Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 74)

REAL WEDDINGS 33  A my’s first memory of Matt was when he was questioning her taste in music at a jukebox! “Over time, we seemed to come in and out of each other’s lives,” Amy says. “We would always gravitate towards each other.” In 2013, they met at a music festival, but this time things seemed different. It was only when their mutual friend got involved that they realised they were right for each other. Their friendship was clearly an excellent grounding, as Matt was soon planning the perfect proposal. “We went to Disneyland Paris for our third anniversary as I’m obsessed with all things Disney,” Amy tells us. “Matt suggested we have a photo by Sleeping Beauty Castle.” Next thing she knew, he was on one knee asking “Veux- tu m’épouser?” Like the rest us, Amy wasn’t quite sure what he meant until she looked down and saw the beautiful aquamarine engagement ring she’d had her eye on for ages. Back home, the pair started planning their big day for June, 2019, with a ceremony at St John the Baptist, North Cheriton church followed by a reception at The Old Milking Parlour at Cavokay House. We chatted to Amy to find out how it all came together… SETTING THE SCENE Amy heard about The Old Milking Parlour from one of Matt’s friends and decided to go to one of its open days. “Within ten minutes I knew we had to book it,” she says. “I had fallen for the location, the exposed brickwork and just how lovely the owners were.” The pair had decided not to have evening guests on their wedding day, but instead hold a party on the following Saturday night at the same venue. “The Saturday was all about our guests enjoying themselves, playing our favourite music and having a delicious relaxed meal.” They chose a copper and teal palette with a rustic feel. “I wanted the flowers to be unfussy and wild,” the bride tells us. “Matt’s sister is a trained florist so I knew she would arrange the most beautiful florals.” They kept the centrepieces simple with recycled gin, vodka and wine bottles holding single stems and sitting on a log slice. “We didn’t want a top table,” Amy explains. “We had long tables so everyone was in full view of us.” Matt made the place settings Amy’s top tip: Don’t do something because it’s what you think a wedding should be – have what you want!