Wed Magazine Devon Issue 58

LOVE BLOOMS

FLOWERS. FASHIONS. FEATURES. DREAM DAYS IN DEVON.

LOVE IS...

The weather might be decidedly wintery as I sit to write this editor’s letter but, in this issue of Wed, our gaze is set firmly on the spring and summer months ahead: to ceremonies filled with the heady scent of spring blooms, to celebratory drinks in sun-drenched gardens and long, hazy evenings filled with friends, family and love in beautiful abundance.

In celebration of spring, a floral theme is woven throughout these pages. Art and Soul, an ethereal celebration of art, literature and nature at Pynes House, sets the mood with its bountiful blooms and elegantly styled details. Flowers also take centre stage in Flower Power, a styled shoot featuring the work of a series of local florists at Brickhouse Vineyard, where jewel toned petals are paired with vintage gowns. Then there’s Festival Fever, a joyful styled shoot brimming with vibrant flowers and fun-filled touches, captured in the picturesque rural setting of Hawke Barn.

By choosing seasonal flowers, you can look forward to blooms at their absolute best without the carbon footprint of imported flowers. In day, Colour Me Happy is filled with top tips for picking your W-day palette from the wedding styling experts.

LOGO GUIDELINES

Minimum size

To make sure that the logo is always readable and recognisable the Carbon Balanced Paper marque should not be reproduced smaller than 20mm high. When using the logo at minimum size, be careful to ensure that the website address and registration

Exclusion

The

Of course, one of the most anticipated tasks on your wedmin list is finding a wedding dress. Before you get started, read up on some savvy advice from the experts in She’s the One and feast your eyes on the latest designs arriving in Devon’s boutiques in All About You and Wed’s Wish List. Shot at Upton Barn & Walled Garden, the dreamily beautiful new collection from Solunah is showcased in Free Spirit, while Every Bride is Beautiful is a joy-filled celebration of beauty, individuality and womanhood at Brickhouse Vineyard.

The

Colours

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You’ll also find some brilliant ideas for hens, top tips for speeches and seriously stunning jewellery in these pages. And, from country house glam to beachside vibes, Got Wed is brimming with love stories to warm the heart as we wait for summer. Enjoy the issue!

Rebecca

Photography

bridalbuzz

MAGICAL MOMENTS ON THE MOOR

With more couples opting for extended celebrations, a venue that allows newlyweds and their nearest and dearest to linger a little longer and enjoy a host of facilities and activities is an absolute must. Boasting 275 acres of sprawling countryside in addition to a luxurious selection of rooms and accommodation, Bovey Castle provides both a breathtaking backdrop for the big day, and a spectacular minimoon destination.

Arrive ahead of time for a pre-wedding spa pampering session or a cider or sloe ginmaking date with your bridesmaids; or stay for a few days and relax with a round of golf and a gourmet dinner party. Create a customised schedule of entertainment with Bovey Castle’s vast assortment of offerings, which range from falconry displays, archery, air rifle and clay pigeon shooting to bushcraft, croquet, bike riding, 4x4 off-roading, tennis, yoga, fly-fishing and deer park and estate tours.

Located in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, the surrounding area is home to stunning moorland to explore and things to do. Take a shire horse and covered carriage ride to North Bovey, try your hand at bee-keeping or simply roam the wilderness of the park. Children will adore the brass rubbing trail, KidsZone play area (complete with interactive activities) and meeting the resident chickens and ferrets, while older children and adults alike will enjoy hours of virtual entertainment in the TechZone.

For an extended wedding experience guaranteed to spoil you and your guests with a tailor-made itinerary of togetherness and unadulterated fun at one of Devon’s most picturesque locations, Bovey Castle is a supremely crowd-pleasing affair; a tempting choice whether you wish to stay for a few days after the nuptials as a couple, or host family and friends for a celebratory mini-break.

boveycastle.com

Kezia at Hello Pictures

Hannah Wilde Photography

Will Dolphin Photography

Will Dolphin Photography

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Located above Broadsands Beach on Devon’s rugged north coast, The Venue at Sandy Cove boasts the most incredible coastal position, offering breathtaking views across the sea, the rugged Atlantic coast and the heights of Exmoor. A dream setting for ocean-loving couples, vows can be exchanged in the clifftop gazebo or Seascape Ceremony Room, while the skywalk platform jutting out over the cliff edge is a perfect spot for photographs and taking some quiet moments to soak up the sweeping sea views together. A contemporary space with state-of-the-art lighting and bifold doors opening onto the coastal vistas, The Venue is an exceptional setting for a reception, whether it’s a sun-soaked summer soirée or a wildly atmospheric wintery celebration.

Priding itself on its award-winning 3AA Rosette dining, the venue has recently unveiled a new dedicated barbecue area using Big Green Egg barbecues to offer couples even more choice when it comes to their wedding menu. The talented chefs will cook up an al fresco feast under a festoon-lit grill shelter for newlyweds and their guests, adding a live spectacle and even more sensory delight to the celebrations. Pick from the lip-smacking likes of sirloin steak, Tandoori chicken skewers, chilli and lime king prawn and monkfish skewers, grilled vegetable kebabs, barbecue pulled jackfruit and American-style hot dogs for a wedding breakfast with the wow factor.

With the venue currently offering a discount for new bookings taken for 2024 weddings – and a new gettingready room soon to be completed – it’s the ideal time to settle on this captivating setting for a soul-stirring coastal celebration.

sandycove-hotel.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE

“Sensual pleasures have the fleeting brilliance of a comet; a happy marriage has the tranquility of a lovely sunset.” Ann Landers

STYLE

12. HELLO PETAL

Fill your festivities with wildflower-inspired details

14. FREE SPIRIT

Say “I do” to dreamily beautiful and ethically crafted gowns

18. EVERY BRIDE IS BEAUTIFUL

A celebration of womanhood at Brickhouse Vineyard

22. ART AND SOUL

Painterly elegance bursting with fresh blooms and fine details

28. WED’S WISH LIST

The latest bridal must-haves, from dream dresses to lustworthy shoes

32. SHE’S THE ONE

What to think about when you’re buying a wedding dress

36. ALL OF YOU

Modern, glam or boho chic? Fall in love with these new season gowns

42. WED’S BOUDOIR

Bridal beauty tips and trends

44. LOVE IS IN THE HAIR

Hair stylist Ro Abell shares her bridal hair tips and trends

46. FLOWER GIRLS

Elevate your bridal hair with these dreamy dried florals

49. BE JEWELLED Wedding jewellery inspiration, from diamonds to Devoninspired treasures

52. TOUCH OF LOVE

Add texture to your wedding rings for an individual twist

58. WORKING THE GROOM

Tips and trends for the man of the moment

62. FLOWER POWER

Revel in jewel tones and gorgeously individual bridal wear

68. FESTIVAL FEVER

Embrace a festival vibe with vibrant colours and fun details

FEATURES

54. A HEN TO REMEMBER

Our favourite hen activities from across the South-west

72. DARLING BUDS

A month-by-month guide to seasonal blooms

79. COLOUR ME HAPPY

The experts share their top tips for picking your palette

84. WHY I LOVE YOU

Let the reasons you love each other shape a perfectly personal wedding

88. SPEAK EASY

Raise the roof with our guide to wedding speeches

92. GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE

Expert advice for ‘getting ready’ photos to cherish

114. THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

Meaningful wedding gift ideas for your partner

REGULARS

6. BRIDAL BUZZ

What’s new, what’s hot, what’s on

61. WED’S HIP LIST

Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day

97. WED’S VENUES GUIDE

The ultimate guide to Devon’s finest wedding venues

119. GOT WED

Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day

162. NOTES ON A WEDDING

Top tips for your planning pleasure

MK Collins Photography

bridalbuzz

BAY OF BEAUTY

It’s difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for a coastal celebration than Bigbury Bay Weddings. Located on the southern tip of Devon, where the sweeping sands of Bigbury-on-Sea meet an idyllic patchwork of green fields and wildflower-dotted cliffscape, the venue offers a location of irresistible romance for sea-loving souls.

Choose your canvas of choice, whether it’s a marquee or a tipi, and design the wedding of your wildest dreams with your choice of suppliers. Imagine an al fresco celebrant-led ceremony with the white-tipped seas and golden sands of Bantham Beach as your backdrop, and a reception styled to suit your vision, from bright and colourful festival vibes strewn with flags to a modern, pared-back affair where the landscape takes centre stage. Throw a brilliantly atmospheric party as the sun sets, with guests mingling around food trucks and festoon lights to the murmur of the ocean.

The venue has late availability for September 2024 and is offering a 15% reduction in booking fee, while a range of 2025 dates are also available. If you wish to stay on-site, half of the venue’s Edwardian farmhouse – complete with its own garden area and parking – makes the ideal setting to savour this special spot, while further accommodation in the form of camping, a camping barn and bell tents are available nearby at Mount Folly Farm Campsite. Hosts Helen and Peter will be happy to help with the preparations, liaising with your suppliers and ensuring your dream day on Devon’s coast plays out in the most spectacular way possible.

bigburybayholidays.co.uk/weddings

AN ESCAPE LIKE NO OTHER

Imagine taking your vows surrounded by incredible elevated views across the countryside at one of Devon’s most sublime – not to mention, romantic –wedding venues. Whether you wish to elope or stage an intimate celebration, the dog-friendly Tree Top Escape will help you to create the dreamiest day to suit.

Situated in a secluded glade in north Devon, you’ll be ensconced by greenery along with a luxury five-star treehouse retreat that spells pure magic. From the two-person copper bath, private hot tub and floating balcony to fine dining and resident alpacas, a wedding here promises to be an individual, memorable and wonderfully indulgent affair indeed.

Especially gorgeous in the autumn, Tree Top Escape provides the perfect bolthole for those wishing to wed as the seasons change, the 32-acre estate a wild canvas of gold, green and auburn. An aptly named retreat, The Nest offers a stylish setting to snuggle down and savour those first blissful days of married life. Meanwhile, should you seek a ceremonyonly option, the venue is a cost-effective choice for couples desiring a dreamy location to declare their love. Tailoring its packages to every couple to create bespoke events that fulfil every wish list and budget, this heavenly idyll is an enchanting choice indeed. treetopescape.co.uk

WEDDING SUPERSTITION

Today, bridesmaids play a key role in supporting the bride during the pre-wedding period and the day itself. The tradition, however, can be traced back to ancient times when bridesmaids encircling the bride were believed to ward off evil spirits. Bridesmaids would also wear veils and dress like the bride as a way of confusing malign spirits.

Liberty Pearl Photography

Liberty Pearl Photography

Paige Grace Photography

Maria Broome Photography

Rebecca Roundhill

Michelle Ley Photography

Maria Broome

Above and Beyond Drone Photography

Lee Maxwell Photography

bridalbuzz

HEAVEN IN DEVON

SMALL WEDDINGS OF DREAMS

Combining natural beauty with Georgian elegance, Boconnoc Estate is a beguilingly romantic wedding venue, set within magnificent parkland in a secluded corner of the Cornish countryside. With keynotes of luxury, charm and sustainability, the venue offers a dreamlike setting for couples who wish to celebrate their love in an intimate and personal way.

A small event at Boconnoc is more than a match for grander-scale affairs when it comes to the wow factor. The two-mile private drive greets guests with expansive views of the exclusive-use estate, culminating in the big reveal of Boconnoc House: lauded winner of the prestigious Sotheby’s Restoration Award owing to its meticulous craft and design.

With interiors and beautifully appointed guest accommodation that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, the atmosphere is one of laidback harmony for a day that reflects your journey and character as a couple. This might materialise as a humanist ceremony at a scenic spot of your choosing such as the woodland glade or Dorothy Garden, a civil ceremony in one of five stunning locations or exchanging vows in the 800-year-old estate church. You can then celebrate in style with a Cornish feast, rich in the finest local produce, and an after-party tailored entirely to your vision.

The Stewardry is a seriously stylish setting for a small wedding. Nestled in a tranquil valley, the 18th century manor house sleeps 14 in exquisite interiors inspired by the surrounding gardens. With packages available including flowers and food, a more affordable Boconnoc wedding is achievable which is high on style and low on admin –leaving you to look forward to a heartfelt wedding surrounded by those you love the most in this stirringly beautiful setting.

boconnoc.com

Located in a secluded corner of the South Hams, Hareston Manor is an enchanting setting for a wedding. From the tree-lined drive and sweeping rural panoramas to the 14th century Jacobean house nestling amongst wooded hills and wildflowers, the charm-packed venue exudes timeless romance.

An eco haven with sustainability at the core of its ethos, Haresto Manor offers elopements through to celebrations for 150 guests. The team works closely with couples to help them to create their dream day, with the choice of a ceremony in the picturesque grounds or the candlelit climes of St Martin’s chapel, which dates back to 1379. A ceremony at the manor entrance, immersed in the beauty of the time-honoured walls and mullion windows, roses and wildflowers, is another incredibly romantic option.

Choose from a marquee, yurt, stretch tent or tipi reception to take advantage of the picture-perfect surroundings and tuck into a mouthwatering feast brimming in local and seasonal produce. After the festivities, just imagine the magic of spending your first night as newly-weds in a luxurious glamping pod under the starlit Devon skies.

harestonwedding.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE

“The greatest marriages are built on teamwork. A mutual respect, a healthy dose of admiration, and a never-ending portion of love and grace.” Fawn Weaver

Photography John Hersey / Flowers The Garden Gate Flower Company

Flexible - Personal - Exclusive

Flexible - Personal - Exclusive

The rural venue with stunning views

The rural venue with stunning views

We provide a blank canvas for our own ideas, with extended hire so you can really relax and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

We provide a blank canvas for our own ideas, with extended hire so you can really relax and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

Fabulous ‘All Inclusive’ deals available for remaining dates in 2024 & 2025

Fabulous ‘All Inclusive’ deals available for remaining dates in 2024 & 2025

07541

07541

Image: Amy Sampson

Image: Amy Sampson

hello petal

Be inspired by wildflowers for a wedding filled with glorious colour and beautiful blooms

compiled by Rebecca Matthews

1. Look every inch a floral goddess in this exquisite gown by Rue de Seine, embellished with a colourful cascade of embroidered florals. stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

2. Pressed flowers on a buttercream cake makes the ultimate sweet centrepiece for a wildflower wedding! We love this confection by Dollybird Bakes. dollybirdbakes.co.uk

3. Dotted with delicate florals, this dreamily romantic tulle dress by Needle & Thread is perfect for petal-pretty bridesmaids. needleandthread.com

4. We love the wildly romantic feel of this bouquet of homegrown blooms by Three Acre. 3acre.co.uk

5. These wildflower earrings by Petal Pollen make a gorgeously colourful finishing touch for your bridal or bridesmaids’ ensembles. instagram.com/petal_pollen

6. Intricately crafted, these kinetic lockets by Victoria Walker mimic the petals of flowers opening to the sun – a gorgeous heirloom piece to wear on W-day. vwjewellery.co.uk

7. Gift your guests these sweet packets of bee-friendly wildflower seeds by Wildflower Favours. wildflower-favours.co.uk

8. Available on seed paper, your guests can plant this Wildflower Hedgerow stationery by Laura Likes and look forward to the blooming of their very own wildflower hedges! lauralikes.co.uk

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Grace Elizabeth Photography

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free spirit

Upton Barn & Walled Garden makes a dream canvas for the new collection of ethically and lovingly crafted gowns by Solunah. From voluminous silhouettes and sleek lines to feel-me fabrics and botanical detailing, prepare to fall in love… photography Ivyhouse Photography

Photography

Ivyhouse Photography ivyhousephotography.co.uk

Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com

Dresses Solunah solunahbride.com

Hair Hair by Hannah hairbyhannah.net

Make-up Justine Kendall justinekendall.com

Flowers Heathland Flowers heathlandflowers.co.uk

Jewellery The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk

Veil Rebecca Anne Designs rebeccaannedesigns.co.uk

Drapes Fika Event Hire fikaeventhire.com

Videography Timeless Weddings timelessweddings.co.uk

Model Ruth Moss instagram.com/ruthmoss_

A celebration of bridal beauty at Brickhouse Vineyard

photography Freckle Photography concept, planning & coordination Luno & Stella Weddings and Events

Becka Headley from Luno & Stella Weddings and Events decided to do something beautiful to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024. “I brought together seven amazing Devon women as models, following an appeal on social media,” explains Becka. “The group that formed were different shapes, ages, sizes, styles, ethnicities and, in some instances, disabilities, both physical and hidden. I wanted to show off all their different features, characters and personalities, displaying that every single woman is beautiful in her own way.”

The ensuing shoot that took place at Brickhouse Vineyard was a celebration of womanhood in all its diverse and dazzling beauty. “Becoming a bride can be exhilarating, exciting, daunting and emotional in equal measure. It can also accentuate perceived flaws and create the opportunity for both positive and poor experiences if hopes are dashed or confidences are shattered. This project aimed to give ‘every woman’ the chance to shine,” she explains.

Each woman completed a questionnaire to enable the talented team of 20 female business owners to create personalised concepts to suit each individual’s wishes and build their confidence. The local team of creatives meant the shoot was also a celebration of Devon’s wedding industry, featuring hair stylists and make-up artists through to a florist using locally grown blooms and an accessories designer crafting handmade porcelain finishing touches.

From the style and fit of the bridal gowns to the shoes, accessories, hair, make-up and flowers, each element combined to create a gorgeously individual look for each woman, in which they would feel comfortable and beautiful. “The overall feel of the day was fantastic – very relaxed but fun and uplifting for all,” says Becka.

Concept, planning & coordination

Luno & Stella Weddings and Events lunoandstella.co.uk

Photography Freckle Photography frecklephotography.co.uk

Videography Capture Weddings captureweddings.co.uk

Venue Brickhouse Vineyard brickhousevineyard.co.uk

Content creation

Meraki Moments Media merakimomentsmedia.co.uk

Dresses

Somerset Bridal somersetbridal.co.uk

Hair

Cindy Beddard Bridal Hair cindybeddardbridalhair.co.uk

Natalie Nichols Bridal natalienichols-bridal.com

Bridal Hair by Rhian bridalhairbyrhian.co.uk

Ocean Waves Hair Styling oceanwaveshairstyling.com

Make-up

Millie Elizabeth instagram.com/millieemua

Laura Le Page lauralepagebridalmakeup.com

Nicola Redman nicolaredmanmakeup.com

Makeup by Zoe L instagram.com/makeupbyzoe.l

Accessories

Claire Austin England claireaustinengland.com

Flowers From The Wild fromthewildflorist.com

Décor

Fika Event Hire fikaeventhire.com

Furniture

Virginias Vintage Hire virginiasvintagehire.co.uk

Catering

Graze & S’more instagram.com/graze_and_smore

Stationery

Inviting Memories instagram.com/invitingmemories

Caricatures

Cornwall Caricatures cornwallcaricatures.co.uk

Models

Ellie Eaton instagram.com/ellieeaton_

Tamia Carmen instagram.com/tamiacarmen_

Millie Reynolds instagram.com/millieelizabethhh

Jan Wood

Lydia Bailys instagram.com/lydiabailysandco

Lucy Lowe instagram.com/lucynjl

Elly Nagy instagram.com/xelly_nagyx

art and soul

This timelessly romantic wedding scene celebrates art, literature and the beauty of the natural world in the dreamlike setting of Pynes House

photography Jennifer Jane Photography coordination & styling Elisabeth Shell Events

Set amidst enchanting gardens and rolling hills in the Exe Valley, Pynes House is a dream setting for a country house wedding. From its grand, treelined entrance and elegant frontage to its stately interiors and relaxed ambience, the Queen Annestyle mansion is steeped in history and romance. It is even believed to have been the inspiration for Barton Park in Jane Austen’s novel, Sense and Sensibility.

“This editorial was inspired by the serene beauty of Monet’s Water Lilies, the timeless elegance of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and a dash of Shakespearean romance,” explains photographer Jennifer Shoubridge of Jennifer Jane Photography.

Monet’s famous painting was the starting point for the styling. “The colour palette of the flowers and table setting was drawn from the serene blues, pastels and greens of the Water Lilies painting, creating a harmonious blend of nature and art,” says Jen. “Covered in a free-flowing chiffon tablecloth, the table looked like a canvas for a watercolour painting, while urns of tumbling flowers along the centre bring the charm of a summer garden indoors.” Large crystal chandeliers cast a warm, romantic glow, while pale pink lace-detailed plates and lilac napkins enhance the delicate feminine feel of the scene.

The bride wears a gown adorned with delicate embroidered petals and shoes embellished with blush pink blooms and diamanté accents. “The petals flowed down the gown, creating an illusion of floating on water, much like the impressionist’s paintings,” says Jen. Meanwhile, the groom’s classic black tie ensemble lends a timeless, Mr Darcy-esque air of sophistication.

The ceremony is held in a dreamy spot in the gardens, beneath a Romeo and Juliet-style balcony dressed with flowers to the gentle sound of water trickling from the fountain. “The white water lilies floating on the fountain added a touch of Monet’s magic,” says Jen.

A harmonious fusion of art and love, literature and nature, this styled shoot is a celebration of timeless beauty in the most breathtakingly romantic setting.

Photography

Jennifer Jane Photography jenniferjanephotography.co.uk

Planning & styling

Elisabeth Shell Events elisabethshellevents.com

Venue Pynes House pyneshouse.co.uk

Dresses

Caroline Castigliano, Carina B Couture carinabcouture.com

Hair & make-up

Leanne Hart leannehart.co.uk

Jewellery & rings Sarah Gauci sarahgauci.com

Bridal shoes Diane Hassall dianehassall.com

Hair accessory

The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk

Suit Next next.co.uk

Flowers

The Flower Sessions theflowersessions.com

Cake

Claire Arscott Cake Design clairearscottcakedesign.co.uk

Tableware & linen

Laura Louise Hall lauralouisehallweddings.co.uk

Stationery Rose & Grace roseandgracedesign.com

Chandeliers

Crescent Moon crescent-moon.co.uk

Lollipops Lovely Lollies lovelylolliesuk.etsy.com

Videography Sparks Film sparks-film.co.uk

Models

Bella Glanville instagram.com/bellaglanville

Alex Lesnevski instagram.com/alexlesnevski

wed’s wish list

DRESSES OF DREAMS

From dreamy dresses to seriously chic shoes, here’s our pick of the latest bridal must-haves

words Hannah May, Lucy Lawrence & Rebecca Matthews

Some gorgeous new gowns are gracing the rails of Plymouth’s luxe bridal boutique, The Ivory Lounge. Situated in the heart of the city, the boutique marries a warm and friendly service with plush interiors and an exclusive and memorable bridal shopping experience. Then there’s the dresses. Offering a collection for all budgets, the boutique is home to some of the most renowned names in bridal fashion, from Randy Fenoli and Vera Wang Bride to British favourites Ellis Bridals and Kelsey Rose.

The new collection from Ellis Bridals is making waves with brides. Dedicated to creating timeless gowns with a modern twist, the dresses are beautifully crafted from luxurious fabrics and expertly constructed for an impeccable fit. The new collection is awash with clean lines and timeless silhouettes, modern laces and statement sleeves, made with the softest satins and feather-light organza and tulles. We love the pairing of Megan, a sleek crepe and satin sheath silhouette, with Aubrie, a detachable tulle ruffle skirt, for a seamless transition from day to night. Then there’s the ethereal beauty of Bree, with its plunge illusion neckline and delicate botanical lace skirt.

Brides envisioning a relaxed, modern look will love the latest dresses from Kelsey Rose. Renowned for coolly individual styles, the new collection offers ethereal silhouettes and sleek contemporary cuts with trending necklines and detachable sleeves and bows. Brides seeking modern elegance will fall for Jolie, with its simple halterneck bodice and all-over lace sparkle skirt, while Lulu marries a crepe bodice with a dreamy organza and tulle skirt and detachable organza bows.

For brides seeking a bargain, the boutique is currently running an unmissable sample sale featuring 25% off all Vera Wang Bride gowns as well as Delilah, Dakota and Dylan by Randy Fenoli. The sale gowns can also be purchased via their online shop through Klarna. From fashion-forward designs to achingly glamorous gowns dripping in detail, each gown promises to make a showstopping statement come W-day. theivorylounge.co.uk

MODERN LOVE

Home to a host of covet-worthy designers including Maggie Sottero, Sottero & Midgley and Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette’s reputation for excellence extends from beautiful bridal wear to an individually tailored experience. Situated in Exeter’s historic West Quarter in a beautiful 16th century merchant’s house, a dressshopping trip here is special from start to finish. Expect attentive service and dazzling choice amongst sumptuous surrounds as you explore the range of gowns that offers something for brides of all styles.

Taking stock of some seriously swoon-worthy arrivals this spring, the boutique is awash with freshfrom-the-runway frocks. From slinky sheaths and ultra-feminine fit-and-flares to an abundance of florals and intricate detailing, the latest collections are as lust-worthy as they come. Lingerie-inspired bodices, split skirts, balloon sleeves and plunging necklines join design elements such as cut-outs, elaborate embroideries and drapery including seductive cowl necks and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Meanwhile, brides seeking a hit of drama will find form-flaunting silhouettes, colourful floral prints and a statement ivory lace gown that oozes modern romance. pirouettethecollection.com

HOT FROCKS

Your bridesmaids will thank you for choosing Rewritten for their W-day attire.

The latest arrivals from the stylish bridal and bridesmaid brand are as comfortable as they are flattering, with trending design features such as halternecks, cowl necks, subtle side splits, capped sleeves and bell sleeves in shades of black, olive and terracotta. What’s more, the brand has introduced a new eco-conscious fabric – Lenzing Ecovero satin, which uses less water and cuts carbon dioxide while feeling heavenly to wear – to ensure a stylish bride tribe with a sustainable twist. wearerewritten.com

AND THE BRIDE WORE FLATS

Ballet flats are having a moment – and Pretty Ballerinas boasts an extensive collection of trending designs to ensure you’ll look elegant and feel comfortable from the ceremony through to the late night shenanigans. Handmade in Menorca from the finest materials, the designs range from ballerina styles with Swarovski crystal-studded straps to suede slingbacks with statement bows. prettyballerinas.co.uk

AMAZING GRACE

Located close to the pebbly shores of Budleigh Salterton, Days of Grace Vintage is a glorious emporium of vintage and antique lace, bridal gowns, occasion wear and accessories. You’ll find the likes of original Edwardian lace and cotton gowns alongside embroidered ’20s French lace, ’70s dresses and a host of romantic sleeved ’40s and ’50s styles.

Perfect for brides seeking something one-of-a-kind, you can build your ensemble from scratch or select a reimagined gown from the in-house handcrafted collection that uses original vintage lace in modern sizes, which can be bought or custom-made to suit.

Owner, stylist and textiles expert Linda Duriez is passionate about vintage apparel and is replete with knowledge to help you create your look, from recreating era wear to tailoring something from her ready-to-wear collection to ensure it fits like a glove and looks like a dream. And with an emphasis on affordability, brides seeking something with an edge of boho, debutante or Hollywood glamour need look no further for a budget-friendly and bespoke bridal look.

For those all-important finishing touches, the boutique also houses a collection of antique veils and one-of-a-kind headdresses – think stunning crowns made with antique and vintage jewellery and antique pieces adorned with intricate waxed flowers – as well as jewellery, bags and gloves from a range of eras. There’s even a range of lingerie dating from the ’30s and ’40s for brides keen to bring a vintage vibe to their honeymoon. daysofgracevintage.com

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Once you’ve decided on your wedding dress, it’s time to unleash your inner Cinderella and find the perfect shoe. Made in Venice by master craftsmen using the finest materials and innovative techniques, Aruna Seth has multiple lust-worthy styles to choose from. From showstopping heels crafted from the finest satin, lace and leather to elegant wedges perfect for a beach or garden wedding, the luxurious shoes are embellished with the brand’s signature butterfly for eye-catching glamour. There’s also a choice of flats for brides seeking a dream blend of style and comfort, and an adorable collection of ballerina pumps and satin baby shoes for the younger members of your bridal party. arunaseth.com

FRENCH FANCIES

We love the feminine elegance of the Opale collection from Eres. Blending vintage vibes with a contemporary twist, the lightweight cotton pieces are as comfortable as they are stylish. Edged with irresistible lace detailing, the collection includes a crop top bra, boy shorts, camisole, playsuit and robe in crisp white and midnight blue - a perfect choice for romantic honeymoon attire. eresparis.com

Luka Chitty Photography

SHE’S THE ONE

When it comes to the dress, where do you start? Right here, with our guide to finding your perfect bridal look

words Hannah May

The dress. You might be the type of bride who nurtures a long-held vision. Or perhaps you’re the kind who feels utterly clueless, lost amongst the rails and rendered indecisive by the sheer volume of gowns available.

It is a decision-making process that differs for every individual. Some will fall for the first frock they try on; others will second-guess every dress they encounter while awaiting an epiphany that might never come.

Searching for ‘the one’ can deliver much inspiration and joy, or become one of the most stressful situations of the entire planning process – the all-eyes-on-you moment being especially loaded. Not only will you want to look and feel the most fabulous you possible, but you’ll be investing in one of the most important pieces of clothing of your life, which also represents one of the most significant journeys. No pressure, then.

Whether you’re freshly engaged and seeking a little inspiration to help you get started, months in and still struggling to whittle down your shortlist, or about to embark upon a dress-shopping weekend and wanting some pragmatic advice – we’ve asked the professionals for their guidance to help you on your way…

Give yourself time

“Most of my wedding dresses take anything from 12 to 24 weeks to be delivered,” reveals Mandy Winn from Frocks & Frills (frocksfrills.co.uk). “You then need to allow six to eight weeks for alterations – so at least eight months in total, although 12 to 18 months is a comfortable time frame,” she says. “Finding your dress also helps with the other details of your wedding; for example, what shape bouquet is best for the shape of dress. I can do quicker deliveries, but it does cost extra money!”

Always discuss your deadlines with the boutiques you’re visiting, as they’ll know how to help you achieve them. If you’re planning a whirlwind wedding, there’s a host of options available, including buying off the rail, ready-towear, sale and end-of-line collections, customising vintage, heirloom or secondhand pieces, and commissioning a tailor-made gown with a designer who can work within your timeframe.

Carefully select your boutiques

“Research boutiques via their website and their social media presence, so that you get an idea of those you’d like to visit to choose your gown,” advises Hailey MacDonald from Coastal Bridal (coastalbridal.co.uk). “Most of my brides pick between one and three boutiques. Just like the rest of your wedding suppliers, your chosen boutique will be with you for the majority of your wedding journey, helping you choose your dress, but also to lend an ear, offer advice, recommend other suppliers, help with hair and make-up ideas and more,” says Hailey.

Visiting dozens of bridal boutiques isn’t a wise idea, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by choice, so start off with those that house the collections and gowns that you think would be the best fit, and go from there.

Pick a small shopping party

“We understand that looking for a wedding dress is an exciting time, but we recommend that you don’t bring too many guests with you,” says Marian Couch from Pirouette (pirouettethecollection.com). “Too many opinions don’t always help and the focus can be taken totally off the bride! We find two to three guests are the most comfortable.”

Put simply, pick those whose honest opinions you value and trust the most. “As much as it may be fun for the whole girl gang to come out for the day, more often than not that means more opinions on the dresses, which can often lead to confusion, crossed wires and, in some cases, real upset,” explains Hailey. “Bring a select one to three

people with you, who will offer their advice, but will support your decisions. After all, your opinion is really the only one that matters, and only you can truly know how you feel in a dress.”

Size yourself up

“Wedding dress sizes are not true to high street sizes,” reveals Mandy. “Most of my dresses are smaller than high street sizes so you will come up a bigger size in a wedding dress – and the bigger you are, the bigger the gap to high street size. Do not pay any attention to the size – it’s only a number,” she adds.

Remember that comfort is king. If the dress fits like a second skin (that both supports you and allows ease of movement) and makes you shout ‘yes!’, whatever the label says is immaterial. “Bridal sizing is something that grates on me,” confesses Hailey. “It is completely normal to find that wedding dress sizes run smaller than usual high street shops. It’s normal to wear a high street size 14, yet your bridal gown to be ordered in something like a 16 to 20. Just like how high street shops vary with their sizing, so do wedding dress designers. My advice is to remember that the size we order for you is just a starting point for us, then when your dress comes in, it’s completely tailored to you.”

Don’t sweat about your smalls

“Until we get to the tailoring stage of your dress, underwear isn’t overly important,” assures Hailey. “Don’t go buying new undies because you think you should (we don’t care if they don’t match!). Just wear something you are comfortable in and we can work the dresses around you.” Of course it’s important to feel as confident and comfortable as possible while slipping into and out of an array of gowns, but don’t worry about appearing ‘perfect’. “All of the sample dresses will be too long, but we have a podium for you to stand on so that the dresses fall properly and don’t get bunched up on the floor,” she adds. “You don’t need to bring shoes with you, but of course you are welcome to if you want to.”

Sample all styles

“Try to keep as open-minded as possible, as the dress you fall in love with is quite often the opposite of what you thought,” observes Mandy. Though you may have been dreaming of a frothy fairytale frock, it might be a wild card fit-and-flare, micro mini or jumpsuit that catches your eye and gives you that million-dollar feel, so be receptive to trying all types of outfit.

Trust the professionals

“Always put your trust in your stylist – we know our gowns and how they fit and flatter!” says Marian. Be confident in trying a style or fabric that you may have initially discounted, as good designers will use fabrics that hang better, the lace is better quality and sometimes they can include hand beading. “Us bridal boutique owners do this all day every day; we know brides and we know our dresses, which means we can often pull out the perfect dress for you, which you may have skipped past on the rail, but may well just be the one!” assures Hailey.

Throw caution to the wind

“Wedding dress shopping gets quite personal, quite quickly,” warns Hailey. “Most boutiques will offer to help you in and out of the dresses as it can be quite the task and the workout! Plus, when sample dresses don’t fit you properly, we can help you to see how it will look tailored by using our clips and pins.” If you’re feeling self-conscious, fear not – bridal boutique staff have quite literally seen it all and their job is to help you to appear the best version of yourself, so approach the task with an open, confident mind intent on having some fun!

Don’t forget your budget

“Be open and honest with the bridal boutique about your budget,” pleads Hailey. “It would be the worst thing if you fell in love with a dress that was way over your budget, because then nothing else will compare.” Whether this means investing in a designer gown or accessorising a vintage find with a customised veil, overskirt, cape or shoes, consider both your desired look and the amount available to you to form a workable action plan and avoid disappointment.

“Always shop within your budget, however small or big that is,” reiterates Mandy. “There’s nothing worse than falling for a dress only to find it’s way outside your

budget. It will make it very difficult for you to then move on and find your dream dress that you can afford.”

Tally up expenses

“Always be sure to ask your bridal boutique for the whole cost, including VAT and the tailoring alterations,” says Hailey. “Plus don’t forget your accessories such as a veil and hairpiece. Make sure the small things like dress hanger and dress bag or box are also included in your price.” Keeping a handle on costings is vital when it comes to completing your ensemble, so factor in every purchase when deliberating your allocated budget. If both bride and boutique are transparent about expenses, you can work together towards affording your dream bridal look.

When you know

“Not everyone gets ‘that’ moment when they find their dress,” cautions Mandy. “But you will know when it’s your dress because it will make you feel so special. So don’t worry if you don’t burst into tears!” It’s not about keeping your expectations low, but maintaining a realistic and flexible mindset during the search and when first wearing your wedding dress. Just like when you fell for your fiancé, it might involve a breath-snatching instant, a silent sense of made-for-me connection or a feeling of coming home.

Your dress-shopping journey might involve a few prosecco-fuelled outings, weeks of to-ing and fro-ing between boutiques as you agonise between the final two or a single shopping trip when you slip on a gown that you immediately feel at ease in. If you’re struggling, step away, forget about it and focus on something else. Return to the task when you feel relaxed and ready, and you’ll be in a better position to know what’s truly right for you.

all of you

Are you a hopeless romantic, boho queen or true fashionista? Let the latest collections inspire a W-day look that reflects your bridal style words Hannah May

What’s your bridal style? Whether you picture yourself as a laidback, barefoot bride or lust for a dress that harks back to the bygone days of Hollywood glamour, the latest collections have got you covered...

Modern

There’s plenty to pick from if you’re a budding bride who wants to showcase some fashionista flair. A consideration of the cut – from the neckline and the skirt to the back – is key, with tailoring, sharp lines and architectural elements all forming part of the modern bridal look.

Top necklines include halters, mock, square and cowl necks, while one of the hottest trends of today is asymmetry, which can also be incorporated via the skirt.

Fluidity is another core component of contemporary bridal wear, with detachable pieces, separates and layering an easy way to achieve the trend. Meanwhile, statement wear assumes a number of fabulous forms. Think micro minis with couture elements, voluminous ball gowns, dramatic ruffles, colour accents and lingerie-inspired gowns.

Fitted styles that flash both flesh and skin remain all the rage and range from cut-outs and sheer panelling to plunging necklines, backless gowns and thighhigh slits.

On the flip side, plain all-white shifts and slips echo designers’ recurrent preoccupation with ’90s minimalism, where simple styles cut to perfection ooze pared-back chic.

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Ellis Bridals, The Ivory Lounge Ellis Bridals, The Ivory Lounge

Ellis Bridals, The Ivory Lounge

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Jesus Peiro, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Romantic

If you’re drawn to detailing and find yourself poring over softer touches, then prepare to be swept away by the infinite romance of today’s bridal runways.

Off-the-shoulder (oversized and puff or delicate and barely-there) and cap sleeves (especially in fabrics such as dotted tulle) are in high demand, along with delicate thin straps and strapless bodices – particularly plunging or sweetheart versions.

Elegant drapery and billowing fabrics evoke a whimsical sense of romance. Try a gradual building (and unpeeling) of layers including veils, trains, skirts and capes in a mix of crepe, silk, tulle and chiffon.

Frills, cascading ruffle and waterfall skirts, built-in trains and illusion backs enhance the fairytale factor, while finishing touches include pearls, brocade, ribbons, pleated waists and bejewelled bodices for an all-eyeson you ensemble.

Glamorous

Whether high-octane, Hollywoodesque or a subtle hint of glamour, bridal collections are awash with uber-seductive designs. Go sultry with a Bardot neckline, sexy with a boned bodice or statement with sequins and glitter as you steal the sartorial limelight to showstopping effect.

Glamorous styles are an eclectic mix, from long (sheer and lace) sleeves to criss-cross and corset backs, Mikado ballgowns and satin panelled skirts. Then there’s the likes of XXL back bows and bustles alongside wrap skirts, bodices and dresses.

Slits (centre or side), little white dresses (in satin) and textured elements like feathers, voile organza sleeves and almond taffeta redefine modern glamour courtesy of a highfashion edge.

Kelsey Rose, The Ivory Lounge

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Randy Fenoli, The Ivory Lounge

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Ellis Bridals, The Ivory Lounge

Kelsey Rose, The Ivory Lounge

Ellis Bridals, The Ivory Lounge

Ellis Bridals, The Ivory Lounge

Kelsey Rose, The Ivory Lounge

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Our

07903

Set in the historic West Quarter, Pirouette has it’s home in the famous House that Moved. We have been dressing Brides for over 30 years with fabulous designer labels and offer a private appointment and bespoke alteration service.

Set in the historic West Quarter, Pirouette has it’s home in the famous House that Moved. We have been dressing Brides for over 30 years with fabulous designer labels and offer a private appointment and bespoke alteration service.

01392 432643

www.harestonwedding.co.uk

01392 432643

www.pirouettethecollection.com

www.pirouettethecollection.com

The House That Moved 24 West Street, Exeter, Devon EX1 1BA pirouettethecollection@gmail.com

The House That Moved 24 West Street, Exeter, Devon EX1 1BA pirouettethecollection@gmail.com

PirouetteBridal

PirouetteBridal

Photography by Venetia Norrington, Clare Kinchin & Alexa Poppe

An

Throwback

From the Art Deco detailing of flutter sleeves and elaborate beadwork, and ’70s sparkle via mirror embellishments and glitter to the drama of the ’80s, era wear inspires designers and brides alike.

Silk and satin frocks smack of old-school glamour, along with feminine silhouettes that accentuate the hourglass, from fishtails and fit-and-flares to classic sweethearts and vintage A-lines.

Sixties-style jumpsuits are a fun take on traditional bridal wear and can even be worn beneath a gown for a two-look reveal. Or take a few of your favourite features and mash them together for an outfit brimming with personality.

Picture an empire gown with a floor-sweeping sheer cape, a trumpet skirt/mock neck ensemble, a disco dress with an oversized white jacket or pair cat-eye cups with a tiered skirt for bespoke bygone brilliance.

Boho

For a flight of sartorial whimsy, boho is the dress code du jour. Free-spirited fashions whisper laidback charm, allowing brides to curate an outfit of captivating and cool-looking comfort. From so-pretty details to playful features and easy-to-wear pieces, create and customise an original and effortless look to suit your own sense of style.

Floral anything – particularly lace, embroideries, prints and appliqués – hit the sartorial sweet spot, along with 3D petals and buds dotted everywhere from the neckline to the skirt.

Thin and floaty skirts, cottagecore, bridal separates and micro flower prints are evocative of effortless, just-put-together bridal wear. Natural and botanical elements – think leaf motifs, vine-like embroidery and earthy or oceanic tones – provide the beautifully boho finish.

True Bride

Rue de Seine, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Kelsey Rose, The Ivory Lounge

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette Sottero & Midgley, Pirouette

Rue de Seine, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Olivia Rose, Kate Walker Bridal

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Kelsey Rose, The Ivory Lounge

Tips, trends and top products for beauty junkie brides wed’s boudoir

words Rebecca Matthews

heaven scent

From scent maverick Jo Malone, Jo Loves is a luxurious perfume, bath, body and candle collection, which we love for its unique and gorgeously evocative scents. The latest creation, Amber, Lime & Bergamot, is a classic-in-the-making – a sophisticated fragrance capturing a mood of celebration and living in the moment – so what could be more perfect for a wedding? From fresh and citrusy bergamot and mandarin to warm and velvety amber and cedarwood with a twist of suede and patchouli, this scent is elegant, sexy and impossible to dislike. joloves.com

easy does it

Our new beauty obsession here at Wed, we love Merit’s approach to simplifying the overwhelming world of beauty. Its curated collection of vegan and crueltyfree essentials feature buttery textures and nourishing formulas to pare back your everyday routine. The Minimalist is our must-have – a two-in-one foundation and concealer delivering creamy, light-to-medium coverage with a natural, beautiful finish. Suitable for any skin type, the real beauty of this product is the ease with which it can be applied – and that’s a win-win for us. meritbeauty.com

scandi skincare

Marrying scientific innovation with a conscientious and minimalist ethos, new Swedish skincare brand Fjör is one to watch – and we recommend incorporating the Hydrolytic Serum into your pre-wedding beauty routine pronto. A global first, the unique formula harnesses hydrolytic enzymes to rebalance and restore the skin’s microbiome, while supporting its natural barrier. Chock-full of further hero active ingredients collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid, the brilliantly effective serum gently exfoliates while deeply hydrating the skin, leaving it smooth, radiant, nourished and gorgeously glowy.

fjor.life

peachy keen

What’s not to love about Pantone’s colour of the year, Peach Fuzz? Soft, gentle and oh-so wearable, the soft peach hue is a gorgeous shade to work into your bridal beauty look – and & Other Stories have some fabulous picks. The Sunny Peach Illuminating Stick is a highlighter stick that delivers a deliciously dewy glow to your skin, while the Graceful Blush Sheer Plumping Lip Gloss blends a highshine finish with a luscious wash of colour. Complete the look with a sweep of Voilette Gleam Nail Colour on your nails. stories.com

made you blush

Whether you’re seeking a subtle flush of colour or a fully fledged colour pop, Code Eight’s Blush Palette features three silky, blendable and buildable powders that can be used alone or together, according to your preferred bridal beauty look. Rich in nourishing ingredients and strong on staying power, you can look forward to a pretty pop of colour all day long. We love the universally flattering pink blush shades of Pink Beach – a perfect choice for brides. codeeight.com

love is in the

Hair stylist Ro Abell from Ro Hair shares her top tips for wedding hair that looks and feels beautifully ‘you’

hair

Photography Verity Westcott/ Hair Ro Hair / Make-up Suzi Winter

CROWNING GLORY

Our pick of the top-trending hair accessories

Having styled the hair of hundreds of brides over the course of her career to date, hairstylist and salon owner Ro Abell of Ro Hair (rohair. co.uk) knows what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to wedding hair. Here, she shares her thoughts for planning and prepping your tresses for the big day.

Plan ahead

As with most of your key suppliers, it is advisable not to delay when it comes to booking your preferred stylist. “It is recommended to book your hairstylist up to a year before your wedding and arrange a trial one to four months prior to the big day,” advises Ro.

A question of style

Start searching for bridal hair inspiration on Pinterest or TikTok and you’ll find an overwhelming deluge of content with everything from sleek buns and pretty twists to boho beach waves – and it’s easy to lose sight of what works for you. “The most important thing is that your hair should be a reflection of your personality, complement your dress and stay in line with the vibe of your day. You want your images to be timeless as well as a nod to current trends – and, above all, you want to look like you!” asserts Ro.

“Many of my consultations start with: ‘I always wear my hair down, but I think it should be up on the day?’ Why? I agree an updo is a convenient style as you can be assured that it will stay in place all day, but I want you to feel your best as well as look your best, and if that means swishing your hair around like you just don’t care or even having it down around your face as a comfort blanket, then so be it,” she continues. “Your hair is a reflection of your identity so let’s keep it real – well, with a few secret ingredients, tools and a good stylist!

Of course, you’ll want to bear some practicalities in mind. “If weather comes into play on the day, you may want to consider a headband or accessory that can keep your hair off your face or sticking to your lip gloss!” says Ro.

Top trends

If you’re in need of inspiration, the latest wedding hair trends are a good place to start. “For 2024, we won’t be seeing hair overstyled and there will be fewer twists and braids. Simple but polished looks will be the way forward with natural texture and understated low buns,” says Ro. “The big bows trend is set to continue – they work wonderfully with a vintage ponytail. Adorning distinctive accessories is a way to play with your personality and textures –think chunky headbands, floating pearls or ceramic flowers. Personally, my favourite accessories trend for 2024 is mismatched oversized earrings!”

Prep to perfection

So you’ve decided on your big day style and found the perfect accessories –now you want to ensure your hairstyle has staying power from the morning preparations through to the late-night shenanigans. “The secret to the longevity of your wedding day hair is prep, and this is something to discuss with your stylist at your trial,” says Ro.

The question of whether you should wash your hair the day before your wedding or on the day is a common one. “Don’t let that be a stress or get in the way of your fun. I will ask for hair to be simply clean and dry,” she advises. “It’s preferable for the hair to be rested and not too soft or fluffy, but if there’s a party the night before then washing it in the morning is absolutely fine. I advise double-washing your hair using a sulphate and silicone-free shampoo and rinsing it well until you hear it’s squeaky clean. Then use a small amount of conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends, comb it through and rinse again. Squeeze out the excess water,” she says.

“For the best results, use a wet volumising spray or mousse and rake it through your hair – this will give you the base for a better hold however you style it. Then blow-dry your hair smooth and simple, and leave it down. Refrain from braiding and using tight elastic or anything that may crease the hair.” Then you simply need to sit back and let your stylist work their magic!

1. Claire Austin England claireaustinengland.com

2. Victoria Percival London victoriapercival.com

3. Rebecca Anne Designs rebeccaannedesigns.co.uk

4. The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk

Megan Donati Photography

Pierra G Photography

Mimosa Photography

Mimosa Photography

Kamila Nowak Photography

Photography Kirstin Prisk / Hair Ro Hair Make-up Suzi Winter / Headband Victoria Louise

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flower girls

Dried flowers add a dreamy finishing touch to a bridal gown. Be inspired by these creations from Dried Designs photography Claire Rivers Photography

Photography Claire Rivers Photography claireriversphotography.com

Flowers Dried Designs drieddesigns.co.uk

Hair Cindy Beddard Bridal Hair cindybeddardbridalhair.co.uk

Make-up Millie Elizabeth instagram.com/millieemua

Dresses Kiva & Zen Bridal kivaandzenbridaldevon.co.uk

BE JEWELLED

Dazzling finishing touches for your bridal ensemble

words Hannah May, Rebecca Matthews

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

With four stores across the South-west housing some of the finest jewellery in the world, Michael Spiers is synonymous with impeccable quality and timeless elegance – and there’s no gemstone that embodies this more than the exquisite diamond.

“Our passion for diamonds stems from their unparalleled beauty and everlasting appeal,” says Adam Spiers of Michael Spiers. “Our collection features an array of diamonds, each unique in its own right. From traditional white diamonds to the mesmerising coloured diamonds, our selection caters to diverse tastes. White diamonds, known for their classic brilliance, are meticulously chosen for their clarity and purity. The best colour for a diamond is no colour at all! Other rare diamonds with a pure colour, such as pinks, blues or greens, are also valuable and known as ‘fancies’.”

The artistry of a diamond lies in its cut and, at Michael Spiers, precision is paramount; their master craftsmen employ various cuts to maximise the diamond’s brilliance and fire. The classic round brilliant cut remains a timeless favourite, ensuring optimal light reflection and sparkle; the princess and emerald cuts offer a contemporary twist on traditional elegance, while the unique marquise and pear-shaped cuts complete the diverse and spellbinding collection. The diamonds are also curated in an array of shapes that speak to different personalities and preferences, from the romantic heart and regal oval to the cushion cut.

An unwavering commitment to expertise has long been at the heart of Michael Spiers’ ethos; the team of highly skilled and experienced gemologists and artisans ensure that each piece in the collection reflects the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality. From scene-stealing earrings to rings and necklaces,

a piece of diamond jewellery makes for an individual and timelessly beautiful piece to wear on your wedding day – a dazzling piece of your story to be cherished for a lifetime.

The shopping experience is also rather special. “We are dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience for every customer who walks through our doors.

From the moment you enter, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, sophistication and personalised attention,” says Adam. “Our team of knowledgeable and passionate staff members are committed to understanding your unique preferences and guiding you through our exquisite collections with care and expertise. Whether you’re seeking the perfect piece of jewellery or the latest new timepiece, we go above and beyond to ensure that your visit with us is not just shopping, but an unforgettable journey filled with delight and discovery.”

michaelspiers.co.uk

A TOUCH OF FROST

Handcrafting organic shaped pieces with eyecatching allure, Erin Cox’s stunning jewellery includes everything from gemstone rings and pearl necklaces to diamond studs and bubble chain bracelets. Whether designing bespoke one-offs, repairing precious items or reworking pre-loved pieces, Erin’s combination of skill, experience and signature style ensures timeless, treasured and highly personalised jewellery you’ll wear for a lifetime.

Inspired by the landscape surrounding her Devon home and studio, Erin’s latest collection is no exception when it comes to representing a sense of place to stirringly beautiful effect. Featuring elegant molten gold circles meticulously micro-paved with white, brilliant cut diamonds, the new Frost Collection encapsulates a slightly different and utterly mesmeric side to Devon. “The designs are inspired by Devon’s captivating winter landscapes veiled in glistening frost and are tributes to one of nature’s most enchanting phenomena,” says Erin. “Perfect for brides seeking a touch of timeless sophistication on their wedding day, these unique pieces embody the serene magic of winter walks.” Unique, romantic and replete with meaning, you can peruse and purchase Erin’s full collection both online and at her boutique shop in Topsham. erincox.co.uk

NEW BEGINNINGS

Seeking an effortless and subtly beautiful piece to finish your bridal ensemble? Devon-based jewellery brand Wanderlust Life has unveiled a new Bridal Edit brimming with minimalist jewels – from dainty earrings and bracelets to elegant necklaces embellished with delicate gemstones and freshwater pearls.

With pieces symbolising unity, balance and new beginnings, the designs are as meaningful as they are timelessly stylish. What’s more, some of the pieces can be personalised or inscribed with initials, nicknames, dates or personal mantras. We adore the Love Notes heart pendant, which can be engraved, making for a unique bridal treasure which can be worn time and time again as a cherished memento of your day. wanderlustlife.co.uk

TIME TO SHINE

Long synonymous with beautiful jewellery and warm service, the stellar independent jewellers in Plymouth’s Drake Circus Shopping Centre has a sparkling new name: Allum & Sidaway. The award-winning independent family jewellers embarked on a new chapter with the popular jewellers in 2022, operating under the existing name until now. With six stores across the Southwest and a reputation for excellence, this final step in joining the Allum & Sidaway family will mean greater choice for customers and new inhouse services launching in the coming months.

Still located in the upper mall of the shopping centre, the store remains home to an exquisite selection of jewellery for every occasion. Home to coveted brands such as Clogau, Annie Haak, Nomination, Thomas Sabo, Swarovski, Giovanni Raspini, Olivia Burton and their own signature Allum & Sidaway creations, the jewellers offers extensive choice for all your needs, whether you’re searching for your engagement and wedding rings, bridal jewellery or gifts for the bridal party.

From diamond engagement rings (including lab-grown) to an array of wedding band worthy gemstones including rubies, sapphires, emeralds and aqua in a range of designs and metals, simply peruse the collection instore or online to find your perfect pairing. Complete your bridal outfit with earrings, a necklace, bracelet or bangle in a style to suit, while grooms’ accessories range from designer watches to cufflinks and leather bracelets. The team are on-hand to discuss your requirements and offer an array of ideas and solutions, from customised wedding bands to bespoke jewellery design and repairs. allumandsidaway.co.uk

NATURAL WONDERS

With a focus on “capturing nature’s wild beauty in the earth’s finest raw materials”, north Devon-based Bee Lavish is home to a timelessly beautiful range of rings, necklaces and earrings that showcases the wonder of the natural world.

Using recycled precious metals as well as ethical gemstones, Gayle Cheetham is a silversmith and goldsmith who values the origins of luxurious natural materials and now incorporates Ocean Diamonds into her designs. As well as offering bespoke commissions, her collection showcases a range of nature-inspired treasures to elevate a bridal look. From hairpins and combs embellished with petals in silver, gold and porcelain to delicate seashell, bird and pappus seed earrings and pendants, each intricate piece is designed to be worn long after the wedding day. beelavish.co.uk

Hollie Alderson Photography

Melanie Barnfield Photography

TOUCH OF LOVE

From hammered to sandcast, texture brings a unique and distinctive twist to a forever-worthy ring

words Hannah May

As part of the vow exchange, the rings remain not just the pivotal piece of jewellery in weddings, but also one of the most important items you possess: something you’ll both see and touch every day for the rest of your lives together.

Not only does texture add another dimension and element of distinction, but it also allows couples to import greater meaning and to select or co-create bespoke heirlooms that will be treasured for generations to come.

Bedazzling details

Allum & Sidaway specialises in wedding bands as unique as every couple that enters their Plymouth showroom. Texture is one top-trending component of the process that ensures tailored rings that look, fit and feel the most beautifully ‘you’; and with titanium, zirconium and gold wedding rings all available to order (plus a host of eye-catching gemstones), they present a bounty of beautiful choice.

Whether machine created or applied by hand, there is a vast scope for incorporating texture into your wedding bands. The use of CAD/CAM technology makes practically anything possible, with repeating patterns and varying depths applied with precision to achieve complex textures and finishes. Traditional methods include creating a surface pattern based on the shape of the hammer or finishing tool, for example linear marks, dimples across the surface or larger facets and angles. Subtle texture can be achieved via the top surface finish, such as brushed or matte effects, which “look particularly effective when contrasting against more polished details or edges,” explains director, Abi Davies. “Along with adding a tactile quality, texture can also help with obscuring any scratches or marks picked up over the years” for a ring that both represents and is continually marked by your love.

allumandsidaway.co.uk

Coastal creations

“Texture really sets your ring apart from the classic polished band, adding interest and character,” says Jamila Hirtenstein from Justin Duance Jewellery. “The texture on our sandcast collection is imparted by the beach sand they are cast in, and we encourage couples to have their ring cast in sand from their favourite beach. Little grains are captured in the gold, so you not only have a unique looking ring, but also carry a bit of that favourite place with you everywhere you go. Each ring comes out differently, but we can nudge them into being a more subtle sandy texture right up to the more gnarly ‘extra texture’ – which is perfect for nestling little diamonds in.”

Alternatively, Justin’s stunning rock ring collection draws upon the granite coastline that surrounds his West Cornwall studio and home, and features a contrast between the smooth matte surface and darker rugged recesses. “They can be combined with a hardwood inlay that starts off perfectly smooth and evolves with time, wearing and picking up a patina from your day to day life,” explains Jamila. Or if you’re looking for something more uniform, she suggests a planished ring, whose texture is imposed by a special hammer for a beautifully dappled appearance. justind.co.uk

Riverscape gems

Handcrafting organic shaped jewellery that evokes the Devon landscapes in which she is immersed, designer-maker Erin Cox has curated a special collection of wedding bands featuring eight unique designs inspired by the county’s rivers. Available in recycled 9ct yellow, red or white gold, 18ct yellow or white gold, or platinum, each piece from her signature Molten Wedding Ring Collection is made to order.

“Inspired by the undulating landscapes of Devon”, each fabulously feel-me band can also be customised with the addition of gemstones such as diamonds, rubies or sapphires; alternative finishes from matte to highly polished; casting with sentimental gold or platinum, or individual shaping to sit alongside your engagement ring. erincox.co.uk

Second skin rings

Curating an eclectic collection of wedding rings from classic polished bands to personalised pieces, family-run luxury jewellers Michael Spiers presents couples with fabulous and uniquely fitting choice. From timeless and traditional to modern designs with idiosyncratic edge, a shopping trip to any of the Truro, Plymouth, Taunton and Exeter showrooms is a special affair indeed.

Peruse the extensive collections or commission a custom creation with a host of textures and finishes ranging from seductively smooth curved bands to rings with deep channels and brilliant cut diamonds. You might fall for the 18ct white gold band with an offset solid 18ct yellow gold insert or the satin-brushed Bombe profile rub-over ring with diamonds set along a central groove – both of which ooze clean-lined and silken-touch elegance. The Plymouth showroom is also home to the company’s state-of-the-art workshop, where their designers, stone experts and goldsmiths will collaborate to craft a bespoke band with the texture and design elements of your choice. michaelspiers.co.uk

A HEN TO REMEMBER

Bid farewell to singledom in so-you style. From bushcraft to block printing and water sports to wellness experiences, we’ve picked out some fabulous hen activities from across the South-west

words Rebecca Matthews

From chic city abode to country gem, booking a property for your dearest friends to gather, bond and celebrate this special chapter in your life is a popular option for hen parties. Why not add a blissful element to proceedings with the luxurious mobile spa services of Hatherley Spa & Wellness Experiences? The Plymouthbased team will bring their expertise – together with soft lighting, soothing scents, tranquil music and a cosy couch – to create an ambient spa-like experience in the comfort of your accommodation. Choose from a heavenly range of treatments comprising an extensive choice of facials and tailor-made massages (hot stones is a favourite) – and maybe even indulge in a yoga session.

plymouthbeautysalon.co.uk/pages/experiences

Get creative on your hen do and dabble in a block printing session with Linnet Workshops. Designed around your individual requirements, venue or any themes you may wish to include, tutor Grace Coombes will guide you through the whole process from designing and carving to printing your lino blocks onto paper or fabric. From botanical inspired block printing to creating cards, prints, notebooks, bags, tea towels and even your own wedding stationery or table accessories, you can look forward to a relaxed and fun-filled affair – and gorgeous keepsakes to take home to boot!

linnetworkshops.co.uk

For spa-loving hens

HATHERLEY SPA & WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

For crafty hens

LINNET WORKSHOPS

For gin-swilling hens SALCOMBE GIN SCHOOL

Gin-loving hens will delight in a visit to Salcombe Gin School. Offering exclusive use of the school with private sessions tailored to the individual requirements of the group, you’ll take charge of your own mini copper pot still and develop and distil your very own 70cl bottle of gin. Learn all about the production process while enjoying a classic ‘Salcombe & Tonic’ and, once your creation is complete, it will be bottled and placed in a presentation box with a personalised label. Your experience will conclude in the scenic waterside bar as you sink another shot of your signature gin topped with garnishes and tonics hand-picked to complement your recipe.

salcombegin.com

For zen hens CLAIRE BOWRING

Experienced bridal make-up artist, massage therapist and yoga teacher Claire Bowring has launched The Zen Do – a wholesome and heartfilled activity for your hen weekend – for hens seeking some chilledout time together amidst the pre-wedding shenanigans. Tailored to your preferences, Claire’s yoga and wellbeing packages include a personalised yoga class (gentle strength vinyasa, flowing hatha style or relaxing yin yoga) and guided meditation followed by herbal teas when you’ll write a little something on a notecard for the bride as a keepsake. Smaller groups then enjoy a hands-on therapy (choose from a facial or range of massages), while larger groups will be guided on self-massage techniques using Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Skincare. You may choose to upgrade to access to Claire’s Moments of Calm videos and enjoy an at-home spa experience using products in her Neal’s Yard goodie bags. Whatever option you choose, you’re sure to emerge feeling relaxed, restored, uplifted – and truly connected with your dearest friends.

clairebowring.co.uk

For adventurous hens CAMEL SKI SCHOOL

A veritable water sports playground nestled on the banks of the Camel Estuary on the north Cornwall coast, Camel Ski School offers the perfect combination of adventure, exhilaration and memorable bonding time in a dreamily scenic setting. The school offers waterskiing and wakeboarding behind its Ribs and wake surfing behind its specialist Axis T220 boat as well as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and boat charters. And the best bit? The school has its own island – the Doom Bar Zero Island – floating in the heart of the Estuary, which makes an unforgettable setting for a private party. Pull up by boat and enjoy a feast to remember: it might be brunch (perhaps after an island yoga session), lunch or fish and chips washed down with your favourite tipples as the sun sets behind the ocean.

camelskischool.com

Jody Martin Photography

Freckle Photography

Freckle Photography

Photos by Jim

For sweet-toothed hens

AFTERNOON TEA AT UGLY BUTTERFLY

Located within touching distance of the golden sands and clear waters of Carbis Bay, prepare to feel thoroughly spoilt from the moment you arrive at Ugly Butterfly and take in the breathtaking panoramas across St Ives bay. Afternoon tea at the Cornish restaurant of celebrated chef Adam Handling is a dream of an experience from start to finish. Picture a tower of dainty sandwiches, savouries bursting with flavour (think beef and kimchi and cheese on toast) and work-of-art sweet treats (the caramel, Asháninka and chocolate biscuit is to die for). Then there’s the Cornish scones lavished with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Lovingly made with the finest local produce, these delectables are served alongside Tregothnan teas and a choice of bubbles (we heartily recommend the English Sparkling from Adam Handling’s own label) alongside those dreamy sea views.

uglybutterfly.co.uk

SQUAD STYLE

Dress to impress with these party-ready looks…

Charlotte Mills

Renowned for her handcrafted bridal shoes, Charlotte Mills has unveiled a seriously chic collection of hen party dresses. From swing dresses dripping in sequins to spotlight-stealing bow trim minis, you’re sure to dazzle on the dance floor in these fashion-forward designs. And the Billie sequin bomber jacket is a must for the hen party, wedding day and beyond! charlottemills.com

For outdoorsy hens LAND & WAVE

Channel your inner Bear Grylls in an idyllic wooded corner of Dorset with the Ultimate Hen Package from outdoor adventure company Land & Wave. Featuring an overnight woodland camp out and the opportunity to learn survival and bushcraft skills such as shelter building, fire lighting, axe throwing and archery – with hiking and wild swimming thrown in for good measure – this package promises an exhilarating experience as you connect with nature and each other in sublime surrounds. Complete with cake and a feast around the campfire, you’re sure to make some magical memories in the woods.

landandwave.co.uk

Six Stories

Whether it’s uber cool loungewear, sparkly gold socks or embroidered veils for dancing the night away in, the hen party range from Six Stories will ensure you feel as comfy as you do stylish for the duration of the celebrations. sixstories.co.uk

Ginger Ray

Ginger Ray’s new collection of hen weekend wearables includes pieces for celebrations of all styles: think floral veils and crowns, pearl-dotted bows, cowgirl hats and showstopping bride hats embellished with rhinestones, sequins and pearls. gingerray.co.uk

2024

2024

2024

WORKING THE GROOM

Top picks for the man of the moment

words Hannah May, Rebecca Matthews

LIGHTEN UP

Softer shades are all the rage in current grooms wear collections, with sky blues, dusty pinks and light sage dominating the runways. Ideal for a spring or summer shindig, pale coloured suits and sorbet separates evoke laidback style that’s still head-turningly hip. You might want to don a shirt, waistcoat or tie with a soft shade, or colour-block your entire ensemble. Pick a pastel pink in linen, a sky blue wool silk suit or sage two-piece with on-trend swirl jacquard and merge elements including colour, cut and texture for a wedding outfit with swoonworthy panache.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

3.

4.

IN BLOOM

Flowers aren’t just for the ladies, chaps! One of the easiest ways to add instant modern flair to your outfit is to incorporate some blooms, whether you opt for a statement boutonniere, subtle botanical print tie or go all-out in headto-toe florals. Select a slim-fit floral suit in green for double the en vogue impact or kitsch bright cotton prints for a retro summer vibe. Base tones of navy, sand, burgundy and grey remain the top suit colours of choice – and a brilliant blank canvas from which to build your blossom-filled ensemble. From micro prints, oversized blooms, nature-inspired motifs and embroideries to ditsy designs and bloomy accessories (think printed socks, pocket squares, ties and floral jewellery), today’s grooms wear is a veritable Garden of Eden.

THE WHITE STUFF

Could anything be more classic than a tux? If you’re keen to stamp some extra personality on to the dress code du jour – then go for an all-white ensemble. A trending twist on black tie, simply select white or off-white separates and layer for a look with cleanlined fashion edge that’s both fresh and timelessly debonair. Tone it down with a white-only DJ, a top half (shirt, double-breasted jacket, bow tie) paired with black slacks or add monochromatic contrast with a white two-piece complete with a black lapel, shirt, waistcoat or bow tie. Ditch the cummerbund and add a pair of velvet slippers for a more relaxed look or soften your shades with a cream suit or sand-coloured linen three-piece. The perfect trend to make your own while announcing your high-fashion status, the white tux looks set to appear for many a stylish season to come.

THE POWER OF TWO

A second look for the evening reception is a huge trend in bridal fashion – and now grooms are getting in on the action too. Whether you swap your morning wear for a vibrant or patterned suit, kick off your formal shoes and don trainers or loafers, or forgo the jacket altogether, choose a look that feels comfortable while showcasing your individual style for the party of your life.

CHECK MATE

Buffalo, tartan, houndstooth... Standout checks are making a big comeback and provide the perfect all-season, all-style solution for grooms seeking a modern and unashamedly ‘me’ statement. Either select a single feature and max out its plaid potential (a vivid gingham or graph check shirt, windowpane check waistcoat, bright two-toned tie, colour-pop kilt) or dress in a colourful three-piece print for optimum impact. Try a tailored monochrome puppytooth suit, multi-coloured check DJ or heritage dogtooth three-piece – and don’t forget the accessories such as a pin check bow tie, Argyle socks or Madras check handkerchief.

1. Hackett hackett.com

2. Moss moss.co.uk

3. ASOS asos.com

4. Twisted Tailor twistedtailor.com

5. Suit Supply suitsupply.com

6. Manolo Blahnik manoloblahnik.com

7. Favourbrook favourbrook.com

8. Duke + Dexter dukeanddexter.com

9. House of Cavani cavani.co.uk

10. Peter Posh peterposh.co.uk

8.

2.

wed’s HIP LIST

AGE OF ELEGANCE

Prepare to fall in love with the paper creations by Lorraine Burt of The Whole Caboodle. Known for her beautifully crafted and timelessly elegant wedding stationery, these designs include venue illustrations - the top right design features Pynes House in Devon - and period features to add a dreamy touch of nostalgia. Luxe details such as wax seals, handmade paper, vellum, gold twine and lace add to the romance of these exceptionally beautiful invitations. caboodle.wedding

PRETTY PERFECT

The top quality collection of shimmering sequin and crushed velvet tablecloths and runners from Devon-based The Pretty Accessory will bring a luxe touch of glamour to your tabletops. Available for hire in a range of trending colours including champagne, burgundy and navy, head to the website to find out more about their so-pretty packages. theprettyaccessory.co.uk

HEAVEN SCENT

The new Garden Path Collection from St. Eval is inspired by secret gardens and flourishing blooms. Choose from Walled Garden, a delightful blend of hyacinth, rose and jasmine blossoms; Orange Blossom, a bright and citrusy aroma with notes of neroli, lavender and zesty lime, and the enchanting floral aroma of Sweet Pea. Presented in handmade pastel pots, they’ll look gorgeous on your wedding tabletops while filling your reception with dreamy botanical scents. st-eval.com

Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day

words

Lucy Lawrence, Rebecca Matthews

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Bottled at source from an ancient spring near Beeson in the South Hams, Devonia provides top-notch still and sparkling natural Devon spring water to ensure a luxurious and local touch for your tabletops. The soft natural taste is a proven crowd-pleaser, while the company’s impressive sustainability credentials means the bottles will be collected afterwards to be washed and reused time and time again. devoniawater.co.uk

PICTURE THIS

A growing trend in wedding world, booking a live wedding artist means you’ll have a beautiful memento of your day to look forward to as well as a unique form of entertainment for your guests. Based in Exeter, Jana Forsyth – aka Wedding Sketcher – will capture the people and precious moments of your celebrations in a series of sketches using pen and watercolour, which will be bound into a personalised sketch album after the wedding. Jana also offers a guest portrait service; whether you opt for the pen and paper option or a hand-drawn digital sketch which can be sent to your guests straight away, they make the most brilliant keepsakes. wedding-sketcher.co.uk

flower power

Wild woodland romance meets vintage glamour in this celebration of floral art in the stunning setting of Brickhouse Vineyard

photography Luka Chitty Photography coordination & styling Alice Wright, From The Wild

Elegant blooms take centre stage in this eye-catching styled shoot, with their myriad forms including a floral chandelier, statement hanging installations, centrepieces, a floral arch and oversized vases dotted throughout Brickhouse Vineyard in earthy shades spliced with jewel tones.

This so-pretty palette of deep green, russet red and nut brown fuses with pastel peach, rich lilac and sorbet pink to create a seductively timeless look layered with interest while evoking the untamed beauty of nature. Adding a touch of vintage luxe through the 1920s-inspired detailing, the shoot is the result of a creative collaboration between florist Alice Wright at From The Wild and her students. “The end brief was an alternative, opulent 1920s vibe meets woodland magic – a festival of colour and glamour commenced!” she says.

The bridal gowns play a pivotal role in achieving the vibe, with six looks showcased to explore the shoot’s sartorial keynotes from Days of Grace Vintage in Budleigh Salterton and Devon-based designer, Dandelions and Pearls. There’s a classic long-sleeved geometric lace gown, a cap-sleeved vintage shift with lace accents and exquisite Art Deco-style embroidery, a botanical lace and fringed dress, a puff-sleeved minimalist A-line and a chic high-collared number. The pièce de résistance is a muted gold flapper frock bedecked with sequins and metallic embroidery, as attention-grabbing as it is coolly in keeping with the bygone sense of opulence. Ornate floral fascinators and strings of pearls provide the perfect final flourishes while tying together the overarching vintage look.

When it comes to the décor, decadent cakes adorned with fresh blooms and botanical motifs, and monochromatic stationery complement the elegant table settings. Here, gold charger plates and flatware, small posies in miniature glass vases and colourful tapered candlesticks create both inviting warmth and an eclectic edge.

Photography Luka Chitty Photography lukachittyphotography.com

Venue Brickhouse Vineyard brickhousevineyard.co.uk

Flowers From The Wild fromthewildflorist.com

Floristry students Emma Parkinson instagram.com/bumbleandiris

Caroline White instagram.com/tillywhite_1

Vanessa Rowsell instagram.com/ness_rowsell

Lucy Donaldson instagram.com/lucydonaldson46 Blue Teasel instagram.com/blue.teasel

Carobeth Flowers instagram.com/carobethflowers

Dresses Dandelions and Pearls dandelionsandpearls.com

Days of Grace Vintage daysofgracevintage.com

Hair Natalie Nichols natalienichols-bridal.com

Make-up Makeup by Zoe L makeupbyzoel.co.uk

Cake Blossom and Bee Vegan Bakehouse blossomandbeebakehouse.co.uk

Tablescapes From The Wild fromthewildflorist.com

Stationery & signage Paper Belles paperbelles.com

Table décor Coutts Event Hire couttseventhire.co.uk

Videography

McDonald Media instagram.com/mcdonaldmedia_

Models

Fredericka Nichol Robinson instagram.com/frederickanichol

Kiara Leigh instagram.com/kiaraleigh.b

festival fever

photography Freeformimages Photography coordination Anomaly Weddings styling Anomaly Weddings &

A carnival of colour and joyful details sets the scene for a fabulous festival wedding at Hawke Barn

Knot Again Jill

Set amongst 250 acres of picturesque countryside in the Mid Devon hills, Hawke Barn presents an historic and versatile space for every type of wedding, while their ‘imperfectly eco’ ethos of inclusivity and sourcing locally ensures a beautiful of-theearth vibe.

Merging elements of festival weddings with rustic chic and sustainability, the theme of wild, individual and free-spirited beauty is laced throughout this styled shoot. The colour-pop florals carry the aesthetic perfectly, from the bouquets to the flower crowns, floral fascinator and potted arrangements. Bright paper pompoms adorn both the ceremony arch and reception space, where tablescapes continue the look with vibrant tapered candles, glassware and charger plates alongside vases with bright stems and hanging décor that draws the gaze upward to a canopy of colour.

Befitting the festival feel, a relaxed menu featuring the likes of slowcooked barbecue pulled chicken with loaded french fries and mac and cheese allows a mix and match approach to the wedding feast, rounded off with cake pops, mini wedding cakes and gelato.

The dress code is eclectic, blending a sense of the outdoors with bohemian style through a mix of gorgeous separates and a flowing A-line with long sheer sleeves. A change of attire reveals a pale mint gown with metallic thread detailing and an ivory frock featuring intricate floral lace, botanical accents and canvas-like hand-stitched elements that echo Hawke Barn’s beautiful wooded surrounds.

Photography

Freeformimages

Photography freeformimages.co.uk

Coordination & styling Anomaly Weddings anomalyweddings.com

Props & styling Knot Again Jill knotagainjill.uk

Venue & furniture Hawke Barn hawkebarnvenue.co.uk

Dresses Bridal Reloved Barnstaple bridalreloved.co.uk/ barnstaple

Hair Adore Wedding Hair instagram.com/adore. weddinghair

Make-up Style Sister stylesister.co.uk

Flowers Bluebelle Flowers bluebelleflowers.co.uk

Celebrant Jen Whitworth jenthecelebrant.co.uk

Stationery Laura Likes lauralikes.co.uk

Cake Jax’s Cakes n Bakes jaxscakesnbakes.com

Festival food Jax’s Event Catering jaxseventcatering.com

Bar

Rum-n-Gin Bar rum-n-gin.co.uk

Gelato bar Bo Bom Gelato bobomgelato.com

Bell tents

Native Bell Tents nativebelltents.co.uk

Rings April Doubleday aprildoubleday.com

Videography Danny Hollywood dannyhollywood.com

Models Keziah & Megs instagram.com/_kezley_

darling buds

By choosing seasonal flowers for your wedding day, you can look forward to blooms at their absolute best.

Here’s our month-by-month guide…

Somewhere along the path from the engagement to the wedding day, you’ll be faced with a petal predicament: which flowers would you like to dress your day? And when are they in season? Aligning your floral choices with the seasons will allow you to fill your bouquet with fresh British blooms in their prime, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supporting local growers, which often proves more budget-friendly as a result.

Whether it’s the crisp whites of winter, the pastels of spring, the vibrant hues of summer or the rich tones of autumn, let the natural beauty of each season

words Becci Clubb

guide your choices and style a wedding that will bloom in your memory for years to come…

January

Winter weddings can be a magical affair. Embrace the season with elegant white Christmas roses. Flowering from November to February, this romantic winter bloom is made up of five perfectly shaped petals with a delicate yellow centre. Add silvery foliage to your bouquet for a frosty touch, with plants like dusty miller and silver brunia giving your blooms a wintry finish.

February

While you might immediately think of red roses,

they’re not usually in bloom at this time of year, so turn to potted plants for elegant and sustainable centrepieces. Opt for potted snowdrops or cyclamen to decorate your tables – artfully arrange the plants amongst flickering candles to create alluring tablescapes. Potted plants can double up as wedding favours for your guests to take home and plant in the garden.

March

Narcissi are the frontrunner for spring celebrations. With a variety of different types, from the iconic yellow daffodil to scented paperwhite narcissus, incorporating this flower into your wedding details will ensure it feels like spring. Hyacinths, flowering in

Amaranthus

Hellebore

Chrysanthemum

Cornflower

Cyclamen Forget-me-not

Hyacinth

Lisianthus

March and April and with an intense sweet fragrance that will fill the room, are another option. Choosing scented flowers will evoke lasting memories; every time you catch the sweet scent you will be transported back to your wedding day.

April

Tulips, anemones and ranunculi are excellent choices for a whimsical and ethereal aesthetic. Each of these flower species grows in a variety of shades, from bright white and blush pink to vibrant yellow and bold red, making them work with any colour scheme. Ranunculi bloom from early spring through to the start of summer – a small, bowl-shaped flower, they add texture to your floral arrangements with their layers of frilly petals and, being fairly sturdy, they work well in bouquets and buttonholes.

May

Sentimental brides marrying in May can include clusters of forget-me-nots in their bouquets, which represent love and promises that will always be remembered. Forget-me-nots can also act as your something blue. You might take inspiration from Kate Middleton who carried a posy of lily of the valley. Flowering in mid-spring, these dainty bellshaped blooms have a subtle, sweet fragrance.

June

Peonies are the clear favourite when it comes to wedding flowers and June is peony season. These frilly flowers always make an impact in bouquets and floral arrangements, and roses, Icelandic poppies and scabiosa are also in bloom, giving summer brides the pick of the crop. Ask your florist to include a selection of statement blooms in your bouquet, loosely intertwined with smaller flowers such as sweet william or astrantias, and trailing foliage for a gathered-from-the-garden aesthetic. You can incorporate scented flowers such as garden roses and fragrant jasmine in table arrangements for an added sensory experience as guests sit down to dinner.

July

July weddings can take advantage of the abundance of summer blooms, including wildflowers such as poppies, cornflowers, ox-eye daisies, wild cosmos and coneflowers. Carry a bouquet of wildflowers tied together with twine and arrange tall stems in jam jars for a homespun feel to your summer wedding décor. Fragrant sweet peas and freesias are also in flower in July; both species are wedding favourites – with their variety of colours and strong, sweet-smelling perfume, they were traditionally carried by brides to give them a sweet scent as they made their way down the aisle.

August

Go bold and bright with your floral choice in August with a bouquet of sunflowers; as well as making an impact, sunflowers can be a budget-friendly choice. Due to their size, you may only need a handful of stems to fill your bouquet – pair them with fresh foliage and gypsophila or keep things simple with a bouquet entirely made up of the yellow flowers. For

Myrtle

Narcissus

Ox-eye daisy

Snowdrop

Sunflower

Sweet pea

Amaryllis

Freesia

a colour scheme at the other end of the scale, look to fresh lavender and lisianthuses in purple, pink and white hues. Include a selection of summer blooms and add height to table arrangements with flowering foxgloves, delphiniums and antirrhinums.

September

As summer transitions to autumn, September weddings can feature a mixture of summer blooms and early fall favourites. Showstopping chrysanthemums, fluffy astilbes and dainty asters offer a textural arrangement full of interest. A late summer wedding is entirely unrestricted by colours, with plenty of blooms in a variety of hues to choose from. Consider incorporating trailing clematis and colourful foliage as the seasons begin to change.

October

Welcome the autumn season with dahlias and chrysanthemums in warm tones of orange, red and gold for your October nuptials. Add texture to the arrangements with pampas grasses, dried foliage and branches of berries. Consider using locally sourced pumpkins or squash as part of your décor, adding a rustic and seasonal touch – you could even fill pumpkins with flowers.

November

Couples marrying in this month can draw inspiration from the changing landscape, incorporating earthy tones and seasonal foliage. Offering an explosion of colour, consider using flowers like zinnias in your florals, which flower from July until the first frost. Include trailing amaranth in autumnal arrangements;

the deep burgundy colour adds warmth while the unusual fluffy appearance adds texture and interest. Pair this plant with a variety of dahlias, berries and seasonal foliage.

December

Capture the magic of the season with a festive feel to your blooms. Amaryllises, winter honeysuckles and myrtles paired with rosehips, holly berries and eucalyptuses combine to create a Christmassy floral celebration. Winter foliage, such as pine, will add a festive fragrance and give your styling a seasonal touch. Ask your florist to create wreaths for your table centrepieces, styled with a candle in the middle. After the wedding, the wreaths can be repurposed and hung on the doors of your friends and family in time for Christmas Day.

Lupinus

Poppy

Lily of the valley

Zinnia

Tulip

Delphinium

Ranunculus

Hydrangea

Hellebore

Anemone

Foxglove

Rose

Peony

Clematis

Dahlia

Licenced Wedding Ceremony Venue 2 to 40 (80 evening)

Photo: Yeti Photography

Let

Bouquets n Bunches bouquetsnbunches.com

Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk

Fuss Pots fusspots.co.uk

The Velvet Daisy thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Tom & Lizzie Redman Photography

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Hannah Barnes Photography

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Tom & Lizzie Redman Photography

The Velvet Daisy

The Velvet Daisy

The Velvet Daisy

The Velvet Daisy

Bouquets n Bunches

Bouquets n Bunches

Bouquets n Bunches

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Rockrose Photography

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Clare Kinchin Photography

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Rockrose Photography

Fuss Pots Grace Elizabeth Photography

Fuss Pots Grace Elizabeth Photography

The Velvet Daisy

The Velvet Daisy

The Velvet Daisy

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Hannah Barnes Photography

Your Perfect Wedding on The Coast

The Venue has stunning exclusivity with breathtaking views across the sea, Atlantic coast & Exmoor ... boasting bi fold doors across the full front of the building the outside it brought in ... the perfect setting for amazing photos and memories.

The Venue at Sandy Cove, Berrynarbor, North Devon, EX34 9SR

E: weddings@sandycove-hotel.co.uk

T: 01271 882243 www.sandycove-hotel.co.uk

COLOUR ME HAPPY

Don’t underestimate the impact of your colour scheme, which can transform a space into a wedding filled with style and emotion. We’ve asked the wedding styling experts for their top palette-picking tips

“Colour…can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways,” said Oscar Wilde, and using this notion to transform your wedding will see you elevate it to a style-forward event.

As ever, whittling your favourite things down to a few can be a struggle, but the shades you select will inform many of the final decisions of your day. Once you’ve nailed the colour scheme, it should be easier to decide on everything from the flowers and décor to the bridesmaids’ dresses and reception backdrops. If your mood board is a hotchpotch of mismatching colour or you’re in the throes of decision fatigue, fret not, for we’ve asked the experts for their advice on how to

words Hannah May

select your colour scheme, and what they see as the hottest colour trends in wedding world...

True colours

“Inspiration for wedding colour palettes can be found in a variety of places,” says planner and stylist, Rebecca Marie of Rebecca Marie Weddings (rebeccamarieweddings.co.uk). “We always encourage the couple to explore their personal style such as their clothing choices, home décor and favourite artwork, which can reveal their innate colour preferences.”

Start at home, literally. Is there a colour or combination that you’ve curated in your wardrobe,

on your walls and in your furniture? Alternatively, are you drawn to the colours of the natural world, and if so – where, exactly? Are you a sucker for the russetcarpeted woods of autumn, a bright summer’s beach day or the frost-flecked greenery of a winter’s field?

“Nature’s seasonal colours provide a rich tapestry of inspiration,” says Rebecca. “Spring with its pastel blooms, summer’s vibrant shades, autumn’s warm foliage and winter’s crisp whites can all be beautifully translated into wedding décor.” As well as turning to the seasons for inspiration, think about the time of year you’ll be getting married to ensure that the shades will be both well suited and visible.

Rebecca Marie Weddings / Nina Wernicke Photography

Make a note of recurring colours to show your stylist and suppliers, who will take everything into consideration and advise you on how to fine-tune your favourites and achieve your final colour scheme.

Shades of space

Next, it’s time to consider place. “The architectural style, surroundings and overall ambience of the wedding venue can guide colour choices,” says Rebecca. “A rustic barn wedding might call for earthy tones, while an elegant ballroom could embrace sophisticated neutrals and metallic accents.”

Wedding stylist Nikki Sherriff from Knots & Kisses (knotsandkisses.co.uk) advises a close focus on the venue from the outset. “This will be the backdrop for your day, the context within which everything else will be placed,” she explains. “Work with, not against, the existing décor, so you either need to pick your venue with a colour scheme in mind or choose your wedding colours after you’ve locked it in.”

She then advises consulting a colour wheel to create a scheme from scratch. “It’s a really useful tool for figuring out which colours work well together,” Nikki explains. “Generally, colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel will complement each other. I’d also recommend looking at interior design to discover complementary colour combinations.”

Rebecca agrees. “The colour wheel is a valuable tool for understanding colour harmonies and relationships. Complementary colours, such as red and green, create a vibrant contrast, while analogous colours, like shades of blue, blend seamlessly.”

As well as a process of idea sourcing, deliberation and refinement, colour choice can be a collaborative act between a couple and their planner or stylist. “I often get really inspired for my client’s styling plans and mood boards by not only listening to what they’re saying about what they like, but also their home and general style if we have a consultation in person (or if I can see their house in the background of Zoom consultations!),” reveals Nikki.

Before settling upon your scheme, make sure you think about the meaning and symbolism, as well as the look and feel. “Incorporating colours that represent the couple’s cultural backgrounds adds a unique and meaningful touch,” says Rebecca, who also encourages couples to envisage their wedding on a thematic level. “The colours should complement and enhance the overall theme, such as vintage Hollywood glamour or bohemian garden party,” she advises. “Gone are the days of Cadbury purple or single colour schemes, which can look dated.”

Remember that most of your wedding’s features will be coloured to suit your scheme, so make sure that you firstly feel comfortable and in your desired mood to happily sit with it all day (and for future days to come whenever you look at your photo album or watch your wedding film). It’s therefore wise to avoid anything too busy and focus instead on how each hue – both separately and together – makes you and your guests feel.

Hone your hues

Once you’ve established the right mood, meaning and aesthetic that ties in with your venue, theme and individual sense of style and colour preference, you should be able to start mixing your shades to create a harmonious combination.

“I always recommend picking a base palette of two or three neutral shades and then adding two or three accent colours. Remember, neutrals don’t have to be beige or white – if you prefer a darker colour scheme, navy and dark green can be classed as neutrals,” says Nikki.

“And never, ever pick just one colour in the hope you’ll be able to get your entire wedding to match,” she warns. “It will never work! Your colour

Rebecca Marie Weddings / Jo Cunningham Photography

Knots & Kisses / Melanie Barnfield Photography

scheme will look flat, and you’ll be pulling your hair out trying to find the perfect bridesmaids’ dresses or ribbon for bouquets! A broader palette adds depth and interest, and also gives you options.”

Rebecca also lends a pragmatic eye to the art of colour selection. “Limiting the primary colour palette to three hues ensures a sense of balance and prevents the décor from becoming overwhelming,” she says. “And use neutrals as anchors. Neutral tones like white, ivory, black or grey can provide a calming backdrop and balance out bolder colour choices.”

When it comes to personal flourishes, there are several ways in which you can achieve a bespoke effect. “Metallic accents such as gold, silver or rose gold can add a touch of elegance and sophistication,” suggests Rebecca, who also adopts a multidimensional approach. “Texture and pattern through fabrics, floral arrangements and décor elements add depth and visual interest too – our favourite tool!” she enthuses.

Trending tones

Having recently announced its colour of the year as ‘Peach Fuzz’, Pantone’s top pick is set to inspire many a couple’s colour choices.

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless,” says Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman.

If you’re keen to take a trending scheme and make it your own, Rebecca and Nikki have noted a few emerging aesthetics that may help to inform your choices. “While classic colour palettes like black and white or ivory and green remain timeless favourites, new trends are constantly emerging and even the concept of timelessness is a trend in itself!” reports Rebecca, who has seen a particular surge in earthy tones. “Terracotta, sage green and burnt orange evoke a sense of natural beauty and rustic charm, and this is very much coming back. Think al fresco Tuscan dinner set-ups!” she observes.

“Couples are still embracing bolder colour combinations, such as fuchsia and lime green, for a playful and energetic vibe. Colourful props such as fruits and bold ribbons are in! Deep jewel tones like sapphire, ruby and emerald add a touch of drama and sophistication; for fashion-forward brides, a fun Marseille Bleu is hot for 2024 – but everything in moderation is important!”

Incorporating colour into a specific look is another way to make your wedding more ‘now’, as Nikki elaborates. “I’m loving the Cottagecore style and am currently obsessed with adding more pattern back into wedding styling. So scalloped edging and mismatched patterns with full tablecloths are making a return!”

She also advocates for the use of “full-on flowers” to carry your colour scheme with en vogue edge. “2024 is definitely going to be the year for big floral arrangements and statement blooms to make a comeback!” she announces. “I’ve been asked for so many more full floral arches recently and both myself and the florists I work with have been delighted!”

Use the latest trends as a starting point, rather than replicating them to the letter, to design a day using your favourite combination of shades with timelessly ‘you’ style. As Rebecca puts it: “The key to selecting the perfect wedding colour palette lies in understanding the couple’s unique preferences, drawing inspiration from various sources and creating a cohesive and balanced scheme that reflects their personalities and style.” If you look at your scheme and say this with confidence, your wedding will be very colour happy indeed.

Knots & Kisses / Mimosa Photography

Knots & Kisses / Melanie Barnfield Photography

Rebecca Marie Weddings / Nina Wernicke Photography

Rebecca Marie Weddings / Beth Wilson Photography

Rebecca Marie Weddings / Nicole Beveridge Photography

Knots & Kisses / Melanie Barnfield Photography

Rebecca Marie Weddings / Nina Wernicke Photography

WHY I LOVE YOU

Be inspired by the reasons you love each other to create a wedding day that’s perfectly personal words Lucy Lawrence

The key to making your wedding truly memorable is to ensure the day reflects the two of you: your likes, your passions, your story. You’ve chosen the person you want to spend the rest of your life with – so use this beautiful opportunity to help shape a wedding that celebrates the reasons you love your partner. Consider your favourite things about your special someone, then use that to bring some ‘Why I love you’ elements into your wedding…

Familiarity

One of the biggest contributors to why we find someone attractive is familiarity. Put simply, the more time we spend with someone, the higher the likelihood that we will be attracted to them, and we also tend to feel safe with familiar people. This makes sense if you think about how many love stories start with a friendship. So if you were friends before you become a couple, that familiarity contributed towards you being attracted to each other. Incorporate this into your wedding by creating a photo wall that tracks your friendship through the years. You could even turn it into a fun game for people to guess which photo marked the end of the ‘friendship years’ and the start of the ‘relationship years’!

Kindness

Multiple studies have shown that people are attracted to those who show kind traits. “We’re biologically wired to be drawn to people who are compassionate,” explains Eva C. Klohnen, a professor of Social Psychology at the University of Iowa. We all want to be loved and understood, to be around people who have the ability to make us feel that way.”

If one of the reasons you love your partner is because of their compassion, why not incorporate this onto your wedding by embodying it? Perhaps you could pay this kindness forward by making a charity donation in lieu of receiving gifts, or choosing charity favours to gift your guests. These could range from pin badges and seed packets to adopting a lobster! See our website for charity wedding favour ideas.

Humour

There’s no doubt about it – humour is attractive, and if your partner’s always making you laugh and bringing lightness and giggles to your day, it might be nice to extend that to your wedding day too. “When you laugh, there is a clear effect in your brain: the prefrontal cortex becomes active”, which creates a positive feeling, explains Dr Madelijn Strick, who explains that positive feeling becomes connected to the person that you are experiencing it with. Bring the joy to everyone at your wedding by working some comedy moments into your ceremony (who doesn’t love a joke mid-vows?!) or even booking a comedian for some light entertainment during your reception.

Intelligence

Are you wowed by how smart your partner is, always winning the pub quiz, or reeling off answers while watching University Challenge? An attraction to intelligence fits in with the evolution theory, because of the idea that intelligent people tend to have more significant resources (whether it’s financial or otherwise) and therefore tend to have better means to provide for you and your children. When it comes to your wedding, however, give a nod to your partner’s smarts with a quiz. It could be a Mr & Mrs quiz for the guests to do over dinner or a ‘Beat the boffin’ style trivia to see if anyone can outsmart your brainy beau!

Spark

Perhaps you can’t quite put your finger on why you’re drawn to your partner. Sometimes there’s just an energy, a feeling, a connection. A recent study had prospective daters complete more than 100 surveys describing themselves and their mate preferences, but researchers still couldn’t predict who would hit it off at a speed-dating event. “When we feel a spark when interacting with a potential date, our preferences and deal-breakers (such as education level or height) may not matter at all,” says Madeleine A. Fugère, a professor of Social Psychology. If that’s the case, embrace that spark and end your wedding with a fireworks display that really demonstrates the fizzing, exciting connection the two of you share.

Creativity

From throwing pots and painting watercolours to playing the guitar or learning a language, we’re often in awe of another’s creativity. And, in fact, a recent study published in Scientific American reveals that “creative displays that evoke perceptual, aesthetic and emotional qualities in the perceiver are considered most attractive by humans”. If your partner constantly wows you with their creativity, put it to work and get them to help shape your day. Play to their strengths, whether it’s an artistic flair that’ll bring your venue décor to life or a musical streak that could lend itself to a song or two at your reception; whatever it is that wows you, let it shine.

Alan Law Photography

speak easy

Raise the roof when you raise a glass by following our guide to wedding speeches

Wedding speeches offer a unique opportunity for loved ones to express their feelings, give well wishes and celebrate the union of two people. While the specific purpose and style of each speech may vary, they all share a common goal – to add a personal and meaningful touch to the wedding festivities. So if you’re gearing up to join the club of jittery grooms, proud fathers, hilarious best men, charming bridesmaids and blushing brides, follow our speech tips to make sure your time in the spotlight is toast-worthy!

According to wedding traditions, the task of giving speeches is in the hands of the men. In this age-old practice, it’s usually the father of the bride who kicks things off, followed by the groom, with the best man completing the line-up. Each of them has a role, which includes making specific toasts or thanking particular people within their speech. But why should they have all the fun? Nowadays, many couples choose to

words Becci Clubb

have others give a speech, whether it’s the mother of the bride, the bridesmaids or the bride herself. The speeches are a golden opportunity to make your wedding day unique, through what you say, who says it and how the speech is delivered (enter the bridesmaids’ lyrical rap!).

If you choose to change the line-up, the roles of the speeches can still follow tradition if that’s important to you. If so, the first speaker usually keeps it fairly simple, focusing on the bride, welcoming her partner to the family and raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Although traditionally the groom, one or both newlyweds can make the second speech, starting with a thank you to the first speaker. It’s the job of the couple to thank both sets of parents and to thank all the wedding guests for coming to celebrate with them. It’s also customary to raise a toast to the wedding party – thanking them for their help and for looking

fabulous on the big day! If only one of the newlyweds is making a speech, then, naturally, they will raise a toast to their new husband or wife.

The last speech is typically the best man, but it could also be the maid of honour or maybe you would like to hear from both. The final speech is usually lighthearted, speckled with jokes about the couple and concludes with a final toast to the newlyweds.

Traditionally, the speeches take place after the wedding breakfast. Once the meal has been enjoyed, the speeches can entertain everyone before the evening reception begins. Some couples prefer the idea of the speeches taking place before the wedding breakfast, which works well for particularly nervous speakers. With the speeches finished and the pressure off, everyone can relax and enjoy their meal. There are pros and cons to both (guests might be too hungry to pay attention if you opt for before and watch out for

Clare Kinchin Photography

wine glasses that are continually topped up if you choose to have the speeches after!), so take your time deciding the timings that will work best for your big day.

If you’ve been tasked with writing a wedding speech and you’re struggling to put pen to paper, follow our top tips to ensure your speech delivers…

Introduce yourself

If you’re the first to speak, start with a warm greeting, introduce yourself and briefly acknowledge how you know the couple. If you’re following on from someone else, also thank them for their speech before you start.

Know your audience

Consider the diverse group of guests attending the wedding. While it’s OK to include a couple of private jokes, your speech will go down best if everyone knows what you’re talking about. Try and make your speech suitable for all ages.

Practice makes perfect

Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and ensure a seamless delivery – it really will help! Practise in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend.

Timed to perfection

While it shouldn’t be over too quickly, it’s also best not to ramble on for hours on end. Around 10 minutes is widely agreed to be the optimum speech length.

Personal touch

Share memorable stories that highlight the couple’s journey, their love and their unique qualities. These anecdotes should be touching, humorous or a combination of both, and string them together with a common theme to make your speech flow perfectly. Remain authentic and express genuine emotions during your speech.

New titles

Address the couple using their new title; if either of the couple now has a new surname, the crowd will go wild when you announce it!

Cue cards

Keep cue cards to hand, reminding you what comes next and allowing the speech to flow. Cue cards will allow you to engage with the audience by making eye contact, rather than burying your head into a piece of paper.

Delivering the speech

It’s normal to feel nervous but remember that the audience is rooting for you. It’s easy to speed up when you’re nervous, so take deep breaths and speak slowly and clearly.

Sense of humour

Funny anecdotes can lighten the mood and create a more engaging speech but test your jokes ahead of time – be wary of inappropriate innuendoes

Nick Walker Photography

Alan Law Photography

and avoid mentioning ex-partners.

Mic check

If you have a large guest list, consider hiring a microphone to ensure everyone can hear. This also gives the speaker something to do with their hands.

Pause for applause

After delivering jokes or asking people to stand to raise a toast, pause briefly to allow for applause, laughter or so people can get into position.

Speak from the heart

Share meaningful advice or lessons from your own experiences that can benefit the newlyweds in their journey together, including quotes or poems that resonate with the occasion.

The goal for your wedding speech is to celebrate the newlyweds and show your support as they embark on their journey as a married couple. With a bit of research and a lot of practice, you’ll breeze through delivering a meaningful speech and leave everyone else speechless… for the right reasons!

Goodsunshinemorning

Look forward to a gorgeous collection of ‘getting ready’ photos with these top tips from photographer Jennifer Shoubridge of Jennifer Jane Photography photography

Jennifer Jane Photography

Imagine the scene: your bridesmaids are chattering in their robes, your favourite songs are playing, the champagne is on ice and the curling irons are heating up. The morning of your wedding is a precious time, filled with fun and anticipation, and you’ll want to capture these treasured moments in getting ready photos you’ll cherish forever. We’ve asked fine art photographer Jennifer Shoubridge of Jennifer Jane Photography (jenniferjanephotography.co.uk) for her advice on how to capture the magic…

“I absolutely adore this part of the day. It can be such a mixed bag of emotions, from the calm to the nervous to the jubilant excitement,” says Jennifer. “Capturing photos of you all getting ready is an important part of telling your wedding day story and it sets the scene for what’s to come for the rest of the day. There are a few simple things that you can do help elevate your photos so they look truly amazing.”

Right light

Great lighting can truly make your photos shine. Start by choosing a room drenched in natural light, then draw back the curtains, raise the blinds and dim or turn off any artificial lights. As you prepare for having your hair and make-up done, try to position yourself facing the window. This will allow the soft window light to beautifully illuminate your face and accentuate your features, resulting in stunning and flattering shots.

Tidy up

While it might not be the first thing on your mind, do you really want your photos to feature empty glasses and plates with half-eaten food, or the unintended appearance of carrier bags and cotton wool balls in the background? To avoid these distractions, consider using a different room to get into your dress. This way, when you step into your gown, you won’t be surrounded by the remnants of hair and make-up or the morning’s breakfast. Alternatively, opt for a quick clear and tidy of the room before donning your dress – making the bed and decluttering the space can go a long way.

Showcase details

When your photographer arrives, have all the essential details gathered in one place for them to capture. This includes your veil, shoes, flowers, perfume and any jewellery you plan to wear. If you have wedding invitations or stationery, leave them out for some beautiful detail shots. Your wedding dress will look magnificent hanging up, but if it’s on a plastic hanger, consider an upgrade to a padded silk or elegant wooden hanger. These photos not only add depth and richness to your wedding album, but also preserve the intricate elements that make your day truly unique.

What to wear

Opt for something comfortable, which also makes you feel poised and confident in front of the camera. Coordinating your outfit with your wedding’s colour palette is a great idea, and matching pyjamas or kimonos are popular options for this purpose, adding a sense of consistency. Make sure you choose something easy to slip off without disturbing your hair and make-up, ensuring a smooth transition into your wedding attire.

The gift of time

Giving yourself ample time on your wedding morning to get ready – more time than you think you will need – is the easiest way to ensure a stress-free start to the day. That way, your hair, make-up and wardrobe changes become a leisurely affair rather than a race against the clock. Plus, you’ll have room for those unexpected and memorable moments that make for the best candid shots. It’s like adding a sprinkle of magic to your gettingready photos.

Be prepared

Unforeseen wardrobe malfunctions, like a tear in lace or a lost button on your dress, can seem like much less of a big deal if you have a small emergency kit. This preparation ensures that you’re ready to tackle any unexpected hiccups, allowing you peace of mind to stay calm and composed. Likewise, if your dress is complicated to get into, practise buttoning or lacing it up, and consider investing in a crochet hook (the equivalent of a magician’s wand that can save your sanity, time and freshly painted nails). While these rehearsals may seem over the top, on your wedding day, you’ll exude confidence, stress levels will be minimal and you’ll look effortlessly radiant in your photographs.

These thoughtful preparations will not only help you stay calm and relaxed during the preparations but will also result in a stunning collection of photographs, setting the scene for a beautiful and memorable start to your wedding story.

Land Rover Hire

wed’s VENUES GUIDE

Choosing a wedding venue is usually the first stop on the planning checklist. From country houses and rustic barns to bijou boltholes, wed reveals Devon’s standout settings for a wow-worthy wedding

Photography Jennifer Jane Photography Venue Brickhouse Vineyard

VENUES GUIDE:

COUNTRY HOUSES & CASTLES

Live out your very own fairytale in one of Devon’s elegant country houses or majestic castles

Rockbeare Manor

A ceremony on a pretty outdoor terrace flanked by flowerfilled parkland ticks the box for sheer off-the-scale romance – but that’s only part of the dreamy appeal of Rockbeare Manor. Nestled in the countryside near Exeter, the Grade I listed Regency house is light, elegant and stylish yet relaxed, its full-length windows framing 100 acres of glorious parkland dotted with mature trees. Available on an exclusive-use basis, indoor ceremonies take place beneath the twinkling chandelier of the Dining Room, while the light-filled Ballroom hosts sumptuous feasts and revelry for up to 160 guests. There’s also a beautiful balconied Bridal Drawing Room for the preparations, a Billiard Room and 13 plush bedrooms with sink-into-me bathtubs and far-reaching views across Dartmoor. rockbearemanor.co.uk

Total capacity: 160

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 30, plus 5 rollaway beds for children

Dog-friendly: On request (couple’s dog is allowed for ceremony/reception but not overnight)

Pynes House

Believed to be the inspiration for Jane Austen’s Barton Park in ‘Sense and Sensibility’, this elegant Georgian house provides the most breathtaking location for your very own love story. Set within 37 acres of parkland in the Exe Valley, the glorious gardens hint at the immaculate interiors, where you can marry in a choice of state rooms, all bathed in natural light and exquisitely styled. For dizzying romance, take your vows before the grand doors on the entrance steps with the majestic tree-lined avenue and gardens as your backdrop, before feasting and dancing the night away beneath the sparkling chandeliers of the Ballroom or, for larger affairs, in a marquee in the grounds. Romantic details such as the Romeo and Juliet-style balcony and the myrtle bush in the rose garden, which is believed to have grown from a clipping from Queen Victoria’s bridal bouquet, add to the dreaminess, while the beautiful bedrooms make for an incredibly special place to spend the night. pyneshouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 96 for dining in the house, 130 for ceremony in the house (with dining in a marquee)

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 12 double rooms, plus 4 rollaway beds

Dog-friendly: No (couple’s dog for ceremony only)

Rebecca Goddard Photography

Bickleigh Castle

This is the place for a wedding rich in history. Beyond the stirring charm of the 11th century Norman castle, with its Great Hall complete with minstrels’ gallery and roaring log fire, there’s the 6th century chapel, Devon’s oldest building, and a truly enchanting setting for a blessing. The grounds are equally fairytale-worthy – the River Exe runs through the estate’s 1,000 acres of lush landscape and wooded valleys, while a cluster of cosy thatched cottage accommodation creates the feel of a wedding village. Kick-start the festivities with a Friday night feast; get married in the garden pavilion before dancing under the stars in the expansive grounds, with fireworks shimmering on the river. The next day, it’s all too easy to continue the festivities with a tasty brunch and fun on the croquet lawn and tennis court. bickleighcastle.com

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 40 in 18 bedrooms

Dog-friendly: On request

Hareston Manor

Kingston Estate

A hidden gem nestled deep in the South Hams countryside, Kingston Estate is luxurious, relaxed and informal, where couples and guests are encouraged to make the 35 acres their home for the duration of their stay. Built in 1735, the Georgian mansion house boasts high ceilings, marble fireplaces and a vaulted basement where you can party until the early hours. The grounds include two stunning south-facing walled gardens: one perfect for your ceremony and one for eating al fresco-style.There is also a huge party yurt, a cool street food shed, a rustic ceremony barn with chic chandeliers, a courtyard cocktail bar for a festival vibe along with a Hayloft Barn big enough for 200 guests with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside. The accommodation on-site has been thoughtfully renovated with tasteful interiors, original features and a meticulous attention to detail. With its Georgian splendour, the décor is classic, the food and drinks are eclectic and, by the evening, it transforms itself into a super-cool venue hidden deep in the countryside. Whether you want a black-tie event, a festival feel or a rustic wedding, the venue can offer it all as every one of their events are bespoke. Kingston Estate ticks all the boxes for couples looking for a stunning exclusive-use venue that can provide first-class accommodation along with top-notch service for food and drink. kingston-estate.co.uk

Total capacity: 250 & 400 with a marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 100

Dog-friendly: Yes

Hareston Manor exudes timeless romance, from the leafy drive and rural panoramas to the 14th century Jacobean house nestling amongst wooded hills in the South Hams. Combining seclusion with a relaxed, back-to-nature feel, the venue is an eco haven with sustainability at the core of its ethos. Offering 12 weddings per year, the venue’s exclusive bespoke weddings will ensure every detail is perfect, whether you choose an elopement or celebration for 150 guests. Choose from a ceremony in the grounds, the candlelit St Martin’s chapel, which dates back to 1379, or the manor entrance, immersed in the beauty of the time-honoured walls and mullion windows, roses and wildflowers. Celebrate in a marquee or tipi before retiring to a luxurious yurt for a night beneath the stars. There’s also an array of options – from gourmet barbecue evening food and fireworks to pre-wedding clay pigeon shooting – to ensure your wedding is as individual as it is beautiful. harestonwedding.co.uk

Total capacity: 150

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: TBC, please enquire directly for up-to-date information

Dog-friendly: No

Harry Michael Photography

Virginia Photography

Luna Weddings

VENUES GUIDE:

INTIMATE & UNIQUE

Embrace a small wedding packed with personality at one of these gorgeous spots

Brickhouse Vineyard

Brickhouse Vineyard is a unique and exclusive vineyard wedding venue nestled in Exeter, Devon.

Tucked away in the picturesque South Devon hills, the unique barn has everything you could ever desire for a truly unforgettable wedding day. Your friends and relatives are bound to fall in love with its understated elegance and stunning surroundings. Choose from intimate elopements with just the ‘Two of You’ and up to eight guests, micro-weddings designed for up to 40 of your family and friends and larger celebrations in the barn, with capacity for up to 60 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast, followed by 100 guests for the evening party. You will have exclusive use of this fabulous venue as you celebrate saying ‘I do’. The venue hire price includes support with wedding planning and on-the-day coordination. You will also have exclusive use of the Round House and the barn with the landscaped terrace, vineyard, grounds and parking for up to 20 cars. brickhousevineyard.co.uk

Total capacity: 60 day, 100 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No

Dog-friendly: Yes

ElsieLove Photography

The Lamb Inn at Sandford

This village pub is bursting with charm. Nestled amongst the Tudor cobbles of the chocolate-box village of Sandford, the sense of easy charm and rich character is palpable in the 16th century coaching house, from its low ceilings and crackling log fires to its sink-into-me sofas and sheltered garden. Complete with an award-winning restaurant and luxurious boutique-style accommodation, it is a cosy and memorable setting for an intimate wedding, where the laidback draw of a country celebration meets fine food and luxe touches. Feast on locally sourced Devon flavours and a huge array of party-starting drinks, as the night draws to a close, bed down in one of the eight spacious and luxurious bedrooms or suites, most with underfloor heating and king-size beds. lambinnsandford.co.uk

Total capacity: 40 day, 75 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 7 rooms and 1 garden suite

Dog-friendly: Yes

Tree Top Escape

Could there be anything more romantic than your very own treetop hideaway, taking your vows overlooking rolling hills, surrounded by nature with the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves? Tucked away on a private North Devon estate, Tree Top Escape offers the most magical of settings to wed. Beyond the jawdropping views of the valley, there’s a large lounge, Italian designer kitchen, freestanding copper bath and stateof-the-art technology. Celebrate with up to 14 of your nearest and dearest in the luxe, light and luxurious setting, sink into the private hot tub on the terrace beneath the stars, and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked over live flames by your personal chef in the Grill-Haus, a fresh-from-a-fairytale cabin in the woods. Beautiful, tranquil and unique, it’s the dream location for back-to-nature nuptials without skimping on luxury.

treetopescape.co.uk

Total capacity: 16

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 2 en-suite bedrooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

Yeti Photography

VENUES GUIDE:

RURAL TREASURES

Throw your dream wedding in a  charm-packed setting in the Devon countryside

Upton Barn & Walled Garden

Comprising a cluster of lovingly restored traditional buildings and a walled garden, this exclusive-use venue offers a private, picturesque and peaceful setting in rural Cullompton. Savour the stylish spa-like delights of The Paddock during your wedding morning. Marry in the atmospheric Cider Barn, a restored traditional cob barn with oak trusses and floor-toceiling windows, or glide down the lavender-lined aisle of the walled garden and exchange vows beneath the handcrafted oak arbour. Stylishly blending rustic character with modern accents, the Stable Barn is a stunning space for receptions for up to 156, with warm timbers, striking lighting and glorious paddock views, while the Press Bar is the place to stop for signature cocktails by the wood-burner. Don’t forget to head outdoors at nightfall when a carnival of festoon lights and firepits add to the magic of this stellar spot. uptonbarn.com

[Photography Kamila Nowak, Tara Statton]

Total capacity: 156 day, 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 8

Dog-friendly: No

The Great Barn

This breathtaking setting lives up to its name both in scale and wow factor. Tucked away in an incredibly beautiful corner of Devon amidst 120 acres of Friesian-filled fields and thatched cottages, The Great Barn combines the magnificent 15th century Great Barn itself, the charming West Barn - a perfect break-out space for wet-weather drinks and children’s entertainment - glorious gardens and elegant cottage accommodation for up to 30. Complete with exclusive-use hire, you can relax with your guests in complete seclusion in this idyllic private estate. Marry beneath the dramatic vaulted ceiling of the barn or the picture-perfect St John the Baptist church on the doorstep. For spine-tingling romance, enter the secret walled garden through the ancient arched gate and exchange vows beneath the arbour amidst a carnival of roses and lavender. thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

Total capacity: 250 ceremony, 198 wedding breakfast

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 30

Dog-friendly: Yes

Hawke Barn

Prepare to be enchanted by the tranquillity and far-reaching views across miles of rolling hills as you turn down the private drive to Hawke Barn. The 16th century former threshing barn sits amidst 250 acres in mid-Devon, close to the hamlet of Stoodleigh, offering historic charm and stirring rural beauty in abundance. The recently renovated barn boasts high open-vaulted ceilings and contemporary full-height windows with heavy oak beams, exposed stonework and flagstone floors. Bathed in natural light, the timeless and natural aesthetic brings a blank canvas for you to make your mark on your special day, whether you envision al fresco celebrations during the warmer months or cosy festivities warmed by the wood-burning stove in the winter. With charm-filled stables on-site, you might even bring your pony along to be stabled in their own private courtyard. The venue also offers Devonian anvil blessings for couples who marry at Hawke Barn. Luxurious accommodation in the farmhouse and two 17th century barn conversions, together with camping options, means your friends and family can extend their stay in this rural idyll. hawkebarnvenue.co.uk

Total capacity: 60 day, 100 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 19

Dog-friendly: Yes

Freeformimages Photography

Kevin Mullin Photography

Richard Starr Photography

Sam Gibson Photography

Bovey Castle

From the moment you weave through the beautifully landscaped grounds and set foot inside the elegant and charm-filled climes of the hotel, Bovey Castle takes your breath away. Set amidst 275 acres of idyllic countryside, the luxury hotel prides itself on its sumptuous interiors, quality service and top-notch facilities, making for a wedding that redefines the wow factor. Taking a flexible approach, the venue hosts weddings of all scales; whether you’re planning an elopement, intimate celebration or grand gathering for up to 120 guests, there’s a choice of settings inside and out to take your vows – along with a host of celebratory spaces – to ensure a tailor-made wedding of the highest calibre. You might choose to extend the festivities in this special spot, enjoying the 18-hole championship golf course, cider and sloe gin workshops, off-road driving experiences and clay pigeon shooting or simply unwinding in the Elan Spa. boveycastle.com

Total capacity: 120 day, more for evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 60 rooms, 22 lodges

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Oak Barn

Fall for the rural dream at The Oak Barn, where three converted barns and an ancient cob Devon farmhouse sit amidst acres of quintessentially English countryside. We’re talking meadows dotted with hay bales, undulating hills and a beautiful country church right next door. The stunning Oak Barn is a blank canvas for your dream decor. The smaller Acorn Barn, a thatched 18th century barn is perfect for more intimate ceremonies and has additional accommodation. The Linhay, a converted Edwardian dairy, offers further accommodation as well as a beautifully equipped space for bridal preparations. And the gardens beg for al fresco celebrations around the firepit, beneath leafy trees and skies speckled with stars. theoakbarn.co.uk

Total capacity: 90 day, up to 125 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 29

Dog-friendly: No

Will Dolphin Photography

Katy Jones Photography

Luna Wedding Photography

Snapdragon Photography

Badgers Holt

Harefield Barn

Located amidst rolling hills and wildflower meadows, Harefield Barn offers the beauty and tranquillity of a country wedding with the convenience of being just a 10-minute drive from Exeter. A light, airy and versatile backdrop for a personalitypacked wedding, the rural gem has a full ceremonies license with the Clock House making a dreamlike option for al fresco vows – and no less than five churches within a short drive. An extended hire period also gives you plenty of time to prepare for the big day. Characterful features such as exposed beams and a wood-burning stove meet a blank canvas aesthetic, lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows framing vistas across the ever-changing landscape. Relax with your guests in the cosy bar, steal away to the surrounding cornfields for photos against a golden sunset, and dance the night away on the terrace beneath a starlit sky. harefieldbarn.co.uk

Total capacity: 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No

Dog-friendly: Yes

Hidden in the heart of Dartmoor, Badgers Holt is ideally located for couples seeking a relaxed and wildly romantic wedding. The River Dart meanders through the grounds of the former fishing lodge, which houses a series of versatile, rustic spaces for celebrations, all perfect for styling with your own unique twist. Take your vows in the blank canvas Garden Room or Banquet Fireside Room – complete with a roaring wood burner – or even in the garden bandstand on the water’s edge. Venture onto the ancient Tor-dotted moorland for dramatic photos and together-time before returning for festoon lit celebrations and firepit gatherings on the riverbank and sleeping beneath the stars in a Lotus Belle Tent or cosy apartment. badgersholtweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 100

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 24 in 4 apartments and bridal suite

Dog-friendly: Yes

Hannah Wilde Photography

Helen Court Photography

Amy Sampson Photography

Zac Gibson Wedding Photography & Film

Memories and Milestones Photography

Wooladon Estate

Situated on the Devon and Cornwall border, where the banks of the River Tamar and River Lyd meet 500 acres of enchanting woodland, lakes and rolling meadows, the setting of Wooladon Estate could not be more picturesque. The private estate offers a five-star country residence, together with a cluster of beautiful buildings, to host a wedding steeped in wild romance. From vows in the garden or country ceremony room to festivities in the garden suite and photographs against the lake, the willow tree and woodland, expect seclusion, versatile celebration spaces and breathtaking views at every turn. The luxurious Georgian house lies at its heart with its romantic bridal suite, while a cluster of barn conversion cottages add to the accommodation options, some with private gardens, hot tubs and valley views. With catering being a speciality, you can look forward to a bespoke menu using the freshest produce grown and sourced from the estate. wooladonestate.co.uk

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 34

Dog-friendly: Yes

Deer Farm Tipi Weddings

Located 25 minutes from Exeter and 15 minutes from Tiverton, East Dunster Farm is as picturesque as it is private. Set on the hillside of the family-run deer farm, a trio of spectacular off-white Nordic tipis makes a blank canvas setting for bespoke wedding celebrations with views across miles of rolling hills. The tipis come fully furnished complete with a handcrafted wooden bar; bedecked in festoon lighting, fairy lights and a lantern-lit walkway, you’re assured a magical ambiance as night falls. Luxury accommodation with large, light living spaces, private gardens and hot tubs for 16 people on-site (or more for an additional cost) is included, along with optional camping. Surrounded by green hills and grazing deer and stags, imagine soaking up the romance of your brilliantly personal tipi wedding in this tucked-away corner of Devon. Heaven. deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 150

Civil ceremonies licence: In application

Guest accommodation: for 40 plus space for camping

Dog-friendly: Yes

Sarah Jayne Photography

First Light Wedding Photography

I Do Film & Photos

QUESTIONS TO ASK A WEDDING VENUE

Before you fall for the first venue you see, get clued up on these must-ask questions from wedding planner, Jenny Granlund of Jenny Wren Weddings & Events

1. What is the capacity for a ceremony and reception?

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. What is included in the price?

7. Will room turnarounds need to take place? If so, who will take care of this?

8. Are there any break-out rooms away from the party for older guests or babies?

9. Will there be a wedding coordinator on-site on the wedding day? What will they be taking

10.

Higher Holcombe

A dream setting in the heart of the Devon countryside, where wildflower meadows meet maturing woodland, Higher Holcombe makes a gloriously green canvas for a relaxed wedding bursting with style, atmosphere and personality. The rural retreat comprises a cluster of character-filled buildings, from the barn with exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling windows, to the farmhouse and Hobbit House, a quirky-cool honeymoon hideaway. There are also shepherd’s huts, giant Lotus Belle tents and overflow camping. For vows immersed in nature, hold your ceremony in the willow ‘cathedral’ or the secluded silver birch ‘church’ before feasting and taking your first dance in this magical woodland setting. higherholcombe.co.uk

Total capacity: 80 day, 100 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 40

Woodbury Park

This country venue has it all: acres of picturesque scenery, a grand-scale reception space for up to 220 guests, plentiful four-star accommodation, and even use of the wedding golf buggy! Tie the knot in The Oaks, a charming space with exposed beams and large windows framing views across the countryside, or the Atrium, a grand setting with chandeliers, mood lighting and stunning views. Why not make a holiday of it and gather your loved ones in this gorgeous part of Devon for trips to the nearby south coast with its pretty beaches and wild cliffs, before returning to the extensive modern facilities including a state-of-theart gym, pool and Aura Spa.

Total capacity: 250

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 54 rooms

Dog-friendly: No

COASTAL & WATERSIDE

From waterside retreats to seriously stylish celebration spaces, a wedding by the sea offers irresistible romance

Pier One Plymouth

Located in a prime position on Plymouth Hoe with sweeping views across the sea, Pier One allows you to marry in style within touching distance of the water. With the bustle of Plymouth on the doorstep, the contemporary venue offers privacy, stylish interiors and a stunning balcony for a perfectly picturesque seaside wedding. Mesmerising views of the sea fill the floor-to-ceiling windows, while the balcony makes a sublime spot to take your vows while basking in the sea air. Complete with delicious food and a brilliantly stocked bar, you’re assured a wedding feast and evening reception to remember. pieroneplymouth.co.uk

Total capacity: 60 ceremony, 100 evening reception

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No

Dog-friendly: Yes

Bigbury Bay Weddings

It’s difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for a coastal celebration than Bigbury Bay Weddings. Located on the southern tip of Devon, where the sweeping sands of Bigbury-on-Sea meet green fields and wildflower-dotted cliffscape, the venue offers a location of irresistible romance for sea-loving souls. Choose your canvas of choice, whether it’s a marquee or a tipi, and design the wedding of your wildest dreams with your choice of suppliers. Imagine an al fresco celebrant-led ceremony with the white-tipped seas and golden sands of Bantham Beach as your backdrop, and a reception styled to suit your vision. Throw a brilliantly atmospheric party as the sun sets, with guests mingling around food trucks and festoon lights to the murmur of the ocean. bigburybayholidays.co.uk/weddings

Total capacity: 150 day, up to 250 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: No

Guest accommodation: Farmhouse for 7 & bell tents for 8-10 on-site. Further holiday homes & campsite nearby

Dog-friendly: Yes

Margo R Photography

Margo R Photography

Lee Maxwell Photography

Liberty Pearl Photography

Liberty Pearl Photography

The Venue at Sandy Cove

Perched high on the cliffs of North Devon, The Venue at Sandy Cove boasts to-die-for views across the Atlantic, the rugged coastline and heights of Exmoor. A licensed gazebo for vows and a glass-wrapped platform jutting out from the cliffs means you can make the most of the spectacular location, while the purpose-built and light-filled celebration space boasts bi-fold doors, perfect for bringing the outside in during the warmer months or framing the white-tipped waves in winter. State-of-the-art lighting heightens the magic while the hotel’s 37 rooms – some with private balconies and deep bathtubs – will allow plenty of your guests to stay on and savour the sea air and rolling waves in luxury. sandycove-hotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 150

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 37 rooms, with 2 people per room

Dog-friendly: Yes

Polhawn Fort

Nestled in a tucked-away corner of the Rame Peninsula with soul-stirring sea views, Polhawn Fort really is the stuff of dreams. The Napoleonic Fort sits on a clifftop with rolling lawns and wildflower-filled gardens slipping down to the sea and a private beach for loved up wanders at the water’s edge. Available for two, three or four day weddings, take your vows beneath the vaulted ceilings and twinkling lights of the grand Napoleonic hall or head outside for a sun-kissed garden ceremony in the summerhouse. Whether you’re dreaming of frolics on the sands and sundowners on the Mediterraneaninspired roof terrace or cosy candlelit celebrations with the waves crashing at the shore below, this captivating exclusive-use venue offers an extraordinary setting to begin married life.

polhawnfort.com

Total capacity: 100

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 16

Dog-friendly: Yes

TENTS & TIPIS

Dreaming of a so-you wedding under canvas? Be inspired by these fabulous outdoor wedding specialists

World Inspired Tents

The multi-award-winning World Inspired Tents has been hiring their spectacular giant Nordic tipis across the South-west for over 14 years. Accommodating between 50 and 1000 guests, the clever interlinking design of the tipis allows for every type of celebration, ensuring the wow factor is in full and fabulous force for intimate garden parties through to sprawling festivalstyle weddings. In addition, the team can supply everything from furnishings, lighting, bars, staging, dance floors and firepits to matted and covered walkways, catering tents, festoons and oak doors. All you have to do is pick the place and watch as the magic unfolds. worldinspiredtents.co.uk

Tipi Spaces

Tipi Spaces’ ivory white canvas Nordic tipis provide a versatile and truly enchanting blank canvas. Manufactured in Sweden, each tipi is designed to offer maximum durability and protection from the elements to give a fabulously flexible solution for any setting or style of event. Their striking structure ensures a wow-worthy centrepiece, while inside, the conical shape sculpts a more intimate space for your celebrations. What’s more, boasting almost 50 years combined experience of project and luxury event management, the team is enthusiastically primed to achieve your vision by attending to all the details. tipispaces.co.uk

Venetia Norrington Photography

Rob Tibbles Photography

THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

Stuck on what gift to buy for your loved one?

Choose something meaningful that will stand the test of time

words

Lucy Lawrence

While there’s no obligation to, nearlyweds often decide to buy their spouse-to-be a gift for the wedding day, to sum up the love they feel and convey the emotion of the occasion. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite gifts that will add a real wow factor to your love story…

SOUNDS GOOD

You don’t need to be an epic musician to bring musically minded romance into your relationship. Thanks to Lark – which composes tailor-made, personalised songs – you can bring a smile to your loved one’s face, a tear to their eye and a toe-tapping beat to the dance floor. Lark’s team of award-winning writers, musicians and producers have worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, Sam Smith and Sia, and can collaborate with couples to craft a completely bespoke song from scratch.

The songwriting process starts with interviews to learn everything about you as a couple – your relationship, how you met, your most treasured memories and moments, funny in-jokes and favourite things, as well as your favourite types of music. They will then work with you to create a unique and personal track, recorded by a professional singer to a commercial standard, which can be played or performed live on the day. Imagine surprising your fiancé, wowing your guests and maybe even making your first dance or the walk down the aisle even more memorable with your very own special soundtrack.

larksong.co.uk

BOX OF DELIGHTS

Devon-based Bespoke + Local offers a truly personal service, curating handmade gift boxes to meet the wishes and preferences of the lucky recipient. As a result, no two boxes are ever the same, with the hand-chosen selections made after a 30-minute consultation.

Lovingly presented with sustainable packaging, the boxes can include items such as local artwork, textiles, ceramics, wooden homeware, leather gifts, natural skincare and artisan décor. Add to that the finest produce from local suppliers (think bottled cocktails, wine and chocolate) and you’ll have a gift box showcasing some of Devon’s most impressive artisanal producers to present to your loved one, which is sure to stir sweet memories of your Devon wedding long after the I dos.

bespokeandlocal.co.uk

DATE NIGHT REINVENTED

Celebrate the ‘just married’ phase by elevating your date night experience. We love these ideas from A Twist of Date, a website that aims to eliminate the planning and focuses on the fun of dating your partner. With easy and straightforward downloads, couples can access a whole array of date night activities at a fraction of the cost of going out. Choose from activities such as Cold Case Files, where you have to work together to solve a crime, or our favourite, the choice of Escape Rooms (from the comfort of your own home!). With everything you need, including 17 pages of clues, which form six puzzles to be solved in order to escape, it’s a fun twist on your average date.

Not just about whiling away an evening together, the thought-out dates also strengthen bonds and help you open up (and share a laugh!). We love the 105 Deep Conversation Starters, which will help spark fascinating and thought-provoking conversations, helping to deepen your connection with each other.

atwistofdate.co.uk

LISTEN UP

The way we record and cherish memories has changed, and we’re absolutely in love with this innovative idea from Story Locker. A new and unique way to create a digital legacy, the podcast-recording service means couples can tell their love story in their own voices, to listen back to and share with friends and family forever.

You’ll be interviewed by one of Story Locker’s professional interviewers (the likes of whom have experience working at the BBC, Radio One, The Guardian and more), which is then edited with sound effects and perfectly curated music to create a studio-quality podcast.

Perhaps you’ll create your own to surprise and delight your partner, or the two of you could craft your podcast together to include memories of the big day as well as how you met, the engagement and everything else that weaves its way into your love story.

storylocker.co.uk

THIS IS US

A beautiful alternative to a photo album, we’re lusting over the ‘Our Love Story’ video album from Nostalgias Delights. With a beautifully matte-finished front cover, it looks every part the luxe photo album, but open the cover and you’ll reveal a seven-inch display screen, which will start playing your personalised video. Bringing your memories to life, the album provides up to four hours of video playback, has 4GB of memory, built-in speakers and is easily chargeable using the provided USB cable.

One of our favourite features is that it’s easy to upload new videos – meaning you could have it pre-loaded with a loving message to your spouse-to-be on the morning of your wedding, and then add your wedding video when the big day is over, leaving you with cherished memories that are easy to watch over and over again.

nostalgiasdelights.com

MEANINGFUL MUSIC

Whether it’s the tune that was playing on the radio when your eyes first met, the song that was the soundtrack to your proposal or the music you’ve chosen for your first dance, chances are you have a song that means a lot to you as a couple. A novel way to commemorate this meaningful music is via soundwave art, which takes ‘your song’ and creates the soundwave graphic, printed on quality paper and framed so you have a musical memento forever.

Opt for a digital addition for an extra-cool touch, so when you hold your phone up to the picture, ‘your song’ is played through Spotify. Not only will it look striking on your wall, but it’s easy to relive those first dance or ‘Will you marry me?’ moments at the touch of a button.

notonthehighstreet.com

Beauty

Gershwins Hairdressing 01626 202112 gershwins-hairdressing.com

The Wild Pins 07805 063953 thewildpins.co.uk

Bridal wear

Days of Grace 01395 443730 daysofgracevintage.com

Kate Walker Bridal 01404 598145 katewalkerbridal.com

The Ivory Lounge 01752 875702 theivorylounge.co.uk

Pirouette 01392 432643 pirouettethecollection.com

St Ives Bridal Boutique 01736 799413 stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

Cakes & catering

Peboryon 07534 617059 peboryon.com

Posh Nosh 01392 444877 posh-nosh.co.uk

Décor hire & styling

Abbotts Event Hire 01209 212794 abbottseventhire.co.uk

Out of the Ordinary Event Hire 01209 203291

outoftheordinaryeventhire.com

Knots & Kisses 01837 52885 knotsandkisses.co.uk

Entertainment

Offbeat Entertainment 07725 117639 offbeatentertainment.co.uk

Posh Booth 07973 800879 poshbooth.co.uk

Fireworks

Celebration Pyrotechnics 01208 78790 / 07814 014233 celebrationpyrotechnics.com

Sonic Fireworks 01884 849222 sonicfireworks.co.uk

Flowers

Emma Hewlett Floral Design 07766 237975 emmahewlett.co.uk

Fuss Pots 01271 850025 fusspots.co.uk

The Velvet Daisy 07790 692221 thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

Jewellery

Allum & Sidaway 01752 227775 allumandsidaway.co.uk

Corrinne Eira Evans 07853 158861 corrinneeiraevans.com

Erin Cox 01392 660836 erincox.co.uk

Justin Duance 01736 368395 justind.co.uk

Michael Spiers 01752 661981 / 01392 666590 michaelspiers.co.uk

The Lucky Sixpence 07786 546207 theluckysixpence.co.uk

The Remarkable Goldsmiths 01803 473179 theremarkablegoldsmiths.co.uk

Marquees

Skybar Weddings 01872 553383 skybarweddings.com

Tipi Spaces 01884 277306 tipispaces.co.uk

World Inspired Tents 01271 542632 worldinspiredtents.co.uk

Photography

Clare Kinchin Photography 07759 157964 clarekinchinphotography.co.uk

Freckle Photography 07870 185277 frecklephotography.co.uk

Freeformimages Photography

07846 926029 freeformimages.co.uk

Gilbert Wedding Photography gilbertweddingphotography.co.uk

GRW Photography 07833 249117 grw.photography

I Do Film + Photos 07535 440807 idofilmandphotos.co.uk

Jennifer Jane Photography 07881 941668 jenniferjanephotography.co.uk

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod Photography kathrynclarkemcleod.com

Laurie B Film and Photography 07955 615387 laurie-b.com

Maxi Photography 01803 324255 maxiphotography.com

Melanie Barnfield Photography 07878 919561

melaniebarnfieldphotography.com

Nova Wedding Photography 01392 430853 novaweddingphotography.co.uk

Snooks Photography snooksphotography.co.uk

Venues

Bickleigh Castle 01884 855363 bickleighcastle.com

Bigbury Bay Weddings 07418 052927

bigburybayholidays.co.uk/weddings Boconnoc boconnoc.com

Bovey Castle 01647 445000 boveycastle.com

Brickhouse Vineyard 01626 682287 brickhousevineyard.co.uk

Coombe Trenchard 01566 783179 coombetrenchard.co.uk

Deer Farm Tipi Weddings 07791 978628 deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk

Gara Rock Hotel 01548 845946 gararock.com

Harefield Barn 07541 121404 harefieldbarn.co.uk

Hareston Manor 01752 880401 harestonwedding.co.uk

Hawke Barn 07770 997134 hawkebarnvenue.co.uk

Huntsham Court 01398 361277 huntshamcourt.co.uk

Kingston Estate 01803 762235 kingston-estate.co.uk

The Lamb Inn at Sandford 01363 773676 lambinnsandford.co.uk

The Oak Barn 01647 24641 theoakbarn.co.uk

Pier One Plymouth 01752 251320 pieroneplymouth.co.uk

Polhawn Fort 01752 822864 polhawnfort.com

Pynes House 01392 431403 pyneshouse.co.uk

Rockbeare Manor 01392 797444 rockbearemanor.co.uk

The Great Barn thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

The Green 01579 362253 thegreencornwall.co.uk

The Venue at Sandy Cove 01271 882243 sandycove-hotel.co.uk

Tree Top Escape 01769 629069 treetopescape.co.uk

Trevenna 01579 320013 trevenna.co.uk

Upton Barn & Walled Garden 01884 38302 uptonbarn.com

Woodbury Park 01395 234723 woodburypark.co.uk

Wooladon Estate 01566 784605 wooladonestate.co.uk

got wed

got wed

“We have never felt so much love before”

Summer Love

Gabriella and Will’s unforgettable wedding at Hotel Endsleigh was filled with sunshine, colourful flowers and moments of pure joy

Deciding to go on “one last date” before she deleted her dating app, Gabriella met Will – and never looked back! After a springtime proposal atop Cox Tor in Devon, wedding planning began and the couple settled on Hotel Endsleigh as the setting for their weekend of celebrations.

Under the meticulous eye of their “fantastic” wedding planner Lester Gethings, their summer wedding was styled with shades of lilac, pink, peach and orange, carried in a series of breathtaking floral arrangements from an arch at the church to a series of trees dotted with blooms in the marquee. The stationery, flowertopped cake and macaron towers followed colourful suit.

Kicking off the festivities in style on the Friday evening, Gabriella and Will’s guests were serenaded by a saxophonist as they arrived for a welcome barbecue and drinks. The next day, guests gathered at church for a Catholic mass, which proved to be a family affair with the couple’s siblings taking key roles and The Ashburton Singers performing. “Turning around to see Gabriella walking down the aisle was the happiest moment of my life; she looked beautiful,” says Will, citing his favourite moment from the day.

“It was incredibly special to us and our parents to have a Catholic mass, and we never take it for granted that we were able to both do this on our wedding day,” adds Gabriella.

Back at Hotel Endsleigh, guests enjoyed champagne in the sun alongside valley views and a performance by Emy & the Moon Howlers. The speeches were interspersed throughout the wedding breakfast. “Before every speech we had a song introduce us to get the crowd going,” says Gabriella. “Mine was She’s a Lady, Will’s was Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and the best men had Rock DJ to really rile the crowds up!”

The “amazing” feast featured Creedy Carver chicken liver parfait and celeriac slaw, charred monkfish, oak smoked tomatoes fondue and asparagus with basil gnocchi and Tamar Valley raspberries with buttermilk panna cotta, shortbread and raspberry sorbet.

As the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance – Dancing Queen by Abba – they were overwhelmed with joy. “We have never felt so much love before. Everyone was shouting and screaming as we entered and sang along to the words. When Will picked me up and spun me around, everyone rushed onto the dance floor and we were swiftly put on shoulders and stayed there for the rest of the song,” says Gabriella. “Every time we listen to that song, it reminds us of that perfect moment.”

The guests danced all evening, getting through “385 G&Ts as well as duck bao buns, pulled pork burgers and pasties” before fireworks rounded off their perfect day. “We were blown away by the display and it was a wonderful surprise for our guests, plus it allowed Will and I a little moment to ourselves,” reflects Gabriella.

“Enjoy every moment,” she says as words of advice. “Try to view the day through your guests’ eyes and think about what you have enjoyed about weddings when you attend them. We constantly went over our plans, which seemed intense before the day, but it paid off when the wedding went seamlessly!”

Photography Nova Wedding Photography novaweddingphotography.co.uk

Venue Hotel Endsleigh hotelendsleigh.com

Planning Lester Gethings lestergethings.com

Videography Charlotte Dart charlottedart.co.uk

Dresses Pronovias pronovias.com Rixo rixolondon.com

Shoes Manolo Blahnik manoloblahnik.com

Suit Savile Row

Maid of honour’s dress Whistles whistles.com

Flower girls’ dresses Angel & Rocket angelandrocket.com

Hair The Hair Lounge thehairloungetavistock.co.uk

Make-up No 5 Beauty & Aesthetic Clinic no5beautyclinic.co.uk

Venue flowers Simon Nickell Design simonnickelldesign.com

Bouquet & buttonholes Dartmoor Flowers dartmoorflowers.co.uk

Cake & macarons Boo To A Goose bootoagoose.net

Stationery Bellyham Studio

Entertainment The Ashburton Singers ashburtonsingers.co.uk

Emy & the Moon Howlers & Violet Soul bandsforhire.net

Fireworks Two Tiger Fireworks twotigers.co.uk

A series of trees dotted with colourful flowers made for a stunning sight at Gabriella and Will’s marquee reception.

The Great Outdoors

Melissa and Chris celebrated their love with an al fresco ceremony in the stunning grounds of Deer

Park Country House

“Chris and I met through a mutual friend while cycling,” says Melissa, revealing the two were friends for some years before romance blossomed. Chris’ proposal in their kitchen couldn’t have been more perfect for Melissa. “It was a normal Saturday when we had been in the Peak District cycling and we were just planning what to do for the afternoon – I wouldn’t have wanted it to be anything different,” she reflects.

The idyllic setting of Deer Park Country House proved an ideal venue for their August wedding, being close to both families. “The great thing with Deer Park Country House was that many of our guests could stay the night before,” she explains. “We had a welcome dinner in the walled garden under the apple trees and played croquet. It meant getting ready the next day was really relaxed as we all had breakfast together, and it felt like a weekend rather than a rush of a day.”

After a morning soaking up the grounds of the venue and getting ready with her bridesmaids, Melissa glided down the lavender-lined aisle of the summer house in a bespoke Suzanne Neville gown. She was flanked by bridesmaids dressed in botanical prints, perfectly complementing the bridal bouquet and the lush surroundings. Chris’ teenage sons and some friends read short poems as the sun beamed down on the happy couple, with their guests celebrating the union with a confetti throw.

Everyone then headed to the gardens to enjoy canapés and drinks while a live performance by The Honest John Band added ambience. “We just wanted to make the most of the venue’s backdrop and stunning gardens,” says Melissa.

The wedding breakfast was an incredible three-course feast. Starters of foie gras and guinea fowl, monkfish fritters and tomato salad were followed by rump of lamb, loin of cod and asparagus ravioli, before a dessert choice of passionfruit and white chocolate mousse, dark chocolate marquise and raspberry summer pudding. Guests savoured the feast at tables named after places the couple had visited together and decorated with colourful medleys of blooms.

Melissa and Chris chose John Legend’s All of Me for their first dance, which kick-started the dance floor and live band, while pizza served in the gardens kept revellers fuelled for the merriment. After a night of dancing, the newlyweds enjoyed a late night pizza snack in the venue’s treehouse. “Waking up, we wished we could do it all over again!” says Melissa, who couldn’t pinpoint a favourite moment. “We just had such a wonderful day, with plenty of dancing and catching up,” she reminisces.

“Try and get everything done with two weeks to spare – you can then enjoy the build-up rather than doing jobs,” she says, offering practical advice for other couples. “And picking music takes longer than you think, so start mulling it over early!”

Photography GRW Photography grw.photography

Venue Deer Park Country House deerpark.co.uk

Dress Suzanne Neville from Frances Day Bridal francesday.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses Reformation thereformation.com

Suits Moss moss.co.uk

Hair Devon Wedding Hair devonweddinghair.co.uk

Make-up Fiona Miller fionamillermakeup.co.uk

Flowers Sarah Broom Floral Design sarahbroomfloraldesign.co.uk

Stationery Jon O’Brien from InsideOut Creative insideout-creative.co.uk

Entertainment The Honest John Band honestjohnband.co.uk

Melissa and Chris made the most of the picturesque grounds of Deer Park Country House during their wedding celebrations.

Let Me Entertain You

Murphy and Sam threw an unforgettable celebration featuring musicians, magicians and artists in the sublime coastal setting of Bigbury Bay

Weddings

Although Murphy and Sam went to school together, they didn’t really cross paths until some years later when their mutual friends got engaged and invited them both out for a drink to celebrate. “Sam did a magic trick and I was hooked!” laughs Murphy.

It was during a trip to Polzeath, a special place for the couple where they love to spend the solstice weekend, that Sam proposed in a secluded spot watching the sun set over the sea – and they had their hearts set on another dreamy coastal location for their big day. With his work as a musician (Sam Fearon Music) taking him across the length and breadth of Devon, Sam had performed at Mount Folly Farm – the home of Bigbury Bay Weddings –and, with its sweeping views across their favourite place, Bantham Beach, the couple couldn’t imagine a more perfect location for their wedding.

A palette of green, white and gold carried through the details of the day. Their clifftop marquee was decorated with arrangements of cream blooms and foliage suspended above the trestle tables, while Murphy, who wore a stylishly minimalist gown, was flanked by bridesmaids in shades of green carrying bouquets of dried flowers.

“I walked out with my dad and bridal party and looked out at the sea, everyone I love and Sam standing there all teary. I felt so overwhelmed, excited and nervous,” recalls Murphy. Setting the tone for their entertainment-filled day, the memorable ceremony saw singalongs and an acoustic guitar soundtrack alongside personal vows and a hand tying, while the couple’s dog, Potato, was the ring bearer.

The acoustic guitar continued as guests basked in the sunshine and coastal panoramas, enjoying canapés and drinks while a live sketch artist captured the scene. A Spanish guitarist took over as everyone settled into the marquee and tucked into paella followed by chocolate brownies and a tower of cheese.

The entertainment didn’t stop there, with a saxophonist and magician keeping cocktail hour flowing, before the couple organised a conga line to get their guests back into the marquee ready for the first dance. “We danced to Grow As We Go by Ben Platt,” says Murphy. The first dance was followed by a ceilidh, which was a highlight for everyone. “Seeing everyone mixed up, joining in and laughing was an absolute high point!” she reminisces.

Every one to two hours, the couple introduced a new element, such as a new drink or a different band, to keep the party in full swing. “We took five minutes during each chunk to stand back from it all and take it in. It helped me remember so much,” she says. The evening continued with a live band until the early hours. “We danced so much, I had three pairs of shoes and wore none for most of the day!”

When it comes to top tips for busily planning couples, Murphy’s advice is to plan the day you want, and not to focus on the small things. “People want to dance, eat and drink so don’t stress the detail!” she says. “Take the time to take it all in and make sure you like your suppliers and how they treat their employees – we used all local small businesses and they were all fantastic!”

Photography Lee Maxwell Photography lee-maxwell.com

Venue Bigbury Bay Weddings bigburybayweddings.co.uk

Videography Capture Weddings captureweddings.co.uk

Dress Grace Loves Lace graceloveslace.co.uk

Suits Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk

Hair & make-up

Samantha Marie samantha-marie.co.uk

Celebrant Maria Thorne instagram.com/mariathecelebrant

Hanging flowers Unique Designs by Tina uniquedesignsbytina.com

Décor & tableware hire South West Event Hire southwesteventhire.co.uk

Unique Designs by Tina uniquedesignsbytina.com

Cheese tower Ticklemore Cheese ticklemorecheese.co.uk

Stationery design

Spencer Brown Events spencer-brown.squarespace.com

Entertainment Chris Thomas devon-wedding-singer.co.uk

Clare Willcocks clarewillcocks.co.uk

Mark Barnwell markbarnwell.com

Robin Fox Entertainment foxrobin.com

The Super Band facebook.com/thesuperbanduk

“It really was the happiest day!”

Murphy and Sam kept guests entertained by introducing a new element every two hours at their wedding.

PHOT O + FILM

PHOT O + FILM

Photography

Autumn Soul

Jade and Luke celebrated their love story with a three-day autumnal wedding extravaganza at Huntsham Court

Jade and Luke first met at a party in Melbourne while they were both living in Australia. After being together for three years and relocating to Totnes, the couple were on a weekend away when New Zealand-born Luke arranged to visit a church his grandad had been to in the 1960s. “When we went inside, there were candles and roses everywhere, and a sign at the end of the aisle with the words ‘Will you marry me?’,” says Jade, whose sister was hiding in the pews, filming the whole romantic proposal.

Huntsham Court proved to be their perfect venue, with the plentiful accommodation meaning their entire wedding party of more than 90 guests could stay on-site for the three-day affair. “With half of our wedding guests coming from overseas, we wanted to spend as much time as we could with everyone,” says Jade.

“The only downside to having everyone staying, was that we had a magician, dinner and drinks the evening before, and it was so fun that I was very hungover on my wedding day!” she laughs.

Opting for a classic colour scheme of white and green and “flowers anywhere you could put flowers”, the couple’s autumnal wedding date was chosen in the hope it would be a gloomy day. “We used a lot of candlelight and wanted a dark and stormy vibe to complement the stunning interiors of the manor house,” says Jade. “We ended up with the best of both worlds: a dark and atmospheric day but with a sunny blip in the middle, which coincided with drinks, canapés and photos!”

The day started with bagpipe players waking everyone up for breakfast – a surprise that went down well with most guests! The ceremony opened with the couple’s young son acting as ring-bearer and Luke’s brother singing Jade down the aisle to Heartbeats by José González. “It was perfect and very special for Luke as he hadn’t seen his brother for five years, so it started off a lot of crying,” says Jade. “It was a very teary wedding!”

The newlyweds and their guests enjoyed al fresco canapés and drinks accompanied by live jazz band, Juniper Jazz, before moving inside for their wedding breakfast. After a feast of spiced avocado and crab, fillet of beef and a trio of desserts, the speeches brought more laughter and tears. “I think the speeches were my favourite part. They were wonderful and I was surprised at how personal they were,” says Jade, looking back. “There were lots of tears!”

The evening started with a champagne tower before the first dance to Tennessee Whiskey - “and from then on it erupted!”, laughs Jade. “Everyone partied hard, it went from zero to a hundred pretty quickly. My husband managed to break his rib having an impromptu ju jitsu match with his brother and the night didn’t end until 6am for some guests, including Luke!”

Looking back, it’s with the happiest of memories of the “best day of my life”. “I wish we could do it all over again on repeat,” says Jade, who has some advice for making the most of your wedding. “Get married earlier. The day goes by so quickly; if I could do it again, I’d get married at 11am!”

Freckle Photography frecklephotography.co.uk

Venue Huntsham Court huntshamcourt.co.uk

Dress Jane Hill janehill.com.au

Suit Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk

Hair Bridal Hair by Rhian bridalhairbyrhian.co.uk

E Hair Designs instagram.com/ehairdesigns

Make-up Emmie Green instagram.com/emmieemua

Catering Milkshed milkshedcatering.com

Flowers Earth Gallery Flowers earthgalleryflowers.com

Entertainment Juniper Jazz entertainment-nation.co.uk/juniper-jazz

George Hilton georgehilton.co.uk

The Herefordshire Piper theherefordshirepiper.co.uk

Daniel Costin danielcostin.live

Magical Moon magical-moon.com

Videography Miles Cooper milescooper.co.uk

“I wish we could do it all over again on repeat”

Jade and Luke’s three-day wedding at Huntsham Court was filled with fun and memorable moments.

A Carnival of Colour

Sophie and Tyler’s wedding at Hawke Barn was a vibrant family affair filled with handmade details and festival vibes

Meeting at a mutual friend’s birthday party, Sophie and Tyler “clicked straight away and went on about 10 dates in the first two weeks of knowing each other!” she fondly remembers. “Our first date was at an escape room, so on our two-year anniversary we went back – but Tyler had spoken to the escape room ahead of time so there was an engagement ring hidden in the final vault we were trying to break into. Typically, I was so invested in solving the escape room that it took a minute for me to realise what was happening when he got down on one knee!”

Choosing a “bright and fun” colour scheme, the couple created a festival themed celebration in the charmfilled setting of Hawke Barn. “We had hundreds of handmade pom-poms in different colours all over the venue and as table decorations,” says Sophie. “These were all made by my family, mostly my nan – who has said that she never wants to see another pom-pom in her life!”

It was important to Sophie and Tyler to involve as many of their friends and family as possible – which they achieved through the décor as well as a family friend doing Sophie’s hair, another providing the flowers, a close friend making the welcome and order of the day signs, Sophie’s mum making the cake and Tyler’s uncle leading their ceremony. “He is a minister of a church in Canada and has presided over most family weddings and christenings,” explains Sophie. “Logistically, this meant that we had to have a small legal ceremony the day before, but he brought with him the marriage register from his church, which means our marriage is officially registered in Canada as well as in the UK!”

Flanked by miles of rolling countryside, their lakeside ceremony was a beautiful affair. Their guests sat on hay bales covered with blankets while the couple took their vows and some of the most important people in their lives did the readings, including the friend who introduced them. “It was a fairly traditional ceremony, but made incredibly special by the intimacy of only having a small number of guests and having a family member as our celebrant,” reflects Sophie.

The reception featured drinks and canapés in the scenic grounds and paella and a dessert buffet in the vibrantly styled barn before the evening festivities began with another ceremony. “We had a unity candle ceremony and first dance – to McFly’s All About You – and then danced the night away!” she says.

Pulled pork rolls were served and drinks were flowing as guests danced long into the evening. “Looking back, the whole day feels like such a blur, but the most special thing to us was that both sides of our family were able to be together. A lot of Tyler’s family live abroad so it was the first time a lot of people had met,” reflects Sophie, who has some stellar advice for those planning their weddings. “Communicate, delegate and don’t underestimate the power of a good spreadsheet!”

Reminiscing on such a special day, there’s one memory that will stay with the bride for a long time. “At the very end of the night, after all of the dancing and high energy, our DJ played one final slow song before everyone went home,” she says. “It was a perfect end to the night, and Tyler and I were able to take a step back and look at all of our loved ones slow dancing together and feel how much love was in the room.”

Photography Leonie Marie Photography instagram.com/leoniemariephotography

Venue Hawke Barn hawkebarnvenue.co.uk

Dress & bridesmaids’ dresses Vinted vinted.co.uk

Make-up Eye Do! eyedomakeup.co.uk

Suit Moss moss.co.uk

Catering Buen Apetito Catering buenapetitocatering.co.uk

Entertainment Inspired Party inspiredparty.co.uk

Videography KB Wedding Videography kbweddingvideography.com

“The most special thing to us was that both sides of our family were able to be together”

Peaches and Cream

An outdoor ceremony, glitter bar and wellywanging in the sun created a relaxed, festival feel for Chloe and Joe’s wedding at The Oak Barn

Chloe and Joe were introduced on a night out by his sister, who Chloe worked with at the time. “Little did I know he had already seen a video of me dancing with maracas at his sister’s house the night before!” she laughs. Some years later, Joe orchestrated a magical proposal during the run-up to Christmas 2021. “As our one-year-old Ralph added the star to the top of the tree, he brought down a box with a glass bauble in and the ring was inside. It was such a beautiful moment at home with our little family,” reflects Chloe.

Choosing the idyllic rural setting of The Oak Barn for their late summer wedding, the couple set about planning a festival-style celebration with a colour scheme of warm autumnal peach and white. “We had festival wristbands as our invitations and sourced rustic cotton reels, ladders and lanterns to give an outdoor festival feel,” explains Chloe.

After weeks of wet weather, the wedding day dawned with glorious sunshine. After getting ready with her bridesmaids, mum and two sons in the bridal suite, Chloe walked down the aisle to her friend Katy singing Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.

Getting married under the oak tree, the breeze meant “my veil had a few big moments!” laughs Chloe. “As soon as we said our I dos and kissed, our three-year-old burst out crying, which gave everyone a good laugh. It all felt very intimate and relaxed which is exactly how we planned it to be. We just couldn’t keep the smiles off our faces.”

Singer Daisy Aldridge performed as guests mingled over drinks and cream tea canapés – served “the Devon way!” – before heading into the barn for the speeches and wedding feast. “We had little maracas on our tables as a memento of the first time we met,” says Chloe, who styled the tables with peach linens, brass candlesticks and vases of peach and pink flowers. Guests tucked into beef macaroni before heading back into the gardens for ice creams and a few games of welly wanging!

“It was such a beautiful evening and very relaxed with everyone enjoying the venue,” says Chloe. “We had golden hour photos in the fields; we were on such a high and it was nice to have a moment with each other.”

The evening celebrations began with the newlyweds’ first dance to Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight before live band Mafia 4 performed a dance floor-filling soundtrack. The wedding cake made by Chloe’s mum, chocolate brownies and pizza ensured guests were fuelled for a night of dancing, while sparklers and a glitter bar proved party highlights. “My dad strolling across the dance floor with tassels round his neck and glitter all over his face was just hilarious,” laughs Chloe.

Looking back, she has some practical advice for others who are planning their own weddings. “Always start planning or making anything much earlier than you think you should; those last few weeks can be so busy with lots of fittings and trials so you want to feel organised and ready to go in good time,” she advises. “And on the day, take a minute to stand back, soak up the atmosphere and really absorb every detail. Most importantly, relax, go with the flow and take it all in together.”

Photography Mimosa Photography mimosaphotography.uk

Venue The Oak Barn theoakbarn.co.uk

Coordination B Hartley Events & Weddings instagram.com/b.hartley.events

Dress Enzoani from Champagne & Charlotte champagneandcharlotte.co.uk

Suits Moss moss.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses ASOS asos.com

Hair The Wild Pins thewildpins.co.uk

Make-up Just Josie MUA instagram.com/just.josie.mua

Décor hire Rustic Love rusticlovehire.com

Flowers Stowford Flowers stowfordflowers.co.uk

High Tor Flowers hightorflowers.com

Catering Field to Fork Catering fieldtoforkcatering.co.uk

Flame and Dough flameanddough.co.uk

The Local Scoop instagram.com/the_local_scoop_

Bar Amy Furlong

Entertainment Mafia 4 instagram.com/mafia4uk

Daisy Aldridge

Videography Friends Film it friendsfilmit.co.uk

“We just couldn’t keep the smiles off our faces!”

Chloe and Joe filled their wedding day with rustic-luxe romance and a festival feel.

Your dream wedding day is just around the corner and our

Whether you choose a civil wedding in our St Andrew’s Church, the timeless atmosphere www.manorhallweddings.co.uk

t: 01647 252552 e: info@thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

National Small Hotel of the Year Visit England - Silver Winner 2015/16

Devon Small Hotel of the Year Devon Tourism Awards 2014/15

Devon Wedding Venue of the Year South West Wedding Awards 2016

True Romance

Candice and James’ dream wedding at Pynes House was an entertainment-packed affair styled with sky blue

and pastel shades

Meeting via a dating app, Candice and James spent their first date bonding over gin and tonics at a bar in Exeter. Fast-forward to 2022 and James staged a relaxed proposal in Crete. “We had just cooked a barbecue and were enjoying wine on the veranda overlooking the sea,” reflects Candice. “James got down on one knee as the sun was starting to set. He told me that I was his best friend and that he wanted me to be his teammate for life.”

Pynes House was the picture-perfect backdrop for their romantic and elegantly styled wedding, the wallpaper in the drawing room inspiring the pale sky blue details of their day. “We added pastels to the scheme to bring a light, romantic and joyful feel,” she explains. “We chose cut glass for our candle-holders and charger plates, and linen for our napkins.” The “work of art” floral arrangements combined soft shades of peach, pink, yellow and blue, making a beautiful focal point on the tabletops and the perfect finishing touch for the barely-there blue of the bridesmaid dresses and Candice’s minimalist gown.

After a morning of preparations, Candice arrived at St Margaret’s Church in Topsham in a Beauford convertible for the midday service. “Our reverend Juliet Horwood is a close friend of James’ family and it was very special to us that she came out of retirement for our wedding,” she says.

After the vows, guests gathered at Pynes House, enjoying drinks and canapés while milling around the gardens and listening to local singer Rhys Davies. A delectable wedding feast followed, comprising sharing boards of feta cheese bruschettas and chopped olives, oven-roasted hake, rump of beef and curried sweet potato and bean pie. Salted pretzel and caramel chocolate brownies, eclairs, macarons and lemon possets rounded off the culinary delights.

As day turned to night, saxophonist Daniel Costin brought the party vibes to cocktail hour before Candice and James took to the floor for their first dance to Simply the Best. A prop-filled photo booth and Bill Ding and the Skyscrapers kept guests entertained throughout the evening. “Our guests were on the dance floor most of the night!” says Candice, who cites her standout memory as a moment at the close of the celebrations. “At the end of the night when we went up to our room, we both said to each other: ‘That was the greatest day of my life’, and we couldn’t stop calling each other husband and wife!”

Reflecting on their day, she advises putting careful consideration into your entertainment. “Entertainment is everything; pick something that will have all your guests getting into the party spirit! We found music was the best way of entertaining – our welcome drinks singer set the tone before dinner and allowed everyone to relax post-ceremony, our sax player got everyone dancing and our band were fantastic.”

She also recommends allocating some of your wedding budget for cocktails. “A cocktail hour is so worth the expense to keep your guests from flagging after dinner. Also, a prosecco tower is so much fun, and not expensive,” she asserts.

Photography & videography I Do Film & Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk

Venue Pynes House pyneshouse.co.uk

Coordination Elisabeth Shell Events elisabethshellevents.com

Dress Wed2B wed2b.com

Dress tailoring Sharif Mirzad shariftailoring.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses Maids to Measure maidstomeasure.com

Suit Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk

Groomsmen’s suits Ted Baker from Moss moss.co.uk

Hair Natalie Nichols Bridal natalienichols-bridal.com

Make-up Michelle Lopez lopezbeauty.com

Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk

Catering Pickle Shack pickleshack.co.uk

Cake Claire Arscott Cake Design clairearscottcakedesign.co.uk

Décor Laura Louise Hall Weddings lauralouisehallweddings.co.uk

Transport Premier Carriage premiercarriage.co.uk

Entertainment Rhys Davies from Bootlegger’s Turn bootleggersturn.com

Daniel Costin danielcostin.live

Bill Ding and the Skyscrapers bdsmusic.uk

“At the end of the night, we both said to each other: ‘That was the greatest day of my life!’”

The scenic grounds and stunning interiors of Pynes House set the scene for an elegant and fun-filled wedding for Candice and James.

Dress

Make-up

Call of the Country

Classic

and timeless were the style-hitting inspirations behind Sabrina and Giles’ wedding at Rockbeare Manor

Sabrina and Giles were neighbours during their childhood in Accra, Ghana, and became friends. “We met when I was three and Giles was eight,” says Sabrina. Many years later and now living in London, Giles planned a special day out in Greenwich for her. “We both love the outdoors and went to explore the Private Gardens,” she recalls. “We found a quiet spot to sit down where we started to reflect on the previous year, and the year ahead of us. Giles then began to talk about our future and got on one knee and popped the question. I couldn’t say yes fast enough!”

Choosing to wed outside of the “hustle and bustle of London”, the couple’s venue search took them to the Devon countryside and the elegant country house setting of Rockbeare Manor. Selecting a minimalist theme, the couple allowed the beauty of the venue to shine through, with a complementary colour scheme of burnt orange and white with pops of rust. “I wanted pampas grass incorporated into our floral theme and our florist brought the vision to life seamlessly, combining fresh and dried flowers,” says Sabrina.

The bride-to-be and her bridesmaids stayed in a cottage at the venue the night before the wedding, so the morning began with the excitement of the bridal preparations – including Sabrina’s former hair stylist mum doing her hair – and final touches. Sabrina walked down the aisle in a sleek and classic gown with a thigh-high split and diamanté features, while Giles wore a timelessly stylish white tie tail suit.

“The ceremony was beautiful,” she reflects. “Our pastor officiated it; he knew both of us personally and the journey of our relationship. It was so beautiful to say yes to the love of my life in front of our family and friends.”

Cocktail hour with canapés followed to the sounds of a live saxophonist, while the newlyweds had photos around the grounds. The grand ballroom was the scene of the speeches – with those by Sabrina’s dad and Giles proving a memorable highlight – and the sumptuous wedding breakfast featuring confit chicken, slow-roasted short rib of beef, pan-fried salmon fillet and caramelised poached pear with a Biscoff crumb and clotted cream ice cream.

The cutting of the “divine” tiered cake was followed by a romantic first dance to John Denver’s Annie’s Song. “It’s a song that Giles and I absolutely love and we always said it was going to be the song we dance to,” she says. The dance floor stayed full thanks to music by DJ Abarshi, with guests treated to freshly made pizzas as the evening progressed and turned to the early hours.

Looking back, Sabrina found it impossible to choose a top memory. “The whole day was my favourite moment!” she laughs.

Her advice for those planning a wedding is to take a personal approach. “As much as possible, try and see things in person rather than deciding based on websites, social media or brochures,” she suggests. “Don’t leave things until the last minute – it’s better to get the heavy lifting done at the start of the planning process.”

And when it comes to the big day itself: “Stay calm and enjoy. It will become an amazing memory.”

Rockbeare Manor provided the perfect picturesque space for Sabrina and Giles to celebrate their love.

“The whole day was my favourite moment!”

Plan a so-you celebration with these top tips from the wedding gurus. This issue, we look at ideas for bringing the fun factor to your wedding…

NOTES ON A WEDDING

Let me entertain you. Book wedding entertainment which will really wow your guests. Whether it’s a mariachi band, caricaturist, piñata, magician, fire-breather or bouncy castle, the options are endless! Hazel

Flash back. What’s more fun than a flash mob?

Imagine surprising your guests as you take to the dance floor for your first dance. Watch their faces as more and more guests join in with the routine to your favourite song. The element of surprise will be a priceless memory and great fun for everyone involved. Jessica

Fun food. I’m a big believer that the less traditional you go with food, the more fun it is. Crisps and dips as canapés or an oyster shucker walking round? Yes please! Sophie

Sitting pretty. Get creative with your seating arrangements for the ceremony and reception –think seating pods, curved seating and unique types of furniture. It’ll mix up your guests too. Hazel

Say cheese. Capture those forever moments with an Instax camera or dot a few disposable cameras around the venue – a simple way for guests to capture those candid and spontaneous moments you may miss throughout the day. Jessica

The power of sax. A saxophone player always livens up a wedding day. Guests find it difficult to resist getting up and dancing! Sophie

Mix it up. Incorporate some traditions into your day but add a twist. It might be a music-filled entrance or start to your speeches, or maybe skip your first dance and opt for an activity instead. Hazel

Something different. Add a unique element to your day such as a live wedding artist who can provide your guests with personalised favours, a drag queen welcome act or cocktail mixologists. Find something you and your partner love doing together and make this a big part of your day. Jessica

Get help. Hire a wedding planner. If you feel relaxed, your guests will relax and you’ll instantly have more fun! Sophie

Must-have mementos. Get creative when it comes to your guest book. You could create your own Lego figure and ask guests to write their name on a Lego brick or opt for audio guest books with personalised messages throughout the day and night. Hazel

Surprise, surprise. Try and keep some of your plans a surprise for your guests. Whether it’s a musician,

fireworks, singing waiters or an oyster shucker, surprise elements are great at building excitement! Sophie

Water play. If you’re near the sea, a lake or any swimmable body of water, arrange a mid-morning dip – it’s an icebreaker, invigorating and fun! Hazel

Glitter, glitter everywhere! Who doesn’t love a glitter station at a wedding? Probably you the day after when you wake up covered in it, but it definitely brings the sparkle to the party! Sophie

Start early. A gathering the night before the wedding is great for helping guests to break the ice, so they can relax and enjoy all that unfolds on your wedding day. Hazel

Go out with a bang! When it’s time to say goodbye, line your guests up armed with confetti cannons. Lots of laughter and cheers will be your last memory of the day as your guests say their goodbyes. Jessica

Guests won’t be able to resist dancing to a live saxophonist

Light up the skies with a surprise fireworks display

An oyster shucker will add a fun and luxe edge to your reception

Be creative with your seating. We love this circular ceremony set-up

Wow your guests with a surprise performance from singing waiters

A mixologist will stoke up the party vibe

Capture candid moments with an Instax camera

Bring the sparkle to your party with a glitter bar

A magician will add a wow-worthy element to your reception

A caricature artist boosts the fun factor while providing keepsakes

Stuart Dudleston

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod

Grant Lampard

The 2 Lisas

Tom Frost

Daniel Costin Venue Boconnoc / Debs Alexander

Cornwall Caricatures

Stuart Dudleston

Alan Law

Indigo Perspective

Made with Love

Rue de Seine

Grace Loves Lace

Andforlove

Jenny Yoo

Hera Couture

Jesus Peiro