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| OUT NOW |
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Engagement shoots
We look at the appeal of pre-wedding photography
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Bridal fashion
Glamorous gowns with decadent vintage details
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Transport ideas
How to arrive on the big day
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Wedding of the year
Find out who won the last round and meet this issue's contenders
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Honeymoons
Louise Prance discovers the appeal of Cancun, Mexico
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Flowergirl fashion
Pretty dresses the little ones will love
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Bath venues
The area's finest settings
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Country Chic settings
Tie the knot in one of these stylish locations
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Slick shot
Sophisticated attire for modern grooms
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Setting up home
Get romantic with a French boudoir theme for your home
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 2nd December 2011 |
| An elegant occasion |
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| Image provided by Caroline Pilling Photography |
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Rachel and Joe had a beautiful big day full of wonderful blooms and vintage touches at Orchardleigh House
New Year's Eve is a celebration that is often built up to be the party of the year, with a kiss at midnight for a few lucky revellers. It was on the first day of a new calendar that Rachel Scullion and Joe O'Driscoll met, both away in Prague on a trip with friends. "We stayed out that night until six in the morning, and like a gentleman Joe walked me back to my hotel, before nearly missing his flight home!" laughs Rachel. It was indeed fortunate that the duo met at all since Joe lived in London and Rachel was based in a village close to Manchester at the time. Far from being put off by the distance between them, the couple began a long distance relationship, speaking for hours on the phone and seeing each other at weekends while Joe worked in his family business and Rachel studied for a doctorate. The year that the couple were finally able to live together was the period in which they would plan their wedding.
Joe planned a romantic proposal in Prague six years to the day that the couple had first laid eyes on each other, and whisked Rachel away for a festive holiday. "I had asked Rachel's dad for his permission before we went away and had the ring in my jacket pocket for over a week as I was so paranoid she would guess my plans," recalls Joe. "I wanted to propose on Charles Bridge at midnight on New Years Eve, but there were hundreds of people and fireworks being set off right next to us and I was worried that I'd drop the ring! I spent the next day trying to find the perfect spot and an hour before we had to leave for the airport, I asked Rachel to marry as we walked back across Charles Bridge."
As it turned out Joe need not have worried at all since Rachel was apparently oblivious to his intentions. "The proposal was very romantic, looking out from one of the most beautiful vantage points in Prague. I had described the style of engagement ring that I liked previously to both Joe and John, the best man who had made it specially for me. It is a large emerald cut diamond in a platinum setting. I designed a wedding band to match with small emerald cut diamonds set into a platinum band," says Rachel.
To read about Rachel and Joe's big day see page 30 of the current issue. |
| Boutique chic |
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| Image provided by Ellis Bridals |
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Searching for the one? Enjoy a bespoke shopping experience with the help of the region's super stylish bridal stores
Clifton Brides
Michaela Gair tells us all about Clifton Brides' stunning boutique
Family values
Our boutique has been established for over 20 years and we are very proud that it is completely family owned and managed. It is because of this that Clifton Brides can offer such a professional yet personal service. Our customer dedication ensures that many brides return with their friends after the experience of finding their dream dress here.
Fabulous choice
We offer a stunning range of distinctive dresses from some of the most prestigious designers in the industry. Collections include Augusta Jones, Ellis Bridals, Paloma Blanca, and Alan Hannah, to name just a few. With so much choice, there really is something perfect for every bride.
Complete the look
We offer a full range of accessories by renowned designers; Halo & Co, Ivory & Co, Liza Designs, and Urban Angels. We also offer shoes by Rainbow Club and Diane Hassall. Furthermore, we stock some lovely bridal umbrellas for protection from the British weather and gorgeous garters too.
Clifton Brides is located at 186 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XU. Call 0117 923 7928 or visit www.cliftonbrides.co.uk for further details.
To read on turn to page 71 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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| Getting married in Bristol & Somerset or know someone who is and would like to receive future newsletters? To forward this email to a friend click here |
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| Getting personal |
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This summer I was lucky enough to attend a trio of weddings, all of them absolutely beautiful and wonderfully representative of each happy couple in their own way. The colour schemes and choice of venues were completely different, and it was heartening to see how my friends had brought a touch of their personality to the big day, adding to the romance of the occasion immeasurably. It is this spirit of individuality that I hope we can encourage you to discover in this issue, which is packed full of great advice and inspiration.
This region is renowned for history and stunning rural beauty, both of which can be outstanding qualities in a wedding venue - we delve into this intoxicating mix by exploring top spots in Bath on page 17 and country chic settings on page 23. Of course, once you've chosen the location for your nuptials you'll want to have as smooth a journey there as possible, so we showcase a fantastic array of transport options on page 81 - we'll make sure you arrive in style.
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 your wedding |
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Celebrate in style with a wedding package courtesy of The Aztec Hotel & Spa
The fantastic Aztec Hotel & Spa provides a warm reception for guests and has a four-star approach to all aspects of the venue. With a location just a few miles from the centre of Bristol, the award-winning dining options, contemporary guest rooms and complimentary spa facilities make a stay at the hotel feel like true luxury.
The experienced staff can help to deliver a wonderful big day, whether you want traditional nuptials or a wedding with a decidedly different atmosphere. There is a choice of beautiful reception suites available, including the Cotswold Suite which is able to host up to 200 guests for ceremonies and a further 50 people for an evening reception. Couples can also check out the stylish Culbone Suite which is suitable for ceremonies of 80 guests with room for 140 people at an evening reception, and The Terrace which has great views of the venue's landscaped water feature.
There are a variety of delicious menu packages to suit different tastes and budgets that will make planning the celebrations as easy as possible, with the bride- and groom-to-be enjoying eight weeks complimentary membership of the spa to ensure they look their best. Loved ones are also able to take advantage of discounted room rates.
For more information telephone 01454 201 593 or visit www.aztechotelbristol.com
We've teamed up with The Aztec Hotel & Spa to offer you the chance to win a wedding package worth more than £5,000, based on 50 adult guests in the daytime and 100 guests for the evening party. The prize includes:
- A dedicated wedding coordinator
- Civil ceremony and evening reception room hire
- A red carpet welcome
- Flower arrangements for each table
- A three-course menu for 50 guests, chosen from the Silver Menu Selection
- Wedding stationery - menus, table plans and place cards
- A chilled glass of white wine punch during a drinks reception
- The services of a toastmaster
- A glass of white or red house wine with the meal
- Use of a cake stand and knife
- A glass of chilled sparkling wine for the toast
- An evening finger buffet for 100 guests
- An evening disco
- Four Poster room or Premier Suite for the bride and groom, accompanied by a bottle of chilled champagne and English Breakfast the next morning
Along with the above the winner will also receive:
- A £200 discount on a bespoke wedding dress from Jojo Bridal Wear.
- The services of Claire Hill, a freelance hair stylist.
- Eight table or floor standing bouquets of balloons in your chosen colours and one special bouquet for the cake table from Party from a Box, worth £80.
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| Enter here |
| In the spotlight... Bath |
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We take a look at a selection of top venues in the city
Bailbrook House Hotel
Bailbrook House Hotel is a magnificent 18th century mansion set on a hill at the end of a long sweeping driveway in 20 acres of wonderful parkland. The venue is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, creating a private, intimate setting for your special day. Couples can choose from a mixture of beautifully decorated Georgian rooms in keeping with the mansion house's era of origin, plus a selection of additional function spaces with a more contemporary feel. In addition to being a feast for the eyes, with plenty of stunning photo opportunities, Bailbrook House Hotel boasts award-winning food that will delight your guests.
It's for you if... you're in search of a secluded historic venue
Find it at... London Road West, BA1 7JD or visit www.bailbrookhousehotel.com
For more venues in the area see page 17 of the current issue. |
| Anniversary expectations |
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If you want to ensure you have another special outing on the horizon following your wedding and honeymoon, why not book a stylish break at The Mount Somerset? The hotel's team have noted that not only is it a popular spot for nuptials, it's also top of the list for many couples popping corks for their anniversary, and in light of this the venue has launched a concierge-style events service.
The new Occasions by von Essen initiative at The Mount Somerset allows guests to work with the hotel's coordinators to tailor their event. Visitors can search the website for inspiration with a list of locations for romantic anniversary getaways, as well as expert tips, exclusive offers, and relevant upcoming events at the hotel.
The venue also has fantastic offers for recently engaged couples. "To celebrate the launch of the new Occasions by von Essen service, we have launched a romantic engagement package which offers the ultimate luxury stay in a deluxe garden room, complete with private terrace and hot tub, spa treatments and a host of other treats to ensure couples make the most of the hotel's superb facilities," said Mark Flinton, regional operations manager of the hotel.
For more information visit www.occasionsbyvonessen.com |
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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... |
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| Do a charity a favour at your wedding worth more than £5,000 |
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Cancer Research UK is offering happy couples an alternative choice in wedding favours with its range of pin badge designs and personalised favour cards to complement anyone's big day.
Couples planning to tie the knot can order life-saving wedding favours at www.giveincelebration.org/favours. There are a range of elegant pin badges to choose from including two exclusive designs, created by luxury wedding dress designer Jenny Packham.
Cancer Research UK's wedding favours are a unique way of thanking your guests for celebrating your wedding. They also provide a personal way for the bride and groom to celebrate a friend or family member surviving cancer or to remember someone close to them. |
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