Folio Wedding Supplement 218

WeddingGUIDE

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

BEST OF THE WEST 'S

Venuesfinishing

touches

A GUIDE TO FINDING THE

PERFECTEngagementRing

&

I T ' SN OT A L L

WhiteColoured dresses to

dazzle in

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Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding!The Grange Hotel will be there for you every step of theway during this important and exciting time, to assist you with all your wedding needs and to ensure it is thewonderful day you dream of.

This elegant country hotel, dating back to 1851, is set in 18 acres of attractive grounds, creating the perfect setting for your wedding.The Grange Hotel sits in beautiful gardens and really is the perfectbackdrop for your wedding photographs. Why not have a stringquartet on the lawn or a barbeque in the old English gardens, thepossibilities are endless....

Facilities available to you:

• Dedicated Wedding Consultant• Max capacity for civil ceremony: 150• Max capacity for reception: 150• Max capacity for evening reception: 180• Civil wedding licence• 68 bedrooms• Four poster bed• Complimentary changing room for the bride• Beauty treatments• Sebastian Coe Health Club• Landscaped gardens• Free car parking for 150 cars

Special £3,000 offer onselected dates up untilend of 2013Your £3,000 packagegives you...

• A Reception drink to welcome your guests• A three course Wedding Breakfast for 50 guests with tea and coffee• A glass of wine with the meal• A glass of sparkling wine to toast your future happiness• Evening room hire and a finger buffet for up to 75 people

Old Gloucester RoadWinterbourne

Bristol, BS36 1RP

For more information or to book a viewingplease call on 0844 815 9063 oremail us at [email protected] www.mercurebristol.co.uk

A Day To RememberMercure Bristol North, The Grange Hotel

The next wedding Showcase E

vening is

April 8th 2013 from

6pm – 8pm

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Warmth in the air, birds singing, flowers peeking through – it’s spring! After the long, dark days of winter it’s great to feel the sun on our backs and know that those gorgeous long evenings are just around the corner.

Since Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day are the most popular occasions for proposals, there will be a lot of you out there with weddings to plan, and spring is the ideal time to start thinking about what you want from your nuptials. The Folio spring wedding supplement is here to help, aiming to highlight some of the best and freshest ideas in the region, all wrapped up in one handy mini magazine.

Our cover shoot was the chance for us to bring together some of the most talented suppliers in the South West to work their magic on our showcase wedding. The Namaskar Lounge in Bristol was the venue for a day of black, white and fuchsia pink styling, featuring gorgeous gowns, sharp suits and colourful cakes, all expertly captured by Eyeconic Photography.

Elsewhere, Gianina Baba opens the doors to some fantastic venues, Guy Bagguley gives us a bloke’s perspective on choosing an engagement ring and Chloe Ward shops for coloured wedding dresses, plus we bring you all the news from the world of West Country weddings.

Happy planning!

Helen DorrittEditor

4 Back to the fuchsia The Folio team creates a chic wedding at the Namaskar Lounge

15 Put a ring on it How to find the perfect engagement ring

18 It's not all white Chloe Ward looks at coloured wedding dresses

21 The vow factor The pick of the South West's wedding venues

26 News The latest ideas and information from the world of weddings

Wedding Guide Spring 2013 was brought to you by Venue Publishing, publishers of Folio.Folio Bristol 2nd Floor, Bristol News & Media, Temple Way, Bristol BS99 7HD. Tel: 0117 942 8491, fax: 0117 942 0369, email: [email protected] Bath 2nd Floor, Bath News & Media, Westpoint, James West Street, Bath BA1 1UN. Tel: 01225 429801, fax: 01225 447602

Editor Helen Dorritt With thanks to Gianina Baba, Guy Bagguley, Chloe Ward Design Sarah Clark, Cath Evans, Dan Srokosz Advertising manager Becky Davis Advertising Rebecca Baddiley, Ben Wright, Ellie Pipe, Adam Burrows Publications co-ordinator Emma Gorton, Ruth Wood

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4 FOLIO/SPRING 2013

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W hen you want to create an urban wedding, where better than the heart of

Bristol city centre? The modern lines and décor of Maaza Namaskar Lounge meant that it was the ideal choice for the Folio spring wedding shoot. The juxtaposition of this modern building next to the cobbled picturesque lanes of Welshback and King Street, along with its position right on the water’s edge, gave us the perfect setting. Using a colour palette of black, white and fuchsia pink, the Folio team put together a wedding with the wow factor, creating a look that was sleek, chic and oh so stylish.

THE VENUE➻ A sweeping staircase, colourful interior decor, balcony with harbourside views and delicious food ensures that Maaza Namaskar Lounge is an ideal wedding and civil ceremony reception venue.

After saying “I do”, couples and their guests can relax with a drink in the downstairs area, with its floor to ceiling windows, comfy sofas and vibrant cocktail bar. For the wedding breakfast, guests move upstairs to the restaurant which has gorgeous views across the water. There are ample photo opportunities within the Namaskar Lounge, with the stairs, the balcony and the harbour all providing excellent backdrops.

The contemporary interior of the

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PHOTOGRAPHY: EYECONIC PHOTOGRAPHYWORDS: HELEN DORRITT

FuchsiaBACK TO THE


Ask us for more information on our exclusive hire options and our interest free monthly payment plans.

View our range of bridesmaids dresses and don’t forget our mens formal hire, offering the best service and styles for miles!

Anne Harding

Bristol’s only Bridal Specialist that offers you the option to hire, design or buy

your designer wedding gown.

Find us on facebook (Anne Harding Bristol)LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONS AND DISCOUNT CODES

DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE EVENT INSTORE NOW– Amazing Gowns from as little as £300 –

Including Sincerity Bridal, Justin Alexander and Essense Gowns

Call now to book an appointment during MARCH

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If you are looking for the very best of service and the highest of standards – you need look no further!

View our huge range of formal hire, from the traditional to the contemporary - look no further.

90-92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, BristolTel. 0117 9683074 • www.anneharding.com

Weddings

One of the largest showrooms in Bristol, with an endless choice on waistcoats, cravats

and designer suits new for 2013

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8 FOLIO/SPRING 2013

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Namaskar Lounge provides a sophisticated background for your celebrations. Lights can be altered to fit your colour scheme, and there is even the option to have images screened onto the walls and big screens – perfect if you want some audio visuals to accompany the speeches!

When it comes to your wedding breakfast, you won’t be disappointed. The Folio team was lucky enough to be able to sample some of the chef’s signature dishes, including some of the tastiest naan breads this side of Mumbai. But this isn’t your average curry – Namaskar’s food is global in its approach, taking in the flavours and fragrances of India and encompassing a variety of wonderful ingredients including sea bass, asparagus, rabbit and salmon to create dishes that your guests won’t forget. For a wedding reception, the team will sit down with you to plan a bespoke menu, which can also include food to cater for all tastes and requirements.

NAMASKAR LOUNGE OLD CITY, BRISTOL, BS1 4RR. FFI: 0117 929 8276, WWW.NAMASKARLOUNGE.COM

THE PHOTOGRAPHY➻ Eyeconic Photography was set up in 2009 with the intention of providing a friendly, approachable photographic business. Owned by husband and wife Tim and Sarah Lidbury, with Charlotte Stone joining the team last year, Eyeconic is a real family business which specialises in wedding and family photography that is relaxed, fun, high quality and, best of all, affordable.

Tim and Sarah didn’t have any professional photographs at their own wedding, which is one of their big regrets. With Eyeconic, they aim to ensure couples do have a perfect record of the day – but at a price that is reasonable and that they would be happy to pay themselves. Their friendly approach means that Eyeconic has stayed friends with all of the couples whose weddings they’ve covered, and have had many follow ups to their studio for baby portraits and family shoots.

Sarah has a real passion for shooting weddings – “the emotion of the day gets me every time, and without exception I always have a few tears!” When a couple books Eyeconic for their wedding, they’re invited to the company’s studio in Bristol for a pre-wedding meeting and practice shoot, which is their chance to practise some on-camera looks and to get to know Tim and Sarah better. “Some people are naturally camera shy and we have found this time invaluable in putting people at ease in front of the camera so they can just get on and enjoy their day. Getting to know our couples personally is very important to us, as we want to make sure a couple is relaxed with us on the day as this will be reflected in the final photos,” explains Sarah. “Then on the day, with two photographers it means we can cover not only the important formal shots but also those lovely candid shots – children playing, close ups of the bouquet, all those little touches that just make a wedding so special.” Depending on the package booked, Eyeconic stays for the entire

We paired this Essense D1140 dress with silver earrings, £115, necklace, £179, and cuff, £159, all by Jacks Design


FOLIO/SPRING 2013 9

Open D

ay

3rd February

All Welcom

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Creative & individual flowers for your special day

From her chic boutique florist in the heart of Clifton Village, Lisa and hercreative team will design gorgeous wedding flowers to enhance your perfect

day - from beautiful bridal bouquets to fabulous floral decorations.

[email protected] | www.lisa-elliott.co.uk

0117 97324401 Waterloo Street, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4BT

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Weddings...

With an eye for style and elegance, Bath Cake Company can create a beautiful traditional or contemporary wedding cake. Book a consultation, and Celia will go through every last detail in designing, making and delivering the perfect cake for your special day.

T 07834 270198E [email protected]

14 Fountain Buildings,Lansdown Mews, Bath, BA1 5DX

www.bathcakecompany.co.uk

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wedding, right up to the end of the dancing, so you’ll be sure to have a complete record of the day. The photos are then collected into what Eyeconic calls a “storybook album” – a collection of over 200 photographs that tells the story of the day, full of all the atmosphere and emotion that a wedding generates, and something that a couple will treasure for the rest of their lives.

EYECONIC PHOTOGRAPHY 96 HOLLWAY ROAD, BRISTOL, BS14 8PG. FFI: 01275 837575, [email protected], WWW.EYECONICPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

THE OUTFITS➻ Our bride and groom were impeccably dressed by Bristol wedding boutique Anne Harding, with Kerri in the bridal department and Lee in menswear helping us to put together a contemporary look from the shop’s brilliant range of outfits.

Lorena wore a dress from Australian designers Essense for our first look – style D1241. This fit and flare gown is tailored until the hips, when it cascades out into soft floral organza ruffles. The second dress was also by Essense, style D1440, and was made of luxe taffeta with ruching at the bust and beautiful cascading crisp ruffles that formed a chapel train. The shape of the peplum waist is bang on-trend and looked amazing under Namaskar’s curved ceiling. The addition of a crystal and diamante beaded belt gave the dress just the right amount of sparkle.

We had some fun with the third

gown, Justin Alexander 8611, a strapless knee length dress with a full tulle skirt accented with feathers, which we teamed with a pair of fuchsia shoes with ruffled heel backs and with Doug’s glorious updo. So Carrie Bradshaw, so fitting for our colour palette! This was Kerri’s favourite dress - “I’d like it to wear it to renew my vows in!” she exclaimed. If you like the style but don’t think you can pull off the colour, then you’ll be pleased to hear it’s also available in white and ivory.

Jay was resplendent in a fitted black lounge suit, crisp white shirt and slim ties in silver and black. This modern look beautifully mirrored the atmosphere of the Namaskar Lounge.

ANNE HARDING 90-92 SHIREHAMPTON ROAD, STOKE BISHOP, BRISTOL, BS9 2DR. FFI: 0117 968 3074, WWW.ANNEHARDING.COM

THE JEWELLERY➻ Our jewellery came from another urban treasure, Clifton Rocks. This shop, run by Clare Chandler, specialises in stocking unique contemporary designs from a range of talented jewellers, including Jacks Design, Pearl and Queenie and Shona Carnegie, as well as Clare herself.

We selected jewellery for the shoot to complement our urban theme and the interior of the venue, choosing pieces with matte finishes, bevelled edges and unusual lines. Diamonds, rock crystals, freshwater pearls, silver, gold and titanium all featured in a glorious

Essense D1241, left and right, and Justin Alexander 8611, centre and below, beautifully accessorised with hairstyles by Hobbs and striking make up by HUSH Hairdressing



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selection of modern jewellery. If you’re looking for wedding jewellery

then Clifton Rocks is bursting with nuptial inspiration, both for women and men. Clare also offers a bespoke service where you can commission your own rings and other pieces, to create something unique for your big day. And you don’t need to be limited to just precious and semi-precious stones - Clare recently created rings for a couple which incorporated pebbles collected from their favourite beach.

CLIFTON ROCKS 100 QUEENS ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 1NF. FFI: 0117 973 1342, WWW.CLIFTONROCKS.CO.UK

THE HAIR➻ Hairstyling maestro Doug Hobbs was

the creative force behind the hair for both our bride and groom. Doug is no stranger to weddings, offering his services to around 16 brides a year from his newly refitted and refurbished salon in Park Row.

For anyone interested in using Hobbs and the Hobbs hairdressing team for their big day, they will organise a pre-wedding consultation, which is a chance to find out about you, your dress and your venue in order to inform the final hairstyle. And with Doug at the helm, you can guarantee something that little bit different.

Doug and his assistant Stef created three beautiful wedding hairstyles for Lorena, ranging from casual, over the shoulder curls to a high volume, high impact up do. The third style was very Marie Antoinette, combining champagne glasses, fresh gerberas and pink ribbon to accompany the Justin Alexander black dress – pure theatricality which was extremely

appropriate for a venue in the heart of Bristol’s theatre land.

HOBBS HAIRDRESSING 50 PARK ROW, BRISTOL, BS1 5LH. FFI: 0117 929 1635, WWW.HOBBS-STYLE.CO.UK

THE MAKE UP➻ Glenn at HUSH Hairdressing used

Trucco products to give Lorena a bridal look that was fresh and natural. He started off with liquid foundation, followed by a dusting of loose powder to set. Lorena’s brows were shaped with High Brow Trio, and her eyes were defined using an eyeshadow called Ficelle, a gorgeous soft mocha shade. Glenn then added a coat of jet black mascara and dusted Lorena’s cheeks with Blossom blush, to give subtle definition. The gorgeous fuchsia lips were courtesy of Dior Rouge in shade 565, the perfect finishing touch.

Emma, the master nail technician at HUSH Hairdressing, gave Lorena’s nails a glorious hue of Shellac in Tutti Frutti, a vibrant pink which looked amazing against the colour of the dresses and picked up the other colour accents of the day.

HUSH HAIRDRESSING 27-29 BALDWIN STREET, BRISTOL, BS1 1LT. FFI: 0117 930 0350, WWW.HUSHHAIRBRISTOL.CO.UK

THE MODELS➻ It’s fitting that Lorena Fernandez

was a Bristol bride for us, since it’s because of marriage that she moved here from sunny Spain. She and her husband tied the knot six months ago, although back in her hometown rather than the West Country as “I wanted to guarantee

Clockwise from left: Titanium and silver wedding band by Feniom, £145, and curved satin finish wedding band by Clare Chandler, POA; Diamond engagement band by Domino, POA; Satin finish engagement ring with round 1ct stone by Clare Chandler, POA; Rock crystal drop earrings, £199, with matching pendant, £175, by Amy Keeper



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that there would be sunshine!” Lorena loved our shoot colour palette since she got married in bright pink shoes, with a similar bouquet.

Our groom Jay Yip, who came from room3agency in Bristol, is a wedding veteran as well as being a model and actor, and won the award at our shoot for the most international wedding travel - he attended four weddings in four different continents last year!

LORENA FERNANDEZ FFI: WWW.LORENA-F.CO.UKROOM3AGENCY THE OLD CHAPEL, 14 FAIRVIEW DRIVE, REDLAND, BRISTOL, BS6 6PH. FFI: 0117 944 1477, WWW.ROOM3AGENCY.COM

THE STYLING➻ Although Kirsten Butler, aka the Little

Wedding Helper, is a vintage girl at heart, she created fantastic black, white and fuchsia modern styling for our city centre shoot. Kirsten’s little touches on the table, using menus, invitations and place cards from Lizzy May Designs alongside our cakes and flowers, show how it really all is in the details. Her styling brought our colour palette together beautifully and showcased everything to perfection.

THE LITTLE WEDDING HELPER FFI: 07726 911951, WWW.LITTLEWEDDINGHELPER.CO.UK

THE CAKE➻ Celia from Bath Cake Company provided not one but two fabulous cakes for our shoot, as well as cupcakes that were used to

accessorise the table.The first cake was a three tier ruffle cake in

shades of pink, with handmade sugar anemones adding a finishing touch. The second was a four tier black, white and fuchsia cake with handmade sugar flowers, accessorised with ribbons. Both of these designs can be customised to your wedding colours and flowers, and are available to have in as many tiers as required.

Bath Cake Company uses only good quality ingredients including local free range eggs and real butter, so you can guarantee that your cake will taste as good as it looks. Having tried some of their delicious cupcakes we can testify that this is certainly the case.

BATH CAKE COMPANY 2 LANSDOWN MEWS, BATH, BA1 5DY. FFI: 07834 270198, WWW.BATHCAKECOMPANY.CO.UK

THE FLOWERS➻ Bristol florist Edith Wilmot looked at our moodboard for the day and created bouquets, buttonholes and table arrangements that perfectly fitted in with our theme. Bright pops of cerise gerberas, white parrot tulips, white ranunculus and folded dracena leaves ensured our shoot flowers were bright, fresh and a perfect match for our colour palette. Jay’s gerbera buttonhole provided a flash of our accent colour against his monochrome outfit. The bright pink and white flowers brought springtime to our table, adding a splash of colour to the white tablecloth and black napkins.

EDITH WILMOT CANFORD LANE, BRISTOL, BS9 3DE. FFI: 0117 950 8589, WWW.EDITHWILMOT.CO.UK

The vividness of our fuchsia pink accent colour worked well against a monochrome backdrop



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A fter three years of being with my gorgeous girlfriend Sara, I’ve made up my mind to pop the question. Call me an old romantic, but to me the moment you

get engaged is the most important part of the whole marriage process. It’s the point at which the ball starts rolling and it will be Sara’s decision as to whether she says ‘Yes!’ and we run with it, or she if says ‘No’ and kicks the whole matter into touch. So a big life moment and I need to make sure I get it right! I have planned the where and the how of the proposal to a fine degree. By the time this article is read I should have my answer, but for now I have only told my trusty best mate Pete, so it should come as a complete surprise to Sara. I only have one problem and it is a big one: the engagement ring.

I don’t have a clue about jewellery. Since the engagement ring is the physical embodiment of exactly what my love means, it will be the focal point after I have asked the question, so I don’t want to skimp on it. I know that Sara cares about her jewellery; I’ve heard her discussing at length with her friends the merits of one ring compared with another, but all I can see is a circular piece of metal with a shiny stone on it. How on earth am I going to choose something that means so much and that she will like, let alone one that will fit correctly? I need help. So, with the aid of Pete, I headed into town in search of jewellers to do some research.

Our first stop was Clifton Rocks, where the bubbly Clare gave us some sympathetic advice in her bijou shop. Clare told us that the

first step in choosing a ring should be to gauge Sara’s style: does she prefer traditional or more contemporary lines? This can help to define elements such as the setting of the stone; for example, whether to choose a claw or a rub over setting. This was starting to make some sense to me. Clare also explained that she can provide rings with a choice of metals and a choice of gemstone, including sapphires, rubies or diamonds as well as semi-precious stones. I told her I preferred diamonds and she explained that it came down to a few further factors, the four Cs - cut, the shape of the stone; carat, the weight; clarity, the quality of the marks on the stone and colour, whether to go for pure white or a number of other hues.

Clare showed me a few designs which I liked, but I didn’t have a clue what size was required. Clare said she could make an estimate from dress size. Again, I was clueless as to dress size. At this point Pete chipped in a few comments about the shape of my girlfriend’s body and I told him to keep his beady eyes to himself. And on that note, we thanked Clare for her help and good ideas before moving on.

Guy Bagguley details his quest to find the perfect engagement ring.

John Titcombe has a dazzling array of diamond and other gemstone rings

Ring�PUT A

ON IT!

on it

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Next stop was John Titcombe in Clifton Village, where I explained my situation and was greeted with hearty congratulations. Pete and I were presented with a nice cool beverage before sitting down with one of their designers to discuss our options. I explained that I had settled on a diamond ring and they told me I had come to the right place as John Titcombe is one of the largest stockists of diamonds and gemstones in the South West. We had fun as we discussed options with the designer who helped us to shape our ideas into a bespoke ring. And then the issue of size came up again. This time Pete was too busy quaffing his drink to make any more saucy comments! The designer explained that it didn’t matter if I wasn’t sure of Sara’s exact dress size as they could always resize the ring once the question had been asked. With this in mind we moved on and I promised to find out Sara’s dress size.

We headed down from Clifton into the city centre and spotted Diana Porter’s shop on Park Street. By now I was feeling confident and I explained what my ideas were around design and stones to one of the shop’s assistants. She explained that they had another option for me if I was uncertain about design, where they

would go through the whole design process and then

they would make up a sample ring from silver and cubic zirconia. I could use this to propose with, before coming back with my fiancée to specify the

exact details such as colour of diamond and

the crucial sizing. Pete was very keen on this idea and I wondered if he

wasn’t getting a little inspired himself. We thought we would visit one more shop

and so we popped into Catherine Amesbury’s shop Artemis. The sales assistant explained that they did not specialise in engagement rings, but they did provide other wedding jewellery that could be made to match the themes and colours of the wedding day. She said they could even take old jewellery and rework it into something new. Now I know that Sara inherited a pearl necklace from her grandmother, and although it had sentimental value she seldom wore it. The sales assistant explained that this could be made into a new necklace, a bracelet or even a pair of earrings. Pete suggested that I could present this to her as my wedding gift on the day. I was gobsmacked! Who was this man and what had he done with my best mate?

After having immersed ourselves in the foreign world of jewellery design for the afternoon, my head was spinning with new ideas, but I felt I was going to come up trumps. Time to retreat to a pub and finalise my plans for the perfect proposal.

CONTACTSCLIFTON ROCKS 100 QUEENS ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 1NF. FFI: 0117 973 1342, WWW.CLIFTONROCKS.CO.UKJOHN TITCOMBE JEWELLERS 4 THE MALL, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 4DR. FFI: 0117 973 317, WWW.JOHNTITCOMBE.CO.UKDIANA PORTER 33 PARK ST, BRISTOL, BS1 5NH. FFI: 0117 909 0225, WWW.DIANAPORTER.CO.UKARTEMIS 214 GLOUCESTER ROAD, BRISTOL, BS7 8NU. FFI: 0117 924 1003, WWW.ARTEMISBRISTOL.CO.UK, WWW.CATHERINEAMESBURY.CO.UK

From top: Pearl necklace and earring set from Artemis; Sample rings from Diana Porter; Platinum and oval diamond ring from Clifton Rocks

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Couture

A l i s o n M i l e s

Contemporary and tradit ional WeddingGowns individually designed and madeto measure in the most beauti ful s i lks

enquiries/appointments tel: 01225 336805

www.alisonmiles.com

Image courtesy of www.captureit.co.uk

Contemporary and Traditional Wedding Gowns individually designed and made

to measure in the most beautiful silks

Enquiries/appointments Tel: 01225 336805Email: [email protected]

www.alisonmiles.com

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C oncepts and traditions concerning marriage have changed significantly over the past few centuries. Marriage is still a bond between two people but some

aspects of marriage have changed dramatically. For example, in England couples used to be limited to where they could wed as ceremonies could only be conducted in either a register office or a church. Today couples can get married in hotels, castles and many other venues. Civil partnerships have been legal since the 2004 Civil Partnership Act, and we’re moving closer to the passing of the gay marriage bill.

As traditions are changing, the idea of a coloured wedding dress is more acceptable. Indeed, there are many benefits to wearing a wedding dress which isn’t white. A brightly coloured wedding dress will draw more attention to you as you walk down the aisle. Wedding dresses can be expensive and, if white, unlikely to be worn again, so a coloured dress can at least guarantee it a second outing. And if you want a wedding that your guests won’t forget, there is nothing more individual than a coloured wedding dress.

Chloe Ward goes in search of alternatives to the traditional white wedding dress.

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ALL

ChampagneThere are numerous shades of champagne, as this shade describes a range of tints between a yellowish-creamy colour and beige. Being named after the alcohol beverage, champagne also symbolises luxury. This strapless, full length dress with chapel train is halfway between cream and champagne. The bodice is beautifully embroidered with champagne appliqué and pearls adding detail, and the netted overskirt gives the dress a subtle layer effect. The embroidery continues down the A-line skirt becoming more spaced towards the bottom, with the small bursts of champagne adding colour

while keeping it in more traditional style.

CHARLOTTE BALBIER ALANA, AVAILABLE AT ANNE HARDING.

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If you can’t find the dress of your dreams in a colour you want,

another option is to get one made just for you - Bath and Bristol has some brilliant designers such as Alison Miles who offers a bespoke couture service. Another way to add colour to your outfit while sticking with a white dress is to incorporate your hues via your shoes, veil or jewellery. There’s a whole rainbow of shades out there so you can make your wedding as colourful as you want!

BlackBlack may be associated with funerals rather than weddings, but this shouldn’t prevent you from wearing black on your big day. Black is slimming, slick and it goes with everything. Black became very popular towards the end of the 16th century, when kings and nobles would wear the shade to show dignity, power and humbleness. Our example of a black wedding dress is this Justin Alexander gown, which is also featured in our cover shoot. It is strapless with a beautiful ruched bodice which goes into a tulle, knee length skirt, fashioned with feathers beneath the

netting and designed to bring your waist inwards.

JUSTIN ALEXANDER 8611 IN BLACK (ALSO IN IVORY AND WHITE), AVAILABLE AT ANNE HARDING.

OysterAlthough very similar to more traditional colours, such as ivory and bright white, oyster is another colour you could opt for. Resembling the same shade as pearls found in oyster shells, oyster is slightly paler than silver and somewhat more lustrous than ivory, and is truly a majestic colour. This Sincerity dress is made of regal satin giving it the perfect pearlescent finish. It is a full length, A-line gown with horizontal pleats to hug your figure, completed by a chapel train to simulate the elegance of a full train while making it less cumbersome.

SINCERITY 3653 IN OYSTER (ALSO IN ALABASTER AND WHITE), AVAILABLE AT ANNE HARDING.

CONTACTSANNE HARDING 90-92 SHIREHAMPTON ROAD, STOKE BISHOP, BRISTOL BS9 2DR. FFI: 0117 968 3074, WWW.ANNEHARDING.COMKRYSTLE BRIDES 11 ST JAMES PARADE, BATH, BA1 1UL. FFI: 01225 446844, WWW.KRYSTLEBRIDES.CO.UKALISON MILES COUTURE HILLCOTT, 110 SOUTHDOWN ROAD, BATH, BA2 1JJ. FFI: 01225 336805, WWW.ALISONMILES.COM

PurpleThe colour purple is truly a classic as it was one of the first colours to be used in prehistoric art. In medieval England purple clothing was too expensive to be purchased by common folk and so only the affluent in society, such as bishops and cardinals, could afford to wear it. It is a rich colour, both literally and figuratively, and is commonly associated with royalty. This dress is a bridesmaid’s dress, but could be worn by a bride. The close pleats on the bodice become bigger as the skirt widens at the base, which is ideal to enhance a curvy figure.

MARK LESLEY 1323A, AVAILABLE AT KRYSTLE BRIDES.

BlueThe old saying goes that you

need something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue when getting married. By wearing a blue dress you are eliminating two of these requirements. Navy blue, originally known as marine blue, was named after the British Royal Navy’s uniform back in the 19th century and carries connotations of importance, authority and power. Navy blue is aesthetically slimming and sharp. Our chosen example is technically a bridesmaid’s dress, but could be worn by a bride. It has a straight cut skirt with gathers and appliqué flowers on the waistband, complete with a strap over the left shoulder which can be removed. It is made from a light fabric to ensure a smooth flow while walking – perfect for that sashay down the aisle.

MARK LESLEY 1285A, AVAILABLE AT KRYSTLE BRIDES.

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S earching for a wedding venue opens up an array of settings, each with its unique atmosphere, style and cuisine. To help you decide, we’ve gathered together some of the best locations from the South

West: from glamorous city hotels to quirky banqueting halls and countryside mansions.

Your dream come trueLeigh Court is a peaceful, romantic setting with grand décor, which makes it the ideal backdrop for your wedding celebration. Set in 25 acres of beautiful private parkland, this stunning mansion house has everything you need to make your wedding dreams come true.

A truly special venue, Leigh Court it is licensed for civil ceremonies as well as offering receptions and evening parties in a choice of suites, the entire mansion or a marquee in the grounds. It has kept many original features such as the beautiful double staircase in the Great Hall, which creates a fantastic bridal entrance – especially when accompanied by the unique pipe organ.

With a real passion for food, the team of chefs have a selection of bespoke menus that include hog roasts, barbeques, buffets and sit down meals, made with fresh ingredients from local suppliers. The extensive wine cellar will provide the

finest drinks from around the world for your toasts.

LEIGH COURT ABBOTS LEIGH, BRISTOL, BS8 3RA. FFI: 01275 373393, WWW.LEIGHCOURT.CO.UK

Rustic romance If you dream of celebrating your happily ever after in a beautiful, rural setting, then you must visit Monkton Hospitality at Monkton Combe School. Nestled in idyllic countryside, only a few miles away from Bath, this exceptional venue offers a magnificent backdrop for photographs. Vast, immaculate grounds overlooking the Limpley Stoke valley create the perfect setting for a rustic romance, as if taken directly from the pages of Pride and Prejudice.

The elegant oak panelled Dining Room comes with a patio and terrace and can sit up to 180 guests, whilst the Old Hall would suit a more intimate gathering. If you are planning a much larger event, you can also have a marquee in the grounds.

From a finger buffet to a sumptuous banquet, Monkton’s expert team will tailor their services to meet your individual style. You can choose between fully inclusive packages or plan every detail as you want it. A menu packed with mouth watering dishes complimented by finishing touches of crisp white linen and crystal clear cutlery ensures your special day is a stylish, memorable experience. From the moment you choose to get married through to your wedding day, a dedicated wedding co-ordinator will

personally attend to every detail to ensure the whole experience runs smoothly.

MONKTON HOSPITALITY AT MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL CHURCH LANE, MONKTON COMBE, BATH, BA2 7HG. FFI: 01225 721114,WWW.MONKTONCOMBESCHOOL.COM

Gianina Baba looks through the doors of local venues.

FactorTHE VOW

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the water. On a warm summer’s day, as the sun sets over the city, your guests can make the most of the fresh sea breeze while they drink cocktails outside.

When the DJ announces the last song, and your feet are sore from all the dancing, you can say good night to your guests and make your way to the bridal suite. Your family and friends can have a good rest in the fresh, modern bedrooms and then join you for a full English breakfast in the morning. THE BRISTOL HOTEL PRINCE STREET, BRISTOL, BS1 4QF. FFI: 0117 923 0333, WWW.DOYLECOLLECTION.COM

Excellence in every detail

You don’t get more elegant and fashionable than the Aztec Hotel & Spa in Bristol. Its reputation for excellence and quality plus its ideal location make it a hotspot for weddings. With easy access from M4 and M5 motorways, the venue’s urban buzz is perfect for couples looking for a contemporary backdrop to promise their hearts to each other.

Aztec Hotel & Spa prides itself in offering

a selection of menus and packages with complete flexibility, allowing you to tailor your requirements to your dream day. Lauren, the wedding co-ordinator, will be there for you along the way and pay attention to every small detail of your wedding. A range of stylish rooms are available at special rates for your guests, and, if many of them are travelling from quite far, why not consider organising a pre-wedding get together or a relaxing spa treatment as a special treat?

Aztec Hotel & Spa wants to offer every couple an opportunity to take a close look and discuss their unique ideas for their special day. Choose one of the wedding showcase dates for 2013 (Sunday 17th March, Monday 6th May, Sunday 7th July, Sunday 8th September and Sunday 17th November) and see for yourself what excellence is all about.

AZTEC HOTEL & SPA ALMONDSBURY, BRISTOL, BS32 4TS. FFI: 01454 201090, WWW.AZTECHOTELBRISTOL.COM

Something old, something newWhere better to find a combination of ancient and modern features than at the Brasserie Blanc banqueting halls in Bristol? Bakers & Cutlers are two fabulous 13th century monastery halls which offer a breathtaking setting, complete with original hand hewn oak beams, vaulted ceilings, stone mullioned windows and a vaguely ecclesiastical air - a constant reminder of the venues’ heritage.

The old Quaker building which now houses Brasserie Blanc used to be Bristol’s registry office, an association that is continued today with both halls and the Calefactory (the private dining room in Cutlers Hall) being licensed for civil ceremonies.

The historical buildings make for gorgeous photo opportunities as well as an elegantly atmospheric space in which to hold your special celebration, but surprisingly, it doesn’t come at the cost of modern convenience. Bakers & Cutlers each have separate entrances and a dedicated banqueting kitchen staffed with Blanc trained chefs. A collection of specially designed seasonal menus showcasing the best of Blanc means that every event can be tailored to your personal taste.

If this whets your appetite, take the opportunity to pop along to the venue’s wedding fair on Sunday 3 March 2013 from 11am - 4.30pm. And if you need any added incentive, all couples who confirm their wedding in Bakers & Cutlers by the end of March 2013 will automatically be entered into a draw to win a complimentary case of French Champagne from their house supplier, none other than Joseph Perrier. Really, free French fizz! Need I say more? BLANC EVENTS WEDDINGS BAKERS & CUTLERS HALLS, BRASSERIE BLANC, THE FRIARY BUILDING, CABOT CIRCUS, BRISTOL, BS1 3DF. FFI: 0117 910 2412, WWW.BLANCEVENTS.COM

Waterfront wonderland Situated on the quayside of the floating harbour, the Bristol Hotel is surrounded by the best landmarks of the Old City. This waterfront wonderland, with its tall, bright windows and sparkling crystal chandeliers, plus stunning views over the Bristol harbourside, will provide an enchanting backdrop as you say your vows.

If you want to tie the knot in a contemporary and stylish space, then invite your guests to the William Jessop suite. Rich deep carpets and neutral colour walls provide the perfect canvas, enabling you to put your individual stamp for the day. Alternatively choose the main Ballroom for a lavish celebration, where up to 300 guests can enjoy the wedding breakfast as they look over the quayside. The River Grille restaurant can also be hired privately for your wedding day to enjoy the delicious food with your family and friends even closer to

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Jewel in the crown

In the heart of Bristol’s Old City, the Maaza Namaskar Lounge offers an elegant restaurant and venue space which is ideal for a city centre wedding reception.

The team behind the Namaskar Lounge are passionate about the experience that they offer and aim to take customers on an inspirational journey, providing a perfect environment for you to celebrate your nuptials.

The large, open space of Namaskar is ideal for a reception. Your welcome drinks can take place downstairs in the funky cocktail bar, which has great views onto Welshback and the water, while the second floor restaurant is the perfect setting for a sit down meal or buffet. Get the party started after dinner on Namaskar’s dancefloor and sip a glass of Champagne as you watch the night fall across the harbour.

As you’d expect from a renowned restaurant, this is one wedding breakfast your guests won’t forget. Namaskar combines the best of Indian cuisine, served in a contemporary style. Fresh, seasonal and local ingredients will ensure a tasty meal, and the chefs are also happy to tailor your menu to suit individual tastes.

NAMASKAR LOUNGE OLD CITY, BRISTOL, BS1 4RR. FFI: 0117 929 8276, WWW.NAMASKARLOUNGE.COM

In superb surroundings Looking for an inspirational place to host your wedding celebrations? Then look no further, as the University of Bath offers exactly that: two fully licensed venues available for your exclusive use, set in beautiful rolling countryside.

Overlooking the University lake and amphitheatre, the Claverton Rooms are the perfect backdrop for saying ‘I do’. These modern, stylish rooms can accommodate up to 250 people, giving you plenty of flexibility and space to work with. Or for a more intimate experience, the Wessex Restaurant offers a relaxed yet stylish dining experience.

Following the ceremony, why not have your Champagne and canapés outside? The superb surrounding grounds offer many opportunities for photographs. Then delight your family and friends with one of the mouth watering array of dishes from the popular Adore and Amour menus, created with the finest local ingredients.

There is also a selection of 4-star modern on-site accommodation and free parking, which your guest will thank you for after the long hours on the dance floor. The arrangements will be made directly with the guests, so you can already tick that one off on your planning list.

UNIVERSITY OF BATH CLAVERTON DOWN, BATH, BA2 7AY. FFI: 01225 385345, WWW.BATH.AC.UK/HOSPITALITY/WEDDINGSANDBANQUETS

To the manor born

With its gorgeous views across the South Gloucestershire countryside, sweeping grounds and beautifully refurbished Victorian buildings, Old Down Manor is a great spot to say “I do”.

While the gothic architecture on the outside tells of the 1856 origins of the manor, inside is a more contemporary affair, with Old Down having undergone a recent refurbishment which has resulted in the perfect marriage between old and new. The entrance hall, which has two dazzling chandeliers specially imported from San Francisco, provides a suitably grand welcome, and there are a number of smaller rooms which you and your guests will delight in exploring, as well as the extensive 66 acre grounds.

The Manor House is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships, and the whole property can exclusively be yours for the whole day. The venue can accommodate 120 people for a sit down meal and up to 200 people for an evening reception, and there are also 13 well-appointed bedrooms available for guests to relax in after a day of celebrations. OLD DOWN MANOR OLD DOWN MANOR, FOXHOLES LANE, TOCKINGTON, BRISTOL. BS32 4PG. FFI: 01454 41408, WWW.OLDDOWNMANOR.CO.UK

I do beside the sea

The Gower Hotel’s team love all special occasions, but weddings are definitely their favourite. The staff at this bijou venue, located in the heart of Wales’ beautiful Gower peninsula, love to take time to really get to know couples and to understand what will make their perfect day.

The hotel is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships, and is also right next door to a stunning 9th century church, giving you a range of options for the ceremony.

The wedding party can have all 14 bedrooms so that everyone can truly enjoy the day without worrying about having to journey back afterwards.

There are a number of signature rooms, such as the ‘room with a bath’ which offers a large bedroom, super king size bed, en suite facilities plus a beautiful roll top, cast iron bath in the centre of the bedroom - perfect for the happy couple after enjoying their big day.

There are no off the peg menus at the Gower either – couples are invited to sit down with the hotel’s head chef and discuss your ideas in order to create your perfect menu. And with the chefs using local produce and suppliers where possible, you will have a proper taste of the West.

THE GOWER HOTEL 11 CHURCH LANE, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA, SA3 3JT. FFI: 01792 234111, WWW.THEGOWERHOTEL.CO.UK

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Sunday 27th January, Sunday 17th March, Monday 6th May, Sunday 7th July, Sunday 8th September, Sunday 17th November

All showcases 11am - 2pm

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W ith the refit of his salon, Doug Hobbs and his team at Hobbs Hairdressing in Park Row have once again created something new

and innovative for the people of Bristol to enjoy.

Doug Hobbs has influenced a huge number of creative people in the city over the years, from graffiti artists to Bristol’s urban fashion and music scenes. With this refit, Doug has come up with something to excite his loyal customer base.

Having a cut, colour and treatment at Hobbs Hairdressing has become a whole new experience with a coffee bar downstairs opening on to the beautiful

garden and café seating area called the Hobbservatory, all designed for maximum customer comfort.

The recent refit was inspired by Doug’s visit to New York and the buildings in and around the Tribeca district. Working with local artisan cabinet makers, blacksmiths and a variety of bespoke local suppliers, Doug has pulled off a design project that has created a spacious, comfortable and edgy space. To quote one client, “it should be on the Bristol Arts Trail calendar!”

HOBBS HAIRDRESSING 50 PARK ROW, BRISTOL, BS1 5LH. FFI: 0117 929 1635, WWW.HOBBS-STYLE.CO.UK

I f you’re looking for something a little different to complement your dress then these vintage brooch bouquets, the latest exquisite offerings from Alison Miles Couture, could be the

perfect accessory. These metallic sculptures are lovingly

crafted by Alison from pieces of jewellery to create a truly unique bouquet for you to carry. Ideal for both contemporary and vintage themed weddings, they are also great for destination ceremonies as you’ll know in advance how your bouquet will look and that it won’t wilt in the heat! They are also perfect for those brides who suffer from hayfever but would still like to carry a bouquet down the aisle.

Your bouquet can incorporate family pieces of jewellery as pieces are not damaged in the process, which can make it a lovely way of remembering a member of the family who is no longer around. Families can each give a little piece to be included in the bouquet, and it doesn’t have to be just brooches – earrings and pendants can be used too. And after the wedding dress is packed away and the last crumb of cake eaten, you’ll have a lasting souvenir of the day that can be passed onto other brides.

ALISON MILES COUTURE HILLCOTT, 110 SOUTHDOWN ROAD, BATH, BA2 1JJ. FFI: 01225 336805, WWW.ALISONMILES.COM

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T he ss Great Britain is throwing open its doors for a wedding opening evening to show how today’s couples can continue its tradition of love and romance.

On Sunday 10th March from 3.30-6.30pm, this showcase will provide an opportunity for you to find out more about the weddings team on the historic ship and how they can assist with the smooth running of your special day. Couples will have exclusive access to the ss Great Britain after opening hours and be shown the unique spaces where ceremonies, receptions and evening parties can be held, including the First Class Dining Saloon, the Promenade Deck, Weather Deck and Hayward Saloon.

Wedding suppliers and professionals such as Arch House Deli, Clifton Cakes and harpist Claire Dibble will also be giving first-hand advice and samples of their services, enabling you to see just how your nuptials could be celebrated ship shape and Bristol fashion!

SS GREAT BRITAIN GREAT WESTERN DOCKYARD, GAS FERRY ROAD, BRISTOL, BS1 6TY. FFI: 0117 926 0680, WWW.SSGREATBRITAIN.ORG

F lowers are the natural partner for spring weddings, and Lisa Elliot Floral Design in Bristol is the natural partner for flowers. Lisa and her team take pride in creating bouquets, buttonholes and floral arrangements that are

an integral part of your wedding, reflecting your style and colours. “I love being part of the bride’s day and coming up with designs to suit their theme,” explains Lisa. Whatever your budget or ideas, Lisa will work with you to create flowers that are the perfect accompaniment to your vows.

“We’re very much looking forward to the wedding season,” says Lisa, who reports that the trend for 2013 is still vintage-inspired, with brides and grooms opting for flowers with an English feel. “At this time of year I love working with seasonal flowers such as open garden roses, hydrangeas and peonies.” For spring, soft, muted shades of lavender, cream and mauve work well to symbolise the freshness and warmth of the season.

LISA ELLIOT FLORAL DESIGN 1 WATERLOO STREET, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 4BT. FFI: 0117 973 2440, WWW.LISA-ELLIOT.CO.UK

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UNCOVER THE SECRET FOR YOURSELF…

Beautiful Wedding Venue

Bespoke Menus

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies

Exclusively Yours

www.thegowerhotel.co.uk

The Gower Hotel, 11 Church Lane, Bishopston, Swansea, SA3 3JT

t: 01792 234111 e: [email protected]

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Glitz & FOR YOUR HENS

Glamour L et’s face it, waxing doesn’t always conjure up the most attractive of images. The thought of yelping in pain while someone applies hot wax to your bikini line – no thanks. But this image is no longer true, thanks to STRIP, a new type of waxing salon that

offers a virtually pain-free service.STRIP’s highly-trained therapists ensure your waxing

experience is fast, effective and hygienic. Using STRIP’s own specially blended Lycon waxes to suit skin and hair type, you can choose between a nourishing olive oil or chocolate hazelnut wax to stimulate the senses. Lycon is a premium wax which prevents hair breakages, in-grown hairs and the sting usually associated with waxing.

The STRIP’s treatment rooms are designed using opulent fabrics and furnishings selected to complement each wax flavour or colour. And the guys aren’t forgotten either, with male waxing offered for those grooms looking to get a little more groomed before the big day.

STRIP BRISTOL HARVEY NICHOLS, QUAKERS FRIARS, CABOT CIRCUS, BRISTOL, BS1 3BZ. FFI: 0117 916 8864, WWW.STRIPWAXBAR.COM

R ather than forking out for a foreign holiday away for your hen do, why not bring together your girlfriends for a gorgeously decadent spa break? Everyone

loves a little pampering, and the Pampered Hen packages at the award-winning spa at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House will provide the perfect opportunity for you to relax and rejuvenate in the company of your favourite ladies.

thespa at Cadbury House offers glamorous treatments, ranging from manicures, pedicures and eyebrow shapes to full treatment packages and a range of facials.

Spa manager Sophie Joules says, “Our

hen party packages are extremely popular! We have the perfect venue for relaxation as a break from the stress of organising a big day.” Pampered Hen packages include Champagne on arrival, a gift for the bride, a luxury lunch, full use of the award-winning spa facilities and the option to add a variety of treatments, all starting from £35 per person. You can also make it even more of a treat by staying overnight in the hotel and taking full advantage of Cadbury House’s luxurious facilities.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CADBURY HOUSE FROST HILL, CONGRESBURY, BRISTOL, BS49 5AD. FFI: 01934 837231, WWW.THECLUBANDSPABRISTOL.CO.UK

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•AuthenticIndianrestaurant•Vibrantharboursidebarandcocktaillounge

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Planningaweddingorprivatefunction?

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weddings,privatedinnersandfamilycelebrations

0117 929 8276

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