Wed Magazine Devon issue 44

D E V O N ’ S FA B U LO U S W E D D I N G M A GA Z I N E

ISSUE 44 2020 | £3.50

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MODERN LOVE

The most gorgeous inspiration for planning your wedding in Devon

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#44 2020

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WHERE HISTORY IS CRAFTED WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE

Image © Barney Walters Photography

DARTINGTON HALL WEDDINGS Heritage Venue • Stunning Grounds • Outdoor Ceremonies • Seasonal Food Grade I listed Dartington Hall is the largest and most important medieval Manor House in the south west of England.

Set within 1,200 acres of idyllic gardens, grounds and woodland, it’s the perfect setting to craft a truly memorable day.

Book your perfect day at dartington.org/weddings e: weddings@dartingtonhall.com • t: 01803 847145

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WELCOME

better together

The Unbridled

Welcome to the latest issue of Wed! We’re so

lockdown – Emily and Ben, and Signe and Hugh – share

‘Into the Light’ to the playful prettiness of ‘California

happy that we’re able to bring another fix of sweet

the stories of their love-filled celebrations. We also

Dreaming’ and the gold-edged glamour of ‘Summer

wedding escapism into your lives while the world

hear other life-affirming love stories from across the

Love,’ you’ll find gorgeous inspiration galore at some

still grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic. A sense

county, from Laura and Matt’s virtual ceremony to the

of the county’s finest wedding venues. Then there’s

of uncertainty continues to reign, leaving both

loved-up couples who got engaged during lockdown.

‘In the Deep Midwinter’, which is rich in opulent tones and seasonal touches for those planning a winter affair.

couples and the wedding industry in such a difficult place. But we hope, within these pages, that we

If you’re now considering an elopement – and maybe

can turn your thoughts to the future – to the love

a big party when restrictions allow – then turn to our

Nothing stokes up a sense of wedding planning

that you’ve found, to the joyful celebrations that

special feature on p.104. As well as top tips for a just-

excitement quite like the search for your wedding

lie ahead, and to the sense of togetherness that

for-two do, we hear from three couples who chose a

dress. You’ll find the hottest dresses gracing Devon’s

now seems more precious than ever.

small-scale celebration.

finest boutiques in these pages, and fabulous frocks for your bride squad, too. Then there’s our pick of

It certainly lifted our spirits to see the first socially

In the spirit of looking forward with hope, a dreamy,

the most stunning cake and flower trends, and real

distanced weddings taking place in Devon. In our

light-filled mood carries through the styled shoots of

wedding stories from across the length and breadth of

feature, ‘Love in the time of Covid-19’, two couples

this issue. From the super-modern pink meets boho

this beautiful county to warm the cockles. Enjoy!

who were amongst the first to exchange vows after

vibe of ‘Pastel Haze’ and the soft, ethereal mood of

Rebecca

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feature | LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 Harrera Images

love in the time of Covid-19 From the heartache of postponed weddings to the heart-warming joy of engagements and the first vows exchanged after lockdown, couples share their stories of love in the age of a global pandemic

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LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 Freeform Images Photography

“We got engaged the day before lockdown began” “We met at work,” says Katie. “We’d become really good friends and then realised maybe we weren’t ‘just friends’ and had to have the awkward chat with our manager and tell him we were together.

I would have said yes to Ben if he asked me to marry him after six months of being together; he would have too but didn’t want to ask me too early on. In fact, I’d asked him a couple of times with a Haribo ring but got shot down! So when he asked two years later, I was over the moon. Ben popped the question the day before my birthday on 15th March on Bantham each.

We spent my birthday celebrating, to then shortly go into lockdown. That put a bit of pause on our celebrations with family and friends (we still ended up having drinks and giggles

“We had a socially distant wedding”

over Zoom).

Lockdown for us was great! We’re very positive people and

“Our wedding weekend of 2nd-6th July marked our six-year anniversary, which

although we don’t work together now we are used to being

is why the date meant so much to Ben and me,” says Emily. “Originally we

in each other’s space 24/7. To pass the time, we viewed

planned to have a four-day party at Ash Barton Estate with around 100 guests.

different wedding venues through virtual tours. We’ve also been renovating our house ready for our first baby (due in

When the pandemic first began to escalate, we had just begun to think about the smaller

December). Having a baby has made getting married so much

details of the wedding. We put all planning on hold and just waited to see what would

more important – I can’t wait to celebrate as a family and bring

happen. We remained optimistic and kept an eye on the government updates in the

everyone together.

hope that our wedding could go ahead in some form. Both of us were sure that if there was any way that the ceremony could go ahead then we would go for it. It made us

Coming out of lockdown, we viewed a couple of venues that

really strip back and think about what was important to us, and that was that we wanted

we’d shortlisted from the virtual tours, and have recently put a

to get married to one another. We didn’t want to delay that part of our lives.

deposit down for our wedding at Deer Park Country House in June 2022! Next steps are sending invitations and breaking it to

We didn’t find out the wedding could go ahead until 23rd June – less than two weeks

Ben that I’m planning on having seven bridesmaids!”

before the wedding day! We received the go-ahead nod from the registrar on Monday 29th, so everything was a bit last minute! Our families and friends were a huge support in those two weeks, all chipping in to help sort out decorations, flowers , food and drink for a socially distanced picnic. There was still quite a lot of uncertainty on the day itself as to what rules we might have to follow, but everyone was ready to take it as it came and we were just all so excited that it could go ahead.

The day before, I made cream teas and Ben made bagels so we could give everyone an individual lunch. This way we wouldn’t share cutlery and could comply with the distancing rules on the day. We also told everyone to bring their own hand sanitiser and masks with them.

It was drizzling on the wedding day but we knew that, whatever the weather, we would still like to get married outside beneath an oak tree if we could. There were 20 of us in total for the ceremony, including the registrars, so being under the tree made it feel really intimate. One of Ben’s brothers was in charge of the music and we asked Ben’s other brother and my brother and sister-in-law to write some light-hearted poems for the ceremony. They were absolutely perfect! Later, we all sat at our different tables in the old chapel for the picnic, and chatted via Zoom with other family and friends who were meant to come to the original ceremony.

The day itself was absolutely perfect. We were just so grateful that we were able to go ahead, especially on our original date, and after so long being separated from friends and family it was lovely to be able to see them and celebrate together.

I think Covid-19 made us realise the important part for us was being able to make that commitment to one another, and we felt very fortunate to be able to do that in front of our immediate family and friends. We were both buzzing all day and the best bit is that we get to look forward to the larger celebration in 2021.”

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feature | LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

“We got engaged during lockdown” “I have always loved the idea of getting married and so for as long as I can remember I have been hinting at the idea,” says Rosie. “However, Tim always shrugged the idea off until January this year when he also started talking about it.

Before lockdown was announced, we decided to go and stay in the house where I grew up in Croyde. Tim left our home in Newquay an hour before me, but I got to Croyde an hour before him. I remember feeling confused and felt that he had been sneaking around. He told me that he went to see his parents in Exeter (which he did) as he didn’t know when he would next see them, but he didn’t tell me that he also went to collect my beautiful engagement ring.

During the first Saturday of lockdown we went on a beautiful walk that I used to do as a teenager, up and over a hill to Saunton. Once we were over the brow of the hill, I turned to Tim who was all of a sudden on one knee holding a little box! My first thought was ‘This is a practical joke!’, but he started saying something along the lines of ‘In these uncertain times I want to give you some certainty’, and then went on to jumble up his words and accidentally said something about us having nothing in common with each other! He then corrected himself and revealed the gorgeous custom ring and I said yes. We walked back with so much adrenaline whizzing around our bodies and laughing about how surreal it all felt.

Back at the house we told my family the news. The only alcohol we had was a couple of cans of beer, so we stood on the driveway slurping Stella whilst social distancing from them. It was all very weird but wonderful. In such a strange and worrying time, our engagement has been a silver lining, and I think our news was a really good way to bring some joy into our families’ lives.

The next few weeks were blissful; the sun shone every day and we spent lots of time together walking to the beach, talking about what kind of wedding we would like to have. We’re aware that we might have to be adaptable in how we marry depending on the circumstances at the time. But we know that when we do get married, and however we do, it will be amazing.”

celebrate with us once we are through lockdown and it will be something to look forward to next year.

As we are both frontline workers (an oncologist and an anaesthetist), the first few weeks of lockdown were tough but it helped to put things into perspective. The experience has brought us closer in that we’ve been able to focus on what was really important to us both regarding the ceremony but also our lives together. We have had more time together at home to relax, cook, eat and plan for our rearranged wedding and our future married life. We have fairly busy work schedules so having more time off at home together has been a surprising bonus.

We decided to do an online ceremony after I won the chance to have a Zoom ceremony with Get Wed Online (getwedonline.com). We were initially reluctant as we thought it would be embarrassing but, on reflection, we felt it might be a nice way to mark what should have been a significant day in our lives, and to give the day some structure so we didn’t mope about thinking of where

“We had a virtual ceremony”

we would have been at any given moment on that day had Covid-19 not made an appearance.

“Matt and I have been together for a decade and were planning a

We chose a ceremony for the two of us with a celebrant and photographer. The

wedding at Colehayes Park near Dartmoor over the weekend of 30th

20-minute humanist ceremony included a reading that will be included in our

May,” says Laura. “We had planned everything, including ordering

legal ceremony. We wrote vows and exchanged tin foil rings (the jewellers was

napkins and practising hair dos.

closed during the pandemic so we couldn’t collect the rings we have already ordered). Despite standing in front of our bookcase and talking to the laptop,

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The wedding was going to be quite DIY with family and friends making the

we both agreed it was a surprisingly romantic and heartfelt ceremony and felt

cake, growing the flowers, providing music, and drying flowers for confetti;

very meaningful. It was really great to be able to share the story with friends and

I have also been making my wedding dress. This has meant that most things

family and provide some entertainment for them during these bleak times. We

have been moved to a new date next year and the venue has been amazingly

then enjoyed some champagne and a four-course dinner from a local restaurant

accommodating! We are considering getting the legal bit done in a registry office

(delivered to the flat), which rounded off an excellent would-be wedding day!

in the autumn. Our friends and family will hopefully be even more excited to

Bring on 2021 for the real thing.”

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feature | LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

“Hugh and I were really lucky that we had planned to get married locally and were using lots of friends and neighbours,” explains Signe. “Hence, we were able to keep our plans really flexible and keep our fingers crossed that we would be able to get married on the 4th July, which had always been our wedding date!

My parents have a tiny garden that leads onto the beach. Sue, who was our reverend on the day, lives on on one side of them, and a beach cafe is on the other, where we had originally planned to put a marquee over the garden to host a much larger reception.

It was obviously really sad that not all our friends and family could be there with us on the day. But we tried to incorporate things that we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. We went out in the boat in the morning just the two of us, and then everyone coming to the wedding came to help decorate the garden. We got married in a tiny church which is just down the road from our house. Hugh got ready there with his sister and had some remote whiskies with the lads; he then wandered to the church and played the bagpipes so that when I arrived in my grandad’s old car we could hear him playing, which was really special.

After the service, the women all cycled and scooted back to the village (with our boom box) where we had a reception in my parents’ garden. My friend made us an amazing cake, Denise in the cafe next door cooked us incredible lobster for dinner, and we finished the night off with sparklers! It was amazing. I think what really made it special was the fact that everything was very personal, and everyone contributed to the day in some way, either by marrying us, sorting balloons, bringing sparklers, organising the music or making the cake - we were all involved in making it a great day! It was something for everyone to look forward to and plan during lockdown.”

NEWLY ENGAGED?

POSTPONED YOUR WEDDING?

If you got engaged during the Covid-19 pandemic (congratulations!),

If you’ve decided to postpone your wedding, you now have extra

wedding planner Jenny Wren can help you with looking ahead, planning,

time for any finishing touches that you may not have had the time

what to book (or not), and how to keep those excitement levels high!

or budget for previously, although be careful not to get carried away and add things for the sake of it. Remember your wedding

If you want to set a date in 2021 or 2022, start researching your venues now,

budget and the vision you had for your day and stay true to that.

as they are likely to be extremely busy with postponements over the next two

Here are a few things Jenny suggests you could be working on…

years. If viewings in person are difficult, many venues are offering virtual tours online, either live if the owners are based on-site, or as pre-recorded films. You

Creating playlists

could book a planner to help you, many planners offer a venue sourcing service.

These always take much longer than you think! You may want to

They should know an abundance of venues in Devon and often have had

consider them for:

experience working at them previously, so their advice is priceless. Keep in mind

– The morning when you are getting ready

that venues are likely to want to ensure all their postponed weddings from this

– The drinks reception (between sets if you have a live musician)

year have a new date secured with them before taking new bookings, so you

– During dinner for background music

may need to wait to hear back after they have looked after their existing couples.

– The evening (between the bands sets and after they end).

Drafting your table plan With regards to suppliers, again a planner can help, but if you don’t have one

One of the hardest tasks, my couples often say! Add in dietary

then really do your research. Look at reviews, join wedding planning forums

information for your caterers.

to ask advice, look at magazines, and attend wedding fairs. You could even ask

Making a photography list

the supplier if they could put you in touch with one of their previous couples to

Think about any particular shots you want your photographer to

speak to them directly. If you can’t meet in person, ask the supplier for a video

capture. This list does not need to be extensive (we encourage it not

call – you need to like them as a person as well as the service they offer, and an

to be) – half a dozen or so important shots is ideal.

informal chat can help you get to know them.

Thinking about favours Perhaps you planned to make your own? Now is a good time to get

Ask your suppliers about their Covid-19 policy if you were to book them now

crafty and prepare them - you will thank yourself later when the

and need to postpone later down the line. Some may be happy to agree to take

wedding draws near and you have lots of other things to think about!

the booking then change the date if needed. Ask them to put this in writing and include on their contract so you are covered. And take out wedding insurance.

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Thomas Frost

Chloe Upton

“We married on 4th July”

LUXURY WEDDI N G AND EVENT CATERING From marquees, tipis and yurts to castles, forts and manor houses, we provide fabulous food and impeccable service to give your special day the wow factor!

T: 01392 444877 www.posh-nosh.co.uk

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z z u b l a d i br regular | BRIDAL BUZZ

Evolve Photography

Editor Rebecca Matthews Deputy editor Lucy Higgins Chief features writer Hannah May Contributors Elizabeth Chester, Jennifer Granlund, Rebecca Green, Jessica Kearney Rowe Films

Design Matt Sanwell, Design UNLTD designunltd.co.uk

Evolve Photography

Advertising and Management Brendan Sleeman Distribution Jenna Matthews

Publisher Wed Magazine 28 Reens Crescent Heamoor Penzance Cornwall TR18 3HW 01736 331456 wed@wedmagazine.co.uk wedmagazine.co.uk Print Deltor Communications Ltd Cover image Styling Nikki Sherriff, Knots & Kisses knotsandkisses.co.uk Photography Clare Kinchin clarekinchinphotography.co.uk Location Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com Bridal wear The Own Studio theownstudio.com Grooms wear Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk Flowers Brompton Buds bromptonbuds.com Hair Bridal Hair by Rosanne bridalhairbyrosanne.co.uk Make-up Emma Roberts facebook.com/ emmarobertsmakeup Headband Alice & Blair aliceandblair.co.uk Models Issy & Oshae gingersnap.co.uk

Rowe Films

Finance Morwenna Matthews

CALL OF THE COUNTRY If the current climate has left you reeling and confused about your next wedding planning move, Harefield Barn may have the stress-free solution. “We have been looking at ways we can create something special for couples, in spite of the limitations that may be put in place for celebrations taking place over the next few months,” says owner, Deborah Ayre.

Postponing larger weddings until restrictions are relaxed and big parties can return to something akin to pre-Covid 19 times, the rural venue is now offering couples the chance to wed via their new intimate wedding offer, ‘The Leveret’.

The beautifully secluded country location is the perfect place to forget about the outside world and focus on each other as you exchange vows and start this new chapter in your lives together. Flanked by mile upon mile of picturesque rolling Devon countryside, it’s difficult to imagine a more romantic backdrop for your intimate wedding than the al fresco Clock House or inside one of the cosy rooms complete with rural panoramas.

Choose between just the two of you exchanging vows, or invite a small cluster of your nearest and dearest to witness you tie the knot.

Whichever option you choose, Harefield Barn will be exclusively yours, and the team will be on hand to help you add any finishing touches to personalise your time there, while discreetly working within the latest government guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of you and your guests.

© wed magazine. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be published without written permission. While reasonable steps are taken to check the accuracy of the content within this publication, wed magazine cannot take any responsibility for any mistakes or omissions or the views of our contributors or advertisers.

All views expressed in wed are not necessarily those of wed magazine.

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Providing flexible packages from £500* to suit your needs including covering aspects like the catering, flowers, accommodation and photography, they can assist with as much or little as you like. Each booking includes exclusive use of the venue and all its facilities for seven hours (from midday to 7pm), a bottle of champagne or non-alcoholic fizz, a box of local handmade luxury chocolates or macarons from local chef and artisan maker, Pretty Little Pastries, and all the planning help required. harefieldbarn.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply

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ESTATE OF GRACE If you’re looking for a spacious, beautiful and Evolve Photography

memory-making manor house in which to

STYLE

22. GREEN GODDESS Fill your wedding with the freshest greens, from luxe emerald to crisp mint

WORDS OF LOVE “May this marriage be full of laughter,

24. PASTEL HAZE An achingly modern wedding scene, where pink meets clean lines and boho vibes

our every day in paradise.” Rumi

celebrate your big day, there’s good news in store, as Kitley House Hotel in south Devon is reopening in September as a dedicated, exclusive-use wedding and events venue. The scenic countryside

Rowe Films

spot, which was named Devon’s Best Wedding Venue in the Devon Tourism Awards 2019, as well as winning Silver for Best Events Venue, is set on a 600-acre estate on the banks of the River Yealm at Yealmpton, affording stunning views and rolling hill surroundings.

Rebranded as Kitley House and Country Estate, the former hotel’s name may have changed, but the dedicated events team, stellar service and unforgettable setting that the venue is renowned for remains the same.

During the recent lockdown closure, the manor house and grounds have been undergoing further renovations

and improvements. Plans are currently being refined to landscape a dedicated area for a modular marquee with full 360-degree open views including the River Yealm, to provide flexible indoor-outdoor space and greater scope to run weddings and events undercover in line with social distancing guidelines.

30. INTO THE LIGHT Barely-there hues and light-as-air gowns for an intimate and ethereal wedding 36. AISLE STYLE We pick out our favourite trends for fashion-forward brides 40. SHAPE OF YOUR LOVE The most covetable gowns in Devon, perfectly picked for your body shape

To see what your big day could be like at this exceptional venue, contact Kitley’s wedding planner

52. BEST DRESSED Fresh looks for ‘maids, from mix and match to petalfilled prettiness

Nicole West to arrange a viewing. She’ll be delighted to show you around the house and grounds which offer a choice of beautiful locations licensed for civil

58. SUMMER LOVE Go all out for glamour with jaw-dropping dresses, gold accents and abundant blooms

ceremonies. Nicole and the team will work closely with you to plan your dream day and make sure your wedding at Kitley is exactly what you want it to be.

68. WORKING THE GROOM Style tips for the man of the moment

kitleyhousehotel.com Younger Photography

71. WED’S HIP LIST Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to style your day 72. CALIFORNIA DREAMING Playful, pretty and romantic styling for a west coast meets English country wedding

86. IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER Opulent tones and textures for a winter wedding rich in romance

FEATURES

6. LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 From planning to postponement, four couples share their Covid-19 love stories 46. HERE COME THE GIRLS The zero-drama guide to choosing your girl squad 56. GLAM ROCKS We’re crushing on these irresistible gemstone rings 64. SPEAK EASY Top tips for a crowd-pleasing bride’s speech 78. TOP TIERS Sweet inspiration for a show-stealing wedding cake 82. FLOWER POWER Big, bold and exciting ways to wow with your flowers on W-day 91. WED’S VENUES GUIDE The ultimate guide to Devon’s finest wedding venues 104. JUST THE TWO OF US Top tips for a wow-worthy elopement 108. OUR SMALL BIG DAY Three couples share their dreamy elopement stories

REGULARS

12. BRIDAL BUZZ What’s new, what’s hot, what’s on 114. GOT WED Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day 142. NOTES ON A WEDDING Top tips for your planning pleasure

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z z u b l a brid regular | BRIDAL BUZZ

Verity Westcott

CREATING A BUZZ If you’re seeking a beautifully bespoke finish to your bridal ensemble, then we recommend you feast your eyes on the hair adornments and fine jewellery of Bee Lavish – and prepare to fall in love with the ethereal beauty of the pretty porcelain and precious metal creations. “I am inspired by all of nature’s wonders around me,” says artist-jeweller Gayle Cheetham. “I live and work in beautiful Devon and have combined my skills to find

Jennifer Jane

something unique that I love to create.” Handcrafting her elegant collection of seashells, rambling roses and petite flowers, each item of natural porcelain can be finished with glints of real silver and gold, colour, glazes and luxurious velvet-effect finishes, which are then combined and hand-wired with varying silver or gold wires into eye-catching bridal accessories.

“I have a core collection of handcrafted items, though being entirely made by hand these will always be individual and unique. I also love to offer a custom design service to personalise my existing designs by adding different elements, or a bespoke service to design something individual to my clients,” says Gayle. Examples of previous commissions include clustered gypsophila hair combs, lovebird hairpins and buttonholes, and floral hair vines and halos. Personalised or bespoke designs can also incorporate silver embellishments, gold highlights, the lustre of freshwater pearls, and the sparkle of gemstones. The result will be a delicate, exquisite and truly unique piece of art to wear on that most special of days. beelavish.co.uk

WIN A WEDDING SUNRISE PHOTO! A unique and truly beautiful gift idea, The Day That’s sublime landscape images capture the dawn of any significant date, whether it’s your wedding, engagement or other pivotal event. The company’s dedicated group of professional photographers take daily sun-up shots around the breathtaking Cornish coastline to offer a gallery of stunning seascapes that you can choose from before personalising and presenting as a post-wedding gift to your spouse. You could even arrange to have one delivered to your home as a posthoneymoon surprise, or to a loved one to say thank you.

After selecting your preferred image, you can tailor everything from the size of the print to the frame, mount, message and finish, for a poignant reminder of your day. Each gift is lovingly handmade in the UK using premium mouldings from FSC certified wood and designer aluminium for durable and ultra-clear frames all created under strict guidelines set out by the Fine Art Guild. These are then packaged in an eco-friendly pocket of card and air that perfectly cradles your picture to protect both it and the planet; the perfect gift that’s beautiful, bespoke and benevolent.

We have teamed up with The Day That to give away a gorgeous 40x50cm framed and personalised sunrise photograph worth more than £125. To enter, simply fill in the form on this link: thedaythat.co.uk/b2b/wed-magazine-competition thedaythat.co.uk

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Jennifer Jane

#thatuptonfeeling

Nova

Clayton Jane

Upton Barn & walled garden

Cullompton, Devon www.uptonbarn.com info@uptonbarn.com 01884 38302

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z z u b l a d i HAPPY DAYS regular | BRIDAL BUZZ

Deer Park Country House is an oasis of relaxation and rural charm, tucked away amidst the glorious scenery of east Devon. With 80 acres of scenic grounds to roam, the exclusiveuse venue couldn’t be more perfect for an extended wedding, allowing your friends and family to gather for some precious together-time, filled with delicious food and memory-making activities, in an exceptional setting.

“After such a troublesome year of lockdown and restrictions, many of our couples are adding extra days to their celebration to make up for not being able to spend time with family and friends recently,” says Mark Godfrey, managing directory of Deer Park Country House. “Not only is the extra time to celebrate an attraction, the stress levels are reduced and it all becomes a much more relaxed affair. We think Deer Park is a great place for a fun and informal, retreat style wedding making use of all our outdoor spaces.”

You might kick off your festivities with a welcome feast in the walled garden, making use of the braai rotisserie, or pizzas cooked before you in the Mediterranean Kitchen – all chock-full of ingredients fresh from the kitchen garden. A starry-eyed wedding day takes in more of the venue’s picturesque settings, from the thatched summerhouse for the ceremony and the Italian garden for the drinks reception to the elegant orangery for the wedding breakfast. The celebrations can continue at a relaxed pace the next day, perhaps including yoga on the lawn, outdoor pursuits (think fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, falconry or a treasure hunt) or strolls around the surrounding countryside, exploring the woodland, wild flower meadows and riverside trails. Or simply enjoy savouring this country house, and its variety of tranquil indoor and outdoor spaces, with your nearest and dearest.

Going to bed will be a pleasure in itself thanks to the stylish accommodation. As well as en suite bedrooms in the main house and garden room, there’s the chic Playhouse. “This is where the experience begins - the bride and bridesmaids spend the night before the wedding in luxury,” says Mark. “We happily deliver roasted chicken salads and plentiful supplies of fizz. The main dining table doubles as the hair and nail bar, and with three bathrooms there’s plenty of space to prepare!” There’s also the Shed - “a true man cave with a pool table, dartboard, games console, barbecue and fridge full of Deer Park’s own cider!” - and the Tree House, which, complete with a log burner, roll-top bath and rolling views, couldn’t be a more romantic setting for the wedding night. Just imagine rounding off the most magical of extended wedding celebrations on your private balcony beneath the stars. Dreamy. deerpark.co.uk

RINGING THE CHANGES With decades of experience helping couples find their dream engagement and wedding rings, the experts at Plymouth-based jewellers Drakes are replete with ring-buying advice for those embarking upon their search. “Choose a ring that reflects your personality,” advises Nicola Price. “Both your engagement and wedding ring signify a special moment in your life, so relax and enjoy the experience of choosing them with us.

Our knowledgeable and passionate team are always on hand to help.”

From successfully pairing your engagement and wedding rings to considering aspects such as lifestyle, the expert team will help you to individually hone your choice. What’s more, you can also spread the cost with their deposit scheme or interest-free credit options, while the Drakes Rewards scheme gives one reward for every pound spent (the equivalent of 10p) to redeem in-store on your next visit. So, for example, if you spend £500 on your rings, you will net £50 worth of Drakes Rewards that you could use toward some beautiful jewellery to complete your bridal ensemble or gift your bridesmaids (terms and conditions apply). Peruse their new bridal brochure online and start feeling inspired.

Alternatively, if you cannot find the wedding ring you envision, then take the personalised route with Drakes’ Bespoke Service whereby couples can work with the team to make their vision a stunning reality. “You may have a family heirloom that you would love to incorporate into your ring – we’ve created rings using gold from grandparents’ jewellery before, and even reset precious diamonds into rings to make them even more special,” says Nicola. drakesjewellers.co.uk

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z z u b l a d i regular | BRIDAL BUZZ

Catherine Spiller Maxi Photography

THE PERFECT INGREDIENTS Throwing together the ingredients of creative cuisine and a beautiful space to celebrate, the catering extraordinaires behind Posh Nosh are running a new wedding venue, The Wadsworth Pavilion. Set in a prime location just outside Exeter, within the grounds of Westpoint, Exeter, the picturesque log cabin-style building is perfect for relaxed, rustic weddings and events with lots of outside and woodland space for reception drinks and photos.

The team can provide all the crockery, cutlery, glassware and table linen - as well as tables and chairs from Western Event Hire - if required, along with information on other recommended local suppliers such as décor companies, cake makers, bands etc. You can also have a marquee from Western Event Hire attached to the building to offer more space for a bar or dance floor, or extra seating to comply with social distancing measures if needed.

Thanks to the exceptional skills of the award-winning catering company, all varieties of menus are possible, including canapés, plated menus, sharing boards, barbecues and hog roasts, as well as evening food and bespoke menus, so you know your guests will be treated to the finest flavours.

With plenty of parking, and both free and cash bar services, it’s the perfect spot for a wedding. What’s more, the venue is happy to accommodate intimate celebrations for couples keen to marry in the near future while guest number restrictions are in place. The finest of flavourful food in a rustic setting, what more could you dream of? westpointexeter.co.uk

IT’S SHOW TIME!

posh-nosh.co.uk westerneventhire.co.uk

If you’re planning a wedding and are looking for something outside the (engagement ring) box, then the Not Your Average Wedding Show is sure to put a spring in your wedding planning step! This brilliantly interactive event is being held on Sunday 25th October at Ashridge Great Barn in North Tawton in conjunction with Knots & Kisses Wedding Styling, and guarantees to live up to its name with a host of fun and inspiring features.

These include a workshops tipi and styled room sets (coordinated and styled by the super-talented Nikki Sherriff of Knots & Kisses) where you will be able to roam three beautifully styled areas filled with inspiration for your wedding day, with the suppliers available to discuss their services and your requirements in the super-cosy lounge area.

There will also be a Pamper Parlour complete with hair and make-up artists and a glitter bar, alongside oodles of entertainment in the form of live music, photo booths and outdoor activities such as archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, alpacas and even hawk walks. Plus, with delicious festival-style outdoor catering, insightful talks and a host of top-notch wedding suppliers to help you hone your vision and plan your day to perfection, expect a memorable day out with an enjoyable and distinctive difference.

Tickets are available as either ‘entry only’ for £7.50, and then you can book a workshop individually for £16 each, or purchase an ‘Experience’ ticket for £40 that includes entry, two workshops and lunch! The workshops include a dried flower crown workshop with luxury event florist Emma Hewlett, a modern calligraphy taster session with Wild Sea Calligraphy, a botanical painting workshop

WEDDING SUPERSTITION The tradition of throwing confetti is thought to date back to the Roman era, when a barley cake was crumbled over the bride to

with published author and watercolour artist Harriet De Winton and a cocktail

bestow her fertility and prosperity. In Tudor times, however, it

masterclass.

was common for newly-weds to be showered with old shoes!

eventbrite.co.uk/e/not-your-average-wedding-showcasetickets-99172901819

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Four Unique Venues at the Home of Devon The magical woodland garden, unforgettable views from the Belvedere, the rustic charm of the Old Riding School or the showstopping setting of our 600 year old Castle.

Start planning your dream wedding by speaking to our team today.

01626 890243 weddings@powderham.co.uk www.powderham.co.uk

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z z u b l a d i br regular | BRIDAL BUZZ

HERO GOWNS FROM HERA There’s a lot of love for Hera Couture at Honiton boutique, Lovely – and it’s not difficult to see why. The hot New Zealand designer gowns are designed to make every bride feel like a goddess, with careful attention being paid to support and structure, ensuring complete comfort and confidence. Together with their signature romantic silhouettes, intricate embellishment and luxurious textures – not to mention striking 3D laces and sultry necklines – the gowns are the stuff of bridal dreams. And, as the only stockist in the south-west, brides are hotfooting it to the super-stylish emporium to try the range on.

Other star designers at the rails include Charlie Brear’s so-cool designs for modern brides, Rembo Styling’s boho chic beauties, Stephanie Allin’s timelessly romantic dresses and Jesus Peiro’s eclectic collection of impeccably crafted gowns, ranging from stunning clean lines and full skirts to elegant ethereal dresses.

Together with a gorgeous space to browse, a wonderfully warm service and a covetable collection of accessories, a visit to Lovely should be a must on your to-do list. lovelybridal.co.uk

wed’s WISH LIST We’re coveting these matrimonial must-haves…

THE ART OF FLOWERS This has to be one of our favourite ways of preserving your bridal bouquet: as a luxury fine art print. Inspired by iconic botanical illustrations, photographer Liz Baker of The Botanical Bouquet creatively arranges the varieties of flowers and foliage from your bouquet on a linen board before photographing them. Using the

AM Faulkner

Hermione Harbutt

By Kyna

finest pigment inks and pure cotton papers, the resulting work of botanical art makes the most enchanting of keepsakes. lizbakerphotography.co.uk

A statement headband is the ultimate finishing touch for fashionforward brides – and we couldn’t love the look more. Encrusted with pearls, petals and golden starbursts with Swarovski crystals, these dazzling designs will take your bridal look to the next – oh-so lovely – level.

Paul Doherty Photography

HEAD TURNER

AM Faulkner annmariefaulkner.co.uk

By Kyna bykyna.ie Hermione Harbutt hermioneharbutt.com

SOLE SEEKER Combine comfort with style on your big day by donning a pair of wedding-worthy trainers or boots from Wedding Converse. Take your pick from Converse (we love the vintage pearl design) to Nike trainers and uber-cool Dr Martens. Choose your customised twist and hey presto! Dancing shoes well and truly sorted. wedding-converse.co.uk

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style | FASHION | FRESH GREENS

fresh greens Fill your wedding with the gorgeous shades of green rocking wedding world, from luxe emerald to crisp mint compiled by Rebecca Matthews

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1. Shades of grey and white temper the tones of green in this wildly beautiful bouquet. florenstudio.co.uk 2. From the sleek tiers to the seriously stylish shade of neo mint, we love everything about this contemporary bake by Peboryon. peboryon.com 3. Made from wispy chiffon in barely there green, this featherlight bridesmaid dress sings of spring. watters.com 4. Handcrafted by Mirri Damer, Rachel Takes Pictures

Grace Elizabeth

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these dazzling colour-fade emerald earrings would make a standout finishing touch for a bridal ensemble. mirridamer.com 5. Brush strokes of shimmering gold creates the perfect pairing to mint green in this super-chic wedding stationery. hiphiphooray.com 6. Furled in ribbons of gold, gorgeous green sapphires echo the colours of the ocean in

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this handcrafted ring by Emily Nixon.

8..

emilynixon.com 7. Vintage elegance meets

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a fresh, modern look in these mint ‘n’ metallic heels by Rachel Simpson. rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk 8. Embellished with sequins and glitter, this dress is a sweet style for a little one. monsoon.co.uk

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Daisy Floral Design,

Weddings and Events www.thevelvetdaisy.co.uk helen@thevelvetdaisy.co.uk 07790692221

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style | STYLING | PASTEL HAZE

pastel haze Blended with clean lines and hip boho vibes, pink receives an achingly modern update in this super-cool styled shoot photography Clare Kinchin styling Nikki Sherriff, Knots & Kisses

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PASTEL HAZE

The wonderfully textured walls of Upton Barn & Walled Garden make an atmospheric canvas for a wedding scheme as captivating as it is coolly contemporary in this styled shoot.

“The inspiration for the shoot started with the curves and pastel schemes seen in so many interiors trends this year,” explains Nikki Sherriff of Knots & Kisses, who coordinated and styled the shoot. “We also wanted to reclaim the colour pink for weddings, without it being the muted blush colour which has been so prevalent over the last decade.”

A palette of candy pink and ivory, complemented by shades of turquoise and teal, and accents of natural rattan, wood and gold, sets the scene for a modern look with a boho twist. Mixed with fresh pinks and gypsophila, stunning swathes of pampas grass and dried flowers create a striking hanging arrangement above the table, with natural rattan lampshades adding a further touch of boho style. Rattan also features on the cake table, elevating the texture-rich confection, while the splashes of teal and gold, together with the candy pink tablecloth, echo the palette.

“Stationery was pops of pink, teal and gold with modern geometric clips and natural curved lines,” says Nikki. “This theme ran throughout the wedding and included a modern gold frame table plan, accented with more beautiful boho flowers and pampas.”

In keeping with the modern aesthetic, the bridal wear ranges from a shimmering sequin skirt paired with a crisp high-neck top for the ceremony to a sharp tuxedo suit and sleek jumpsuit, while the bridesmaid dons a chic satin slip. Pearl-encrusted headbands add the perfect modern finish alongside exquisite handcrafted jewellery.

The groom, meanwhile, wears a silver-grey suit and pink shirt for the ceremony followed up with a more casual pink and grey checked suit teamed with a T-shirt for later in the day.

“Upton Barn & Walled Garden is an amazing venue for providing lots of rooms and areas so the bridal party and their guests can really spread out and each area can be styled without having to ‘turnover’ rooms halfway through the day,” says Nikki.

“We utilised the gorgeous seating area in the barn, adding rattan tables, cushions and throws and more beautiful floral arrangements in vases. A further seating area with a cocktail cart was also created and would be the perfect spot for guests to take selfies in the statement peacock chairs.”

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style | STYLING | PASTEL HAZE

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PASTEL HAZE

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style | STYLING | PASTEL HAZE

Styling, design & coordination

Knots & Kisses knotsandkisses.co.uk Venue

Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com Photography

Clare Kinchin Photography clarekinchinphotography.co.uk Cake

Edible Essence edibleessencecakeart.com Flowers

Brompton Buds bromptonbuds.com Stationery

Knots & Kisses knotsandkisses.co.uk Hair

Bridal Hair by Rosanne bridalhairbyrosanne.co.uk Make-up

Emma Roberts MUA facebook.com/emmarobertsmakeup/ Bridal wear & bridesmaids’ dresses

The Own Studio theownstudio.com Grooms wear

Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk Models bride & groom

Issy & Oshae gingersnap.co.uk Bridesmaid

Nola instagram.com/nola.uk Headbands

Alice & Blair aliceandblair.co.uk Modern gold hair accessory

Clare Elizabeth Kilgour clareelizabethkilgour.com Tableware & props

Keeping It Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk Rattan tables

Virginias Vintage Hire virginiasvintagehire.co.uk White chairs

Signature Blue Events signaturebluevintageevents.co.uk Rings & jewellery

Erin Cox Jewellery erincox.co.uk

Molten Wedding Ring Company moltenweddingringcompany.com

Linens 88 Events 88events.com

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PIROUET T E 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.pirouettethecollection.com

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

An immaculate, exclusive use Regency manor wedding venue, dedicated to delivering unique and expertly managed occasions.

Rockbeare Manor, Nr Exeter, Devon, EX5 2FE Telephone: 01392 797444 www.rockbearemanor.co.uk 29

style | STYLING | INTO THE LIGHT

into the light

Barely there hues and light-as-air details create a relaxed and intimate wedding scene in a picture-perfect corner of Devon photography Tara Statton styling Elisabeth Shell Events

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INTO THE LIGHT

Nestled in the green hills of south Devon, amidst 20 acres of fields, woodland and organic gardens, Brickhouse Vineyard offers seclusion, scenery and romance in equal measure, making it a dream setting for an elopement or intimate wedding.

Here, the lovingly restored 18th century round house makes the dream canvas for an ethereal wedding scene styled with the lightest hues and fresh, contemporary accents.

“I was drawn to the concept of honesty in a photo shoot with hints of reflective surfaces and accents of clear acrylic, vintage crystal coupes and contemporary styling in a frosted, bleached, dreamy vibe, whilst keeping it super romantic,” explains Phoebe Stanaway of Elisabeth Shell Events who styled the shoot.

“I knew I wanted to feature shimmery lunaria and pearlescent capiz shells as key elements to tie into the concept, and a muted colour palette with lots of fresh white linen and cotton.”

The luminescent qualities of the lunaria and capiz shells work beautifully against the crisp whites of the tablescape and the natural textures of the floral arrangements. From the candlesticks and tableware to the delicate, Devon-crafted jewels and the intricate geode cake, metallic accents catch the light throughout, while the crystal glassware and clear acrylics enhance the luxe, modern aesthetic.

In perfect harmony with the light, ethereal quality of the shoot, the bride dazzles in delicate lace, flowing tulle and fashion-forward separates, her hair relaxed and natural.

“Brickhouse Vineyard is so beautiful and has such a gorgeous feel of light and space,” says Phoebe.

“I wanted to capture an airiness that is infused with the warmth and hospitality of the venue, whilst portraying a down-to-earth, happy bride at understated moments that might be captured throughout a wedding day, whether it’s buckling a shoe, eating canapés or laughing with her friends.”

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style | STYLING | INTO THE LIGHT

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INTO THE LIGHT

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style | STYLING | INTO THE LIGHT

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INTO THE LIGHT

Venue

Brickhouse Vineyard brickhousevineyard.co.uk Styling, concept, coordination, props & décor

Elisabeth Shell Events elisabethshellevents.com Photography

Tara Statton tarastattonphotography.com Flowers

Winsor Flower Studio winsorflowerstudio.co.uk Hair

Bridal Hair by Rosanne bridalhairbyrosanne.co.uk Make-up

Laura Le Page lauralepagebridalmakeup.com Dresses

Willowby by Watters, Catherine Deane & Marylise from The Ivory Secret theivorysecret.co.uk Model

CuckooLander instagram.com/cuckoolander Hair accessories

The Lucky Sixpence theluckysixpence.co.uk Jewellery & engagement ring

Erin Cox Jewellery erincox.co.uk Wedding ring

Molten Wedding Ring Company moltenweddingringcompany.com Cake

Bake Away bakeawayplymouth.com Wine glasses, coupes & cake stand

Keeping it Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk Canapés

Eat Nice eatnicebenice.com

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style | DRESSES BRIDAL FASHION | AISLE|STYLE INTO THE BLUE Hera Couture, Lovely

aisle style From catwalks across the globe to Devon’s bridal boutiques, here are our favourite new looks for modern brides words Rebecca Matthews FEATHER-LIGHT Exude a dreamy, ethereal vibe in a light-as-air dress made from effortlessly frothy fabrics such as tulle and organza; think sheer sheaths and cloud-like ball gowns for a stunning yet easy-to-wear statement.

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

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Jesus Peiro, Lovely

Willowby by Watters The Ivory Secret

Hera Couture, Lovely

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AISLE STYLE Stephanie Allin, Lovely

BIG AND BEAUTIFUL Make a showstopping entrance in a headturning ball gown. Go full Grace Kelly in satin or channel romantic Renaissance style with billowy sleeves.

Jesus Peiro, Lovely

Jesus Peiro, Lovely

Angel B Curve, Pretty Smithy Bridal

Lilly, Pretty Smithy Bridal

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Marylise, The Ivory Secret

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Charlie Brear, Lovely

TAKE THE PLUNGE Plunging necklines are everywhere in bridal fashion right now. If a deep V-neckline isn’t for you, go for a gown with a simple, stylish front and captivate your congregation with a deep plunge back as you glide down the aisle.

Rembo Styling, Lovely

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

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style | DRESSES | AISLE STYLE Anna Kara, The Ivory Secret

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

NEW TAKES ON LACE While bridal fashion’s love affair with lace is nothing new, modern bridal gowns offer a lace for every wedding vibe: think guipure and macramé for relaxed, effortless style, soft floral lace for garden party romance and geometric and graphic lace for a contemporary mood.

Lilly, Pretty Smithy Bridal

Willowby by Watters, The Ivory Secret

Whether you go off-the-shoulder, halterneck à la Meghan or one-shoulder

Sottero & Midgley, Pirouette

for serious goddess vibes, modern brides are flashing their shoulders in style. The shoulder-baring trend works for most bridal styles, from classic

Rosa Clara Soft, Lovely

SHOW SOME SHOULDERS

satin ball gowns and relaxed Grecian frocks to high glamour looks.

Willowby by Watters, The Ivory Secret

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Hera Couture, Lovely

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Willowby by Watters, The Ivory Secret

Charlie Brear, Lovely

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The Ivory Secret bridal boutique

Anna Kara . Marylise . Willowby-by-Watters . Catherine Deane . bespoke wedding gowns and more...

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style | DRESSES BRIDAL FASHION | SHAPE | INTO OF YOUR THE BLUE LOVE Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

shape of your love Savour your moment in the spotlight in a form-fitting and fashion-forward gown words Hannah May

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SHAPE OF YOUR LOVE Hera Couture, Lovely

Forget the ever-changing ideals of beauty and size – today’s bridal collections are a celebration of the female form in all its diverse glory.

By focusing on making high fashion wearable for the everywoman, designers are blending modern style with clever effects for the most flattering, fashion-forward of frocks, allowing you to achieve your bridal vision with confidence and ease.

Today’s catwalks are replete with figure-sculpting confections subtly concealing, cinching, exposing and accentuating your features for a look that’s oh-so gratifyingly ‘you’.

Body type: Curvy Silhouette: Ball gown, A-line/empire, full skirts Voluptuous bodies require more structured silhouettes in order to increase support, with the overall aim being to balance your figure while emphasising your assets.

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Wrap dresses are an effortless choice, while strapless styles and skin-baring designs have a slimming effect – think open necklines such as sweetheart and plunge styles paired with a nipped-in waistline to showcase your cleavage and create a more exaggerated hourglass shape.

Bias-cut or form-fitting gowns that hug the hips and loan structural support to the bust are ideal, with ball gowns being the timeless solution. A fitted bodice supports and flaunts cleavage while a big skirt cinches the waist. We’re not talking boring, featureless ball gowns here. Instead, picture cascading tiers, criss-cross draping, Mikado cuffs, and elegant satin ball gowns that epitomise Hollywood glamour.

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Just remember to avoid over-voluminous designs that may

Angel B Curve, Pretty Smithy Bridal

visually add weight, as well as high necks and anything especially loose or tight.

Millie Grace, Pretty Smithy Bridal

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style | DRESSES BRIDAL FASHION | SHAPE | INTO OF YOUR THE BLUE LOVE Charlie Brear, Lovely

Catherine Deane, The Ivory Secret

Body type: Petite Silhouette: A-line, column, fit & flare, short skirts Smaller frames can experiment with high fashion finishes that lend volume to their look, including ruffles, drapery, pleating and puffy sleeves, but opt for light layers such as tulle skirts and sheer sleeves to prevent becoming overwhelmed by too much fabric.

Short gowns with nude heels are the perfect combination for petite types to lengthen their legs, with vertical details such as beading, seams and buttons, and updo hairstyles also increasing a sense of height and sartorial drama.

Shoulder and dĂŠcolletage-baring styles such as sweetheart, plunge and off-the-shoulder or asymmetric necklines are another flattering option, while ‘50s fitted styles, elbow length or long kimono-style sleeves, midi dresses with thigh-high slits, micro minis, high-low hems and cropped Stephanie Allin, Lovely

Marylise, The Ivory Secret

jackets are other stunning stylistic choices.

Colour-wise, up the trendsetting ante with floral

Charlie Brear, Lovely

prints, scalloped necklines and pistachio, buff and ginger tones for a truly swoon-worthy ensemble.

Millie May, Pretty Smithy Bridal

Brighton Belle, Pretty Smithy Bridal

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SHAPE OF YOUR LOVE Jesus Peiro, Lovely

Marylise, The Ivory Secret

Freda Bennet, Kate Walker Bridal

Jesus Peiro, Lovely

on-trend romance.

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Jesus Peiro, Lovely

For added femininity, lace (choose a modern take

Millie May, Pretty Smithy Bridal

Body type: Athletic/tall Silhouette: A-line, empire, sheath, bridal suits Leaner frames lend themselves perfectly to formfitting styles, whether it’s the upper (go strapless, one-shouldered or halterneck), lower (try short/ micro skirts) or entire torso (select separates/suits/ sheaths) you’d prefer to parade.

Belted gowns add a high fashion flourish, as do oversized bows, a black sash and embellished belts, while sculpted styles accentuate your waist and, in turn, the curve of the bust and hips for a more defined hourglass shape. This can also be achieved with A-lines, sheaths and fishtails.

Slender brides can create curves and emphasise their willowy figures with frothy features and texture such as tiered skirts, or channel the Victoriana and bourgeois looks via ruffled collars, high/mock necks, cover-up styles and long sleeves. Alternatively, minimalist options including tailored separates, jumpsuits, bridal coats and capes, are perfect for Amazonian figures. Complete with a supersized, embellished or colourful veil for a theatrical air of

on the traditional fabric with crochet, mosaic, and geometric) smacks of boho and prairie whimsy.

Opt for mirror effect embellishment and intricately woven glitter and sequins for a nouveau art deco vibe, while ’20s style flapper frocks with a dropped waist are another ideal option for athletic frames.

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style | DRESSES | SHAPE OF YOUR LOVE Sottero & Midgley, Pirouette

Rebecca Ingram, Pirouette

Hera Couture, Lovely

Stephanie Allin, Lovely

Maggie Sottero, Pirouette

Stephanie Allin, Lovely

Body type: Hourglass Silhouette: Mermaids, sheaths, ball gowns An hourglass is defined by balance: the bust and hips share a similarly wide circumference nipped in with a narrow waist, making it a designer’s favourite form because it’s so easy to dress – and flatter.

Draw attention to your proportionate curves through figure-hugging designs such as the mermaid or trumpet, or select a ball gown with a modern twist for high fashion meets timeless style.

Any silhouette that maximises an hourglass shape is ideal, which can be classic or contemporary in design to suit your individual sense of style. Think strapless fishtails with deep plunge necklines, sultry sheaths with illusion backs or sexy cut-outs, and ball gowns with exposed corsetry, billowing tulle skirts and beautiful in-built trains.

Then there’s the haute couture additions for further attention-grabbing effect, from feathers and fringing to ruffled trimming, watercolours, oversized bows and corsages, and voluminous extras like detachable tulle overskirts or a jewel-encrusted veil.

Millie May, Pretty Smithy Bridal

Stockists The Ivory Secret theivorysecret.uk Kate Walker Bridal katewalkerbridal.co.uk Lovely lovelybridal.co.uk Pirouette pirouettethecollection.com Pretty Smithy Bridal prettysmithybridal.co.uk

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I N T I M AITNET I M A T E

G R A N DGERUA RN D E U R

WEDDW I NEGD & N TE V PE LN AT N NPILNAGN N I N G D IE NV GE &

W W WW . AW RW DO CO W . U. K . AURRDAONUDRBAONW D. B CO.UK

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style | BRIDESMAIDS | HERE COME THE GIRLS

here come the girls Choosing your bridesmaids – an easy task or wedmin from hell? We talk you through the etiquette, potential pitfalls and pure joys of gathering your gal pals words Hannah May

Salt & Sea Photography Co.

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HERE COME THE GIRLS

Let’s just admit it: female relationships can be complicated. Weddings have a habit of throwing all relationships under the microscope, and it often seems as though the bride’s choice of bridesmaids can be an especially contentious issue, particularly as us women are wonderfully complex creatures.

Declaring those you deem to be your most trusted gal pals is both a hugely joyous and honour-giving event, but the flipside is that your decision can leave others affronted, aggrieved; anguished, even.

Unfortunately for some, the process is often a cause of unintentional hurt, unnecessary stress and emotional pain during what is already one of the most psychologically magnifying times of every woman’s life.

“Choosing your bridesmaids can be a tricky decision; who will you have by your side through the thick and thin of planning the wedding?” asks wedding planner, Jenny Granlund of Jenny Wren Weddings & Events (jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk).

“Who can you trust for honest opinions on things, who will be there for Abi Riley

you as a calming influence and not judge you during bridezilla moments (let’s face it – everyone has them at least once)?” she says. “Who will hold your dress up and prim you to perfection before photographs, who will deal with any mini dramas that may occur on the day, who will dance to every single song, and – most importantly – who are true friends who you would want to share such a special time in your life with?” she posits to help narrow your selection.

The dream team Here’s the crux: it’s not a popularity contest. It’s about selecting someone based on your perception of their ability to carry out the role you require of them. It’s more about pragmatism, coping mechanisms, honesty of character and emotional support credentials than anything else. You might adore nights out with a particular friend, holidaying with another – but are they the best Grant Lampard

people to help you plan your hen do, deliberate your dress and manage any big day mishaps?

Communication is paramount. If you’re unsure, talk to your friends individually or (depending on the dynamics of your friendship circles) in a group, to ascertain what you want, and how they’re able to contribute.

You may be agonising between two people, completely unaware that one of them doesn’t like to be in the public spotlight, or feels anxious while under pressure. Perhaps they have just landed a promotion and simply won’t have the time to help with the planning, so ask. True friends are understanding, willing to actively listen, and want to be involved in your happiness. If umbrage is taken, chances are it’s not about you and if tensions boil, try a cooling-off period before broaching the subject and peacefully getting to the root of the conflict to seek a resolution. This shouldn’t be a source of grudge holding and, if that transpires, perhaps it’s evidence that your friendship has waned and therefore it’s time to adopt an ethos of ‘letting go’.

Select committee “A bridesmaid does not have to be a woman,” declares Jenny. “If your best friend is a man, there is no reason he can’t make up part of the bridal party – your man of honour perhaps? The most important thing is that you include those you want to, whatever their gender.”

It’s also worth remembering that this is one instance where ‘the more, the merrier’ doesn’t necessarily apply. “Think carefully about this before you jump in to ask. Not only does each additional maid come with a potential

Nick Walker

price tag (for elements such as dress and bouquet), but too many maids can equal too many opinions.”

Her advice? “Take your time,” she says. “Once you have asked someone to be your bridesmaid, it is extremely difficult to un-ask them if you have

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style | BRIDESMAIDS | HERE COME THE GIRLS The Unbridled

changed your mind. Let the excitement of being engaged mellow slightly before selecting.”

Set realistic expectations “Think about how involved you want your maids to be,” says Jenny. “Do you want them to attend dress shopping with you, arrange your hen do, help make decorations and attend pre-wedding shindigs? If so, it is worth considering who will actually be available to do this? Those who live far away, have very busy lifestyles or perhaps have a newborn may not be able to commit to this. This may cause frustrations later down the line and they will feel bad about not being able to help,” she adds.

“Don’t feel you are under obligation to ask someone just because they asked you,” reminds Jenny of another potential pitfall and political minefield.

“Friendships and relationships change over time and you may not be as close to the person you were bridesmaid for three years ago.”

Similarly, don’t feel like you have to follow tradition.

“Traditionally, the bride’s sister – if she has one closest in age to her – is the maid of honour. However, we are far from traditional in this day and age, so feel free to choose whoever you want,” says Jenny.

The decision of who will be your bridesmaids can be really difficult, but it is often just not feasible to include everyone you would like to in the bridal party.

“People will generally understand, but my tip would

Nick Walker

be to acknowledge the fact they are not included and speak to them about it directly and explain, rather than glossing over it,” says Jenny. “Perhaps try and involve them in some other way – ask them to do a reading, for example.”

No more drama Another aspect to consider is how all of the bridesmaids will work and act together as a group – are there conflicts already present between certain parties, or will personalities complement each other?

“Think about group dynamics,” suggests Jenny. “Are there any characters that may clash? They are likely to be in contact a lot as they work together for you, so it’s worth thinking about this and how you can overcome any potential issues between certain people before they happen.” If you’re preoccupied with dispute management, it will be a lot more difficult to get things done and enjoy the planning period.

“Try to involve all of them, or at least give them the opportunity to be involved,” suggests Jenny. “Giving them all a voice will avoid anyone feeling left out.”

And the most important thing? “Remember they are your friends as well as your bridesmaids.

Sometimes it’s good to take off your wedding planner hat and enjoy some time with them with no wedding task talks.” They’re taking on a sizeable responsibility for you, so don’t forget to demonstrably appreciate that fact!

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#44 2020

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49

style | BRIDESMAIDS | HERE COME THE GIRLS The Unbridled

The five commandments According to Jenny, there are five things that your bridesmaids should be keen and able to do on your wedding day, so if you can’t envisage them doing it (or they don’t agree to them all!) – perhaps don’t ask them to be one...

excitement, you need to be that shoulder to cry

bride beforehand to ensure you are on the same

on, friend to moan to, and be super patient.

wavelength; otherwise you could be planning an adventure assault course day when she was

Wear the dress. Of course you want to feel

envisioning a relaxing spa afternoon. Not the easiest

comfortable and hopefully you will have been

task, granted, but do not let the bride know if you

involved in the choosing of your dress. But even if

are getting stressed out with it.

you haven’t and dislike it, put it on along with your smile. You’re wearing it for her, on her special day

Be on hand. On the day, hold her dress up when

and one day you may want her to do the same.

she needs you to, prim her to perfection before

Dance! Even when it’s only Aunt Eunice on the

photographs, distribute the confetti to guests,

dance floor, kick off your shoes and get involved,

Help with the hen do. The bride will have more

ensure you all have your bouquets (and she has

encouraging others to do so.

than enough on her plate organising the wedding

hers) before walking down the aisle, organise the

so try your best to assist with this. Ask all attending

throwing of the bouquet afterwards, assist with any

Provide emotional support. Both during the

for their realistic budget before you begin (then

toast mastering duties and organisation of guests if

lead-up when she may be feeling rather stressed,

stick to it!), so you can ensure you pick something

required… Generally be there for her in case she

and on the day itself when she is full of nerves and

everyone can afford. Also, have a chat with the

needs anything.

Unwind and connect Whether you want to incorporate them as part of your hen party, or as a way to thank your maids for their help, we love these female-focused ideas...

Access Bars “I have previously done hen parties that include Access Bars, which are personally my favourite treatment to have,” says Pippa King from Cornwall Wellbeing, referring to an energetic process that involves gently touching 32 points on your head to release huge amounts of stress and blocked energy build-up from the mind and body. “A light touch is applied to specific points on the head to clear your mind, body and emotions of clutter, rather like a defrag of your inner computer. You feel clearer, lighter and freer after each treatment,” she says.

Albion Row

cornwallwellbeing.co.uk Bridal Blessings “A bridal blessing makes the ideal hen party to shower your bride with love as she starts this new journey,” says Emma Griffin from Sacred Spaces. “It supports, honours and celebrates the magical journey into this sacred union and commitment before her, surrounded by her soul sisters.” Emma can supply bridal blessing kits, or perform the blessing circle herself (in Cornwall), which involves a series of events including anointing, drinking sacred cacao, writing love notes to the bride, making a firepit and setting intentions into crystals to give to the bride. sacred-spaces.co.uk Women’s Circles Hosting regular women’s circles, moon-time talks, lunar circles and workshops, Trudi Holden at Wild Samsara’s regular events feature everything from feminine power to

Enchanted Brides

meditation, aromatherapy and healing. She also offers holistic therapies, Reiki and rituals

50

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such as ‘Grounding’, ‘Re-balancing’ and ‘Awakening’, should you and your girlfriends fancy it. wildsamsara.co.uk

#44 2020

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51

style | BRIDESMAID DRESSES | BEST DRESSED

best dressed Give your bridesmaids the best gift: a stylish outfit that will ensure a happily dressed day for all. Here’s some of the hottest looks du jour words Hannah May

PASTELS AND PETALS Whether it’s a country wedding, botanical-themed affair,

Halfpenny London

spring celebration or you simply love petals and pastels – Katya Katya

to make your bridesmaid line-up look unique, while pastel

Watters

dress your bridesmaids to suit. Prints are an instant way shades always look fresh, flattering and oh-so pretty.

Maids to Measure

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#44 2020

Maids to Measure

www.wedmagazine.co.uk

BEST DRESSED Sorella Vita

MIX AND MATCH Showcase your bridesmaids’ individual sense of style with a mix and match approach. You might mix up your colours, prints, silhouettes or even textures – think gorgeous blends of velvet, chiffon, satin and tulle. Separates are another versatile and achingly modern option – we love a delicate lace top paired with a flowing skirt.

Sorella Vita

AbideMaids

AbideMaids

Sorella Vita

Sorella Vita

Halfpenny London

Maids to Measure

Maids to Measure

NEW NECKLINES Cowl necklines, draping, and off-theshoulder styles are all the rage, while halternecks – and their close cousin, the racer-back dress – are also a superstylish choice. Pair a trending neckline with satin or velvet for extra style points.

53

style | BRIDESMAID DRESSES | BEST DRESSED

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16/05/2016 13:28 16/05/2016 22/05/201513:28 09:18 22/05/2015 09:18 16/05/2016 13:28 16/05/2016 22/05/201513:28 09:18 22/05/2015 09:18

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feature | RINGS | GLAM ROCKS

GLAM ROCKS Pack some personality into your engagement or wedding ring with irresistible clusters of rubies, sapphires or diamonds words Hannah May

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From bright colours to modern shapes, oversized

the hardest stone on the MoH scale, at a 10, with a

and wishbone rings. Other top trends to consider

gems to a subtle sprinkling of stones, couples

sizeable jump in toughness between it and a sapphire

include two-stone, hidden halos and distinctive cuts

seeking to stamp their wedding or engagement

or corundum at number 9.”

including marquise, rose and heart.

colour – have an extensive and exquisite range

“Diamonds and sapphires are definitely our preferred

“For engagement rings, you don’t always have to think

of designs to choose from featuring the latest

stones as they are so strong, which makes them

of the classic ice white diamond; a splash of colour

lust-have rocks.

perfect for wedding rings,” agrees Jamila Hirtenstein

is becoming more acceptable,” says Erin of another

at Justin Duance Jewellery (justind.co.uk) of the

emerging trend. “Sapphires make an excellent choice

“Gemstones really are down to personal preference

importance of considering the practicalities as well as

for bringing a touch of colour to your hand, as do

and each one is very different,” says Tamsin Worley

the aesthetics of your ring. “Stones are a great way

spinels or tourmalines for beautiful greys, pinks, greens

from Drakes (drakesjewellers.co.uk). “Some are more

of adding character to your wedding ring. We have

– and even blues.” Erin’s signature handmade creations

suitable for occasion and dress jewellery as they’re not

been using lots of reclaimed diamonds that we set in

also feature molten undulating textures, hand melt

as hard-wearing as others, like opal and emerald for

a scatter around our extra texture sandcast rings; the

bands, and beautiful bubble and tiara rings; so whether

example; while ruby, diamond and sapphire (that come

result is a really interesting organic piece with little

you fancy a giant statement stone, elegant multi-stone

in an array of beautiful colours including blue, white,

diamonds peeping out of the gold as if they have grown

ring or colourful trio of gems, these fashion-forward

pink and green) are the hardest-wearing gemstones

there.” Each Justin Duance piece is naturally bespoke

designs are just the swoon-worthy ticket.

and also the most popular.”

as a result of the production process, and can also be

rings with character – and maybe a splash of

customised to match individual requirements.

“Jewellery rules are made to be broken, because we

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are all individuals and don’t want to be clones of each

“The most popular gemstone pieces that we sell are

other,” asserts designer-maker Erin Cox (erincox.

eternity rings, three-stone rings and cluster rings,”

co.uk). “However, diamonds are a clever choice

observes Tamsin of Drakes’ most wanted designs,

for a ring you will wear every day. The diamond is

which include gorgeously shaped diamond curve, twist

Devon

#44 2020

1. Drakes drakesjewellers.co.uk 2. Erin Cox Jewellery erincox.co.uk 3. Justin Duance Jewellery justind.co.uk www.wedmagazine.co.uk

Justin Duance Contemporary Jewellery

Specialising in Wood . Palladium Beach Sand Casting Platinum . Silver . Gold Titanium . Gemstones Heirloom Metals Contact 01736 367254 info@justind.co.uk www.justind.co.uk

www.moltenweddingringcompany.com 14 Castle Street, Exeter. EX4 3PT sales@moltenweddingringcompany.com 01392 660836 57

feature | STYLING | SUMMER LOVE

SUMMER LOVE

Throw a glamorous summer wedding where cascades of petals meet shimmering golden accents and showstopping gowns photography Venetia Norrington venue styling Unique Designs by Tina

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SUMMER LOVE

The meandering paths of Deer Park Country House lead to some enchanting locations – from the Italian garden, spilling with fragrant Mediterranean flowers, and the rustic walled garden, where the freshest ingredients are picked for guests’ dinner plates, to the summer house, where couples can marry against a backdrop of woodland and wild flowers. Complete with panoramas across the rolling English countryside, it is a breathtakingly picturesque setting; the perfect backdrop for an al fresco summer celebration, as this dreamily romantic styled shoot illustrates.

Inspired by the flower-filled gardens, an abundance of florals and foliage are key to the aesthetic. Everywhere, gorgeous cream blooms sit amidst beds of lush green leaves and trailing vines for maximum impact. The dreamlike tablescape sees silk blossom trees peer over towering floral arrangements, the gold beaded charger plates and tableware shining in the sunlight against the crisp white linen. Beautifully draped chairs and candles bring yet more romance, while the embroidered floral motifs on the linens and shimmering petal accents on the napkins enhance the theme.

Sitting atop a vintage dresser and framed with foliage, the cake is pure opulence with its gold leaf details, ornate roses and intricate leaf patterning, which brings texture to the creamy tiers. The stationery, meanwhile, is luxurious and timelessly elegant.

In keeping with the glamorous and romantic styling, the dresses combine statement silhouettes with modern, playful detailing, from fringed skirts and sheer panels to an all-eyes-on-you ball gown. Dainty jewels, soft waves of auburn hair and, of course, a stunning bouquet make the perfect finishing touches to this summer dream.

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feature | STYLING | SUMMER LOVE

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SUMMER LOVE

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feature | STYLING | SUMMER LOVE

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SUMMER LOVE

Venue

Deer Park Country House deerpark.co.uk Photography

Venetia Norrington venetianorrington.com Venue styling

Unique Designs by Tina uniquedesignsbytina.com Cake

Edible Essence

edibleessencecakeart.com Dresses

Lovely

lovelybridal.co.uk Flowers

Poppys of Exeter

weddingsatpoppys.co.uk Hair

Laura Bukin Hair

laurabukinhair.epageuk.com Make-up

Emma Davy Model

Kayleigh Ross Stationery

Anon Design Studio

instagram.com/anon_design

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feature | SPEAK EASY

Matt Penberthy

speak easy Brides, are you considering standing up and saying a few words on your big day? While it traditionally used to be a job for the boys, more brides then ever are standing up to be heard‌ words Elizabeth Chester

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SPEAK EASY

Traditionally speaking When my usually shy and retiring bride-to-be friend recently announced to our group that she was making a speech at her upcoming nuptials, we all panicked. She can’t tell a joke without turning radish red, we mused, how is she going to cope with this limelight-hogging moment? But being shy shouldn’t stop anyone from being deliriously happy and grateful and wanting to say it out loud. And the good news is, bride’s speeches don’t have to conform to anything, as there is no rulebook. Wedding speeches by the bride haven’t historically been a traditional part of wedding ceremonies and receptions, although they are slowly becoming more prevalent.

Freckle Photography

“The bride’s speech is still seen as relatively rare at the typical British wedding; however, weddings are becoming less about traditions and so much more about reflecting a couple’s personality and independence,” says wedding planner Jessica from Ardour & Bow Weddings & Events (ardourandbow.co.uk). And our recent bride-to-be agrees. “I had so much to say,” she explains. “Although we had reflected our personalities and relationship through the decorations and theme, I had so much love and joy and gratitude for my new husband and our friends and family that I couldn’t convey through décor alone! And thank you notes and on-the-day drunken hugs just wouldn’t have done justice to how I felt,” she says, “I wanted to vocalise exactly how I felt on the day – through the power of a speech.”

Nerve swerve So how best can you get over the hurdle of on-the-day speech-induced nerves? Well, firstly there’s a glass of champagne (just a glass!), although make sure you don’t have too much and completely lose your filter. No one wants to make a drunken rambling speech that your Enchanted Brides

nearest and dearest will remember forever. If you’re keen to say a few words but don’t want to ruin the celebrations by sweating and panicking beforehand, why not choose to say something at a different time to the other speeches? That way you won’t feel the pressure of speaking when everyone is expecting it.

Our bride explains how she didn’t let feelings of fear take over. “I can be quietly witty, but I feel more confident in a one-to-one chat rather than big groups,” she says. “So I channelled my fear into my voice and, although I could see all my friends and family in front of me, in my head I was speaking to only one of them – my maid of honour.” So if there’s one person who, above all others, helps ground you, just focus on them.

“But remember that you will be surrounded by your friends and family,” says Jessica. “Everyone in the room is there for you, to love you and congratulate you, so there’s no need to feel anything other than love and support from your crowd.”

Funnily enough “Great speeches are often those that are said from the Keeper Creative

heart, are peppered with humour and speak directly to your guests and your partner,” advises Jessica. Ah, yes, humour, the big one when it comes to setting the room alight. But your speech doesn’t need to be rolling-onthe-floor funny, or even funny at all, particularly if

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feature | SPEAK EASY

leveller and a brilliant icebreaker, relaxing your audience and therefore you. If you’re not naturally funny, or struggle to write your own witticisms, you can choose someone else’s work and read out a funny poem or prose. Or if you don’t want to be funny, be clever, and above all be heartfelt, perhaps with a poem that focuses on your partner and incorporates key moments in your relationship to date.

Be sincere with detailed thanks to everyone who is there on the day, mentioning anyone who has helped you with specific jobs. Take the time to talk about friends and family who may not be able to be present on the day. “When thinking about what to include in your speech, tailor-make it to your audience,” says Jessica. If you’re having a bijou do, standing up and saying a few heartfelt words about how special it is to have such a small select group on your big day would be appropriate, whereas a 100-strong crowd packed with school and university friends might allow for a more raucous approach.

In it together How about making a speech together? “Marriage is a partnership after all, so I love the idea of both of you making a speech,” says Jessica. “Just make sure you coordinate what you are going to say in advance to avoid repetition.” Couples speeches can also be witty, for example, saying a line each from a funny poem you have created about each other, and an easy way to steal the show is to offer up a heartfelt speech from the two of you. There won’t be a dry eye in the house if you both lament how much the day means to you… you could even look each other in the eye as you say it.

Practice makes perfect Whatever you decide to say and however you decide to say it, preparation is the key to feeling good and appearing confident when you’re talking to a group of any size.

Whether you add in some impromptu jokes or stick to a wellrehearsed deliverance, make sure you know what you want to say. And at the end of the speech, whether there were ad libs or omissions, it doesn’t matter, but put the heart into your speech by knowing what’s at the heart of your speech.

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Keeper Creative

you are going for a tear-jerking angle. But humour is a great

weddings A timeless, magical, experience

B e a c h M e a d o w | C a s t l e F i e l d | C o a s t g u a r d s L o ok o u t | B u r n c o o s e H o u s e Lu x ury A c c o m m od at i on f or Br i d a l Pa rt i e s & G ue s t s at T h e Ve a n weddings@caerhays.co.uk | 01872 501310 w w w. c a e r h ay s . c o . u k | w w w. b u r n c o o s e h o u s e . c o . u k OLIVIA WHITBREAD-ROBERTS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY | SEA & SALT PHOTOGRAPHY | JANSSEN CRUZ

2021 dates still available

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feature | GROOMS | WORKING THE GROOM

WORKING THE GROOM Style tips for the man of the moment

words Hannah May

Nicki Shea Photography

RURAL ROMANCE Rustic continues to be reimagined in weddings, with grooms wear providing the perfect place to rock a little pastoral: the boutonniere. Whether it’s to complement a country venue, autumn date, the bridesmaids’ ensembles, a tweed suit – or add a bespoke accessory to sharp modern tailoring – a rustic style buttonhole is as striking as it is on trend.

We love how florists are creatively mixing colour and texture – think dried petals, pine cones and fresh-from-the-hedgerow finds – to produce these mini masterpieces of highly wearable floral art.

1. Down by the River Florals downbytheriverflorals.co.uk 2. Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk 3. The Velvet Daisy thevelvetdaisy.co.uk 4. Tide Flowers tideflowers.co.uk

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WORKING THE GROOM

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SOMETHING BLUE

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Mirroring the mesmeric shades of the ocean that surround us here in the southwest, blue remains a stylish mainstay in grooms’ palettes. Whether you fancy donning something statement with cobalt or electric blue, debonair with classic navy or midnight blue, or a summery style with sky or powder blue, the musthave colour is as versatile as it is cool, timeless and effortlessly smart.

1. Ted Baker tedbaker.com 2. Torre torreformalwear.com 3. Marc Wallace marcwallace.com

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4. Mrs Bow Tie mrsbowtie.com 5. Ferguson Nash fergusonnash.co.uk 6. Ruby & Oscar rubyandoscar.com 7. M&S marksandspencer.com 8. Skopes skopes.co.uk 4.

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SMOOTH OPERATOR A super dapper suit is always en vogue and we’re loving these suave styles. Go for midnight blue, plush velvet or a jacquard print for a standout statement or accessorise a classic black dinner jacket with quirky-cool accessories for a charismatic finishing touch.

1. Burton burton.co.uk 2. Torre torreformalwear.com 3. Skopes skopes.co.uk

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t: 01647 252552 e: info@thegreatbarndevon.c

Your day, like no other.

Your day, like no other.

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Your Yourdream dreamwedding weddingday dayisisjust justaround around the corner and our award-winning the corner and our award-winningCountry Country House Hotel is the perfect place to House Hotel is the perfect place tohost host

House HouseHotel Hotelisisthe theperfect perfectplace placeto tohost host it.

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Your YourBig BigDay Daywill willbe becarefully carefullytailored tailoredto to your hopes and dreams, then served with your hopes and dreams, then served with

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National NationalSmall SmallHotel Hotelof ofthe theYear Year Visit VisitEngland England --Silver SilverWinner Winner2015/16 2015/16

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Devon Year Devon Wedding Venue the DevonSmall SmallHotel Hotelof ofthe the Year Devon Wedding Venueof ofDevon theYear Year Small National of Year Devon SmallHotel Hotelo NationalSmall SmallHotel Hotel ofthe the Year Devon South DevonTourism TourismAwards Awards2014/15 2014/15 SouthWest WestWedding WeddingAwards Awards2016 2016

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26/04/2016 26/04/2016 11:42 11:42

Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel Happy ever after starts here, we want to make your dream wedding a reality. With 3 licenced ceremony rooms, 98 bedrooms, and amazing travel links from the heart of Exeter to all over the UK, you and your guests can sit back and relax as you take in the stunning history and heritage of this fairy-tale wedding venue.

Your wedding in safe hands

Large hire stock of beautiful crockery, cutlery, glassware, furniture, linen, catering equipment and more…

01209 831333 www.trevarnomarquees.co.uk

Contact our Wedding Specialist on 08713 769 018 or email Ha0h6-SB3@accor.com 70

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feature | wed’s HIP LIST

wed’s HIP LIST Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day words Lucy Higgins & Rebecca Matthews

COOL CUTS We love Poppy’s Paper Cuts and her hand-cut illustrated designs. Commemorate your big day with a distinctive coat of arms, combining your heritage with all the things you love to make your design personal to you both. Come up with a few ideas of your favourite things and Poppy will draw a sketch for you to approve before getting to work creating your hand-cut design. And if you don’t want to keep your coat of arms to yourself, Poppy offers a laser-cutting service for multiple orders such as invitations, table names or cards. poppyspapercuts.com instagram.com/poppyspapercuts

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Dreamy Vinyls

2.

SAY CHEESE! Guaranteed to bring a smile to your guests’ faces, caricatures are a fab way to personalise your wedding! Based in Devon and with almost

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30 years of experience, caricaturist Luke Warm offers several services for weddings, including caricatures of the newly-weds drawn in advance

NATURAL TOUCH

for use on wedding invitations or save the dates.

Dried flowers are having a moment – and for

Another nice touch is for a photo to be drawn

good reason: they bring fun textures, gorgeous

and used as a guestbook, with guests signing the

colours and lasting loveliness to the table,

picture’s mount, or a bridal party image given to

marquee, wall or wherever you fancy adding a

bridesmaids and groomsmen as a thank you and

dreamy arrangement of lavender, thistles, wispy

memento of you wedding. A particular favourite

pampas grasses or delightful bunny tails. In

of ours is Luke’s place setting caricatures. “I can

response to the trend, celebrated Devon florist

include the name of each person but half the ice-

Emma Hewlett has launched a dried flowers

breaking entertainment value is in trying work out

YOU’VE BEEN NAMED!

shop on her website filled with handcrafted

There are so many super-stylish place

where to sit,” he says, adding that he can arrange

dried floral wreaths in a variety of colours,

setting ideas in wedding world right now.

to montage all the place settings into one large

from bright pinks and purples to muted

From sweeping calligraphy on slices of

group and reproduce them all in a guestbook.

organic shades. Rustic yet contemporary, the

agate and romantic-rustic wooden tags to

wreaths come in full circle or moon-style,to

sleek and contemporary acrylics, these are

Of course, there’s also the live element on offer,

create a modern and stylish touch for your

some of our favourites – and they make sweet

where Luke himself will work on the spot at

wedding or home. You might even add a silk

keepsakes to boot!

your reception, drawing guests and presenting

ribbon bow in the colour of your wedding

them with their very own caricature as a fun

theme or commission something bespoke and

1. Love Tree Designs lovetreedesigns.co.uk

keepsake of your day.

oh-so beautiful.

caricaturesbylukewarm.co.uk

emmahewlett.co.uk

2. RoCha Designs rochadesigns.co.uk 3. Dreamy Vinyls instagram.com/dreamyvinyls

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feature | STYLING | CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Pretty, playful and brimming with relaxed and romantic touches, this styled shoot shows you how to bring a West Coast vibe to your English countryside wedding photography Jennifer Jane Photography styling Louise, Almonry Barn

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CALIFORNIA DREAMING

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feature | STYLING | CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Here in the West Country, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to breathtakingly beautiful historic buildings in which to marry.

However, as this styled shoot at the 800-yearold Almonry Barn illustrates, choosing a distinguished building doesn’t mean you have to take a traditional or rustic route for your wedding styling.

“With the honey coloured hues in the stone and the variety of textures in the barn it was a perfect backdrop for our ‘California Dreaming’ shoot – where old meets new,” explains Louise at Almonry Barn. “For the overall feel and style, we wanted something super-stylish and on-trend, yet with a slight bohemian, laid-back and romantic natural styling element.”

Shot in late September, the palette of blush pink, candy pink, raspberry, maroon, taupe and gold struck a seasonal chord, as the warmer tones of autumn start to emerge in the natural world. “The maroon and raspberry hues are normally associated with the jewel tones of the colder months; however, the whole palette would be perfect for any season as the lighter pinks, taupe and gold add that fresh, pastel element,” explains Louise.

The stationery perfectly captures the fun, modern aesthetic, combining Perspex and bright colour washes, while the tables sing with colour and playful detail, from the gold accents and Perspex name tags to the high and gorgeously textured arrangements of roses, dahlias, king proteas, eucalyptus and pampas grasses. “The way this floral combination was styled in the barn made the whole vibe really unique for a barn venue and hopefully transports anyone seeing it to warmer climes!” says Louise.

As well as the abundance of eucalyptus and pampas grasses, some retro-style peacock chairs and dreamcatchers fluttering in the breeze serve to enhance the bohemian, Californian vibe.

“Texture also played a big part,” says Louise. “Gold foil, hand-painting, feathered icing and king proteas created one amazing cake table. Together with the flowers in the manger, beaded chandelier and the old wood of the stable feeders, this really encapsulates how achievable it is to have old and new working seamlessly together.”

The stunning ball gown echoes the textured brief, combining intricate detailing with a contemporary, shoulder-baring cut. Such a showstopping dress demanded a more pared-back approach to the hair and make-up, while the groom dons a modern ensemble that ties in stylishly with the vibe and palette. Together with his bride, he looks the picture of relaxed romance against a breathtaking half moon floral installation in the orchard.

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CALIFORNIA DREAMING

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feature | STYLING | CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Venue

Almonry Barn

almonrybarn.com Concept & styling

Louise, Almonry Barn almonrybarn.com Photography

Jennifer Jane Photography

jenniferjanephotography.co.uk Flowers

Bramble & Wild

brambleandwild.com

Floral stands

Floral Fabrications

instagram.com/floralfabrications

Orchard benches

Apple & Bramble Events facebook.com/ appleandbrambleevents Cakes

Baking Chick

bakingchick.co.uk Catering, oyster bar & meringue tower

Pickle Shack

pickleshack.co.uk Dress

Ellie Rose Bridal ellierosebridal.co.uk Stationery

Flick & Flourish

instagram.com/flickandflourish Peacock chairs & tableware

Keeping It Vintage

keepingitvintage.co.uk Neon sign

Bristol Wedding Light Company

instagram.com/bristol_wedding_ light_company Hair & makeup

Lips & Locks

lipsandlocks.co.uk  California Dreaming sign, red sofa & meringue table

The Prop Factory propfactory.co.uk Models

Marie & Joe Appleby

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The perfect stage for a magical and quintessentially English country house wedding.

www.northcotemanor.co.uk | 01769 560501

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feature | FOOD | TOP TIERS Claire’s Sweet Temptations

TOP TIERS Oona’s Cakes

PETAL POWER From scatterings of edible flowers to a few perfectly placed blooms; from hand-painted petals

Claire’s Sweet Temptations Oona’s Cakes

to textured flowers made from lashings of buttercream, flowers are a perennial favourite for prettifying your cake.

Maxi Photography

From flower-filled beauty to showstopping works of art, prepare to be wowed by these tantalising cake trends words Rebecca Matthews Emily Hankins

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Porsham Cakes Red Robin Pantry

www.wedmagazine.co.uk

TOP TIERS Emily Hankins

Claire’s Sweet Temptations Emily Hankins

GLAM METAL Gold, silver, copper or rose gold, bring a high shine finish to your wedding cake for a gorgeously glamorous accent.

Emily Hankins

Liberty Pearl Photography

Emily Hankins

Toby Lowe

Peboryon

Claire’s Sweet Temptations

Peboryon

Peboryon

Emily Hankins

Peboryon

WORKS OF ART Go all out with a showstopping wedding Nick Bailey

cake – and watch in glee as your guests’ jaws drop. These incredible creations Claire’s Sweet Temptations

Claire’s Sweet Temptations

are (almost) too good to eat.

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feature | FOOD | TOP TIERS Porsham Cakes

BOTANICAL BEAUTY Forgo flowers in favour of a flurry of ferns and herbs. Perfect for creating a pared-back natural vibe, greens look most effective against a crisp, minimalist palette.

Oona’s Cakes

Peboryon

Peboryon

Oona’s Cakes

Emily Hankins Oona’s Cakes

Claire’s Sweet Temptations

Claire’s Sweet Temptations clairessweettemptations.com Emily Hankins emilyhankins.co.uk Oona’s Cakes oonascakes.co.uk Peboryon peboryon.com Porsham Cakes porsham.co.uk

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MINI MARVELS Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or fancy serving a trio of small cakes, these exquisite creations prove that petite is oh-so chic!

www.wedmagazine.co.uk

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

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feature | FLOWERS | FLOWER POWER

flower power We love these big, bold and exciting ways to use flowers on your wedding day compiled by Rebecca Matthews

Studio KadĂľ Darina Stoda

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FLOWER POWER

If your wedding dreams are made of clouds of foliage suspended from a ceiling, stems entwined beautifully around a grand staircase or ceremony arch, or a wow factor church doorway of blousy blooms à la Princess Beatrice, then you’ve chosen a great time to get married. Floral design has never been more exciting and, here in Devon, we have some brilliantly talented florists who are adept at creating wow factor arrangements beyond your wildest dreams.

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Paige Grace

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Rebecca Roundhill

The Good Florist Matt Bowen

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feature | FLOWERS | FLOWER POWER

The Good Florist

Hannah Burnett

Little Red Book Photography

The Velvet Daisy

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Brett Symes

BLOW-ME-AWAY BLOOMS

The Velvet Daisy

Florist Emma Hewlett is passionate about creating floral installations. Here are her top tips for wow-worthy wedding flowers...

Be bold. If you’re going to invest your budget on an installation you want it to really stand out.

Consider your venue and access. It’s not always possible to hang flowers in certain places; what’s more, they do take time and ideally need to be done on the morning of the event.

Tone down the table. If you’re creating the wow factor in the sky, consider your table décor – you could really tone down the table flowers.

Think outside the box. Installations don’t just have to be something hanging from the ceiling – let your florist advise on new and exciting ways to transform your venue.

Summer stems. If you’re getting married in the height of summer, chat with your florist about what’s possible. Don’t snub the offer of a few faux flowers – no one will know when they are high in the ceiling and it allows you to create impact without the fear of flowers wilting in the heat.

Dazzle with dried. Dried florals are a big trend at the moment and great for installation work.

Darling Buds darlingbudsofel.com Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk Hannah Burnett hannahburnettflorist.co.uk Studio Kadõ kadostudio.com The Good Florist thegoodflorist.co.uk The Velvet Daisy thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

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PARADISE FOUND Wed in the warmth of the Mediterranean and discover an Eden that is exclusively yours. Say ‘I do’ in a tropical paradise and host your reception beneath a tree canopy lit by a thousand stars.

UNIQUE WEDDING PACKAGES & VENUE OPTIONS: edenproject.com/weddings | 01726 811950

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feature | STYLING | IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER

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IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER

Rich tones, opulent textures and a luxe grazing table sets the scene for a romantic winter wedding in Devon photography Clare Kinchin styling Lila Bailey

Deep in the west Devon countryside, the aged stone walls and rustic charm of Bradstone Manor serve as an atmospheric canvas for a cosy and ohso romantic seasonal celebration.

Rich shades of red, burgundy, blue and violet lend themselves beautifully to a winter wedding, particularly one in such a time-honoured setting. Metallic accents bring the vivid colours to life: gold charger plates, goldrimmed glassware and gold crockery shimmer in the candlelight while arrangements of seasonal blooms and crushed velvet add lush texture and colour to the rustic table and character-filled barn setting. Festive cheer comes in the form of felt deer, robin and owl figurines, and stationery marrying red berries with shades of gold and green.

A styling statement in itself, the artfully arranged grazing table echoes the palette, while the copper frame and neon light bring a modern edge to the scene, framing the luxurious, flower-filled cake.

The bride completes the picture, the soft lines and flowing detailing of the dress, the trailing tendrils of hair and elegant make-up adding grace and ethereal beauty to this dream of a winter wedding.

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IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER

Venue

Bradstone Manor

countryweddingbradstone.co.uk Photography

Clare Kinchin

clarekinchinphotography.co.uk Styling & venue coordination

Lila Bailey

lilabailey.co.uk Flowers

Milli Fleur

millifleur.com Cake

Boo To A Goose

bootoagoose.net Stationery

Every Goose

instagram.com/everygoose Dresses

Lovely

lovelybridal.co.uk Hair

The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com Make-up

Laura Le Page

lauralepagebridalmakeup.com Hair accessories

Pretty Pins Bridal prettypinsbridal.com Boxes

The Empty Box Company emptybox.co.uk Felt animals

Eliza Acty Creations

facebook.com/elizaactycreations Neon sign & copper pipe frame

Hannah’s Weddings & Events hannahsweddingsandevents.co.uk Velvet runners

The Pretty Accessory theprettyaccessory.co.uk

Grazing table

Mylk & Honey

mylkandhoneygrazing.co.uk

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Have the country wedding of your dreams in our beautifully restored 18th century barn, set in the rural heart of Devon

Have the country wedding of your dreams

The Oak Barn, Hittisleigh Friendly, informal, affordable licenced for civil ceremonies For more details visit our website:

in our beautifully restored 18th century barn, set in the rural heart of Devon The Oak Barn, Hittisleigh Friendly, informal, affordable licenced for civil ceremonies For more details visit our website:

www.theoakbarn.co.uk

www.theoakbarn.co.uk or call us on 01647 24641

or call us on 01647 24641

‘Our cakes are all made and decorated by hand, each individual leaf, lacework detail or petal is hand made here in our kitchen with a high attention to detail’

By far THE best DJ we have ever heard! (Sarah & Alex, Launcells Barton)

★★★★★

WOW! Five stars isn’t enough! (Kelly & Paul, Anran)

★★★★★

Great DJ-ing magic and talent – he absolutely blew us away!

(Lily & Mike, Poltimore House)

★★★★★

With over 10 years experience performing regularly at the UK’s best wedding venues, Offbeat Entertainment is the perfect DJ to make your day truly exceptional.

Having played all over the UK and internationally, supporting artists from

CAKES w w w. p o r s h a m . c o . u k

Fleetwood Mac at Wembley Stadium to Grandmaster Flash at Brixton Electric, Offbeat will go above and beyond to deliver a wedding party that your guests will talk about for years to come.

However you want it, no one will take your fun more seriously.

www.offbeatentertainment.co.uk

07725 117 639 dj@offbeatentertainment.co.uk

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feature | VENUES GUIDE | WELCOME

wed’s

VENUES GUIDE Enchanted Brides

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

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VENUES GUIDE:

HOTELS WITH CHARACTER From rural charm and glorious grounds to seriously stylish suites for the wedding night, these hotels offer irresistible romance

Northcote Manor Hotel & Spa Like a scene from an English country classic novel, the dotted patchwork of fields and rolling hills at this venue create a beautiful setting for your magical day. Hidden away in the rustic woodlands of north Devon, the characterful country house, which dates back to the 18th century, is set in 20 acres of sweeping lawns and woodland.

But despite its tranquil location, its focus on comfort, fine food and top-notch service means it boasts high-quality luxury too, plus the manor has also just unveiled its brand new luxury spa. With a 12.5m swimming pool, a hot tub, steam room, sauna and gym, plus three treatment rooms, it’s Fiona Walsh

just the ticket for a pre-wedding pamper session, or for helping you unwind after the celebrations are over. northcotemanor.co.uk

Moorland Garden Hotel Nestled in nine acres of lovingly tended moorland gardens with the Torspeckled heights of Dartmoor on the doorstep, scenic backdrops are in no short supply at the Moorland Garden Hotel. In the Rose Arbour, an elegant bandstand on the lawn, couples can take their vows while immersed in the romance of the backdrop. There’s also the Crystal Room, a ballroom for up to 160 complete with glistening chandeliers and views across the gardens; the Upper Ballroom, a mirrored and beautifully lit ceremony space; and the Mayflower and the Tavistock Room for more intimate weddings. Chefs from the AA Rosette-awarded Wildflower Restaurant will pull out all the stops to ensure your guests dine in style and, with 42 rooms – including four super-luxe suites – your guests can enjoy the celebrations, and the delights of Dartmoor, in style. moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk

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HOTELS WITH CHARACTER Fiona Walsh

Hotel Endsleigh Tucked away deep in the secluded Devon countryside within touching distance of Dartmoor, this Grade I historic house is flanked by 100 acres of scenic grounds, home to woodland, follies, grottos and gardens created by renowned landscape designer Humphry Repton. Say “I do” in any of the ground floor rooms of the immaculately styled hotel or venture outside for vows in the Parterre Garden or the utterly enchanting Shell House. ‘Your day, your way’ is the mantra at Endsleigh and each wedding is entirely bespoke, whether it’s a ceremony for two or an exclusive weekend wedding, complete with a marquee reception on the lawn overlooking the gardens, the River Tamar and beyond into Cornwall.

What’s more, the individually designed bedrooms and new Stable suites, featuring roll-top bathtubs and wood-burning stoves, are an absolute treat. hotelendsleigh.com

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-the-art gym, pool and Aura Spa. woodburypark.co.uk

Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel For weddings in convenient locations, it doesn’t come much more central than this recently revamped venue, which is opposite Exeter’s train station and Rougemont Gardens. A Victorian building that boasts modern facilities, its grand façade gives a clue to its impressive interior. Elegant and stylish, it retains many of its original features, and offers a choice of exquisite spots to take your vows with your loved ones. The Devonshire Suite, with its modern décor and expansive space, caters for up to 250 guests, while the Cavendish Ballroom provides a beautiful backdrop featuring stone pillars and floor-to-ceiling windows; the Derby Room is a light and airy space for smaller weddings of up to 50. Catering from the in-house Drakes Restaurant promises a menu to impress, and the calm space of Nelsons Lounge is a lovely retreat for those after a peaceful moment before revelling in the party atmosphere. With 98 bedrooms, your guests can make a real weekend of the celebrations in the heart of the city. mercureweddings.com/hotel/mercure-exeter-rougemont

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VENUES GUIDE:

INTIMATE & UNIQUE Throw a small wedding packed with personality at one of these gorgeous spots

Tree Top Escape Could there be anything more romantic than your very own tree-top 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 jaw-dropping views of the valley, there’s a large lounge, Italian designer kitchen, freestanding copper bath and state-of-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 ultimate dream location for back-to-nature nuptials without skimping on luxury. treetopescape.co.uk

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 laid-back draw of a country celebration meets fine food and luxe touches. Feast on locally sourced Devon flavours and a huge array of partystarting 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.

Yeti Photography

lambinnsandford.co.uk

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Marry. Party. Eat. Retreat.

Weddings at Deer Park can be limitless; stay an extra day or two (…. or three!) and shape your own bespoke wedding retreat. Time here is elastic.

C E R E M O NI ES CAN TAKE PLACE I NSI DE OR OU T, PARE D DOWN OR TUR N E D UP. EVERY OCCASI ON I S A SENSORY E XP E RI E NC E AND E AC H B R E ATH-TAKI NG SPACE YOURS TO PERSONALI S E .

D EER PARK CO UNT RY HO USE. T: 01 4 04 41 2 66. D E VO N . E X 1 4 3 PG .

WWW. D E E R PA R K .CO.U K

CO N DÉ N AST JOHANSENS WI NNER 2020: ‘B E ST FO R WEDDI NGS, PARTI ES OR SP E C IA L OCCASI ONS! /

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VENUES GUIDE:

BEAUTIFUL BARNS From rustic romance to modern spaces flanked by rural panoramas, a barn wedding deep in Devon’s idyllic countryside is the stuff of dreams

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 countryside woven with 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 – stylish cottage accommodation and glorious gardens.

From April 2020, further accommodation in the house will sleep 17, meaning up to 30 can stay at the venue, and with venue hire from Friday to Sunday, you and your guests will really be able to make a weekend of it. Marry beneath the dramatic vaulted ceiling of the lovingly restored barn – with its state-of-the-art lighting enhancing the magic – 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, cloaked in wisteria, and exchange vows beneath the arbour amidst roses and lavender. thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

Christian Michael

Linda and David

Helen Lisk

The Oak Barn Fall for the rural dream at The Oak Barn, where three converted historic barns and an ancient cob Devon farmhouse sit amidst acres of quintessentially English countryside. We’re talking meadows dotted with haybales, undulating hills and a beautiful country church right next door. The stunning medievalstyle barn is a blank canvas with traditional oak cruck trusses, which is ideal for going to town on the décor. Then there’s the Acorn Barn, a thatched 18th century barn, for intimate ceremonies and accommodation. The Linhay, a converted Edwardian dairy, offers further accommodation as well as a beautifully equipped space for the bridal preparations. And the gardens beg for al fresco celebrations around the firepit, beneath leafy trees and skies speckled with stars. theoakbarn.co.uk

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BEAUTIFUL BARNS

Harefield Barn

Nova Wedding Photography

Located amidst rolling hills and wild flower 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 licensed areas for ceremonies – including the Clock House, a dreamlike option for al fresco vows – not to mention four churches within a short drive. Characterful features such as exposed beams and a wood-burning

Mark Shaw

for a personality-packed wedding, the rural gem boasts no less than seven

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

Catherine Spiller

Joseph Henderson

Allison Dewey

Nova Wedding Photography

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 to wed in rural Cullompton, with views across the Blackdown Hills.

Marry in the atmospheric Cider Barn, a restored traditional cob barn with oak trusses and floor-to-ceiling 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

Sam Box

outdoors at nightfall when a carnival of festoon lights and firepits add to the magic of this stellar spot. uptonbarn.com

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VENUES GUIDE:

WOW FACTOR From a clifftop treasure to a fresh-from-a-fairytale tower, these extraordinary settings promise a truly standout celebration

Haldon Belvedere Ever dreamt of getting married in a tower? Standing tall amidst the hills of Haldon Forest and the surrounding countryside, Haldon Belvedere is an iconic Devon landmark – and an achingly romantic setting for intimate ceremonies. Built in 1788, its cream façade is the stuff of fairytales, while its roof terrace – reached via a stone spiral staircase – boasts jaw-dropping views of the county’s beauty in every direction. Get wed before up to 50 guests in the gorgeous Ballroom, adorned with ornate Baroque plasterwork and gothic-style windows, and then head to the Lawrence Room for fizz and canapés as you spill out into the picturesque gardens. After the celebrations, kick off your heels and bed down in the self-contained apartment handily located in the castle’s turrets. haldonbelvedere.co.uk

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-ofthe-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

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A COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING IN THE CITY

Space to breathe, relax and enjoy your precious day with carefully considered safety that doesn't compromise style.

WWW.EXETERGCC.CO.UK/WEDDINGS

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VENUES GUIDE:

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

Exeter Golf & Country Club The buzz of Exeter might be on the doorstep, but you wouldn’t know it at Exeter Golf & Country Club. A hidden pocket of country charm a stone’s throw from the city streets, the tranquil air and lush parkland of the venue exude a heady sense of romance. The crisp white Georgian manor house, Wear Park, stands at its heart – think huge floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping Tim Woolcock

staircases and sumptuous furnishings. Marry in a choice of suites, blending the classic romance of the elegant, Regency-style Topsham Room to the contemporary grey, wood and stone theme of The Mews, complete with its private roof terrace. The Topsham Room offers glorious views of the golf course with a veranda for al fresco drinks. An experienced team of chefs will create culinary masterpieces, ranging from afternoon teas to decadent banquets, and for that pre-wedding prep, Wear Park Spa offers bridal beauty treatments through to luxurious Elemis facials, massage and body scrubs. exetergcc.co.uk

Prepare to be immersed in the timeless romance and outstanding beauty of Kitley House & Country Estate as soon as you take the meandering drive through its rolling grounds towards the impressive Grade I listed building. The award-winning and exclusive-use wedding venue sits at the heart of 600 acres of quintessentially Younger Photography

English countryside and woodland, on the banks of the River Yealm. Kitley even has its own island accessible by a bridge for memorable lakeside ceremonies. Take your vows in a picture-perfect pavilion nestled in the gardens, with the house and landscape making for a beautiful backdrop, or inside the 500-year-old house, where stainedglass windows, twinkling chandeliers and a feature staircase offer pure romance. Dine on exquisite, locally sourced food freshly Matthew Lawrence

prepared in the kitchen, then sink into bed in one of the 19 charming bedrooms, many with expansive views of the estate. kitleyhousehotel.com

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Lizzie Churchill

Kitley House & Country Estate

COUNTRY HOUSES & CASTLES

Deer Park Country House Impeccable hospitality and modern thinking blend together seamlessly at this stylish and exceptionally relaxed country house.

The possibilities are endless. Around the main house are wild flower meadows, woodland, a walled garden, riverside trails and the promise of adventure: timeless spaces filled with inspiring, imaginative touches. Weddings can be held in any number of intimate spaces, the Georgian Orangery looking out over the Italian garden is a favourite. Ceremonies can take place inside or out, pared down or turned up. Every occasion is a sensory experience: graze from the garden, cook over fire, enjoy a light summer salad or go all out. Menus feature the estate’s own home-grown fruit, herbs and vegetables picked each day with local sparkling wines to match. When it comes to sleeping arrangements, there’s a Treehouse, a Playhouse and a Shed (... it’s well kitted out) plus 32 en suite bedrooms. Yurts add another option. A bespoke approach is at the heart of the Deer Park ethos, and each breathtaking space is yours to personalise. deerpark.co.uk

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 fulllength 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

Powderham Castle Tim Charles

Rich in romance and steeped in history, this iconic 14th century castle sits at the heart of 200 acres of ancient parkland on the edge of the Exe estuary. The grounds offer dreamlike backdrops for ceremonies – choose from the American Garden where a garden pavilion is set amidst a glade of exotic trees; the Belvedere, an 18th century tower with panoramic views across the estate and estuary; and the Victorian Rose Garden, where you can marry amidst a castle backdrop and the scent of roses. Inside, there’s the magnificent oak panelled Dining Room, the Libraries and the captivating Music Room, with its stunning dome and estuary views. Bring your dazzling day to a close by retiring to a sumptuous suite for a royally romantic wedding night. powderham.co.uk

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Rebecca Goddard

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

Situated on the southern edge of Exmoor, Castle Hill offers history,

interiors, where you can marry in a choice of state rooms, all bathed

enchantment and breathtakingly beautiful scenery in equal measure. The

in natural light and exquisitely styled. For dizzying romance, take your

magnificent Palladian house sits amidst 50 acres of historic parkland,

vows before the grand doors on the entrance steps with the majestic

where the gardens are dotted with mystical follies, temples and rivers

tree-lined avenue and gardens as your backdrop, before feasting

snaking their paths through woodland cloaked with wild flowers. This

and dancing the night away beneath the sparkling chandeliers of the

dreamlike venue has an enticing option for weddings of all scales and

Ballroom or, for larger affairs, in a marquee in the grounds. Romantic

styles. For regal romance, marry in the mansion house; the West Wing

details such as the Romeo and Juliet-style balcony and the myrtle bush

is a wow-worthy backdrop for receptions, while a marquee reception

in the rose garden, which is believed to have grown from a clipping

on the West Lawn comes with vistas across the valley to the Triumphal

from Queen Victoria’s bridal bouquet, add to the dreaminess, while the

Arch. A relaxed and rustic affair is well suited to the restored 18th

beautiful bedrooms make for an incredibly special place to spend the

century Holwell Temple in the woods, and for a small ceremony, there’s

night.

Satyr’s Temple tucked away in the woodland gardens next to the river.

pyneshouse.co.uk

castlehilldevon.co.uk

Woolhanger Manor Flanked by miles of unspoilt countryside and offering glorious views across Exmoor, it’s not just the location of Woolhanger Manor that makes it a spectacular setting for a wedding – inside, you’ll find a series of breathtaking and beautifully restored spaces to marry and celebrate in style and privacy.

There’s the Music Room, with its spectacular octagonal hall and built-in organ for a stirringly atmospheric soundtrack; the resplendent Medieval Room, adorned with chandeliers and an open beam ceiling; and the Red Dining Room, a more intimate yet grand setting for a smaller celebration.

Outside, and with far-reaching views, the Semi-Walled Upper Garden is perfect for a drinks reception or marquee wedding, while the estate’s holiday cottages can accommodate up to 17 guests for a stayover in this extraordinary corner of Devon. weddingsatwoolhanger.co.uk

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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 merriment with a tasty brunch and fun on the croquet lawn and tennis court. bickleighcastle.com

www.wedmagazine.co.uk

Romantic Weddings at Tree Top Escape!

Unique Weddings - Intimate and Exclusive with up to 14 guests – Luxury – Mini Moon Included – Fine Dining in The Nest – The Grill-Haus – Vintage Afternoon Teas – Stunning Natural Scenery – Stress Free Award Winning Customer Service

www.treetopescape.co.uk 01769 629069

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Enchanted Brides

JUST THE TWO OF US

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JUST THE TWO OF US

One bride we know – who’d always seen herself in a strapless, tiered gown laughing carelessly in black and white snaps surrounded by friends and family on her big day – stole away to an A-list haunt for a secret ceremony with her other half and two lifelong friends as witnesses. And what happened next? Everyone was delighted. Really delighted.

But how did they plan it and, more crucially, manage the fallout? “We had discussed getting married numerous times during our 11 years together,” she says. “But one particular day, we went for a walk, and we really started to plan. We started with the guest list and, before we’d even got 10 people down the list, we realised that some people couldn’t travel out of term time and some people didn’t get on and some people lived on the other side of the planet… In the end, we asked each other who we needed there; we looked at each other and said ‘I need you’ and that’s when we decided.”

Over the days that followed their ceremony, the happy couple took their celebration home, arriving at both sets of parents’ houses in their city-chic getup, with huge smiles and a ready-made celebration.

Vintage reds were opened, and the party began the minute the penny dropped. Was anyone upset? Not one person. At least, they didn’t show it. How could you fail to get involved when a bride and groom arrive on your doorstep asking you to help them celebrate? Interested? Here’s how you can elope with hope…

PUB LUNCH WITH PUNCH Imagine a Michelin-star pub or restaurant where everything on the menu is yours to order as you wish, without having to consider anyone else’s dietary requirements, likes, or cost. You can go down the traditional wedding breakfast route if you wish, or if you fancy takeaway fish and chips, that’s cool too! One of the beauties of an elopement is that there are (far) fewer people to take into account, so choose your favourites and feel free to indulge!

JUST THE TWO OF US In long-term relationships, where perhaps the spark between you both is now more of a gentle flicker, eloping reignites that wonderful sense of stealing away and doing something that’s solely about just the two of you. In the digital age, when not much is private, imagine just the two of you knowing what tomorrow brings. Once you’ve said

Fancy slipping away quietly and doing your day your way? As elopement weddings continue to rise, we look at the tips and tricks to make it really wedding-worthy words Elizabeth Chester

‘I do’, just for a few minutes, you, the registrar and your witnesses are the only people in the world who know your news.

SHOW THEM THE MONEY Granted, this one isn’t for the celebration night but, perhaps in time, it might be worth explaining to friends and family – particularly if there were any who may have been disappointed about their lack of invitation – that you have ploughed your saving into other areas. For example, you could put it towards

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feature | ELOPEMENTS | JUST THE TWO OF US

travelling the world, a house deposit or perhaps start a fund for any future babies you may be planning.

DRESS TO IMPRESS “I went wedding dress shopping in traditional boutiques, which I loved and wouldn’t have missed for the world,” says our bride. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but in the end buying a classic vintage designer dress was just more me,” she says, choosing to elope in a vintage designer shift dress. Many brides choose to elope in a traditional gown, however, and we say go for it. You’re still a bride, after all, so embrace it!

VITAL ACCESSORY Elopement doesn’t have to mean understated and don’t forget your accessories to really make you feel bridal. How Michelle Ley

about chic touches like a silk bouquet, a birdcage veil or a high-low wedding dress to give the illusion of a small train, if you don’t want the real thing?

PLACE OF INTEREST If it’s just you and your other half on the day, why not go Freeform Images Photography

wild with a unique venue that otherwise wouldn’t suit your guest list or budget? We’re thinking summerhouses, treehouses, boats and quirky-cool little spots in the countryside or on the coast. And if you had been considering a destination wedding, but couldn’t make the logistics work, an elopement is a great chance to get married somewhere special closer to home, then splurge on that honeymoon!

SHOUT IT OUT! Don’t focus on what you haven’t done or who you haven’t invited, but instead, put all your efforts into making your announcement as wow, inclusive and celebratory as possible. Our bride made sure all parents and siblings knew to be nearby the day after – without making it too obvious – and no one suspected anything other than a usual family weekend catch-up. Friends received a just-married photo and a date for celebratory drinks.

PARTY ON! Here’s where you can let rip. Whether you do as our bride did and take the party to your guests’ homes, or organise Michelle Ley

an after-party once you’ve announced your news, you can go super-large on your celebrations. And one of the best bits, as summed up by our bride? “Yes you can, and should, absolutely wear your dress again!”

KNOW YOUR LIMITS Just remember, like a good comic, you need to know your audience. If your wedding is the day you’ve always dreamed about since you were a little girl and talked about with your mum/gran/auntie/bestie for years, think it through carefully.

Doing your day your way is one thing but offending your close-knit family is quite another.

Eloping isn’t for everyone and there’s no going back once you’ve done ir. But of course there are other ways to celebrate. So, we’ll leave you with this from our recent bride...

“We poured our wedding fund into a Maldives honeymoon.

And sipping champagne on the steps of our private overwater bungalow, watching the colourful sea life somersault in the gin-clear sea that surrounded us, made us realise at the heart of our decision was each other. And our friends and family couldn’t have been happier for us.”

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Our country manor house and 600 acre estate is exclusively yours ….

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feature | ELOPEMENTS | OUR SMALL BIG DAY

OUR SMALL BIG DAY

Naomi and Jack headed to The Green for their romantic elopement Why did you choose to elope?

Tell us how the day panned out

We then came back to our little wedding home and

“When we began planning our wedding, we were

“Having already walked through a plan of the day, we

patiently awaited our own private chef who made the

conflicted,” says Naomi. “We wanted a small wedding

knew exactly what to expect which eased our nerves

most exquisite food ever!”

where we could really enjoy each other’s company and

a lot. Jack and I woke up together, he made breakfast

express our love for one another. Yet there were so

which we could barely eat due to our excitement.

Does one particular moment stand out to you?

many people who had been supportive of our marriage

We had planned to get ready in separate rooms but

“Getting ready in the morning and asking Jack if my

that we felt we needed to properly celebrate with

decided to delay our plans until we put on the outfits

eyeshadow was okay. We thought we were going

them all. We began by trying to plan this impossible

that we had chosen together. Our photographer Tom

to spend the morning apart, but we were both so

wedding: big but intimate, religious but not in a church.

Frost was ready to capture all the beautiful moments

nervous and simultaneously excited, it felt so right in

It took us a lost deposit or two, but we realised that

as we got ready, including Jack making me a last-minute

my most vulnerable state to be with my best friend and

this compromised wedding wasn’t going to work for

flower crown!

ask him if the make-up I was going to have on as I said ‘I do’ was perfect to him”.

us. The solution? Two weddings, of course!

Finally, it was time to go, the lovely staff helped me put So halfway through planning our wedding, we decided

the finishing touches on my dress and even helped me

What advice would you give to couples

we would elope and legally get married in an intimate

put my shoes on – this is something I hadn’t thought

considering an elopement?

ceremony. Just the two of us, without any fuss. We

about; in that moment it would have been nice to have

“Do it and don’t look back. Be honest with your friends

must admit this decision was easier because a few

my mother there.

and family; they may not like it but they love you and will eventually come around.”

weeks later we would celebrate with all our friends and family at a marriage blessing and reception.

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Despite knowing what we were both going to wear, Jack had tears in his eyes when he saw me walk down

Venue The Green thegreencornwall.co.uk

Our relationship stayed at the core of our elopement;

the aisle. After the exchange of our emotional vows we

Photography Thomas Frost Photography

it was the most perfect day and most importantly

each had written, we spent the whole day exploring

thomasfrostphotography.com

stress-free and cheaper!”

the countryside having our own personal photo shoot.

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OUR SMALL BIG DAY

Becky and Lee held their elopement at Tree Top Escape with their two sons as guests Why did you choose to elope?

“Following our engagement, we tried to organise our wedding twice,” explains Becky. “I personally found the experience stressful, and the wedding went on the back-burner when we relocated and settled into our new life in Gloucester. The three years that followed were probably the most challenging of our relationship, but we got through it and, as our 15-year anniversary approached, we began to think about getting married again. The previous three years had proved that, despite the challenges, our relationship was stronger than ever.”

What was it about getting married at Tree Top Escape that appealed to you?

“We didn’t want to borrow money or the fuss of a ‘normal wedding’ but we didn’t want to scrimp on any of the magic either. The most important thing for us was that we were together as a family. While looking for ideas, I was blown away by pictures of Tree Top Escape. As we wouldn’t have a honeymoon, the fact that we could have a weekend of luxury with our wedding in the middle massively appealed. I love the colour of the trees in autumn so, having decided that we wanted our treehouse wedding, we were keen to do it when the trees were displaying their vibrant autumnal colours. We decided that it would be just the four of us and that we would keep it a secret, even from our sons. We picked them up at lunchtime from school and surprised them in the car on the way to Devon!”

How did the day pan out?

“We started the day with a large champagne breakfast and then I enjoyed having my hair and make-up done. After the ceremony, we relaxed in the small hut, playing games with the boys, eating sweets and drinking champagne before heading to the woods for photos. We then had an hour to wind down before our meal. With full bellies, we wallowed in the hot tub and watched ‘The Greatest Showman’! It was just the best day. It was all very relaxing but fun and we loved every minute.”

Does one particular moment stand out to you?

“The whole day was so magical, but because we were away all weekend it felt like we were celebrating all weekend too! On the Sunday, after a stroll of the grounds and a roast at the local pub we headed to Saunton Sands. We spent the afternoon running up and down the sand dunes, then headed back via the bowling alley. We had great fun.”

What advice would you give to couples considering an elopement?

“Just do it! We were nervous about telling our families and friends but they couldn’t have been happier for us. Many said that if they could do it again they would do it the way we did! It was just so special being able to spend the whole day together as a family and Tree Top Escape allowed us to do that in luxury.”

Venue Tree Top Escape treetopescape.co.uk Photography Maria Broome Photography mariabroomephotography.com Flowers Church Park Flowers churchparkflowers.co.uk Décor & styling Best Day Ever! bestdayeverdevon.co.uk Hair & make-up Maddie Pearce southwestmakeupartist.co.uk

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feature | ELOPEMENTS | OUR SMALL BIG DAY

Caroline and Eddie held their elopement at Millbrook Estate Why did you choose to elope? ​“We wanted a private ceremony without the pressure of people watching,” says Caroline. “I suffer with stage fright and knew I would relax and enjoy the experience so much more if it was just the two of us. Our family were very understanding and we still had a great party with them when we returned home.”

What was it about getting married at Millbrook Estate that appealed to you? ​“We were drawn to Millbrook Estate as it is such a beautiful spot, and the staff were so accommodating when we made our initial enquiries.”

How did the day pan out? “​We started the day with a morning walk in the surrounding countryside. We both love the outdoors and wanted to explore the local area before preparations for the ceremony. After walking, we went our separate ways to get ready, and the ceremony was at midday in the summerhouse. The ceremony was very relaxed, heartfelt and emotional. Afterwards, we cracked open the bubbly, dug into Eddie’s homemade cake, and sought out some of the loveliest spots for photos with our super-friendly photographer, Laura.

By late afternoon we were ready for some chill time, so we went back to our Millbrook apartment to put our feet up for a couple of hours before our luxury private dining experience back in the summerhouse. This was amazing – we were served five gorgeous courses that Jennifer at Rustique had created based on the kinds of food we loved.”

Does one particular moment stand out to you?

“The private dining Rustique did for us! The courses were so creative, well presented and tasted divine.”

What advice would you give to couples considering an elopement?

“I think a lot of people are concerned how their family will take it. Having a family celebration postelopement worked well for us. It gave everyone an excuse to dress up, have fun, and celebrate with us without compromising the kind of private ceremony we wanted. Plus, it meant there were two big days to look forward to!”

Venue Millbrook Estate millbrookestate.co.uk Photography Freeformimages Photography freeformimages.co.uk Food Rustique rustiquefinedining.co.uk Dress Ivy & Oak ivy-oak.com Bouquet & buttonhole Honey Bee Floral Art honeybeefloralart.co.uk Hair & make-up Beauty by Cathy beautybycathy.co.uk

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WHITE WEDDING

A modern white celebration with a stunning minimalist look, Brodie and Ollie’s day merged classic décor with crowd-pleasing food and entertainment Sweethearts Brodie and Ollie’s wedding day marked a decade of being together, with the date landing on their 10-year anniversary.

“We got our first home together in April 2017 and Ollie managed to get the keys before he picked me up to go and see it,” says Brodie.

“We were so excited to be homeowners and we walked around the house room by room taking it all in. Then we got to the last room, our master bedroom, and Ollie had laid down a bunch of flowers, bottle of champagne and empty ring box... I turned around and he was on one knee!”

The couple selected the stunning setting of The Great Barn for their wedding, opting for a neutral palette blended with a touch of grey and lots of green foliage that contrasted beautifully with the flowers: a gorgeous smattering of gypsophila, white roses, freesias and gerberas.

“We wanted to keep everything very minimalistic, classic and elegant – keeping in mind the saying ‘less is more!’,” explains Brodie.

To help achieve the pared-back vibe, the couple designed the stationery themselves to match the overall look, adding charismatic features such as a bottle table plan and miniature bottles of pink gin as favours.

After the ceremony, the pair slipped away for photos while guests were greeted with canapés, drinks and acoustic music in the idyllic gardens.

The wedding breakfast was a sumptuous take on a traditional barbecue, featuring the likes of pulled maple-glazed pork shoulder, piri-piri chicken breast, foil-baked salmon, and spinach and mozzarella lasagne accompanied by trayroast new potatoes and mixed greens – all rounded off with a classic sticky toffee pudding.

The hilarious speeches – a standout moment for the couple – were followed by drinks in the courtyard and the evening party, which was kick-started by a first dance to Kodaline’s ‘The One’. “We didn’t leave the dance floor all night and nor did our guests,” recalls Brodie.

The evening served up more delights in the form of Tom’s Pies and a memorable slice of entertainment. “We were surprised by a secret dance routine from the men in both our families,” reveals Brodie. “They had rehearsed this in secret for two months with one of our friends who is a dance teacher. We both had no clue and it was definitely one of the highlights of the day. It was absolutely hilarious and it was so lovely that they had put in so much effort.”

And if the couple had to choose just one highlight from the day? “We both agree the moment we walked back down the aisle together once we were married, and having five minutes together with a peach Bellini,” reflects Brodie. “It was such a lovely moment, just the two of us together taking in everything that had just taken place.”

While on the topic of wedding wisdom, Brodie shares more top tips. “Use the advice of the venue owners as much as you can as they have done this so many times,” she urges. “Also, don’t stress too much about things that could go wrong.

On the day you really won’t care: you will have the best day no matter what!”

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BRODIE AND OLLIE PHOTOGRAPHY: JENNIFER JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

“We wanted to keep everything very minimalist, classic and elegant.”

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BRODIE AND OLLIE PHOTOGRAPHY: JENNIFER JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

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THERE AND BACK AGAIN

‘The Lord of the Rings’ inspired Amy and Tom’s character-filled tipi celebrations Animal lovers Amy and Tom first met while at university together at the Royal Veterinary College, becoming engaged during a walking holiday in the Lake District with the help of their beloved dog, Pippin.

“At the end of the walk by a lake, Tom got me to hide (we play a game where one of us hides and Pippin runs to find them) and after a slightly long wait Pippin, dressed in a dog tuxedo, found me and Tom proposed,” says Amy. “The plan was for Pippin to carry the ring in a little basket but he jumped in the lake so that didn’t go to plan!”

The couple chose The Old Rectory in Pyworthy as their wedding venue, with a World Inspired Tents’ tipi at the centre of the celebrations. As ardent ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fans, they loosely designed their day on character Bilbo’s 111th birthday, having visited the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand where they attended the evening banquet, “which gave us a lot of inspiration!”.

“Family grew the vegetables that lined the tables and I designed the table set-ups and made the napkins with freshly picked fern leaves,” says Amy of the creative collaborations during their extended celebrations. In addition, their wedding planner friend, Kelly, pitched in whenever needed, while close friend and fellow vet, Azusa, made the wedding cake and relative Ed handmade the striking signage.

“We got legally married on the Friday with a small group of close friends and family, then we all went to the pub together and came back to decorate the tipi. That day was so much fun,” says Amy. “Everyone loved helping and we worked together really well. Tom’s dad even made the hanging chandelier and we decorated it with the kids the night before – it looked incredible on the day!”

The following day, Amy and Tom welcomed guests to their unique ceremony presided over by one of the groomsmen, which was followed by photos and tapas ahead of a lip-smacking veggie feast, featuring the likes of aubergine parmigiana, Eton mess and treacle tart.

“Our favourite moment was walking into the tipi together when everyone was sitting down. It was amazing seeing what was in our heads come to life and crazy seeing people from all different parts of our life hanging out with each other,” reveals Amy. “The music was the duo that Tom’s sister had hired as a present to us, who were absolutely brilliant!” she says of the evening’s shenanigans, which also featured DJ sets from friends that kept the party alive until 4am. “The next day was fancy dress day and bringyour-own-booze with lawn games, and everyone just generally chilling out,” says Amy of the Sunday’s wind-down session.

“Don’t get too stressed, think about what is important to you and don’t waste money on what isn’t,” she says as words of advice.

“Also, get the family involved! We had so much help from our amazing families who made everything 100 times easier. Just enjoy the day as it will go so fast.”

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AMY AND TOM PHOTOGRAPHY: YETI PHOTOGRAPHY

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“It was amazing seeing what was in our heads come to life.”

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Photography

Yeti Photography yetiphotography.co.uk

Venue

The Old Rectory theoldrectorypyworthy.com

Tipi

World Inspired Tents worldinspiredtents.co.uk

Planning

Artisan Catering Weddings & Events artisan-catering.co.uk

Dress

Y.A.P Bridal yapbridal.co.uk

Hair

French Hair & Beauty hair-salon-torbay.co.uk

Make-up

Fiona Miller fionamillermakeup.co.uk

Catering

Seadog Foods seadogfoods.co.uk

Bar

Bar Dé Van facebook.com/BarDeVan1

Entertainment

The Plum Sellors facebook.com/theplumsellors www.wedmagazine.co.uk

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PASTEL PRETTY

Alice and Matt’s eclectic and ethereal day featured pastel tones, stunning seascapes, beautiful blooms and a topnotch mix of entertainment Alice met Matt online, embarking upon their first date in seasonal style at Bath Christmas Market. “Matt proposed to me on a holiday in Sorrento,” reveals Alice of her dreamy engagement. “We were in a restaurant ordering ice creams, and his dessert came out with lots of sparkly extras. I moaned to him about mine being plain and then he bought out the ring and said he’d add some sparkle to it!”

The couple chose the breathtaking backdrop of Devon’s north coast for their pretty-as-a-picture wedding day. Selecting a “loose pastel fun theme with a bit of mix and match,” Alice and Matt designed a day around their favourite things to personalised effect.

Alice chose a gorgeous sand-coloured gown complete with floaty sleeves and flowers, while the bridesmaids wore beautiful billowing dresses in different pastel shades. The groomsmen were equally as stylish, donning blue suits with pastel ties and dried flower buttonholes, while Matt and his best man stood out from the crowd with eye-catching Liberty wild flower print ties.

The floristry completed the dazzling scene, with Alice’s wild flower bouquet, the bridesmaids’ gypsophila posies, ‘just picked’ table flowers and wild flower-themed church displays that included a stunning array of foxgloves.

After the church ceremony in Clovelly, guests reconvened at Ocean Kave where they enjoyed drinks, canapés and lawn games alongside far-reaching sea views. The wedding feast featured dishes such as camembert, rump beef, chicken breast wrapped in pancetta, treacle tart and rum banana mess, while the evening proffered more sweet treats including a sweetie table, the delights from Hocking’s Ice Cream Van and a show-stopping tiered wedding cake decorated with crystals and seashells.

Fantastic entertainment was also a key feature of the day, and guests enjoyed a fun-packed evening courtesy of a photo booth, a Del Boy impersonator and festival-style band, Dirty Weekend, who performed energised live and DJ sets, all culminating in a magical sparkler send-off.

“As soon as the ceremony was over, it was lovely to spend a bit of time together travelling to the reception venue and we stopped at Bucks Mill to have photos at the beach and waterfall,” says Alice of one of her fondest memories from the day. “It was also so lovely to see guests all mingle together and get along – we had all of our favourite people in one place!” she adds.

“Don’t panic in the last few weeks leading up to your wedding; certain things didn’t arrive in time in the post for us, but they were so minor and all extras that nobody would ever know,” heeds Alice as words of advice. “And the day before, remember to take some time out for yourself; the next day will go so quickly, it’s good to try and relax.”

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ALICE AND MATT PHOTOGRAPHY: SALT & SEA PHOTOGRAPHY CO.

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“We had all of our favourite people in one place!”

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ALICE AND MATT PHOTOGRAPHY: SALT & SEA PHOTOGRAPHY CO.

Photography

Salt & Sea Photography Co. saltyseaphotography.com

Venue

All Saints Church, Clovelly

Ocean Kave oceankave.co.uk

Wedding styling & props

Best Day Ever! bestdayeverdevon.co.uk

Dress

Anna Campbell, Perfect Day Bride perfectdaybridal.net

Groom’s outfit

Slater Menswear slaters.co.uk

M&S marksandspencer.com

Hair & make-up

Beauty by Cathy beautybycathy.co.uk

Flowers

Twigs Flowers twigsflowers.co.uk

Cake

Cherry Blossom Cakes cherryblossom-cakes.co.uk

Stationery

Helena Willford helenawillford.co.uk

Transport

Mr Bojangles VW Wedding Hire mrbojanglesvwhire.co.uk

Quantock Heritage quantockheritage.com

Entertainment

Chris Thomas devon-wedding-singer.co.uk

Dirty Weekend dirtyweekendband.co.uk

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MY COLOURFUL ROMANCE Meg and Andrew’s bonanza of brightness led to lots of dancing, laughter and good times

A fortuitous meeting in a bar eight years ago set Meg and Andrew on the path to romance, culminating in Andrew’s proposal in 2017. “We were walking the dogs in one of our favourite parks in Exeter on a sunny May bank holiday, and we took a picnic and beers with us. Andrew got down on one knee with a ring and asked me to stop nagging him and marry him!” says Meg. Getting to work planning a “beautiful, fun and relaxed day with our family and friends”, Meg and Andrew chose to get married at West Town Farm thanks to the venue’s laid-back vibe “where we were able to have a relaxed wedding that was more like a party than a wedding”, says Meg. “Plus we could have our dogs there which was one of the most important things for us.”

Choosing where to splurge (“my dress!”) and save, Meg and Andrew created elements themselves, handmaking the arch that now features in their garden as a memory of their special day.

“We knew we didn’t want to spend loads but also wanted to make sure we had a day to remember,” says Meg when it came to budgeting. “Andrew being an accountant meant there were a few spreadsheets to make sure we stuck to our budget!”

Dressed in a stunning bespoke gown and her great-great auntie’s necklace, Meg completed her jaw-dropping look with a hand-painted leather jacket. “Although it was July, I was conscious that you can never rely on the British weather so had the jacket made to keep me warm just in case,” she says.

Andrew was dressed in tweed “as a nod to my maiden name, Tweedie, and he went for a laid-back and relaxed design that reflected the kind of day we wanted”, explains Meg. One of their best decisions, she continues, was booking a toastmaster. “He conducted a really nice humanist-style ceremony that was personalised to the two of us, and he stayed on throughout the day to make sure things ran smoothly,” she says. “I don’t think the day would have been the same without him.”

Decorating the barn with colourful drapes, ribbons and handmade bunting galore, the décor was complemented by gin bottles, brightly coloured candles and vintage napkins to brighten up the tables. “We didn’t want a colour scheme, and instead included pretty much every colour,” says Meg. “Our only stipulation was that people were happy and had fun. We kind of went for a ‘boho festival-style, laidback big party in a field’ theme!”

After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed ice cream canapés with their guests, before “lots of dancing, laughter and good food and drink”. Tucking into a hog roast as their main meal, the guests loved Thai curry made by a family friend in the evening, and an impressive wedding cake made by Meg’s brother’s fiancée.

With the first dance – ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ from ‘The Jungle Book’ – performed by live band The Zu Zu Men, the dance floor was officially open. When the band stopped playing, a silent disco after-party kicked off, with the newly-weds finally stumbling to bed at 4.30am after dancing the night away!

And what’s the fun-loving bride’s advice to other busily planning couples? “Enjoy it, have fun,” she says. “Do what you want and don’t sweat the small stuff as it really won’t matter.”

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MEG AND ANDREW PHOTOGRAPHY: NOVA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

“Our only stipulation was that people were happy and had fun.”

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MEG AND ANDREW PHOTOGRAPHY: NOVA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography

Nova Wedding Photography novaweddingphotography.co.uk

Venue

West Town Farm westtownfarm.co.uk

Tent

Pukka Tents pukka-tents.co.uk

Toastmaster

The Distinguished Toastmaster

thedistinguishedtoastmaster.co.uk

Dress

Mint & Thistle instagram.com/mint.and.thistle

Shoes

Rainbow Club rainbowclub.co.uk

Jacket

Kate Illustrate kate-illustrate.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ outfits

Mix Bridal mixbridal.com

Groom’s outfit

Zebel zebel.co.uk ties Catkin Jane catkinjane.co.uk

Make-up

Liza Haywood instagram.com/lizahaywardmakeupartist

Rings

Erin Cox Jewellery erincox.co.uk

Molten Wedding Ring Company

moltenweddingringcompany.com

Flowers

In Bloom inbloomdevon.co.uk

Ice cream

The Devon Fizz Company thedevonfizzcompany.com

Cake

Sweet Escake instagram.com/Sweetescake_devon

Entertainment

The Zu Zu Men thezuzumen.com

The Silent Disco Company thesilentdiscocompany.co.uk

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A THOUSAND YEARS

Finola and Hannah hosted a coastalthemed party full of their favourite things in the breathtaking setting of Powderham Castle’s Belvedere site A cheeky opening line at an Exeter supermarket led to love for Finola and Hannah. “Hannah realised that the way to my heart was via food, gin or cats. At this point most people would perhaps build their relationship over meals or drinks out, but Hannah decided she was going to seal the deal by buying me a kitten!”

Finola reveals.

“I came home from work one day to find Hannah chasing the cat madly around the house.

She’d tied my engagement ring to the cat’s collar (as the cat always greets me at the door when I get home), but on this occasion the cat had decided it was not going to do this and disappeared with a diamond ring around its neck,” laughs Finola of the couple’s comedic engagement story.

The pair set about searching for their dream waterside wedding venue. “There were two key factors for us – the first was that we wanted to be by the coast and have views across the water, and the second was that we did not want to be restricted by having to use certain suppliers. We wanted a complete blank canvas,” explains Hannah of their prerequisites – making Powderham Castle the “obvious choice”. “It was The Belvedere site that we fell in love with,” she says. “It’s a restored folly tower and is a relatively new marquee site overlooking the estuary.”

Epitomising a ‘coastal vibes’ theme, the venue was bedecked in turquoise and duck egg blue, while the flowers took the summer season as inspiration in the beautiful form of peonies, lavender, sweet peas and roses in mixed shades of white, purple and blue. “In the church we had jam jars of flowers hanging off the pews and instead of having flowers on the tables at the reception we made the centrepieces ourselves with big glass storm lanterns filled with sand, a white candle and shells that we had been collecting over the years,” says Finola.

“We wanted to make our day as personal as possible,” she says of how their loved ones helped to execute their day, from their friend singing ‘A Thousand Years’ for Finola’s aisle walk to another that conducted the church service and having a long-lost school friend as their photographer.

After the ceremony, a tractor-trailer transported guests to The Belvedere site, where they were welcomed with canapés alongside Aperol and Limoncello spritzes as the band performed an acoustic set. “We also had a massive turquoise Esky full of beers and soft drinks so our guests could just help themselves throughout the day,” adds Finola.

The speeches were delivered before dinner – a sumptuous feast comprising Brixham crab cakes, seared hanger steak finished and a divine chocolate mousse – after which the gin bar was opened to signify the start of the party.

“This was followed by much dancing, laughter and happiness late into the night,” recalls Finola.

“The next morning we had a ‘survivors breakfast’ on the roof terrace of my parents’ holiday home in Brixham for anyone who fancied a bacon sandwich. This gave us more time to catch

up with our friends and family,” she adds.

“It was a really historic day as it was the first same-sex wedding ever to be held at Powderham Castle, who flew a rainbow flag over the castle for us to celebrate!” reflects Finola. She also encourages others to follow suit in investing in a few dance lessons. “This was money well spent as our dance teacher gave us a little routine to do – just a few basic steps and twirls – so we looked like we knew what we were doing for our first dance,” she explains.

“It’s your day and you’ll only do it once. You may find yourself trying to please people and being pulled in lots of different directions, but just go with your heart,” adds Hannah.

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FINOLA AND HANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY: BLUE GINGER PHOTOGRAPHY

“We wanted to make our day as personal as possible.”

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Photography Venue

Marquee Catering Bridal outfits

Bridesmaids’ outfits Hair

Make-up Flowers Stationery Entertainment

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Blue Ginger Photography bluegingerphoto.com Southernhay United Reformed Church southernhaychurch.co.uk Powderham Castle powderham.co.uk Hatch Marquees southwestmarqueehire.co.uk Pickle Shack pickleshack.co.uk Max Mara maxmara.com Millie May Bridal, Pretty Smithy Bridal prettysmithybridal.co.uk M&S marksandspencer.com Holly Mae Hair facebook.com/Hollymaehair Corners Hair Salon cornershairstudio.com Emma Roberts facebook.com/emmarobertsmakeup Coates Florist coatesflorist.co.uk Kubiak kubiakcreative.com Over the Threshold overthethresholdband.co.uk www.wedmagazine.co.uk

Daisy Floral Design,

Weddings and Events www.thevelvetdaisy.co.uk helen@thevelvetdaisy.co.uk 07790692221

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

KATHERINE 07718 733843 / STEPHAN 07899 794005 THE OLD MANSE, WHIMPLE, EXETER , EX5 2SS WWW.NOVAWEDDINGPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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THE BEST OF TIMES

Begum and Rob’s country house wedding was filled with memorable guest-pleasing moments Begum and Rob first met each other at work. “Following a few months of courting and not-so-subtle advances from my side, Begum agreed to a first date! It took a few more before we really hit it off and realised we were meant to be,” smiles Rob. “I proposed in the Cotswolds during a spa weekend away,” he says. “I did have to ask twice, as there was a stunned silence brought on by the surprise and the emotions!”

The couple chose to wed in Devon and wanted somewhere near Rob’s hometown.

“Coombe Trenchard ticked all the boxes and we immediately fell in love with the beautiful interiors and gardens,” reveals Rob, who also poignantly chose the date of their seventh anniversary to tie the knot.

“The Minstrels Gallery, where we were married, is a bright room with a high ceiling and beautiful wooden arches. We also loved the Italian Terrace and Coach House, where we held our wedding breakfast. It was great that the venue allowed for such flexibility and variety in location with lots of areas for our guests to explore.”

Their country celebrations inspired the rustic theme that evolved during the planning period, with decorations kept to a minimum in order to retain the venue’s elegance and character.

Colours were kept neutral, with greens and nude pink selected for the bridal party, candles and floristry, to which darker tones were added for “depth and boldness”.

The pillars in the Coach House were adorned with rustic foliage to add a touch of romantic greenery to the glass-roofed space.

“We really wanted to ensure our guests had a great time on our wedding day,” explains Begum, who presented them with an entertaining mix of lawn games, a personalised playlist and full bar complete with pre-selected his ‘n’ hers cocktails in the evening.

“We both love good food and, along with ensuring our guests were well entertained, we really wanted to keep our guests well fed,” says Rob of another key element.

Canapés of scotch eggs, risotto balls and honey-glazed sausages were followed by antipasti platters to start, then a lip-smacking variety of side plates with lamb, beef and chicken for people to carve and share. “The desserts followed the same theme and were made up of three mini desserts per person on sharing boards,” adds Rob. The evening treated guests to wood-fired pizza, pick ‘n’ mix sweets, a cheese cake, and marshmallows toasted over the firepit, along with dancing aplenty. “The night ended with us walking through a tunnel of sparklers and our guests being picked up by the coaches at midnight,” says Begum.

“We truly enjoyed every moment of our wedding day and felt that all of the planning and preparation was so worth it in the end,” she says in retrospect. “We particularly enjoyed watching our guests having a great time and mingling during the wedding breakfast whilst listening to our wedding playlist.”

As words of wisdom, Rob says: “Keep your wedding small and plan it the way you want it to be. This is the one time where you are allowed to be selfish. We had just over 60 guests, which made for a meaningful and intimate day with all of our loved ones.”

He adds: “Whilst it can be a stressful time, make sure you enjoy the run-up to the wedding day, as in hindsight the anticipation is almost as enjoyable as the big day and you might later wish you could do it all over again. Really try and soak up every moment as it all goes by too quickly.”

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BEGUM AND ROB PHOTOGRAPHY: VENETIA NORRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

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“We really wanted to ensure our guests had a great time on our wedding day.”

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BEGUM AND ROB PHOTOGRAPHY: VENETIA NORRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography

Venetia Norrington Photography venetianorrington.com

Venue

Coombe Trenchard coombetrenchard.co.uk

Catering

Posh Nosh posh-nosh.co.uk

Hair

Viva Hair vivahair134.co.uk

Flowers

A Scent-Sation ascent-sation.co.uk

Transport

Carmel Coaches carmelcoaches.co.uk

Bar

Thirst Choice thirstchoice.org.uk

Entertainment

DJ Damon, Earcandy earcandylive.co.uk

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ONE DAY LIKE THIS

Becky and Darren tapped into their skills and imaginations to plan a copper and peach styled wedding at Upton Barn & Walled Garden “We were friends for a few years before realising there was something between us and decided to take the plunge and go on a date,” says Becky of her romantic beginnings with Darren.

Seven years later, the couple had just moved into their first home together when Darren popped the question. “We walked in and there was what I thought was a thank you letter from the estate agents, but it was a note saying ‘I decided not to spend my money on a motorbike. I got something much smaller.’ I looked up and he was down on one knee asking me to marry him,” says Becky.

Upton Barn & Walled Garden provided the “goosebump” feeling that prompted them to book the gorgeous country setting as their wedding venue. “The moment we walked in, we both felt instantly that this was where we would get married,” says Becky. “The newly converted stable barn and bridal room added to the incredible venue. We loved the setting and everyone there put us at complete ease.”

Designing many of the details themselves and utilising Darren’s plumbing skills to spectacular effect, the copper, peach and grey colour scheme was inspired by the candelabras and flower holders he crafted from copper pipe.

“We wanted a relaxed rustic-style wedding. We already had the incredible venue, then added our own personal touches along with great food, lots of drinks and great music,” elaborates Becky.

“Instead of normal name place settings, we had individual Cadbury bars customised with each name and a personal message from us on the back, which also acted as our favours,” says Becky. “All the other signs and boards were made by Darren and my sister – even the 4ft wooden love lights.”

The flowers tied the scene together perfectly, with natural green foliage with eucalyptus scattered loosely across the tables intermingling with pastel pinks, peaches and ivory.

A mix of English and Asian canapés (inspired by their previous round-the-world travels) were devoured by guests after the sun-dappled ceremony in the walled garden and included Thai fish cakes, vegetable spring rolls, duck and plum quail scotch eggs, smoked salmon blinis and chargrilled vegetables on parmesan biscuits. A meal comprising pork croquettes with chilli jam followed by stuffed chicken breast was completed with a wow-worthy semi-naked cake served as dessert.

Saxophonist Joe Glynn played to the crowds in the evening after Darren had booked him as a surprise for Becky to walk her down the aisle and perform during the drinks reception. “I didn’t know until I was walking down; it was such an amazing surprise!” she recalls. Later, live band Ride the Fire played a “fantastic” set, including the newlyweds’ first dance to Elbow’s ‘One Day Like This’.

“The ceremony itself was by far our favourite memory for both of us; what I wouldn’t give to stand at the top of that aisle and see his face glancing back at me again!” she says when asked to reveal her highlights. “That moment will forever be my favourite.

The raw emotion that came over Darren when I walked down the aisle… There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. And the weather was perfect and the sun shone all day long,” she adds.

“Plan your wedding together,” she advises other couples in the throes of planning.

“Bring ideas from both of your personalities and styles to plan the perfect day. Also, make sure you take time – just the two of you – to try and take it all in together.”

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BECKY AND DARREN PHOTOGRAPHY: THE UNBRIDLED

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“I loved planning every moment of it myself!”

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BECKY AND DARREN PHOTOGRAPHY: THE UNBRIDLED

Photography

The Unbridled theunbridled.co.uk

Venue

Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com

Dress

Justin Alexander, Prudence Gowns prudencegowns.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses

Victoria Lou Bridal victorialou.co.uk

Groom’s outfit

Burton burton.co.uk

Hair

Gemma’s Hair & Beauty instagram.com/gemmasmobilehair

Make-up

Sophie White sophiewhitemua.co.uk

Flowers

Darling Buds darlingbudsofel.com

Cake

Claire Makes Cakes clairemakescakes.co.uk

Entertainment

Joe Glynn joeglynnmusic.com

Ride the Fire ridethefireband.co.uk

Videography

Soby Films sobyfilms.co.uk

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Plan a so-you celebration with these top tips from the wedding gurus. This issue, we look at how to bring the fun factor to your big day

regular | NOTES ON A WEDDING

NOTES ON A WEDDING The Buffalo

Game on. Games are always a winner, whether it’s a vintage coconut shy, welly wanging or even bucking surfboards! The more fun-filled the drinks reception is, the more relaxed the guests will become.

Rebecca

Cont raba nd Enter ta inmen

Good mixer. Design a custom cocktail for your wedding and set up a cocktail station where guests can have a go at making it themselves (along with an experienced bartender). Jessica

t Claire Penn Photography

Toby Lowe

The Prop Factory Scarlett Entertainment

David Nash

ography Phot Stewart Girvan Clare Kinchin

R2 Events

Sc arlett En

aphy

Freckle Photography

Clare Kinchin Photography

Knots & Kisses

Sarah Lauren Photogr

Toby Lowe

phy

gers Photogra

McKinley-Rod

tertainmen

t

Question time. Help break the ice with a table quiz, perhaps about you as a couple, which is bound to get everyone interacting.

Jessica Read all about it. Make the order of service a must-read. I had friends who turned theirs into a newspaper, it was hilarious to read whilst waiting for them to arrive. Rebecca High flyers. Bring an element of fun and theatricality to your wedding by hiring circus performers, fire dancers or acrobatic dancers suspended 30ft in the air! Jessica Lookalike laughs. Imagine Captain Jack Sparrow or Marilyn Monroe clearing your glasses, or Simon Cowell getting on stage to rate the band. Lookalikes provide random but comedic moments that give guests something to talk about long after the big day. Rebecca Memory games. Pick a fun game you love, perhaps something you played on one of your first dates. Whether it’s a cricket match the day before your wedding or a mini-golf course at your reception, your guests will love sharing in a memory that means something to you both. Jessica Surprise, surprise! Wow guests with a flash mob. Dancers could even dress as staff members to blend in during the day before their performance at the opportune moment. Jenny

Andy Gaines

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The 2 Lisa s

Keep rolling. Bartenders on rollerblades bring the fun factor in spades – they can also serve pretty quickly and get the party started on the dance floor if you ask them.

Rebecca

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Photography

All the world’s a stage. Make readings personal – and this can include being funny.

I had one groom write an ode to them as a couple, it was touching but hilarious at the same time. Rebecca Get moving. Book a ceilidh band with a caller who gets everyone up and shows them the steps. Jessica Floor fillers. Officially open the dance floor with a roller show, drag show, or the latest hip-hop track performed by dancers – all fun ways of easing guests onto the floor.

Rebecca Sign here, please. Make your guestbook mean something to you. I’ve seen everything from an historic scroll (for a castle wedding) to a Polaroid guest book – both great fun for your guests, and something you will actually look at in years to come! Jessica Let me entertain you. Mini workshops make a fun activity during the drinks reception; think flower crowns, terrariums, or a cocktail-making session. Rebecca Service with a song. Singing waiters can really warm everyone up for the evening celebrations, while ensuring there’s a great atmosphere throughout the meal. Jessica Be a rock star. I love a Marryoke video.

It’s hilarious watching guests trying to sing their given lines whilst rocking out to a pretend track and the end result is always amusing to look back on. Rebecca Journey ’s end. If you have two different locations then consider how guests can travel between them. What about a vintage bus? Land train? Tractor? Or get everyone to follow the bride as she leads them through the fields to the reception. Rebecca Jessica, Ardour & Bow Weddings & Events ardourandbow.co.uk Rebecca, Rebel & Anchor rebelandanchor.co.uk Jenny, Jenny Wren Weddings & Events jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk

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Made With Love - Rosa Clara - Willowby - Eliza Jane Howell Rembo Styling - Suzanne Neville www.stivesbridalboutique.co.uk sayyes@stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

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