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

REAL WEDDINGS 35  by decorating cards with copper and teal paint, flowers and a wire leaf. They decided to write everyone’s nicknames on them to fit with the informal vibe. Guests were treated to gin shots with edible dust in that they shook up before drinking. The couple added lots of little details to make the space their own. “I bought flowers to decorate the ceiling – they really made it pop,” Amy says. “My friend also made us bunting in navy, grey, teal and peach.” With Matt being a chef they had to get the food right, so they opted for Tickled Pig. “We wanted something sociable rather than a formal sit-down meal,” Amy explains. “We had a barbecue-style feast with people passing plates around to each other. Watching our loved ones mingling over the food was exactly what we wanted.” LOOKING THE PART Amy wore Esperance by Willowby, a stunning ivory gown with warm almond-coloured lining. “I knew I wanted a designer dress – something girly and unexpected,” she says. “Matt loves my back so I wanted to show that off.” The groom rocked a casual look with no tie or socks. The groomsmen all donned teal suits, and Matt’s groomswoman had a coordinating one-shoulder dress. “I had in my mind what I wanted my bridesmaids to wear before I found my own dress!” Amy tells us. “I love the crop top and tulle skirt look and luckily all my girls looked amazing in it. I bought the skirts and found the tops a year later!” They matched brilliantly and really complemented the colour of Amy’s dress. TIME TO CELEBRATE The pair threw an engagement party a few months earlier. The idea of this was for everyone to meet in advance so there wouldn’t be any awkwardness come the wedding – the plan worked perfectly! “Music is a huge part of our relationship,” Amy says. “Over the course of two years we had created a playlist for eating, dancing and the party. Each list was categorised into genres and we made sure the DJ only played from the list.” HAPPY MEMORIES As with a lot of brides, Amy was a bag of nerves in the morning. “I started drinking at 6am but nothing would hit the spot,” she laughs. “I was dreading walking down the aisle as everyone would be looking at me, but a friend advised me to just look straight at Matt. We’ve never made such intense eye contact!” Matt remembers the feeling of pride as they left the church, after dreaming of tying the knot there most of his life. The newlyweds decided to make a joint speech. “Matt was anxious about it, but I was really excited,” Amy says. “We took it in turns to thank everyone, then I made a special speech at the end all about my new husband. He was blown away.” The couple want to give a big shout out to venue owners Colin and Lou. “They just made it for us,” Amy says. “I got a little stressed three months before the big day and Lou went out of her way to reassure me. We’re very good friends now.”