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| OUT NOW |
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Wedding of the year
Meet our fourth round of contenders
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Make a statement
Show-stopping hair accessories for the big day
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Tried & tested
The County Wedding Magazines team is
all a-flutter for these mascaras
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Future forecasts
The County Wedding Magazines team
predicts the must-have trends for the
year ahead
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Snap happy
Find the perfect photographer to capture your love through a lens
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Are you a bridezilla?
Take our fun quiz to find out
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Grand designs
A peek into the most decadent venues in Bristol's Clifton village
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Wild luxury
Jennifer Kettle samples the delights of South Africa and Zambia
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 27th January 2012 |
| Frosted fairytale |
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| Image provided by Caroline Pilling Photography |
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Sian and Adam's winter wedding was made even more magical with a lush carpet of snow
Adam met Sian in Horfield's Wellington Pub in 2004. She was a first year university student working behind the bar; he was a punter and had popped in to visit his cousin - and her colleague - Mike. He played cupid to the future husband and wife by making introductions, and it wasn't long before the pair went on their first date.
During a relaxed outing in Whiteladies Road, the couple talked about scuba diving and travelling over a couple of drinks. And, as the night continued, Sian knew she didn't want their date to be a one-off.
She says: "There was no showy presence to Adam, he was just a genuinely nice person."
Fast forward five years to autumn 2009, and Adam decided to pop the question to a surprised Sian.
She says: "I was ill and grumpy because my car had failed its MOT. All in all, I was feeling very sorry for myself. I was cooking dinner, and probably bemoaning my car, when Adam said, 'I've been thinking all day about how much I want to marry you. Will you marry me?'"
She adds: "If someone asks to marry you when you're being a grumpy moo, you know he's a keeper."
The couple decided to get married one year later and Sian was in her element taking on the bulk of the organisation.
She says: "I loved every minute of it because of the amount of time you get to spend with both sides of the family, the best man and the bridesmaids.
"When you get married, there is a real sense of goodwill. People pull together to help you plan."
Sian and Adam were married in St Nicholas Church in Winsley on November 27th, 2010. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Tythe Barn in Winston Mill which was simply and elegantly styled.
Turn to page 41 in this month's issue to read more. |
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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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| Winter wonder |
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Warm rays of sunshine bring a smile to the face of many people, however, I have to confess the colder months have always been my favourite. As autumn leaves in gorgeous, rich hues make way for frost and snowflakes, I relish the opportunity to pile on cosy knitwear for long walks around historic settings. It is with this in mind that we present our rundown of Clifton grandeur venues on page 17 - perfect for a spot of winter drama.
I have always imagined my ideal wedding gown would incorporate vintage-style lace, and this season the intricate fabric is bang on trend. Whether you see yourself as an ice queen, a retro siren, or a cool and contemporary bride, there are plenty of dresses to tempt you in our bridal fashion feature on page 51.
Enjoy!
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| Jennifer Kettle, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yourbristolsomersetwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a boudoir photography package worth £729 |
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Capturing those all-important special moments on the big day is a must for any bride and groom, but what about the excitement leading up to the wedding? Well, family-run business JD Photography can offer both services with its Brides Unveiled boudoir photography sessions and wedding packages.
Brides Unveiled encourages future wives to glam up and get gorgeous for fabulous images to treasure, providing an ideal excuse to be preened and primped to perfection. And the shots will also be the perfect wedding-day gift for your new hubbie!
Indeed, photographer Jodie Howe has seen Brides Unveiled continue to grow in popularity over the past five years and in autumn 2011, the service moved to a gorgeous new Victorian studio in the heart of Weston- Super-Mare. The space has been created especially to suit boudoir photography and is the perfect setting in which to capture stunning, intimate images for someone special.
For more information telephone 01934 614 458 or visit www.bridesunveiled.co.uk
We've teamed up with JD Photography to offer you the chance to win a boudoir photography package worth £729. The prize includes:
- A photographic shoot including professional make-up
- A finished portfolio of 12 images
- A CD of 20 final images
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| Enter here |
| Signed, sealed, delivered |
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Stationery and favours can set the tone of your whole wedding and this is your guide to finding the perfect paper and presents
Top tips
- Many couples have specific requests for their wedding, be it a dress code or a policy on the attendance of children. This information should be provided clearly within the invitations.
- If you think your guests will need directions to your ceremony and reception venue/s, or details of local accommodation, include any practical information they might need with the invitations, as well as the time the event is due to end.
- Ask guests to provide details of any special dietary requirements with their RSVP.
- If you intend to write out the invitations yourself, make sure you order more than the exact amount you need, just in case you have a momentary loss of concentration!
- If you employ a stationery designer, a proof should be sent to you prior to the final order so you can check all the details are correct and you are happy with the product.
- You should expect your stationery to arrive around four weeks after placing the order, so make sure you allow yourself enough time.
- Favours should fit in with your theme and can make a nice addition to table decor.
- When choosing favours for younger guests, bear in mind children will appreciate sweet treats or gifts they can play with.
To read on, turn to page 79 of the current issue. |
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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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| 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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| Hot topic: Gifts |
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Whatever worries you have regarding your big day, our experts are here to guide you through
Charity begins at home
Q - We have everything we need for our house, but our guests are keen to give us something for our wedding. We like the idea of donating to charity - what are our options?
A - Andy Hickey says: An increasing number of couples are looking for ethical alternatives when it comes to their wedding, and charity gift lists are becoming a popular choice. There are two main options: If you have a favourite charity you know your guests would like to give to, then support them through a simple donation website, such as www.JustGiving.com
Alternatively, you can use one of the small number of services more tailored to weddings, the best of which are provided by Oxfam Unwrapped and Cancer Research UK.
If you would rather give your guests a choice though, opt for a wedding list that offers a selection of charities. The Alternative Wedding List, for example, offers a range of charities including Barnardo's, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Save the Children. For African-based charities, choose The African Wedding List, and The Green Wedding List focuses on environmental charities. Do your research and you're sure to find the perfect charity for your big-day guests to give to.
Did you know? Oxfam Unwrapped encourages couples to 'give a goat' as an alternative gift |
| Greased lightning! |
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Do you love copying the routines from Grease and Dirty Dancing with your girlfriends on a night out? If so, we've got the perfect giveaway for you. Pink Kiss is a nationwide dance school that runs themed dance classes across the UK for hen parties and the company is offering five lucky County Wedding Magazines readers the chance to each win a party for up to 10 people.
Winners can select from Grease, Dirty Dancing, Abba, Glee or Thriller 90 minute sessions, or a two hour pole-dancing or burlesque class. You will also receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly, sash and box of chocolates to get the party started. For more information go to www.pinkkiss.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for details.
Enter online at www.yourbristolsomersetwedding.com |
| Honeymoon news |
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The best light show on earth
Couples planning on a Nordic honeymoon in 2012 can expect to witness the Northern Lights at their clearest and most vibrant since 1958. To take advantage of this event, several tour operators will be offering cruises and excursions. One worth booking is Astro Trail's Northern Lights cruise, which is scheduled for March 2012. The journey will take passengers through the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords before reaching the Arctic areas where passengers can watch nature's most amazing light show. The tour will be joined by distinguished lecturer, astronomer and astrophysicist Dr John Mason, who will give a series of talks.
To find out more, visit www.astro-trails.com |
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