Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - August/September 2020 (Issue 78)

30 The couple are both from Wales, so for a personal touch they treated their guests to Welsh cakes as favours. “They were specially made with white chocolate and cranberry flavours,” Neil tells us. The tables were named after locations that have special meaning to the couple. A picture and accompanying story were placed on each table. “We arranged it so the location would mean something to at least two people on the table,” Neil explains. “It proved to be a fun and interesting talking point!” Another way the pair reflected themselves in the day was with the place settings, which featured a crest designed by Matt showing their two dachshunds, Stanford and Austin. A problem that a lot of couples have on their wedding day is feeling like they don’t have time to talk to everyone – but Neil and Matt came up with a solution! “We didn’t have a traditional top table,” Neil says. “Instead, we moved around the room and changed table for each course. This was accommodated with ease by the team at Berwick Lodge, and it enabled us to dine with as many guests as possible.” THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES Pianist Travis Glover gave a classic feel, performing during the ceremony and drinks reception. The couple decided not to have traditional speeches, instead booking a fabulous drag performer for after the wedding breakfast. “Lady Diamond entertained our guests with comedy and songs,” Neil remembers. “It was a total surprise to our loved ones, who then joined in by singing along and serenading us! Lady Diamond is a legend and totally lifted the energy and love in the room, making for a truly memorable evening.” The party continued into the night with a DJ and dancing. MEMORABLE MOMENTS The grooms admit to feeling nervous, but excitement soon set in at the start of the day. “The ceremony was conducted by our friend who is a registrar,” Neil tells us. “It made it so personal and emotional. We kept the ceremony small with just 16 immediate family and friends. This coupled with the beautiful setting made for a very intimate atmosphere. Everyone shed a tear.” The newlyweds were then joined by 70 guests for the rest of the day. “There was such an elated feeling of love and happiness, which was felt by everyone,” Neil smiles. The pair have got to give a huge shout out the Berwick Lodge, Sherbert Blooms and Lady Diamond, who all went above and beyond to make their day what it was: perfect. BEYOND THE BIG DAY The newlyweds continued their celebrations with a minimoon to The Scarlett Hotel in Cornwall, the perfect place to unwind for a few days after the excitement of the wedding. Their main honeymoon was a few months later – an idyllic three weeks in the Maldives.