Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Page number 29 - June/July 2021 (Issue 83)

J ackie and Dan met at their local tennis club, but there was more than one love on the cards. “We embarked on a mixed- doubles losing streak, which we eventually broke,” Jackie says. “Dan asked me out at the gates of the club after we played together a few times.” They both had similar interests and a mutual attraction, so she agreed. Fast forward into their relationship, and Dan was dreaming up the perfect way to pop the question. “We were on a trip to Barcelona and he proposed at night on the beach – I had no idea it was coming,” Jackie tells us. “He bought the ring a few months earlier, just before Valentine’s Day, and was surprised when the jeweller asked if he was planning a Valentine’s proposal!” The pair soon set the date for 7 th September, 2019, and they decided to host celebrations at the bride’s family home in Woollard, Somerset. We caught up with Jackie to find out how they did it… PUTTING THEIR STAMP ON The venue was where Jackie grew up, and it held a lot of special memories. “It has lots of space and idyllic views,” Jackie says. “As it wasn’t a traditional venue, we had the freedom to do what we pleased and add touches to make the day exactly what we wanted.” In keeping with the setting, they chose a rural, outdoorsy theme, and used as many local companies as possible to bring it to life. The pair opted for a relaxed feel, with woodland and meadow florals from Wild About Flowers. “We filled milk churns, wooden crates and an assortment of vases for the tables,” Jackie says. “The centrepieces sat on wooden slices made from trees that had fallen in the garden, alongside candles and flowers.” Instead of a traditional cake, the couple chose a cheese stack, with the cheese selection and design left in the capable hands of their caterer, The Full Spoon. “We didn’t see the design in advance, REAL WEDDINGS 29