Editor loves and inspiration

Whether you have a firm picture in mind or you're open to ideas, searching for the dream dress is a part of the wedding planning experience to remember for all the right reasons. After all, you're about to purchase a dress like none you've worn before or are likely to wear since, so why shouldn't your shopping experience befi t the importance of this all-important attire? This isn't something you'd wander into a high street shop for, pick up off the rail and head to the checkout with on a whim, so look for a store that's up to the task and fit for the occasion.

We chatted to some local lovelies who kindly shared some words of wisdom, and here we answer some tough questions you might be facing. To find the feature, download the Jun/Jul25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Photographer Melanie Chitty (www.melanie-chitty.com) had the idea for this local shoot in mind for a while before reaching out to her model Libby. “I knew this would be perfect for her look,” she tells us.

The look was inspired by the free-spirited energy of 1970s California. “Think hippy brides, vintage fi nds, golden light, and a touch of disco,” Melanie says. “I wanted to create something that felt nostalgic but fresh with bold styling and a love story at its heart.”

Burnt orange formed the foundation for the palette blended with vintage hues. “I found the boots in a charity shop by chance and knew they were perfect for this project,” Melanie says.

Discover the full shoot in the Jun/Jul25 issue, free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Hannah and Liam met on Tinder pre-Covid. They moved in together during the pandemic, which was the perfect opportunity for them to really get to know each other! One year later, they got engaged on Christmas Day.

Liam was so anxious he could hardly speak, but when he did manage to pop the question Hannah was so shocked she was still reeling three days later! He'd thought of asking her during a walk together, but knew she'd feel awkward if there were any onlookers, so he decided to ask at her parents' house, which was perfect for them both.

The venue search didn't take long: Waterside Country Barn was the only one they viewed! “We absolutely loved it as soon as we saw it,” Hannah explains. “Although it was February and the barn wasn't wedding ready yet, we could see the potential. Plus Georgia was so welcoming and friendly that we knew we'd made the right choice.”

Find out more about the couple's big day in the Jun/Jul25 issue, free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Sian and Ciaran matched on Tinder. “I was instantly attracted to his cheeky smile and gorgeously curly hair,” Sian shares. “Once I'd met up with him, I discovered that I love how much he makes me laugh, even when I want to be annoyed with him at times! Things just felt so easy with him, he really does make me feel so loved and wanted.” Ciaran meanwhile says, “I was attracted to Sian's humour, kindness and silliness. I saw how caring she was and before long it wasn't a question of if I'd marry her, but when.”

Ciaran proposed on their third anniversary during a gorgeously sunny walk in Box Hill, Dorking. This also happened to be the place they'd been on their first date, walking his very sweet spaniel. “To have that recreated was so lovely and gave it deeper meaning,” Sian remembers. Sian had a long-held vision of a gorgeous barn venue with big windows, plenty of natural light and original features. So, when they visited Bake Barn on Fonthill Estate, all her dreams came true. “I loved that we could hire it for several days, as it meant we could have our closest friends and family to stay in the bell tents. Plus, the venue doesn't have a curfew, which was amazing as we partied until 3.30am!” As a DIY venue, Sian and Ciaran were able to have everything exactly as they envisioned.

Discover the story of the couple's big day in the Jun/Jul25 issue, free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Emily and Declan met in school when she was 14 and he was 15. “He was very funny and particularly kind,” Emily tells us. “We immediately clicked, and the rest is history!” Years later Declan proposed at the Glastonbury Festival – a total surprise to Emily. The video even went viral on TikTok!

When the two set out on their venue search and visited Batch Country House, they immediately fell head over heels for it. “It's totally stunning, effortlessly beautiful and everyone there was so kind and incredible,” Emily explains. So, wasting no time in securing their date, 7th September 2024, wedding plans soon got underway.

To find out more about the big day, download the Jun/Jul25 issue free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Pilates Prescription (www.pilates-prescription.com) is an app that delivers on-demand bite-sized, or mega-sized Pilates classes for transformative results. Founder and instructor Rebecca Dadoun also offers a 12-week programme, The Back Lab and is a specialist at helping people manage back pain. The Back Lab is tailored to you to help reduce, manage and eliminate your lower back pain.

For more wellness launches to help you feel fighting fit in time for W-day download the Apr/May25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

I love the statement shoulder ruffle on this elegant Rosa Clara gown, Abigail. Find this and more tiered layers and cascading ruffles creating a sensatition this season in the current issue.

Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding is free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding

Over in this issue's outdoor weddings feature, we've put together three moodboards for you to inspire if you're planning an al fresco day. Check out our Rustic Romance, English Country Garden and Festival Vibes themes.

I love this forest set up at The Woods at Oakley (https://thewoodsatoakley.co.uk) - oh so ethereal.

Download the current issue free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

“Start your journey by exploring as many different venues as possible,” says Steph, weddings manager at Wookey Hole (www.wookey.co.uk). “As you visit various locations, you'll know when you've found the match for your vision. Embrace this time as an opportunity to dream big and gather ideas.”

For more planning tips and our what to do when timeline, check out our Planning SOS feature from page 49 of the Apr/May25 issue. It's free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Being best friends with Andrew's sister, Tiffany had known him for years. But it wasn't until the time of the pandemic that they found themselves spending more time together and realised how similar they were and how much they had in common. “We definitely bonded over our love of food,” Tiffany says. “I was drawn to his kind heart, humour, strong family values and his amazing smile. He tells me he was attracted to my fun and energetic personality, my natural beauty and my incredible culinary skills!”

While on a short break in Paris with his family, Andrew decided it was time to propose. The group were enjoying a visit to the Tuileries Garden, next to the Louvre, when Andrew's mum pretended she was tired and took the rest of the family away to a local cafe, leaving the couple alone. The two proceeded to take a walk through the beautiful Parisian park and when they came across a quiet spot, Andrew dropped to one knee and popped the question, much to Tiffany's surprise.

When the couple visited Fonthill Estate they fell in love with Bake Barn. “It's in a stunning location with beautiful views giving it the wow factor we were looking for,” Tiffany explains. “It was the perfect size for the number of guests and has an amazing industrial chef's kitchen for our caterers to work their magic.” Tiffany and Andrew also had their hearts set on a big party during the evening and found they'd be able to do so without being restricted by an early curfew. “Many venues had a midnight cut off, whereas our wedding didn't finish until after 2am,” the bride tells us.

To find out more about the big day, head over to the Apr/May 25 issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding, free to download at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download