Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - June/July 2020 (Issue 77)

PULLING TOGETHER… The coronavirus pandemic has affected every single one of us, and for those of you who were planning a wedding for summer 2020 it’s been a particularly stressful journey to navigate. However, we have heard so many heart-warming stories over the past few weeks that have put a smile on our faces and reminded us why we love the Bristol and Somerset wedding industry so much. Caterers Cleverchefs (www.cleverchefs.co.uk) ha ve been booking virtual consultations and tweaking their menus to fit the postponed weddings of their couples – its boozy hot chocolate station is going down a treat for newly booked winter weddings! Mark, Kate and the team at Yarlington Barn (www.yarlingtonbarn.co.uk) ha ve been working hard to keep the venue and lakeside grounds looking wonderful ready for their couples later in the year. The team at Flower Preservation Workshop (www.flowerpreservationworkshop.co.uk ) ha ve been offering deposits of just £20 to new brides to help ease some of the financial strain. We’ve been banging this drum for more than 12 years, but recent events really have shown that when it comes to planning the biggest day of your life, local suppliers are always the best! UNBRIDLED LOVE We loved hearing about Lewis and Fern, two resident horses at luxury wedding venue Orchardleigh Estate, who had an equine wedding staged by venue owners Chris and Heather Vincent during social distancing. Given the restrictions, the horses were having less human interaction and spending more time together. “They started showing real signs of affection towards each other,” says experienced horsewoman Heather Vincent. “I remarked to Chris that it’d be funny if they got married – considering there are no weddings going on at the moment – and before we knew it we were planning an entire big day!” As a traditional venue, Orchardleigh has a whole host of picture-perfect spots for Lewis and Fern’s wedding – from the proposal with a polo mint, to a touch of grooming at Orchardleigh Castle, before the vows at Elmhay Park, a separate venue within the grounds. After the formalities, the neigh-lyweds enjoyed a sumptuous three-course banquet on the lawn, followed by a swim in the tranquil lake. Chris Vincent told us, “It may sound a bit mad, but while we were missing hosting actual weddings, we thought we’d do something that evoked all the same sentiment, but keeping firmly within social distancing guidelines – all the while providing a little light relief!” To find out more, visit www.orchardleigh.net The jewel in Bristol’s crown Jeweller Nicholas Wylde is celebrating the 10 th anniversary of his second Bristol store. To mark its success, the Clifton Village-based shop is releasing an exclusive jewellery set depicting the flower of Bristol – a red flower with unusual petals called lychnis chalcedonica. The choice of bloom came from Nicholas’ love of the city and the loyal local clients he has worked with over the past 10 years. The new release includes two sizes of pendant and matching stud earrings, all made from 100% sustainable sterling silver, a choice that represents the business’ vision for the next decade. Available online and in store, the set is perfect for local brides, and 10% of the profits will be donated to Bristol-based charity Tree Aid for the first year. Head to www.nicholaswylde.com HELPING YOU FIND THE ONE We wanted to introduce you to Sarah Hackett, the proud new owner of Rookery Bridal. “I purchased the boutique in October,” she tells us. “It was previously part of Rookery Manor Hotel and was called Rookery Manor Bridal. We dropped the ‘Manor’ from the name and set out to become the most popular bridal boutique in Somerset; we’ve already been nominated for a Global Wedding Award!” Sarah added to the range already in store, with collections from world-famous designers such as Paloma Blanca, Justin Alexander and Rosa Clara. Another top-secret range is on its way to the boutique. “Running the business with my lovely manager, Lin Ogden, is a pleasure,” Sarah says. “We meet so many great people and love being a part of their wedding journey. We want to do as much as possible for our brides, which is why we offer styles at most price points and sizes. We also have a stunning range of accessories, flowergirls’ outfits and bridesmaids’ dresses.” For more information, head to https://rookerybridal.co.uk Essense of Australia 10