24 minute read
GOT WED
Beautiful love stories from across Devon
Sunshine of my Life
After a year’s delay, Laura and Earl’s wedding reunited friends and family in the idyllic setting of Upton Barn & Walled Garden
Having met at work in 2004, Laura and Earl took their first trip as a couple to Edinburgh and always vowed to return. After going their separate ways, the pair rekindled their relationship in 2016. “In November 2018, Earl booked us a surprise weekend away,” reveals Laura. “I was delighted to find out we were finally going back to Edinburgh!”
“We pulled up to the same cottage we stayed in 13 years earlier,” she continues. “As I opened the door, candles lit the room and I noticed pictures of Earl and I throughout the years and a bottle of champagne. As I turned to look at Earl, he was on one knee. It was perfect.”
Although based in the West Midlands, the couple decided they would wed in Devon. “Earl has some wonderful family memories from when he was a child there and over the past few years we have shared some fantastic times as a couple in south Devon,” explains Laura.
It was love at first sight when they set eyes upon Upton Barn & Walled Garden. “We knew it was the perfect place for us: the beautiful backdrop of the Devonshire countryside, the elegant stable barn and modern open-plan feel was exactly what we were looking for,” she says.
Drawing inspiration from the rural setting, the couple opted for a palette of white, ivory, light dusky pinks and green foliage. “The beautiful walled garden brought so much colour that we wanted our scheme to only amplify the stunning surroundings,” says Laura. “We extended this to the table plan, where we named each table after a flower that could be found in it.”
After vows in the sun-drenched garden, everyone enjoyed a drinks reception and sumptuous feast featuring locally smoked salmon, pan-fried gnocchi with wild mushrooms, seared rump steak and a trio of desserts. Guests spent the warm summer’s evening throwing shapes on the dance floor, mingling in the gardens and tucking into pizza around the firepit.
“Like many other couples, our wedding was postponed by a year,” says Laura. “At the time this news was deflating, but it turned out that it made our day more special. It arrived two days after the lockdown restrictions were lifted, so we truly appreciated having our friends and family with us to celebrate.”
Laura shares a plethora of highlights from their day. “Everyone on their feet dancing, kids playing football on the lawn, the blazing sun, the beautiful words and memories of loved ones lost, families meeting, seeing everyone’s faces together in one room after a year apart...” she smiles.
“There were so many things we couldn’t control leading up to our wedding,” she reflects. “The lesson we learned was that things may not be perfect, but the main thing was we were finally going to be married – and we didn’t lose focus on this.”
Photography Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod kathrynclarkemcleod.com Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com Catering Mulberry Catering Co mulberrycatering.co.uk Dress Made with Love madewithlovebridal.com Shoes Grace Loves Lace graceloveslace.com Flowers Darling Buds darlingbudsofel.com Cake Boho Cakes boho-cakes.co.uk
Everlasting Love
Tamsin and Aidan’s postponed wedding was a rustic-luxe affair combining the best of Devon’s food and landscape
Having met at school, it wasn’t until a few years later that Tamsin and Aidan fell for each other. Fast forward to 2019, and the couple were on holiday in Bali having dinner at a private temple.
“After we’d eaten, Aidan asked me if he could take a picture of the back of my dress,” says Tamsin. “When I turned around, he was down on one knee and asking me to marry him. It was such a magical moment and we were lucky enough to capture the whole thing on video.”
Choosing the enchanting rural venue of Wonwood Barton for their wedding, the couple embraced a rustic theme to suit, with “lots of wood, greens, whites and candles”.
“Our dream was to get married outside,” says Tamsin. “I stayed at the venue the night before with my mum and my bridesmaids, and on the morning of the wedding when we were all getting ready, the weather was not looking good. It was only at the very last minute we decided to risk it and set the chairs out on the lawn, hoping no more rain was coming. We were so lucky that just as everyone was arriving the sun began to shine!”
The poignant ceremony that followed was made even more special as they’d had to rearrange their big day. “Our favourite moment was finally getting to become husband and wife in front of our closest family and friends after having to postpone our wedding due to Covid,” remembers Tamsin. “It really was the most perfect day we could have wished for.”
Guests enjoyed canapés and drinks alongside views of Devon’s rolling hills before settling into the marquee for the delicious wedding breakfast. Sharing platters of breads, oils, meats and cheeses were followed by a roast beef joint with vegetables, potatoes and gravy, and a mini trio of desserts. “Each table had a ‘designated carver’ to cut the beef, which was a really fun way of doing things,” says Tamsin.
The speeches and lawn games provided further entertainment alongside a soundtrack from “amazing live singer” Lizzie Corish. And, as the day turned to evening, the festivities continued with the first dance and sparklers galore, before the couple and their loved ones danced the night away.
Reflecting on her top tip for couples in the throes of wedding planning, Tamsin has some sage advice. “Enjoy the planning,” she says. “Although it may seem stressful at the time, once your big day is over, you might actually miss it!”
Photography Melanie Barnfield Photography melaniebarnfieldphotography.com Venue Wonwood Barton wonwoodbarton.com Catering Taylors taylorstavistock.co.uk Dress Willowby by Watters from The Wedding Company the-wedding-company.co.uk Groom & groomsmen’s outfits Moss Bros moss.co.uk Bridesmaids’ dresses TFNC London tfnclondon.com Flower girls’ dresses Monsoon monsoon.co.uk Hair Josie Wilton from Peace Hair & Beauty peacehairandbeauty.co.uk Flowers Hannah Burnett Florist hannahburnettflorist.co.uk Cake Cakes by Hannah facebook.com/cakesbyhannah.co.uk Stationery Etsy etsy.co.uk Entertainment Get My Tunes facebook.com/plymouthdisco Lizzie Corish lizziecorish.com Lawn games Coutts Events Hire couttseventhire.co.uk Transport CDEC Wedding Cars luxurydrive.co.uk
Sunny Delights
Kate and Tayler’s moorland wedding was full of colour, joy and sunshine
Kate and Tayler first met at university. “I was a young fresh(wo)man living in halls, suffering no TV in the peak of ‘The X Factor’ years. Tayler lived with one of my best friends in a proper house with a TV, so naturally Saturday nights I took advantage of watching Simon Cowell at theirs. ‘The X Factor’ was just an excuse really!” she laughs.
The couple’s engagement involved Tayler sending Kate on a treasure hunt before directing her to Jay’s Grave on Dartmoor, where she was greeted with a tor lit with candles. “The lit pathway led to a cave he had adorned with fairy lights, a roaring fire and music. We danced and he got down on one knee…” she reminisces of the achingly romantic proposal.
Opting for a church ceremony followed by a reception at Gidleigh Village Hall, Kate and Tayler wanted to treat their guests to the happiest celebration possible. “We just wanted the brightest day after a couple of gloomy years amidst the pandemic. It was a colourful paradise!” says Kate. The carnival of colour carried from the bunting and glassware to the stationery and dried flowers, while a handmade butterfly photo booth and a showstopping cake provided brilliantly vibrant focal points.
Readying herself for the aisle with her six bridesmaids, eight flower girls and all the mums, Kate donned her gown ahead of an “emotional first look with my dad and brothers – and then came out to a screaming party of my favourite women who made me feel on top of the world!” she smiles.
The weather perfectly captured the cheery mood of the day (“bright sunshine and 30 degrees!”), while the ceremony provided the most aptly personal and upbeat celebration. “Our six-year-old nephews both read poems, one of our best friends played the cello during the signing of the register, and my godfather sang ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ Magic,” recalls Kate.
The whole village was waiting outside the church to congratulate the newly-weds who headed off in their yellow campervan ‘Sunny’ to the reception. There, guests enjoyed cocktails and garden games before tucking into beef brisket with garlic roast new potatoes, tenderstem broccoli with blue cheese and crispy onions, and a round of brownies.
“The speeches blew us away and there were so many happy tears,” says Kate of an especially fond memory. “We got whisked up to Scorhill for photographs, then our first dance was to Becky Hill’s orchestral version of ‘I Could Get Used To This.’ All our guests joined us for the moment.” An evening of dancing, photos in the butterfly booth and drinking espresso martinis and limoncello carried them into the small hours.
“Take your time and don’t rush decisions,” says Kate by word of advice. “This is such an important and meaningful day – you want every moment to reflect who you are and celebrate your love. Make sure that happens.”
Photography Venetia Norrington venetianorrington.com Venue The Church of St Michael the Archangel Gidleigh Village Hall gidleighvillagehall.co.uk Dress Anna Campbell annacampbell.com.au Shoes Sophia Webster sophiawebster.com Groom’s outfit Marc Darcy marcdarcy.co.uk Hair Giselle Michel-Gendre instagram.com/gisellemichelgendre_mua
Table flowers The Baked Flower Bar thebakedflowerbar.co.uk Bar & games Cocktails and Games Co cocktailsandgames.co.uk Cake Boo to a Goose bootoagoose.net Brownies Sophie’s Bangin’ Bakes facebook.com/sophiesbanginbakes Entertainment Jodie Yang-Cooper jodieyang-cooper.co.uk Clare Marie Saunders cocktailpianist.webs.com Videography Coastline Films coastlinefilms.co.uk
got wed
Heart of Winter
Tara and Kelvin embraced the elements and natural details for their wildly romantic winter wedding on Dartmoor
From a sunny day on the Isle of Skye to windswept Dartmoor in the depths of winter, Tara and Kelvin’s love story has been played out amongst some epic landscapes. “The proposal was a complete surprise while on a road trip around Scotland,” explains Tara. “Kelvin got down on one knee on a beautiful coral beach on the Isle of Skye.”
Deciding they wanted “a very natural and simple wedding,” the couple knew they’d found the perfect setting in Badgers Holt, an intimate venue on Dartmoor. “We love the outdoors and wanted to reflect that in our special day. Dartmoor and Badgers Holt suited this perfectly with their relaxed approach to weddings,” says Tara.
Sustainability was a key consideration for the couple. “We were conscious of the environmental impact and tried to reduce waste where possible,” she says. “So we reused table decorations provided by the venue and reduced excessive waste by keeping the save the dates and invitations electronic. We kept decorations very minimal – Badgers Holt is already very twinkly and with beautiful floristry little else was needed.”
The wintery hues and natural aesthetic of the flowers perfectly complemented the couple’s relaxed wedding attire: Kelvin wore a country-style suit, while Tara donned a stunning bohemian lace gown.
Framed by a foliage-filled arch, the ceremony provided the couple with their standout moments. For Kelvin it was “seeing Tara come down the aisle looking totally stunning” and, for Tara, it was “walking down the aisle to see Kelvin at the end and being surrounded by family”.
“The ceremony was just the start of a whole day so filled with love,” she reflects. “After two years of Covid, being able to share our wedding with all our family and gathering at Christmas gave it an extra special feeling.”
The couple exchanged wedding rings which were made by Tara’s uncle. “He also made my parents’ rings 38 years ago. This was very special to us,” she says. After the vows, everyone enjoyed hot mulled wine and a feast of duck, pork and vegetarian and vegan dishes. As darkness fell, the party moved outdoors for sparklers and drinks around the firepits before ceilidh band Banned from the Moor got everyone on the dance floor with their fun-filled, high energy music.
“The whole day felt like a huge family wedding and Christmas party without having to worry about cooking a turkey and washing up. It was perfect,” reflects Tara, who has advice for engaged couples. “Add some homemade elements. We handmade place names and used pine cones to hold them up so they could all be recycled afterwards,” she says. “Keep it relaxed. Many of our guests said it was the best wedding they’d been to. And most importantly enjoy your day. Build in time to take it all in.”
Photography Hannah Wilde hannah-wilde.com Venue Badger’s Holt badgersholtweddings.co.uk Dress White April from Evolved Bridal evolvedbridal.co.uk Hair Summer and Lola summerandlola.co.uk Groom’s outfit Torre from Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk Flowers Milli Fleur millifleur.com Entertainment Banned from the Moor bannedfromthemoor.co.uk Pizza van il Cornicione Pizza ilcornicionepizza.co.uk
Golden Hour
Charley and Thomas treated their guests to a heavenly day in the Devon countryside, filled with gorgeous flowers, delicious flavours and dancing in the evening light
The digital world brought Charley and Thomas together when they started following each other’s blogs as teenagers. “We had followed each other for a few years before I messaged Thomas for the first time. Fast forward a year and we had been speaking every day before going on our first date in August 2016,” reflects Charley.
After a “perfect” proposal at home, the couple set out to find their dream intimate venue – and they soon fell for the charms of Brickhouse Vineyard. “It was the first venue we visited and we fell in love straight away,” says Charley.
In keeping with the venue’s idyllic backdrop of leafy vines and meadows, they picked a palette of pale green and pink. “We really love plants so there was a lot of greenery on the day,” says Thomas.
Their vision was brought to life beautifully by wedding stylist Nikki Sherriff of Knots & Kisses. “Nikki worked closely with our florist to make sure everything was cohesive and looked perfect on the day,” says Charley. “She also set up for us which was a massive weight off our shoulders.”
The venue was dressed with a dreamy blend of pale petals in glass vases, modern stationery and simple sprigs of rosemary atop rattan plates, while a ceremony arch bedecked with delicate petals and foliage framed the vows.
The newly-weds exited the ceremony to a shower of confetti and savoured cherished moments with their family and friends in the sun-kissed grounds. With the wedding taking place two days before Covid restrictions ended, they replaced the planned buffet with individually served buffet platters – these went down a treat, particularly the finale: a trio of puddings comprising raspberry frangipani tart, lemon posset with shortbread and Devon apple cake with caramel sauce and clotted cream.
Restrictions meant plans for a DJ also had to be shelved, but guests were more than happy to mingle in the sunshine, playing board games and taking Polaroid pictures for the photo wall. “As our families and friends hadn’t been able to see each other for such a long time most people opted to sit and chat outside,” says Charley. What’s more, being forced to have their first dance outdoors provided Charley’s highlight of the day. “It was around golden hour and turning around to see all of our friends with their arms around each other swaying along was so lovely,” she reminisces.
The ensuing moments stand out most in Thomas’s mind. “Just after our first dance we were whisked away for some golden hour photos,” he says. “We went to a nearby field and it was nice to escape and have some time together and reflect on the day.”
“The atmosphere was so lovely and everyone said how much they enjoyed themselves,” says Charley of her dream summer wedding. “Regardless of how difficult Covid restrictions made planning, we’re so happy with how things turned out.”
There’s just one thing the couple would change. “Have your ceremony earlier,” she advises, reflecting on their 2pm ceremony. “We said to each other so many times that time was going too quickly and wished we had more time to soak it all up.”
Photography Nova Wedding Photography novaweddingphotography.co.uk Venue Brickhouse Vineyard brickhousevineyard.co.uk Styling & stationery Knots & Kisses knotsandkisses.co.uk Catering Titley Green titleygreen.co.uk Flaming Good Pizza Co. flaminggoodpizzaco.co.uk Dress Wed2B wed2b.com Hair Nicky from The Hair Boutique hairboutique.co.uk Make-up Carrise from Melanie Thornton Makeup Artists melaniethornton.co.uk Groom’s outfit Next next.co.uk Flowers Holly-Bee Flowers hollybeeflowers.co.uk Cake Jax’s Cakes ‘N’ Bakes jaxscakesnbakes.com Invitations Pear Paper Co. pearpaperco.co.uk Confetti bags Etsy etsy.com
Summer Daze
Molly and Will’s wedding at Rockbeare Manor presented guests with a memorable medley of music, games and gastronomy
“I was working as an estate agent in Exeter when Will moved to the area. He was looking to purchase a home and popped into the office. A few emails back and forth, then a first coffee date...and the rest is history over six-and-a-half years ago,” says Molly of her and Will’s romantic beginnings.
The couple were holidaying in New York when Will got down on one knee and popped the question during a cold morning walk in Central Park, much to Molly’s elation.
Selecting the elegant setting of Rockbeare Manor for their summer wedding, Molly and Will chose neutral tones of white and champagne to adorn their day. “We wanted a summer feel in the ballroom so added some raspberry pink with the flowers and cakes,” says Molly.
It was the ceremony at Broadclyst Church that proved to be “the most magical moment,” she reflects. “Walking into the church and seeing Will’s face was a moment I’ll never forget. Having everyone you love in one space is the most magical feeling and made the whole day so special.”
The newly-weds were transported in a VW Beetle to Rockbeare where they were met by the sounds of live oompah band German Jukebox. “We had canapés on the lawn with the amazing brass instruments entertaining everybody,” says Molly.
Guests feasted on platters of Devon rib of beef, roast chicken stuffed with mushrooms and sweet potato gnocchi in the ballroom. “We wanted a more casual option for dessert, so had afternoon tea dotted around the manor. It worked perfectly, enabling guess to get out of their chairs and venture round the amazing manor and grounds,” says Molly, who also commissioned cupcakes featuring pictures of their dog – “which made my day,” she says. “They added such a personal touch.”
The rest of the evening was a relaxed affair featuring a photo booth, chocolate fountain, table tennis, “amazing” live band Mammoth and another round of food and drinks. “It ended with everyone on the dance floor and it really was the perfect end to a perfect day,” reminisces Molly.
“The entertainment was always going to be our main focus – we wanted guests to enjoy the day and relax with friends,” she says. “Having a fun brass band in the day and a brilliant live band in the evening added so much fun – we just felt it brought everyone together.”
“Prioritise,” Molly says by word of advice for other couples embarking on their planning journey. “Make sure you book the things that are most important to you first, then you have time to decide the other elements. Also, don’t get too stressed,” she adds. “No one notices the little details so don’t let those moments overshadow the fun parts of planning a wedding!”
Photography Noah Werth noahwerth.co.uk Tom Marcel Dale thomasmarceldale.co.uk Venue Rockbeare Manor rockbearemanor.co.uk Dress Suzanne Neville suzanneneville.com Bridesmaids’ dresses Ghost London ghost.co.uk Groom’s outfit Dress2Kill dress2kill.com Groomsmen’s outfits Moss Bros moss.co.uk Hair Sophie Greenham instagram.com/sophiegreenhamhair_ Make-up Jade Isla Make-up & Beauty jadeislamakeup.co.uk Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk Transport Premier Carriage premiercarriage.co.uk Cake Mo’s Bakes instagram.com/mosbakes Entertainment German Jukebox germanjukebox.com Mammoth facebook.com/mammothfunk
Classic Romance Classic Romance
Cristina and Rupert’s country house wedding Cristina and Rupert’s country house wedding was brimming with gorgeous florals and was brimming with gorgeous florals, romantic touches delectable Devon flavours and dreamily romantic touches Cristina and Rupert’s love story took them from a first encounter in Dubai to a beautiful
country house wedding in Devon. “We were out with friends on a Thursday night in
Dubai,” says Cristina. “Rupert and his friend approached us, and we spent the evening talking. We exchanged numbers and the rest is history.”
Rupert’s proposal followed in September 2020 after a day exploring the beautiful sights of North Devon. “We ended up eating strawberries and drinking Prosecco on Saunton Sands beach, watching the sun set,” reminisces Cristina of their romantic engagement.
A private Jacobean manor house on the edge of Lamerton, new wedding venue Hurlditch Court made the spectacular setting for their celebrations after a ceremony at nearby St Peter’s Church. “It is not only a beautiful venue but also great for their luxury shepherd’s huts and cottages that can accommodate the guests,” she says. “A marquee was set up in the garden.”
Cristina’s bridal gown – a stunning design made in Moldova with layers of soft tulle and statement sleeves – evoked the day’s romantic aesthetic beautifully. The soft pink bridesmaids’ dresses harmonised with the bouquets of barely-there shades, while Rupert carried a classic look in a bespoke morning suit.
Styled with a palette of white, sage green and blush pink, the marquee perfectly complemented the scenic setting. “We wanted something classic with a very slight country feel,” explains Cristina. Gorgeous hanging foliage and florals, together with candlelit tables adorned with arrangements of dainty blooms, made for a dreamily romantic scene.
Such a showstopping setting demanded a special wedding breakfast – and renowned local chef John Hooker ensured the feast of locally sourced flavours was one to remember. Highlights included native lobster and scallop ravioli, spiced carrot purée and roasted lobster bisque; roasted rack of new season lamb, poached and roasted belly, baby broad beans, capers and mint; and lemon posset, Tamar Valley strawberries, honeycomb and sorrel.
The culinary delights continued in the evening, with the likes of ham hock scotch eggs, British cheeses and Cornish sausage rolls with candied onion and walnut going down a treat. “Everything was absolutely delicious,” enthuses Cristina.
Looking back on the day, Cristina recalls her standout moments. “The church ceremony was very memorable. I was feeling very emotional walking down the aisle alongside my dad as Rupert was waiting at the altar.” The speeches provided another highlight. “The groom’s and best men’s speeches were absolutely hilarious,” she reflects fondly. “We all had a good laugh.”
Photography Freckle Photography frecklephotography.co.uk Venue St Peter’s Church, Lamerton Hurlditch Court hurlditchcourtweddings.co.uk Marquee Marldon Marquees marldonmarquees.co.uk Catering John Hooker, The Cornish Arms thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk Hair The Hair Bar thehairbarinplymouth.co.uk Flowers Flowers Et Al flowersetal.co.uk Cake Boo to a Goose bootoagoose.net Stationery White Tor Design whitetordesign.co.uk
