Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 82)

W hen Dan moved to Minehead from Manchester it was only a matter of time before he crossed paths with Charlotte. “Minehead is a small town and we had mutual friends,” Charlotte says. “It didn’t take long to meet. We got on really well as friends and shared the same sense of humour – we just clicked! He’s also the kindest person I know.” The pair started dating in July 2017, and by December 2018 Dan was planning to ask that all-important question. “He proposed to me on the ice-skating rink outside Cribbs Causeway,” Charlotte tells us. “It’s one of my favourite places to go around Christmas time and we both love the festive period. I was definitely surprised!” The pair started planning their dream wedding for 16 th May, 2019, and they already knew that St. Audries Park would be the setting. We caught up with Charlotte to get all the details… THE PERFECT SETTING For as long as she could remember, Charlotte had wanted a fairytale wedding at St. Audries Park. “It really has the wow factor,” she says. “It’s the perfect venue for a modern, yet elegant wedding. We didn’t want to get married in a church, so we liked the fact that it has the amazing Orangery for the ceremony. As soon as we viewed it, we were completely blown away. It was so beautiful and secluded – the ideal setting for us.” The fact that they could have the whole wedding day there was a huge plus point, and the accommodation was another big draw. “Myself, my mum and my bridesmaids were able to stay at St. Audries the night before in a wonderful cottage with a hot tub,” Charlotte says. “Dan’s family were all travelling down from Manchester and they could stay on site too. The rooms were outstanding and the staff were incredibly polite and helpful.” PUTTING THEIR STAMP ON The couple opted for a modern and elegant feel to the day, choosing a palette of pink and white. The Orangery was adorned with white, pale pink and dusky pink roses – Charlotte’s favourite flowers – and ranunculi. On the tables were white birdcages with elegant candles inside. “I’m obsessed with Disney,” Charlotte says. “Our table numbers each had a Disney quote on them. We also hired a huge pink and white flower wall, which made a gorgeous photo backdrop.” The pair’s incredible five-tier cake received a lot of compliments. “It was decorated with layers of white ruffles, marble effect, pale pink icing, shiny silver leaf and a Mr and Mrs Merrington cake topper,” Charlotte says. “Inside, the flavours were chocolate fudge, salted caramel, red velvet,  REAL WEDDINGS 29