Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 75)

REAL WEDDINGS 33  SETTING THE SCENE The pair had an intimate ceremony at St Barnabas Church, Queen Camel, followed by a reception at the bride’s family home the following day. “We’re very family-orientated,” Georgie explains. “We had a lovely marquee in the garden surrounded by fields and countryside.” They opted for a timeless champagne palette with vintage touches. “Our flowers were delicate and elegant,” Georgie says. “We chose blooms that you don’t usually expect to see as wedding flowers.” The centrepieces were made from artificial floral rings and moss for a natural, earthy look. “Following our vintage theme, we used an old gold-framed mirror for our table plan,” the bride says. “The table names were based on romantic meals we’ve had together all over Europe.” They filled the venue with pretty touches such as organza sashes, flower garlands and jars filled with pillar candles. “I used old Yankee Candle jars for this,” the bride says. “It gave an expensive look without the cost.” The couple struggled to decide on favours, in the end opting to give Facecards games to each guest. “It was a great ice-breaker,” Georgie recalls. Guests were also treated to a delicious Moroccan sharing platter from Mark Country Catering (now Strawberry Line Tea Rooms). “It suited everyone’s dietary requirements,” Georgie says. “We simply wrote the menu on the back of the table name and specified what was safe for each guest to eat.” After this, they enjoyed a simple and elegant cake from Dee’s Cakes. “I’m coeliac so the gluten-free option was perfect,” the bride tells us. LOOKING THE PART Georgie’s beautiful dress was a family heirloom. “My grandmother wore it in 1959 followed by my aunty in 1993,” she says. “With a few adjustments, I had the pleasure of bringing it back to life; it has such sentimental value.” She completed the look with ivory satin shoes, her mother’s tiara and a veil worn by both her mother and grandmother. Matt, along with Georgie’s brother, looked dashing in morning suits. “On the ceremony day, we had my maid-of- honour and the best man there,” Georgie explains. “For the reception the following day our honorary bridesmaids and groomsmen all coordinated in navy.” HAPPY MEMORIES The bride and groom decided on a Celtic band called Head North to get the party going in the evening. “It was a little out of the ordinary but it created such an inviting atmosphere,” Georgie says. “We loved that it was neutral to everyone and it got the dancefloor full!” The couple are left with so many memories to treasure. “We particularly loved our walk up the hill immediately after the ceremony,” the bride tells us. “It was our first hour as a married couple and we got to spend it together with just our photographer, Hannah, to capture some wonderful photos.” There were some slightly more fraught moments too. “I arrived at the church without my veil,” Georgie laughs. “My sister had to go into the church and get my cousin to drive home and collect it while we stalled the ceremony!” It was a day full of love and laughter. “We were surprisingly relaxed!” the bride says. “It was such a pleasure to see so many happy faces in one place. Our friends and family stepped in whenever they could to help, which made us feel so loved.”