers, who are also available to hire as singing waiters, mix with the guests in order to surprise the assembled friends and family. The group recreates the magical moment in the film where the bride turns to walk down the aisle and suddenly a person stands to sing a gospel version of All You Need is Love by The Beatles - a truly fabulous start to married life!
For more information visit www.bravosingingwaiters.co.uk
For more entertainment ideas see page 73 of the current issue. |
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To buy a copy for just £2.95 post free or to order a subscription of six issues for just £15, please visit our web site...
www.yourbristolsomersetwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from businesses in your area who will help you with your dream wedding. |
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| Find your local wedding suppliers... |
| Wet weather fun |
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| Image provided by www.ditsychic.co.uk |
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Q - We've set a date for April 2012 and because of the time of year, we'd like to hold a fun and quirky April Showers themed day. For the photographs I'll be donning wellies with my wedding gown, and upside-down umbrellas filled with flowers will be adorning the marquee. How can we incorporate this theme into our stationery?
A - Marianne says: It's a great idea to base the design of your stationery around the theme of your wedding, as the invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of the big day.
If you would like to establish a fun atmosphere for your celebrations then I suggest you use spring colours that reflect your personality, bring floral elements into the design and use quirky fonts. I would even include some funky illustrations of wellies and an umbrella! The stationery for the rest of your nuptials can complement the invitations, from table names and place settings to the table plan and favour tags.
It's important that you really enjoy your wedding, so it makes sense to have stationery that is just as exciting as the occasion. Your invitations will get guests talking way before your big day and should create anticipation of what's to come. |
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