Editor loves and inspiration

One of our favourite things about this region is the scenery. It literally has it all. From the urban-chic, truly iconic backdrops of Bath, Bristol, Gloucester and Salisbury to the stunning countryside of all three glorious counties; not to mention the showstopping interiors of the gorgeous local venues. Best of all, it's there waiting for you, ready to provide some breathtaking settings for your wedding pics. Here, the region's wedding photographers showcase Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire at their finest for us.

This is one of my personal favourites by www.jwarrphotography.co.uk

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Elsie and Lily met at a mutual friend's birthday party. “At the time, Lily was uncertain of her sexuality,” Elsie explains, “But I knew the minute I saw her that I was going to fall in love with this girl! I chased her around the party, both young and nervous. She got her dad to pick her up immediately!” After frightening Lily off, the two spent several years being friends with Lily trying everything to avoid falling in love with Elsie. However, one lockdown later Lily finally bit the bullet and kissed Elsie one evening. From there, their relationship blossomed. “We're definitely the definition of opposites attract,” Elsie continues. “Lily is quiet and I'm wild and loud, but our two personalities just melt together perfectly. Where one falls, the other lifts us up. Although, we'll never agree on who's funnier!”

Elsie proposed on Valentine's Day 2023. It's a day tinged with sadness for her as it's the anniversary of her nanna's passing. However, knowing how much she would have loved Lily, she decided to pop the question on the day her nanna felt closest to her as she wanted her there in spirit when she asked Lily to marry her. So, she told Lily to meet her at their special place, where they went on their first date and now take their dogs for walks. On arrival, Lily was greeted by a trail of candles and lanterns hanging from the trees and found Elsie at the end of the path on one knee. Elsie read a short speech telling Lily what she means to her, along with a small ode to her nanna. Before she'd even managed to get the ring on, Lily hugged her and wouldn't let go! “She'd also forgotten to say 'yes' in the meantime,” Elsie laughs.

Sheppy's Cider Farm was the only venue the couple looked at and fell totally in love with it on their first visit. “We were greeted by the wonderful Megan who absolutely sold the venue and package to us. It was everything we wanted from a venue,” Elsie explains. “No question was too much, no request turned down. The staff were all friendly and full of knowledge on everything from the cheese to the cider. We truly felt like part of the family and still do months later. Sheppy's Cider Farm will forever hold a fond place in our hearts.”

Location decided, the date was set for 16th May 2024.

To find out more, download the latest issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding, free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download

Laura and Joe met at a nightclub while at University in Southampton. At the time Laura's best friend was dating Joe's best friend. She set the two up, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Joe proposed at the Westernbirt Arbortetum back in 2021. “Autumn has always been our favourite time of year, and it was here that Joe first told me he loved me three years previous,” Laura explains. It was so perfect for the couple, surrounded by autumn leaves, that it became part of the inspiration for the autumn wedding day – but we're jumping ahead! The proposal came as a complete surprise to Laura: “I was so excited, I said 'yes' the minute he got down on one knee, before he'd even asked the question,” she remembers. “We were with our very naughty one-year-old spaniel, Sully, so I was mostly surprised he didn't steal the ring and run off with it!”

Laura and Joe fell in love with the elegance and timelessness of Tortworth Court, the beautiful glass-topped orangery being a stand out for them. “As a doctor and trainee vet, we're both quite practical, minimalist people and wanted a venue that was classic and simple to fit with our vision,” Laura explains. “We also loved the outdoor spaces. The venue has it's own arboretum, and you can see the trees through the glass roof as you say 'I do.'”

The date was set for their favourite time of year, 25th November.

To find out more, download the latest issue of Your Somerset, Glos & Wilts Wedding free at www.yoursomersetglosandwilts.wedding/free-download