Behind the scenes: spring photoshoot at Bowood

As promised, we have a little treat for your brides and grooms this weekend - a 'behind the scenes' special from the spring West Weddinngs photoshoot, which took place at the splendid Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.

In a stunning rural setting, our 'happy couple' had lots o fun exploring the venue's immaculate grounds and enjoying the spectacular panoramic views. After all, who wouldn't love to make a grand entrance on their big day in a luxurious Rolls Royce from Triggols Vintage Cars and Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum?

These astonishing images were captured by 'Fearless Photographer' winner Martin Dabek Photography, working closely with our Creative Director Kirsten Butler, from Little Wedding Helper.

Wearing a selection of smart suits, waistcoats and cravats form Anne Harding, our groom Lev Tutcu was a natural in front of the camera. Our gorgeous brides - Sarah Smith and Lauren Bragg - looked stunning with make-up by Sasha Louise Pallari and hair by Tracy Pallari  as they showcased a selection of superb gowns from Spoza Elegante, beautifully accessorized with pieces from Bridezillas.

Everything looked natural, fresh and zingy with pastel blooms from Chrissie Wiltshire Flowers - from the bridal bouquets to the button holes and wedding cake made by Bath Cake Company. Paying special attention to detail, the top table looked ready for wedding with the help of stylish decorations from Aztec Venue Decorations.

For more 'behind the scenes' images, check out our previous post here. Feeling inspired for your own nuptials? Get in touch with us via Facebook and Twitter!

Fashion Friday: Elegance with Essense Gowns

Fantastic news for our brides this Fashion Friday! AnneHarding is holding a special Essense Designer Day on Saturday 29^th November! Book now for a chance to preview the brand new 2015 collection from Essense Gowns and get first pick before these gorgeous dresses hit the store in the new year. You’ll be treated to a free glass of bubbly and 10% discount on the day!

Essense is an Australian range of bridalwear which combines superb fitting with couture finishing – each design is made with luxurious fabrics like angel satin, chiffon, embellished with Swarovski crystals.

What is your idea of a dream dress for your wedding day? Tell us on Twitter and Facebook - we promise not to say a word to your groom!

Spaces are limited, so free up your diary, and book your place before it’s too late!  

Anne Harding

90-92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 2DR

T: 01179683074

W: www.anneharding.com

Behind the Scenes: Autumn Photoshoot at Old Manor Hotel

We know you've been waiting for this and we're now delighted to share with you some of the 'behind the scenes' photos that created the romance-filled story of our West Weddings autumn editorial. The most exquisite details and amazing people from the West Country have come together to showcase their work in a beautiful country location - Old Manor Hotel. 

With the sun shining, the hotel looked charming and warm - the perfect place for an intimate get-away wedding weekend. 

**Little known fact!**Did you know the site of the Old Manor is mentioned in the Doomsday Book? Its history stretches over centuries yet it feels current and cosy.    

Surely you'll agree with us that our bride and groom look a picture of happiness - and who can blame them? They were looked after by a host of wedding experts and had a chance to experience some of the joys of getting married! 

With hair and make-up professionally done by Grace Kingsley and wearing the gorgeous gowns from Solitaire Brides, as well as accessories from Bridezillas, our bride looked truly breathtaking. That's not to say that the groom wasn't dashing in his smart suits kindly provided by Anne Harding. What's more, the couple enjoyed a ride in the Jag and Morris Minor provided by Vintage Classics. 

                       

                              

                           

The finishing touches - wedding cake from Pretty Amazing Cakes and flower arrangements from Tin Can Floral - were styled with love and creativity by the talented Little Wedding Helper. And you would not be looking at these stunning pictures if it wasn't for the skills of the photographer Martin Dabek. 

Want to see more 'Behind the Scenes' posts? You can also browse through some of our previous shoots and come over to our Twitter and Facebook pages to get in touch! 

Fashion Friday: Anne Harding Essense Designer Day

Today's Fashion Friday is a little bit different, and is all about the bride!

We're very excited to invite all our readers to a special preview day of brand-new 2015 Essense Gowns at Bristol's own Anne Harding on May 3rd. Come along to get a glimpse of these gorgeous gowns before they hit stores later this year. Enjoy a glass of bubbly courtesy of Anne Harding, and (as if that wasn't enough!) also enjoy a 10% discount on the day.

Book your appointment ahead, as spaces are limited, by phoning: 0117 968 3074.

Here are a few of our favourite gowns from the 2015 Essense collection:

Anne Harding - 90- 92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 2DR

Behind the Scenes: Winter photo shoot at Hestercombe Gardens

West Weddings chose Hestercombe Gardens, with its stunning views across the Somerset countryside, for our winter photoshoot, directed once again by Kirsten Butler of the Little Wedding Helper. Our theme for this shoot was 'secret garden' - and for that we had the perfect venue!

The gorgeous photos are all courtesy of Martin Dabek of PhotoDabek.

Our model (for two shoots running, now!) was Rachel Harvey. She had her make-up done by Grace Kingsley, and her hair was styled by bridal hair specialists from No 3 Hairdressing, Victoria Lovell and Jess Singer. 

The wintry-hued flowers were provided by Amy Cottington from Tallulah Rose Flower School.

This one-of-a-kind birdcage cake was created by Celia Adams, owner of the Bath Cake Company. Bonus fact: Celia hand-painted the bird herself!

Accessories - like these beautiful headpieces - were provided by Bridezillas.

Our groom model, Jonathan Lloyd, even made it in front of the camera a couple times!

Lizzy May, of Lizzy May Photography and Design, was the mastermind behind this beautiful bespoke stationery.

The groom's suits were provided by Anne Harding in Bristol. For this shoot we chose a navy blue morning suit with grape cravat and waistcoat.

Our bride's wardrobe for the day were gowns designed by Sassi Holford, from the company's So Sassi range. Here Rachel is wearing 'Veronica' - a Hollywood-inspired look.

Spring 2013 West Weddings is nearly here!

As always, the next edition of West Weddings is packed full of great things for those planning a wedding in the South West.

 

This issue includes a feature on wedding planning while you're pregnant, looks at hen and stag dos at the Aztec Hotel in Bristol, gives tips on wedding dress shopping and has a guide for grooms on how to channel James Bond on their wedding day. 

 

Clifton College threw open its doors for our spring photo shoot which was a day filled with a riot of macaroon colours - mint green, baby blue, rose pink, egg yellow - ushering in all that's the best about the new season. With dresses from Krystle Brides, accessories by Bridezillas, suits from Anne Harding, flowers by Chris Morison and a cake from Pretty Amazing Cakes, the day came together beautifully and was captured in his usual amazing style by David Brewin.

 

With all this plus our usual features - in and out, beauty bible and gown gallery - grab your copy, make a cup of tea and indulge yourself in a riot of spring inspiration.

 

West Weddings spring 2013 will be available from 25th January onwards. A list of our stockists can be found here.

Spring West Weddings is now out!

It may be grey outside but spring is definitely on the way. And with this in mind, the spring edition of West Weddings is full of gorgeous articles and features inspired by sunshine, macaroons, flowers and other such lovely things.

Our real weddings features ceremonies in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Bristol; we take a look  at new gowns from Ian Stuart, Mark Lesley, Essense, Kate Sherford and Justin Alexander; we look at cufflinks for men; and Sharon Diamond gives us her take on this season's trends.

Our cover shoot took place at The Grange in Winterbourne, which was a beautiful setting for our fab frocks from new bridal shop Allison Jayne and gorgeous groom's attire from Anne Harding.

You can pick up West Weddings for free in a number of places across the South West, as well as being able to access it online at www.west-weddings.co.uk. Happy reading!