BEAUTY UPDATE The latest buys Wedding dresses, accessories and more Spotlight on... South & West Gloucestershire In full bloom Have fun with wedding flowers FABULOUS FASHION APR/MAY 2024 £3.55 Win! A honeymoon in the Maldives worth £3,000 GLOS WILTS & WEDDING
YOUR AWARD-WINNING, EXCLUSIVE USE WEDDING VENUE Scan Here creating everlasting memories, one wedding at a time. WWW.MANORBYTHELAKE.CO.UK Manor By The Lake, a Victorian manor house nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, hosts exclusive bespoke wedding celebraaons, each one as individual as the couple. As proud recipients of the presagious Naaonal Award for Best Wedding Venue at 'The Wedding Industry Awards,' they stand as a testament to their commitment to providing an enchanang and exclusive seeng for wedding couples. TO DISCOVER MORE Photographers Credits: Mat James Photography, Jenny & Hannah Photography, and HBA Photography
3 REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER A warm welcome from Claire 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the regions 13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 50 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer big-day advice 78 COMPETITION Win a honeymoon in the Maldives worth £3,000 CONTENTS APRIL/MAY 2024 FEATURES 43 COOL CAKES Big-day bakes and sweet treats 47 FABULOUS FLORALS Wedding bouquets, buttonholes, backdrops and more On the cover... Holly and James are our cover stars for this issue, photographed on their wedding day at White Horse Country Park in Westbury, Wiltshire by Emily-Jane Photography. 53 VENUES 15 IN FULL BLOOM These fabulous wedding venues boast pretty, flower-filled gardens 21 SPOTLIGHT ON... South and West Gloucestershire 70 52
4 GROOMS 67 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 68 FEELING PEACHY We’ve rounded up some of the latest on-trend products for the groom-to-be inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year, Peach Fuzz FASHION & BEAUTY 52 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 53 IN LOVE WITH LACE This delicate fabric is always in fashion 58 THE ULTIMATE EDIT Add instant glam to your big-day look with these latest jewellery launches 59 RUFFLE UP Romantic layers and tiers are decorating bridal dresses this season 62 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the latest must-haves 64 JUST BREATHE Actor-turned-meditation facilitator Maude Hirst tells us how to handle the stresses of wedding planning 66 FASHION AND BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems REAL WEDDINGS 24 WONDERS OF WILTSHIRE Jodie and Scott chose Jenners Barn as their wedding venue that was decorated with a pale pink and blue colour theme 31 WITH LOVE FROM WILTSHIRE Holly and James married against the backdrop of the Westbury White Horse 36 A FAMILY AFFAIR The Pear Tree Purton provided the magical backdrop for Olivia and Jamie’s special day 68 74 72 HONEYMOONS 70 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 72 PICTURESQUE PARGA Jet to Parga Beach Resort in this popular coastal town located on the north-western coast of Greece 74 THE ITALIAN DREAM Live la dolce vita at Villa La Massa in the heart of the breathtaking Tuscan countryside 77 A ROOM WITH A VIEW Get away from it all at Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort 62 58
The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HP 01451 820 456 . events@ slaughtersmanor.co.uk . www.slaughtersmanor.co.uk/weddings A few words from some of our brides... (as we couldn’t put it better ourselves) “The location is stunning, a beautiful Cotswold Manor House with amazing grounds set in the picturesque village of Lower Slaughter with its stream, water mill and quaint cottages, a perfect setting and endless photo opportunities. The Chef Nik and his team did a fantastic job, and all our guests were overwhelmed by the quality of the food and amazing service.” “The Slaughters Manor House exceeded our every expectation. Our daughter and son in law had a room called Valentine a wonderful suite big enough to hold her and 5 bridesmaids on the morning, with a private garden.” ‘’The wedding breakfast was wonderful, and everybody said it was the best wedding food they had ever tasted.” ‘’ The attentive service throughout the entire day was exemplary, nobody was left with an empty glass and the high level of service was maintained until the party finished in the early hours.’’ ©Weddings by Nicola & Glen We have a genuinely friendly and flexible approach to creating your perfect bespoke wedding, choose from a simple day ceremony through to full exclusive use (for up to 120 guests.) We would be more than delighted to show you around or chat on the phone, Please do let us know you will be calling in, either on 01451 820 456 , or drop us an email events@slaughtersmanor.co.uk
With Easter over, it’s officially spring and this feels like it’s going to be an egg-cellent year! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to booking some trips this year, including to Crete and Greece. If you’re considering a Greek honeymoon then turn to page 72 to read my review of the Parga Beach Resort located on the north-west coast of Greece. If you’re planning a Wiltshire wedding in a wonderful historic venue, turn to page 50 to read all about Devizes Venues. For those planning a garden celebration, our venue-filled feature on page 15 will leave you blooming with inspiration. Until the next issue... Claire x Claire Ridley, Editor Happy travels! 6 How stunning do the grounds at The Bradley Hare in Wiltshire look here? Turn to page 15 to see more wonderful wedding venues budding with glorious gardens. ISSN 2399-4967 Your Glos & Wilts Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Glos & Wilts Wedding is published six times a year. @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding EDITORIAL Editor Claire Ridley | 01376 535 611 claire.ridley@county.wedding This is Wiltshire-based milliner Tina Mason at work on one of her handmade headpiece designs. Turn to page 66 to see more of her work. ADVERTISING Account Manager Ruth Swallow | 01376 538 568 ruth.swallow@county.wedding www.martinmorrell.com The historical interior of the Town Hall at Devizes Venues offers a magical backdrop for a Wiltshire wedding. Turn to page 50 to read all about it. Win a honeymoon in the Maldives worth £3,000 on page 78!
EDITOR’S LETTER 7 Here I am enjoying a morning yoga class on the outdoor pavilion at Parga Beach Resort in Greece. Read all about this hot honeymoon destination and the new Garden Suites on page 72. Check out the delightful Pythouse Kitchen Garden, an 18th-century walled garden wedding venue in South Wiltshire. Read all about it on page 15. How happy do real wedding couple Holly and James look here on their special day at White Horse Country Park in Westbury? Be inspired by their sage, blush and gold-themed day on page 31. Fall in love with lace, the timeless wedding dress fabric that never goes out of style. See our bridal gown edit on page 53.
Gloucestershire Magician Ltd – Richard Parsons Professional full-time Magician and Member of The Magic Circle Hundreds of weddings over 16 years Perfect entertainment for your Drinks Reception or Evening Recommended by The Unfiltered Bride Podcast For availability and prices email info@gloucestershiremagician.co.uk or DM on Instagram (@glosmagician) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, UK and International www.gloucestershiremagician.co.uk Images courtesy of Lauren Mitchell Photography • Super Sensational Skid Courses • Muddy Marvellous 4x4 adventure • Adrenaline fuelled karting for adults 15+ STAG & HEN PARTIES at Castle Combe Circuit Hen Parties Hens and Stags go FREE! A fantastic day out to remember! ENQUIRE NOW ON 01249 783010 OR VISIT www.drivetechltd.co.uk Skid Control 4x4 Stag Parties Karting martinhonortm@gmail.com | 0792 606 7711 www.honorceremonies.co.uk Credit: Gill of H4 Photo Credit: Jaqui Marie Photography BEAUTY & HAIR BY REBECCA Hair and make-up for Brides and their bridal parties. If you want a reliable, professional person for your special day, then contact Rebecca with the information about your WEDDING DAY. Tel: 01452 616634 / 07951 212701 Email: becky-patt@blueyonder.co.uk www.beautyandhairbyrebecca.com
All the latest from around the regions NEWS Nearlywed EDITOR’S PICK Enjoy a spring tipple with the Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence by mixing it with apple juice, sparkling elderflower and mint leaves, perfect for summer weddings. £18.50 for 100ml (20 serves), www.cotswoldsdistillery.com DE VERE PROPERTIES GIVE TO LOCAL CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS Hotel chain De Vere, with properties in Gloucestershire, volunteered more than 450 hours, equivalent to 56 days’ worth of their colleagues’ time, on Thursday 29th February to give back the extra leap year day to local charities and community projects. As part of the group’s wider ESG efforts, De Vere has committed to donating more than 2,000 hours of volunteering in 2024 to continue to develop valued relationships within the local community. Over 100 colleagues across De Vere’s properties, as well as its central support team, volunteered at local charity partners including Cotswold Lake Trust, Berkshire Animal Connection Centre and Windsor Food Share. Many also engaged with local community projects such as litter picking, gardening and maintenance within local care homes. Laurie Nicol, De Vere’s chief operating officer, commented: “We’re always looking at ways we can support charities close to our hearts, so we were delighted to give so many hours back to such worthy, local causes on the extra day of this leap year.” Laurie continued: “The hours from the 29th February, combined with the great volunteering work already being undertaken by colleagues, gives us a great boost towards our target of giving back 2,000 volunteer hours to local communities in 2024.” Following the success of the volunteering event, De Vere is now making the day an annual occasion to kick-start their yearly charity campaign.” To find out more and to book a stay at a De Vere property, visit www.devere.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 9
DIARY DATE Check out the spectacular wedding fair taking place on Sunday the 27th of October 2024 from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm at Charingworth Manor in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. There will also be Gloucester-based fairs taking place this summer, where couples can meet expert local suppliers. These include Eastwood Park on Sunday the 19th of May and Sunday the 22nd of September from 11 am until 2 pm. To find out more and to order tickets, visit https://thewordbristol.com/upcoming-events-bristol-wedding-fairs DEACON & SON CELEBRATES 175TH ANNIVERSARY Swindon-based, family-run jewellers Deacon & Son Ltd recently celebrated their 175th anniversary and to mark the event, had the honour of welcoming Queen Camilla to the shop. She kindly opened the newly refurbished watch and clock workshops. To find out more and to shop, visit www.deacons-jewellers.com www.gettyimages.co.uk BOWOOD HOUSE SET TO HOST SUMMER EVENT Castle Combe and Bowood House and Gardens will host the Masters of Motoring 2024 event on the 1st and 2nd of June. The event will, this year, span Saturday, June 1st, with its track action day at Castle Combe Circuit, followed by a return to nearby Bowood House and Gardens on Sunday, June 2nd for a Concours-style event, complete with various theme displays, set on the lawns of the picturesque Wiltshire wedding venue. Saturday’s Castle Combe track action day has already proved to be a big draw for owners of historic race cars – with several historic F1 cars heading the entry. To find out more about weddings at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, visit www.bowood.org and turn to page 57 to read more. 10
Get in Touch! Salon Owner, Bridal and Hair colour specialist in colour corrective work, blondes and balayage. 10 Barton Street Tewksbury, GL20 5PP info@chloessalon.co.uk | 01684 294389 | @chloessalon_ INVITE ‘HUGO’ TO YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION! Hugo is a gorgeous vintage HY van. We cook sweet and savoury crêpes, suiting all dietary/age requirements, and supply everything for your guests. All you need to do is choose the menu. As a premier food outlet, all our utensils and tableware are 100% recyclable. We can also supply hot beverages and liqueurs. WWW.CAROLINESLITTLEKITCHEN.ORG.UK 07919 440146 @carolineslittlekitchen Carolines Little Kitchen PTION! ook sweet and uirements, and ou need to do outlet, all our le. We can also eurs. HEN.ORG.U nes Little Kitchen TO Hugo is savoury supply is choo utensils a WWW.CA 07919 44 TO Hugo is savoury supply is choo utensils a WWW.CA 07919 44 Wedding Caterer Of The Year REGIONAL FINALIST South West Caroline's Little Kitchen TO YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION! Hugo is a gorgeous vintage HY van. We cook sweet and savoury crêpes, suiting all dietary/age requirements, and supply everything for your guests. All you need to do is choose the menu. As a premier food outlet, all our utensils and tableware are 100% recyclable. We can also supply hot beverages and liqueurs. 07919 440146 @carolineslittlekitchen Carolines Little Kitchen Caroline’s Little Kitchen Bespoke headwear handcrafted in Wiltshire Why use a bespoke service? Unique individual design Reflect your personality & style Coloured to match or complement your outfit Comfortable head fitting www.masonmillinery.co.uk @mason_millinery
www.foreverbouquet.co.uk Contact Caroline on 07929 757028 Email: hello@foreverbouquet.co.uk Commission a Painting of Your Wedding Bouquet to preserve the beauty of your precious flowers forever. Nestled in the Wiltshire countryside, our tastefully decorated function rooms with stunning views create the perfect setting to continue your celebrations as a newly married couple. A warm welcome awaits! basset-down.com/events events@basset-down.com 01793 812336 Basset Down Complex, Hay Lane, Swindon, SN4 9QW Naturalistic & Timeless Wedding Films 07468 607056 info@edenweddingfilms.com www.edenweddingfilms.com @eden.weddingfilms
Take advantage of these great giveaways YOUR DREAM DAY, YOUR WAY Lara Parnell is the founder of Lara Parnell Weddings, creating wow-factor floral arrangements and venue decor. Lara works with each couple to bring their big-day vision to life. From conception to completion, Lara encourages couples to bring along any pictures, colours or other materials to an initial complimentary consultation to start working on the theme for their day. She reuses and recycles everything that she can, even working with dry flower petals to make confetti, helping to keep costs down and be sustainable. Services include floristry, venue styling and more. Your Glos & Wilts Wedding has teamed up with Lara to offer readers a 5% discount on wedding bookings over £4,000. To take advantage of this offer, visit www.laraparnellweddings.co.uk or email lara@laraparnellweddings.co.uk www.instagram.com/ laraparnellweddings LILY CHARMED IS GIVING READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN £150 TO SPEND ONLINE Crafted from recycled sterling silver and gold-plated recycled sterling silver, Lily Charmed (https://lilycharmed.com) brings you a seamless canvas for effortless jewellery curation, ensuring that each piece offers a lifetime investment for authentic self-expression. Collect and curate your very own jewellery box of keepsakes with Lily Charmed’s unique range of consciously crafted charms. Bringing joy through jewellery, each piece is designed to showcase your memories and magical life journey with a modern edge. From engraved talismans, romantic hearts and keys, pretty florals, colourful motifs cast in resin, and whimsical bees and biscuits, to lustrous pearls, chic lockets and personalised birthstones adorning charm bracelets, charm collectors, chains and hoops, Lily Charmed offers a pick ‘n’ mix of playful designs. Layer, stack, mix and match, play with chain and bracelet styles, add charms, add colour − the choice is endless! Infinity symbols represent ever-lasting love, whilst alphabet charms and custom engraving make the perfect personalised touch for weddings. Elsewhere its hug rings, friendship charm bracelets and retro Mixtape, Cowboy Boot and Puzzle Pieces make effortlessly thoughtful bridesmaids gifts. Enter online an www.yourgloswilts.wedding/win. Terms and conditions apply. Freebies& OFFERS www.heatherbaileyweddings.co.uk www.surefootedmedia.com FREEBIES & OFFERS 13
Surprise your guests WITH A UNIQUE, BOHEMIAN YURT CHELTENHAM YURT HIRE Call 01453 704130 for a discovery chat ▪ Seat up to 150 ▪ Bright and airy, perfect for photos ▪ Freedom to create your dream wedding, your way ▪ No hidden charges ▪ From £4,295 Let’s talk about your wedding! Contact us today: info@cheltenhamyurthire.co.uk 01453 705130 www.cheltenhamyurthire.co.uk @cheltenham_yurt_hire
WEDDING TRENDS FROM PYTHOUSE KITCHEN GARDEN In full bloom These fabulous wedding venues boast pretty, flower-filled gardens What’s new? The Pythouse Estate nestled in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside in Tisbury is a wedding venue where couples can legally marry in nearby Hatch House or enjoy a blessing and reception in the enchanting grounds of the Pythouse Kitchen Garden, feasting on homecooked dishes using ingredients grown there, paired with delicious drinks. Sprigster Drinks is firmly rooted in the three-acre kitchen garden, where a regenerative approach to food production crafts sustainable non-alcoholic drinks. Championing a zero-waste ethos, even the leftover fruit mash is composted and goes back on to the garden to help create the next batch. The creators of the award-winning Sprigster Drinks infusions are gardeners who love to cook and cooks who love to garden combining both passions into delicious drinks inspired by the countryside. The team at Pythouse Kitchen Garden has recently revealed their top eight wedding trends taking over the garden in 2024. 1. Provenance, food miles and seasonality For weddings at Pythouse Kitchen Garden, food most definitely takes centre stage. The restaurant, headed up by chef Darren Broom, has received high praise from critics for its modern and timeless menus, made daily with garden gatherings. As couples are becoming increasingly conscious of provenance, food miles and seasonality, Pythouse delivers with their sustainable approach to gardening and cooking. Everything takes inspiration from their centuries-old garden, which has long supported the virtues of a simple and regenerative lifestyle. All dishes are grown in the three-acre garden or reared from happy local herds which include organic lamb legs cooked over a fire. 2. Making many meals of it Weddings are shifting away from one sit-down meal towards all-day grazing and free-flowing meals which are easily captured at Pythouse. The team set up food and drink stations for guests to explore the venue whilst they dine. From canapés and cocktails in the walled garden to a banquet on the terrace, a homemade cake cut in the fairy-lit conservatory or a selection of late-night snacks by the fire in the orchard, many meals make happy guests. 3. Drinking and dining as part of the entertainment With a team of talented hosts, cooks and gardeners, a wedding at Pythouse elevates the menus and drinks to help create precious memories and photos that will last a lifetime. From cooking a feast over flames on the wood grill to crafting cocktails in the indoor-outdoor bars using fresh garden herbs, and bringing out the cake adorned with garden fruit to a banquet table dressed in flowers picked from the garden that morning, Pythouse curated and designed the entire experience to create a magical day for both the happy couple and their guests. 4. Catering for the sober-curious, drivers and moderators As the low-no movement grows so does the need for tasty non-alcoholic choices at weddings. Offering options to guests who either don’t drink or who prefer to moderate has become increasingly important. It’s easy at Pythouse with their very own garden-grown and locally sourced Sprigster Drinks range of alternative aperitifs, game-changing cocktail ingredients and celebratory bottles of fizz with zero added sugar and nasties. 5. The ‘Single Estate’ Wedding For sustainably minded couples, the ease of a bespoke wedding where practically everything is arranged and sourced on-site is a huge draw. From the service to the cake, flowers, food and drinks, and even the accommodation, the abundant Pythouse Kitchen Garden and the community that surrounds it can deliver. 6. Turning hosting into a mini holiday Increasingly couples are looking to turn their nuptials into a mini holiday for their nearest and dearest. At Pythouse the honeymoon suite is a meticulously curated and romantic shepherd’s hut for two. For an extra 30 or so guests, the Glamping Glade in the orchard, with its thoughtfully designed bell tents, provides a sociable camp to set up the day before and carry on the celebrations into the next day. 7. Nature as the backdrop Couples want a stunning setting, and the rising popularity of festivalthemed, table-scaped and country garden weddings has exploded in recent years. Fuelled by social media, the event as a content-gathering opportunity has increased the desire for carefully curated images. At Pythouse, nature provides the most beautiful seasonal backdrop, from a riot of colours in spring and summer to a more muted and cosier feel in autumn and winter. 8. Try before you buy Couples want reassurance that everything will go to plan, their guests will be wowed and the day will be the best of their lives and expectations will always be met at Pythouse. Founder Piers and the team host a lunch and garden experience for the couple, allowing them to get a feel for their bespoke package. They will tour the three acres, pick out the flowers and plan a unique experience that completely fits with their wishes. www.pythousekitchengarden.co.uk/weddings-events 15 THEMED VENUES
COTSWOLD HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA, CHIPPING CAMPDEN, GLOUCESTERSHIRE This award-winning luxury hotel located in the heart of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire is a charming Grade 11 listed regency townhouse featuring 28 bedrooms and suites, plus a tranquil spa nestled in the stunning grounds with seven treatment rooms. The Bistro On The Square provides the perfect informal setting in which to enjoy sharing platters, as well as a range of snacks, daily specials and cocktails. Alternatively, Fig offers a more formal place to enjoy afternoon tea or dinner and the hotel boasts picturesque views from every window. Both intimate and exclusive-use weddings can take place here in the heart of the North Cotswolds, with rolling hills to the rear. The hotel is licensed for ceremonies to take place inside or outsoors in the magical gardens with the largest function room seating up to 90 guests. There is a range of wedding packages on offer and the hotel is dog-friendly so that four-legged friends can also attend. The sister property, Noel Arms Hotel, is located directly opposite offering additional guest accommodation. www.cotswoldhouse.com www.chippingcampden.com THE GREENWAY HOTEL AND SPA, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE A new bar and an expanded food menu are among the new additions to this 16th-century manor house hotel, which has been named as one of the top ten country house hotels by The Times’ guide to the 100 best places to stay in the UK for 2024. The boutique hotel, which’s set within eight acres of countryside grounds and holds a 4 AA Red Star rating as well as the 3AA Rosetteawarded Garden Room restaurant, has completed a refurbishment across its communal areas, including the spa brasserie, its main reception and stairwell, and the Austen Room. This multi-purpose area can cater for up to 12 people for private dining and is now equipped with a James Bond-esque motorised wall-mounted ArtTV frame which can alternate between a picture and a TV for meetings, private dining or functions. It complements a separate transformation of the venue’s 21 bedrooms, which was completed in March 2023 – bringing total investment in the hotel to around £1.4 million over the past two years. The Orchard Brasserie, located next to the hotel’s luxurious Elan Spa has welcomed a permanent bar, serving a range of hot and cold beverages. The menu has also been expanded to now offer hot breakfast and evening meals to complement its existing lunch and afternoon tea offerings, and has extended its opening hours from 8 am to 7 pm. The neighbouring manor house also has a new look. The limestone Tudor fireplace in the manor house reception – which is an original feature of the building alongside the oak wall panelling – and the existing wall panelling has been reinvigorated with a mid-tone blue backdrop which, combined with lighting control, creates a consistently warm ambience. Another of the hotel’s oldest features, the stairwell, has also been revitalised with Liberty wallpaper bursting with gold, grey and teal colours which form the main theme of the corridor area. www.thegreenwayhotelandspa.com 16
Cornwall, a county of beauty and magic; a place of wedding dreams. www.cornwall.gov.uk/weddings | 0300 1234 181 | @MyCornwallWedding Image Credit: omas Frost Photography My Cornwall Wedding: O cially Yours - the only source of bespoke, legal, celebrant-led civil weddings in Cornwall. Weddings B E Visit www.badmintonestate.com for more details or to request a wedding brochure. Badminton Estate lies in the heart of Gloucestershire, steeped in history and tradition it makes for an idyllic English countryside wedding venue. Images: Judith Parkyn Photography
WEDDINGS AND EVENTS BY BAZ & FRED oldgore@yardspace.co.uk • 01285 708200 • www.yardspace.co.uk
THE BRADLEY HARE, MAIDEN BRADLEY, WILTSHIRE At the Bradley Hare, couples can hire the dining area for up to 55 guests and this space can also host music and bands. Guests can enjoy quality food made from fresh local and seasonal ingredients, with modern twists on pub classics, as well as more refined dishes from the à la carte menu. Dishes feature succulent lamb loin and crispy pork belly from the estate farmers as well as smoked haddock, barbecued asparagus with ricotta and wood-fired shallots. Vegetables are sourced from the community garden and meals are complemented by an extensive wine list. The Bradley Hare has a ‘dine anywhere’ environment and offers a comfortable and romantic setting to enjoy a drink by a roaring open fire. Relax and unwind with a luxury treatment in the Potting Shed, The Bradley Hare’s secluded boutique beauty studio hidden within the grounds of Bradley Park. www.thebradleyhare.co.uk THE MANOR HOUSE, CASTLE COMBE, WILTSHIRE Encased by honey-coloured stone houses and the gently flowing Bybrook river, Exclusive Collection’s The Manor House located in Castle Combe offers beautiful rooms, award-winning dining, and a championship golf course. Surrounding the hotel, the magic of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed novel Stardust envelops the charming streets of Castle Combe, which captured the essence of that magical world when it was transformed into the novel’s Village of Wall for the film adaptation. In addition to this enchanting setting, the cinematic masterpiece War Horse also unfolded its moving story against the backdrop of Castle Combe. Those who visit the local church will find a display with images from the shooting of both films mapping out key locations, which will truly transport them into the stories. Weddings take place in a choice of beautiful rooms including the Dunstanville Suite, the Shakespeare Lounge, the Bybrook Restaurant and the elegant Wedding Pavilion with bespoke packages available and a dedicated wedding planner. www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house 19 THEMED VENUES
UNIQUE AND STUNNING TIPI HIRE for weddings and events in the Cotswolds and throughout the UK. WWW.FIREFLOWERTIPIS.COM Hello@fireflowertipis.com | 07814684424 Joshua Tucker Photography
South and West Gloucestershire CLEARWELL CASTLE, FOREST OF DEAN This magnificent castle is accessed by a sweeping tree-lined driveway that leads to the Portcullis with the traditional castle turrets in view in the background, providing the perfect spot for romantic couple portraits. The multi-award-winning, family-run venue is enveloped in 20 acres of manicured grounds with stately front steps set against the front lawns. The interior boasts all the comforts of a country manor house with plush furnishings, roaring fireplaces and stunning period features. Indoor ceremonies take place in the church-like ballroom which boasts a 75-foot aisle, high ceilings and tall windows, plus traditional features. Outdoor ceremonies take place in the Bandstand nestled in the grounds overlooking the castle. During the summer months, the Cocktail Terrace is a great spot for drinking, mingling and playing garden games. The ballroom seats up to 150 guests for the wedding breakfast, and couples can enjoy their first dance in the Main Hall or in the Cellar Bar which features a dancefloor area. The Library and Quiet Room allow people to unwind and celebrations can be extended the night before or day after with a party at The Wyndham, the castle’s country inn. One half of the wedding party can stay at Keeper’s Lodge the night before the wedding which sleeps up to six people, and couples getting married at the castle will receive two tickets to a dinner date evening included in their wedding package so they can enjoy a four-course meal. www.clearwell-castle.co.uk Spotlight on... Exterior image of Clearwell Castle courtesy of www.nickmurrayphotography.co.uk LOCAL VENUES 21
STRATTON HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, NEAR CIRENCESTER Nestled on the outskirts of the Cotswold market town of Cirencester is this family-owned hotel, home to 43 elegantly designed en-suite bedrooms, a welcoming traditional bar, the sophisticated Garden Restaurant with a charming walled garden terrace, and an award-winning spa to indulge in ultimate relaxation. It’s the perfect pick for a romantic weekend, a relaxing spa retreat, or as a base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds. Wedding ceremonies at this dog-friendly hotel can take place for between two and 100 guests and there are still late availability dates for celebrations this year. The three wedding packages offer the Classic, Stratton and Cotswold choices and prices start from just £4,295 based on 50 wedding guests. www.strattonhousehotel.com BERKELEY CASTLE, BERKELEY Steeped in history, the majestic stone walls at Berkeley Castle are adorned with tapestries that exude a timeless elegance. The Medieval architecture, built from Cotswold stone, is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds with views stretching across the wider estate and River Severn. The decadent Drawing Rooms are home to floor-to-ceiling windows and ornate furniture, ideal for intimate wedding ceremonies or areas to relax in during a drinks reception or cocktail hour. Ceremonies can also take place in the Long Drawing Room that’s licensed for up to 70 guests, or in the Great Hall for gatherings of up to 130 loved ones. The seated wedding breakfast also takes place in this impressive space full of character for a grand wedding banquet. The lower meadow in the gardens has all the space needed to erect a marquee for a larger reception, which will offer the ultimate flexibility. The historic, terraced gardens, especially the lower lawn and downstairs by the lily pond are home to pretty flower beds and ancient trees providing an ideal area for a summer al fresco drinks reception while the drawing rooms provide a good winter alternative. Offering exclusive use for a two-day wedding on Fridays and Saturdays, the castle boasts a brand new space. The Kitchen Garden is a modern building set within the walled garden allowing a separate venue to host a Friday night dinner catered for by sole suppliers Napier Catering. In addition, a honeymoon cottage is included for the happy couple on the saturday evening complete with a champagne breakfast. www.berkeleycastleweddings.co.uk Images of Berkeley Castle courtesy of https://robtarren.co.uk 22
DE VERE COTSWOLD WATER PARK, SOUTH CERNEY Part of the De Vere collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels and event destinations, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is set among the honey-coloured stone buildings and rolling hills of the quintessential Cotswolds. It’s a hotel as spectacular as its natural surroundings, perched among the 152 lakes of the Cotswold Water Park. Cotswold stone, glass and wood are seamlessly integrated throughout the hotel’s design. The lakeside apartments benefit from outside decking which wraps around the entire hotel overlooking the lake. The Cotswold Water Park is a nature reserve in itself, so guests are surrounded by nature while staying at the hotel. Once inside this waterside property, visitors will experience light, airy spaces furnished in keeping with the natural surroundings. Located within the main hotel building are the most popular suites for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including The Whimbrel Marquee, The Kingfisher Suite, The Mallard Suite and The Drake Suite. Both The Whimbrel Marquee and The Kingfisher Suite have recently been refurbished in neutral tones with Cotswold stone and offer direct access outside with a private area while the Mallard Suite has a private balcony overlooking the late. The hotel can host large wedding ceremonies of up to 400 guests and receptions with up to 500 loved ones in the Whimbrel Marquee. The Brasserie Restaurant has recently enjoyed a renovation with beautiful new décor and furniture in blue tones perfectly matching the lake views wonderfully complimented with gold accents. A menu tasting session is included in the wedding package along with accommodation for the couple and a discounted rate for guests. De Vere Cotswold Water Park was revealed as the fourth most popular spa hotel in the Cotswolds. Inside the hotel is Spa 6 which is home to a gym, a hydro swimming pool, an aroma steam room and a dry flotation room. The popular Rasul Therapy experience is ideal for a pre-wedding pamper and sits perfectly alongside a host of other luxury spa therapies and beauty treatments. www.devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel FIREFLOWER TIPIS, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE (NATIONWIDE HIRE) These magical tipis offer a rustic charm and blank canvas for year-round weddings. Summer celebrations can make the most of the great outdoors with garden games, al fresco drinks, hay bales and firepits. During the colder months, the interior of the tipis looks cosy dressed with fairylights, sheepskin rugs and blankets. Menu choices to complement a tipi wedding can be anything from fine dining to a grazing table set-up. Outdoor barbecues, wood-fired pizza ovens and street food vans are other great alternatives, as are mobile horsebox bars. On a warm evening, guests can gather around the firepit to toast marshmallows while enjoying a fireworks display. A selection of tipis and sizes are available for hire with two giant hat tipis recently added to the offering. A single structure seats up to 60 guests and multiple tipis can be linked together to create more space. There’s the option of adding a snug, catering tent and a separate smaller tipi as a children’s play area. The experienced team also has a large range of furniture for hire including bars, atmospheric lighting and other fun ideas. http://fireflowertipis.com 23 LOCAL VENUES
A family affair Jodie and Scott’s special day at Jenners Barn was styled with pale pink and soft blue touches Images courtesy of Zara Rowlands Photography Jodie and Scott Hughes married on the 29th of July 2023 at Jenners Barn in Whelford, Gloucestershire. 24
Jodie and Scott met at work when Jodie was Scott’s manager. “We connected instantly, mainly because of our sense of humour,” Jodie tells us. “Scott was forever doing goofy things to make me laugh.” Scott proposed after the couple had been together for eight years. “He surprised me on Mother’s Day,” Jodie says. “I was patiently waiting in bed for him and our children to bring me my breakfast that they make me every year. I didn’t expect a side in the shape of a ring box to be on the tray next to my cup of tea! It was lovely having our children there who were very excited to see their dad get down on one knee.” SETTING THE SCENE The couple wanted their special day to be more of a celebration and a party than a formal wedding. “We liked the relaxed atmosphere at Jenners Barn which is a beautiful barn in a lovely setting with fields for camping, games and activities,” Jodie explains. “With all of the outside space, it offers great flexibility and freedom so we had a bouncy castle, ice cream stall and lawn games which were a hit with our guests.” Jodie arrived at the venue with her daughter in a vintage off-white Beauford wedding car. “We were able to have some photographs taken with the roof down driving along the country lanes under the trees,” she tells us. Jodie and Scott’s celebrant, Emily made their ceremony very personal. “It was wonderful to hear her include stories that we had told her and mention the special people in our lives, I think it engaged our guests,” Jodie says. “It was incredibly satisfying seeing our planning and hard work pay off and watching our loved ones have fun and be together for our special day.” Jodie and Scott decided against having a table plan. “We just made sure that we had plenty of seating for everyone so they could pick where they wanted to be,” Jodie tells us. “I think our guests enjoyed the freedom of this, it was made easier by the fact we had platters of food served to each table so that everyone could help themselves to what they liked. Our catering suppliers REAL WEDDINGS 25
An established, high end, family-run business offering bespoke catering services for every event. WWW.NAPIERCATERING.CO.UK 01454 415716 || enquiries@napiercatering.co.uk Napier Catering || 57 Bridge Street The art of catering Your wedding day will always be remembered as a precious memory. Every ceremony I create will be unique and entirely tailored to reflect you and how you want your special day to feel. I will tell your love story, your way, for your big day. Amanda the Celebrant Company owner of ‘Love Unlimited’ Designing Ceremonies for Memories Email: info@amandathecelebrant.co.uk Website: https://amandathecelebrant.co.uk Whatsapp or Call: 07711 534131 Instagram: amanda_the_celebrant Facebook: Amanda Brockway Celebrant Make an enquiry mail@forkingout.co.uk | www.forkingout.co.uk 01722 328808 Our mobile kitchen will be accessible but discreet, and equipped with all the cooking and servicing requirements for the day! As well as your own experienced team of chefs, you’ll also have your own fully trained staff available to wait on you hand and foot throughout the day. We will lay up all tables impeccably with table linen and napkins, the desired crockery, cutlery and glassware, decorations and table placings, all well in advance of guests arriving, and will clear away everything, including leftovers and rubbish so all you need to worry about is enjoying your friends, family and the big day. Our friendly professional staff will serve arrival and reception drinks, whilst chilling white wines and allowing reds to breathe to perfection before bringing them to your tables for your meal.
couldn’t do enough for us and provided something for everyone with charcuterie boards, a vegetarian option plus delicious sides. We also had an ice cream stall serving dessert. There was a tasty selection of flavours that we had previously taste-tested in their local shop which was Scott’s favourite part of the wedding planning! Guests could also enjoy loaded fries during the evening reception, plus marshmallows toasted on the firepit and a mouthwatering wedding cake consisting of a Victoria sponge layer and a carrot cake with buttercream icing.” The table centrepieces were flowers in small vases with candles in keeping with the blue and pink theme. “We had a soft colourful mix of wildflowers which fitted in well with a relaxed, rustic vibe,” Jodie explains. “We added flowers in milk churns that were placed on apple crates to reflect the fact the barn is on farmland which looked great and we also had a full-sized barrel which was used to put our wedding guest book on, with an Instax camera so that our guests could leave photos in our guest book as well as well wishes.” LOOKING THE PART Jodie wore a wedding dress by Madi Lane called Harper. “It was comfortable and lightweight which made it a joy to wear,” she tells us. “With our wedding date being during the middle of summer, I wanted to make sure that I felt comfortable and not too hot. It had beautiful detailing and a shape that I thought was flattering.” Scott wore a light blue suit with a pink tie. “We kept the colours and fabric light for our summer celebration and our two children wore blue and pink to match Scott,” Jodie describes. TIME TO CELEBRATE “The live band that we hired played in the barn keeping the dancefloor full,” Jodie tells us. “They were a brilliant band who performed a mixture of well-known party music. They were a great crowd pleaser, taking requests from guests, which went down very well.” Top tip: “The day goes by so quickly, so try and take a moment where it can just be you and your partner to soak it all in. Enjoy all the rewards of your planning and don’t sweat about the small stuff which will become insignificant on the day.” - Jodie and Scott REAL WEDDINGS 27
THE DREAM TEAM Photographer, Zara Rowlands Photography, www.zararowlandsphotography.co.uk | Jenners Barn, https://jennersbarn.co.uk | Celebrant, Emily Rawlinson Celebrant, www.emilycelebrant.com | Dress, Madi Lane Bridal, https://madilane.com | Hair, Rachael J Hairdressing, www.instagram.com/rachaeljhairdressing | Suit and tie, Moss, www.moss.co.uk | Florist, Grace & Ivy Florist, www.graceandivyflorist.com | Catering, Feed Me Cotswolds, www.feedmecotswolds.co.uk | Ice cream, Rays Ice Cream, https://raysicecream.co.uk | Cake, Goody’s Bakery, https://goodysbakery.co.uk | Band, Busy Fools, www.facebook.com/busyfoolsduo 28
Suppliers of tableware, furniture, linen and kitchen equipment. We aim to assist you every step of the way as you plan your perfect wedding. Whether you’re arranging a small and intimate celebration for 20 or an elaborate wedding for 200, we can offer advice where necessary or just chat through the details with you as your plans take shape. Dirty returns included in the price Pure water washing for an exceptional finish Premium and cost-effective options T 01666 577 500 • E catering@richardsoneventhire.co.uk • WWW.RICHARDSONEVENTHIRE.CO.UK Unit E, Chelworth, Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9XY MOBILE HAIRDRESSER GIVING YOU THE BEST QUALITY OF CUTS,COLOURS & BRIDAL HAIR — with over 20 years experience — Hair by Libby Swindon WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HAIRBYLIBBYSWINDON Call: 07751 162124 or email: libbyhollyd@gmail.com www.belleandbea.co.uk belleandbea@outlook.com | 07557 344664 Providing blooms unique to you, from beautiful bouquets and stunning floral arches, to bold buttonholes and fabulous flower crowns. @romylawrencephotography Daniella Marinos Photography BEAUTIFUL ELEGANT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY RUBY, EMERALD & DIAMOND PACKAGES AVAILABLE Professional, natural documentary style photography to capture those special moments on your big day. Call: 01453 297528 or 07958 238851 Email: info@daniellamarinosphotography.com www.daniellamarinosphotography.com
To advertise here call Sales on 01376 514000 or visit yourgloswilts.wedding Please mention “Your Glos & Wilts Wedding” when calling advertisers Photography: Tom Durn HILLES HOUSE IS THE STUNNING LOCATION FOR YOUR ROMANTIC WEDDING IN THE COTSWOLDS An exquisite Grade II* listed wedding venue, nestled on the Edge, near Painswick and Stroud, featuring extraordinary Arts & Cra s architecture, the house provides a dramatic backdrop with glorious panoramic views across ve counties: Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Monmouthshire, and Shropshire. With a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere combined with its creative history, this is an ideal setting for your most intimate day. Available from May to September, guests will bene t from exclusive use of the landscaped gardens and the Big Hall. To nd out more, please visit www.hilleshouse.co.uk/weddings or contact our Wedding Planner, Emma Taylor Roach, at emma@hilleshouse.co.uk @HillesHouse #cotswoldweddingvibes
Holly and James married against the backdrop of the Westbury White Horse in a summery celebration styled with sage green, blush pink and gold Images courtesy of Emily-Jane Photography FROM WILTSHIRE With love Holly and James Langdown married on the 26th of August 2023 at White Horse Country Park in Westbury, Wiltshire. 31 REAL WEDDINGS
I arrived in style with my bridesmaids in a classic VW camper, owned by a friend of the family. “The bright blue sky looked unreal on our special day.” - Holly and James The venue setting is idyllic, with a view of Westbury White Horse in the background. The terrace is licensed for ceremonies and it has a newly renovated interior. It also offered plenty of space, inside and out. Holly and James met through their young children who were at nursery together. “James would read a book out loud in the reception area while waiting to take the children into the nursery, thinking it would impress me,” Holly tells us. “It made me laugh, so I guess it worked!” James proposed during a family holiday to the Costa del Sol in July 2022. “James insisted that we walk to the beach with our four children,” Holly tells us. “The sun was beginning to set so it looked beautiful and James knew that I wouldn’t be able to resist dipping my toes in the sea and paddling, so he took that chance to act quickly and form a heart shape out of a battery-operated string of fairylights that he had smuggled to the beach with him. When I walked back to him from the sea, I saw the illuminated heart and inside, on the sand was a small square-shaped box which James explained was a late birthday present. As I opened it, I was presented with a pair of lovely earrings at which point, James got down on one knee and pulled out a second box containing a ring asking me to marry him! It was a wonderful surprise, I had no idea that James was planning to propose, I’d given up hinting and I didn’t know he had purchased a ring.” Here, Holly tells us all about their Wiltshire wedding at White Horse Country Park decorated with a sage green, blush pink and gold colour theme. It was touch and go with the Great British weather! It had rained all week and the day before the wedding was also wet. I advised our wedding planner to make the judgement call on the morning as to whether the ceremony should be on the terrace as desired, or inside if it rained. The registrar was concerned that it was going to rain and James was sure it was going to brighten up. I was told that James was standing on a chair watching the clouds, saying how he had spent years in the Army sitting in bushes looking at clouds for the weather. They decided to agree on a compromise and move the legal document under shelter in case it rained, but James was right, it stayed dry, and the sky was a stunning shade of blue. Due to the amount of children we have in our family, we wanted somewhere that had a relaxed vibe. We were recommended The View at the White Horse Country Park through a local Facebook page. We decided to have lunch there one day with the children and were convinced it was the right place for us from the start. 32
James and his groomsmen wore a sage green, three-piece suit, with a blush pink tie and brown shoes which he had tapped! James had a slightly fancier buttonhole. I met Karl, the owner of Kakes by Karl at a wedding fair. He was so accommodating, suggesting the design had a reference to James’s military career in The Grenadier Guards on our wedding cake. We had a three-tier frosted cake decorated with white roses and eucalyptus and Karl added The Grenadier Guards badge at the back as a nice surprise for James. We had white chocolate and raspberry-flavoured cake on one tier, salted caramel on the other and the top tier was a dummy layer decorated with flowers. I loved our pretty welcome sign! For our table plan, we purchased a large sage green piece of card from HobbyCraft and I crocheted pink and cream hearts in different styles to attach. I added decorative beading and flowers around the edge and hand-wrote the names. Our hand-written place names were sage green, pale pink and gold and we had table numbers, written on small wooden tags attached to the bottles that made up the centrepieces. I made the favours by personalising candles in a jar with pink and sage green stickers to match our theme, with our names and the date of our wedding printed. For our centrepieces, we collected decorative bottles and filled them with white roses and eucalyptus. We used two wood slices under each one and decorated them with fairyights which looked pretty. Our wedding planner, Hannah provided a fantastic on-the-day management service from visiting the bridal party in the morning, organising the venue and greeting vendors, meeting the groomsmen at the venue and ensuring a smooth transition throughout meaning that we were able to relax in the comfort of knowing everything was under control.” - Holly and James 33 REAL WEDDINGS
Our maid-of-honour wore a sage green dress with similar chiffon shoulders to my gown while our three bridesmaids wore pale pink dresses with a pretty lace effect. After the ceremony, instead of welcome drinks, we had ice cream. It was a hot bank holiday weekend, so we thought this would be a nice treat and something a bit different and it was a huge hit! We chose five flavours and guests were given the option of a cone or tub and a variety of different sauces. I chose a pair of glitzy high-heeled shoes. Our two flowergirls wore white summer dresses. We wanted the younger girls to still be able to run around and play, which we felt these dresses allowed. “Our photographer, Emily-Jane was amazing. It was like we had known each other forever and we can’t thank her enough.” - Holly and James My glamorous hair and make-up were inspired by 1950s Hollywood. Raye at Vintage Victory Rollers did my hair which looked amazing. I decided to keep my accessories minimal to compliment the elegance of the dress, hence the decision to not wear a veil. We had a savoury cheese cake which my mother-in-law arranged for us made with locally sourced varieties. Our flowers looked fabulous! I purchased faux flowers online and then created the bouquets myself. I also made the buttonholes and crocheted the bouquets for the flowergirls which looked cute. THE DREAM TEAM Photographer, Emily-Jane Photography, https://emily-janephotography.co.uk | Venue, White Horse Country Park, https://whitehorsecountrypark.co.uk | Videographer, Stuart Mac Productions, https://emily-janephotography.co.uk | Wedding planner, The Quartz & Ivy Event Co, https://www.quartzandivy.co.uk | Bridal dress seamstress, Spanish Sewing Bee, www.spanishsewingbee.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk | Maid of honour’s dress, JJ’s House, www.jjshouse.com | Flowergirl dresses, www.primark.com/en-gb | Hair, Vintage Victory Rollers, www.vintagevictoryrollers.co.uk | Consultation with make-up artist, Carla Well MUA, www.instagram.com/carla_melissa91 | Suits for the groom and groomsmen, Slater Menswear, www.slaters.co.uk/store-locator/slaters-bristol | Junior groomsmen’s suits, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk/store/068-moss-bros-swindon | Cake, Kakes, by Karl, www.facebook.com/kakesbykarl1968 | Flowers, Shein, www.shein.co.uk | Ice cream, Garbanzo’s Event Hire, www.garbanzosicecreamhire.co.uk | Wedding night accommodation, Lacock Alpaca, www.lacockalpaca.com I wore a pre-loved ivory sheath wedding dress that I had altered by a talented seamstress. I added beading to the back of the gown and reattached the buttons. We provided a handmade crisp wall and a DIY sweetie table which our guests loved! “The team at the venue provided the delicious catering for the three-course sit-down meal consisting of garlic mushrooms, pâté and melon to start followed by a main course of either pork, chicken or a nut roast. Our delicious dessert was sticky toffee pudding or fruit crumble. Everybody enjoyed pizzas during the evening, in keeping with the relaxed theme of our special day.” - Holly and James The main function room was dressed in drapes and fairylights which set a romantic atmosphere. We hired large illuminated lights spelling LOVE which we placed on the dancefloor. 34
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