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!

Behind the scenes: Winter photoshoot at The Battleaxes

On this fresh winter’s day, we offer you an exclusive view from this issue of The West Weddings photoshoot. So it’s time to get cosy, as you poor over these stunning images taken by the talented Martin Dabek, from PhotoDabek - the hot chocolate is optional!  

The location of our photoshoot was The Battleaxes in North Somerset – a charming English pub that instantly lures you in with its cosy open fireplace and rooms full of character. With an idyllic countryside setting, the venue oozes charm and period features, making it ideal for wedding day celebrations. 

 

Our ‘bride’ Rachel looked stunning in the gorgeous gowns from The White Collection in Clevedon, which were complemented beautifully with superb accessories from Bridezillas. Her ‘groom’ David tried on a selection of suits, waistcoats and cravats provided by Anne Harding. 

           

Every detail was planned to perfection by our stylist Kirsten Butler, owner of the Little wedding Helper, incorporating seasonal features and maximizing the surroundings. 

We couldn't have created this issue without our talented wedding suppliers: Jax-Glam Beauty, Hairoics Mobile Hair and Beauty, Mim's Flower Shed, Pretty Amazing Cakes, Triggols Vintage Cars and Lighthaus Events. 

 Loved these images? For more ‘Behind the scenes’ looks, check out our previous post here, then come over to our Twitter and Facebook  pages and let us know which looks inspired you for your big day!

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! 

Behind the Scenes of our latest photo shoot!

After much anticipation we're pleased to share the behind-the-scenes photos from our fairytale wedding photoshoot at Thornbury Castle, featured in our latest issue. Buckle your seatbelts because we're going multimedia with this blog post too (but you'll have to scroll all the way down to see what we mean)!

These lovely shots were all taken by Charlie Birchmore of Your Pictures Wedding Photography and he supplied us with so many beautiful images it was difficult not including all of them!

Our two gorgeous models for the day - Natasha Torres and Ryan Harper from Shoot DHS

The shoot was styled by WW's Creative Director and owner of The Little Wedding Helper, Kristen Butler

We love this one for showing off one of our favourite Krystle Brides gowns from the shoot!

Our little bridesmaid Eden (our makeup artist Jodie's daughter) having her moment in the spotlight!

We couldn't get over this beautiful green 1966 Jaguar S-Type provided to us by AJE Classics. Perfect colour for a summer wedding!

Stacey Jade working wonders to create several perfect bridal looks throughout the day. Though poor Natasha was probably happy to be done with hairspray by the end of the day!

We loved this classic, feminine headpiece from Amanda Davis-Harrison, our friend at the award-winning Bridezillas.

That's right - a West Weddings first - we had a real, live harpist on set for our photoshoot (no wonder Natasha and Ryan look so relaxed!). Sally Jenkins delighted us with her enormous repertoire throughout the shoot, and we wanted to give readers a taste! Though her beautiful music couldn't be captured in the magazine, we are happy to share it here on the blog!

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.