Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Oct/Nov 2019 (Issue 73)

REAL WEDDINGS 31  W ho believes in love at first sight? We think Alix and Mike’s story is pretty close! “I was in a nightclub in summer 2012,” Mike tells us. “I saw Alix across the dancefloor and was compelled to talk to her. As soon as we started chatting, we realised there was a shared sense of humour and we got on so well – the rest is history!” After this strong start, it wasn’t long before Mike started hatching a plan to pop the question. The pair love walking their dog, Oreo, in the Quantock Hills, so he thought this would be the perfect setting. “Mike packed a picnic and announced that we were going to Lydeard Hill,” Alix remembers. “He told me to take a look out across a beautiful viewpoint, and when I turned back he was on one knee with Oreo by his side.” It took Alix completely by surprise, but of course she said “yes.” They soon turned their attention to planning the big day for 6 th April, 2019, at the incredible Hestercombe Gardens. Alix gives us the lowdown… SETTING THE SCENE When it came to choosing their venue, it wasn’t a difficult decision. “We chose the beautiful setting of Hestercombe Gardens,” Alix says. “We loved its proximity to the Quantocks, as well as the wonderful gardens and views.” The high ceilings and dramatic timber beams of the Bampfylde Hall alongside the bright and airy Orangery sealed the deal. They opted for a fabulous blush pink and navy palette, which ran throughout all their styling. “We chose pink florals for our spring wedding,” Alix tells us. “The top table was brimming with roses entwined with gypsophila, which coordinated wonderfully with the bouquets and buttonholes.” Being surrounded by nature, they wanted to keep a rustic vibe, so tree slices were used to stand the table centrepieces on. Sarah at Broomfield and Baverstock Bakes made the showstopping cake. “It was a delicate ombré design in ivory and pink,” the bride says. “It was finished off with fresh flowers and a cake topper of me, Mike and Oreo.” Their guests were in for a treat, with three delicious tiers: fruit, lemon and vanilla sponge. For a personal touch, the duo named their tables after their favourite places to walk in the Quantock Hills – and, of course, the top table was called Lydeard Hill. “We had individual chocolate place settings,” Alix says. “They were supplied by Cocoa’s, and we even had vegan, soya- and dairy-free versions for those with intolerances. They went down so well.” The couple got crafty by painting pallets and collecting jars to decorate and fill with blooms. There was also a painted ladder, which they used to showcase photos of family members who had passed. On the day, Alix rocked up in a fabulous Chrysler 300C. “We chose a navy car to match Mike’s uniform and dressed it with a pink ribbon to tie in with my best girls’ gowns,” she says. After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed canapés and drinks on the lawn before they dined on a sumptuous three-course feast provided by the venue. In the evening, there was a hog roast with potatoes, salads and veggie and vegan options. LOOKING THE PART Alix looked incredible in an A-line Justin Alexander dress, which was adorned with pretty beading across the chest, shoulders and back. Alix says, “I accessorised it with a beaded hair vine, diamond stud earrings and an elegant Tiffany bracelet. I went for subtle eye