Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Page number 33 - August/September 2021 (Issue 84)

carnation, white rose and ears of wheat – each representing a departed grandparent so that they were with us on the day.” The simple two-tier cake had a timeless look, making the cake toppers the main focus. “Carole’s Cakes made these with great detail to mimic our exact outfits,” Elsa smiles. “We were even accompanied by our two cats, Tembe and Django.” The table plan was designed on a gorgeous vintage mirror to look like a cocktail menu, while the place settings were made from corks with luggage tags attached. Elsa and Tom love cocktails and are often found hunting out speakeasy bars and throwing cocktail parties for friends and family, so it seemed only right that they should name their tables after their favourite tipples. “I designed the table names with detailed cutouts of cocktail glasses on one side and a cocktail recipe on the back,” the bride says. A nod to their love of all things vintage, the pair swapped out champagne flutes for old- fashioned champagne saucers, and they also used a vintage floral suitcase for their cards. After the ceremony, guests dined on a delicious bespoke menu from Fosters Events, which included baked camembert, duck with potatoes Anna and a red-wine jus, followed by decadent banoffee pie. Not allowing the restrictions on parties to dampen their spirits, the couple had garden games for their guests to enjoy, with the space hoppers being a huge hit! AISLE STYLE When it comes to dresses, Elsa loves simple, classic styles; when she saw Barcaza by Pronovias she knew it was the one . “The dress had it all,” she says. “It appeared simple but with a racer-cut back, dropped waist and beautiful buttons it was detailed too. I felt like a princess with the weight and feel of the mikado fabric.” Elsa accessorised her vintage-style look with bespoke duck-egg blue suede shoes by Emmy London and a pretty hair vine, which incorporated forget-me-nots, from Hermione Harbutt. Tom wore a navy Ted Baker suit with a bespoke pale blue double-breasted waistcoat, which made him stand out from the groomsmen. The men all wore yellow socks for a burst of colour and to coordinate with the colour scheme. Elsa’s bridesmaids looked stunning in ice-blue V-neck chiffon dresses. NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL The stresses of the pandemic made wedding planning exhausting, but the couple knew it was all worth it in the end. “So many emotions came into play, from stress and anxiety to fear and disappointment,” Elsa explains. “With the constantly changing rules it felt like we planned four weddings along the way, not just one! However, when the day arrived the sun was shining, all the little details fell into place and having our loved ones around us was a dream come true. We’re also planning a big celebration at Tom’s family farm in July with all of our friends and family!” MAKING MEMORIES In the morning Elsa couldn’t sit still with excitement. “My whole body was abuzz with butterflies!” She says. “The whole day felt like a dream; it was so full of overwhelming joy, relief and love.” So what parts stood out most for the bride? “Sharing a quiet moment with my dad before the ceremony was wonderful,” she says. “Everything was perfect, from saying our vows outside in the sunshine at Leigh Court, to arriving at Clifton Observatory in the evening to be faced with that breathtaking view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge at sunset! All of our suppliers came together so beautifully to make our vision a reality.” REAL WEDDINGS 33