11 minute read
BRIDAL BUZZ
bridalbuzzregular | BRIDAL BUZZ Helen Court Photography
Editor
Rebecca Matthews
Deputy editor Lucy Higgins
Chief features writer
Hannah May
Contributors
Elizabeth Chester, Rebecca Green, Jessica Kearney, Hazel Parsons, Sophie Walker-Sünderhauf, Phoebe Taylor
Design
Matt Sanwell, Design UNLTD designunltd.co.uk
Advertising and Management
Brendan Sleeman
Distribution Jenna Matthews
Finance
Morwenna Matthews
Publisher
Wed Magazine 28 Reens Crescent Heamoor Penzance Cornwall TR18 3HW 01736 331456 wed@wedmagazine.co.uk wedmagazine.co.uk
Deltor Communications Ltd
Cover image
Photography Jennifer Jane jenniferjanephotography. co.uk Styling Clover & Fern cloverandfern.co.uk Venue Hamswell House hamswellhouse.co.uk Dress Millia London millialondon.com Crown Clare Lloyd clarelloyd.co.uk Hair Bath Bridal Hair bathbridalhair.com Flowers Jasper + Quinn jasperandquinn.com Model Leah Williams instagram.com/leah_ williams_uk
© 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.
A ROCKBEARE ROMANCE
If a Grade-I listed Regency country house is the stuff of your wedding dreams, then prepare to fall hard for Rockbeare Manor. Although located only six miles from Exeter’s city centre, the exclusive-use venue sits amongst 100 acres of stunning Devon parkland, transporting you and your guests to a tranquil rural idyll.
The lovingly restored country house blends grand proportions and stately features with modern comforts and contemporary elegance. From the light, majestic climes of the Ballroom to the ornamental plasterwork and original chandelier of the Dining Room, the interiors fuse opulence and romance, while the grounds offer beautiful gardens and parkland for guests to roam and endless scenic backdrops for photographs.
An inviting new addition to Rockbeare Manor provides yet another reason to wed in this outstanding spot. Having undergone a recent refurbishment, The Dairy is a beautiful bijou cottage located just behind the main house. Designed for couples (or the bride and her ‘maids, groom and his groomsmen) to spend the night before the wedding, expect all the mod cons such as a wireless sound system and open plan lounge area, which doubles up perfectly as a preparation space, with sumptuous interiors and decadent touches for a stay that’s as stylish as it is snug.
Comfortably accommodating four (with a trundle bed and sofa bed for an additional two guests), you’ll also receive a breakfast hamper to tuck into on the morning of the wedding as you prepare for the party ahead. What’s more, the team is currently working on the adjoining barn to create stylish preparation stations with mirrors and seating as well as an additional bathroom so the entire bridal party can get ready in luxe comfort together.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Sitting in the heart of a valley where rolling meadows meet pockets of mature trees, The Great Barn offers breathtaking natural beauty and away-from-it-all romance within eight miles of Exeter.
Flanked by 120 acres of private grounds complete with flower-filled walled gardens and a medieval courtyard, The Great Barn – affectionately known as the ‘thatched cathedral’ – never fails to captivate couples with its 15th century history, striking architecture and wow-worthy interiors. Thanks to its scale, most of the celebrations can take place in a single space, while the adjoining Roundhouse works perfectly as a bar area, chill-out lounge or space to entertain younger guests.
You might choose to marry beneath the dramatic vaulted ceilings of the barn or amongst the roses, wisteria and blossom-filled trees of the gardens, which offer enchantment all year round for drinks receptions and photographs. Tailor your celebrations to suit your individual style in the beautifully lit barn and tuck into a wedding feast brimming with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
There’s accommodation for up to 30 guests in a trio of self-catering cottages. Rich in historic character and contemporary comforts, you’ll find elegantly designed interiors complete with king-sized beds, snug sofas, wood burners and luxurious bathrooms, while the Grade-II listed Place has a separate bridal suite with its own entrance, sitting room, bedroom and bathroom with a clawfoot bath. Available on an exclusive-use basis, you can enjoy this picture-perfect estate in complete privacy for a long weekend, allowing you to linger a little longer, soaking up the heady romance of this special place with your nearest and dearest.
thegreatbarndevon.co.uk
WORDS OF LOVE
“Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.” Barbara De Angelis
12. GREEN DAY Paint your wedding in shades of fresh sage, crisp mint and luxe emerald
14. RHAPSODY IN BLUE Dreamy blue gown and elegant touches for an al fresco celebration
20. DISCO INFERNO Give your wedding a ‘70s groove with retro fashions, warm hues and glitter balls galore
26. WED’S WISH LIST Dream dresses and showstopping shoes
30. WHAT’S YOUR BRIDAL STYLE? Fashionista or relaxed romantic? Top-trending dresses for a so-you statement
38. WED’S BOUDOIR Bridal beauty tips and trends
40. VEILED TALE Upgrade the classic bridal accessory with script, stars and florals
42. SHE’S THE ONE Prepare to fall in love with the Vera Wang Bride collection at The Ivory Lounge
48. BE JEWELLED Captivating bridal jewels, from lustrous pearls to sandcast treasures
58. WORKING THE GROOM Tips and trends for the man of the moment
64. LUXE IS IN THE AIR Contemporary elegance at The Great Barn FEATURES
52. ENDURING LOVE Sparkling rings inspired by the beauty of days gone by
55. WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER Ward off the post-wedding blues with these top tips
61. WED’S HIP LIST Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day
70. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Add a memorable and flavour-packed punch to your day with these top trends
74. DEVON’S FINEST Delight your guests with these Devon-made food and drinks
79. GOOD MIXERS Jo Fitch of The Buffalo reveals her top five cocktails for wowing your wedding crowd
82. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Inspiration for an al fresco celebration, from clifftop vows to garden parties
86. THE MAGIC OF CANVAS Expert advice for styling your dream wedding under canvas
92. WHETHER OR NOT How to prepare for whatever the weather gods throw your way on W-day
97. YOU MAY NOW QUIZ THE BRIDE Fun and fabulous games to play during the reception
101. WED’S VENUES GUIDE The ultimate guide to Devon’s finest wedding venues
118. NORTHERN SOUL Hot spots for a honeymoon in North Devon REGULARS
6. BRIDAL BUZZ What’s new, what’s hot, what’s on
125. GOT WED Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day
regular | BRIDAL BUZZ bridalbuzzFRESH FROM A FAIRYTALE
The setting of many love stories during its 600-year history, Powderham Castle specialises in unfeasibly romantic weddings, combining historic charm and stirring rural beauty with a wholly bespoke approach. Situated near Exeter, the exclusive-use venue is available for a variety of events, whether you wish to host a humanist ceremony in the gardens, a rustic-chic party in the Riding School or a lavish reception in the castle.
Its beauty is not just to be found in its buildings and dreamlike setting, but its versatile range of spaces. Along with the majestic castle, there are three more fully licensed venues to choose from: the idyllic climes of the Woodland Garden complete with a Gothic pavilion; the rustic charm of the old Riding School, perfect for couples seeking a relaxed barn wedding; and the striking Belvedere, an 18th century tower atop a hill that presents jaw-dropping views across the estate and estuary.
Couples seeking an outdoor wedding will delight in the array of spaces such as the pretty, scented setting of the Victorian Rose Garden, the picturesque lakeside garden of the Riding School and the fairytale beauty of the American Garden and its wooded glade of exotic trees. There is also a choice of marquee sites scattered across the grounds, including the deer park and by the lake.
A plethora of indoor options allow you to celebrate in style whatever the weather and season, whether it’s amidst the oak panelling and open fire of the State Dining Room or the light and character-filled Libraries with their panoramas of the gardens and deer park. Or you might fall for the romance of the Music Room with its estuary views and glorious domed ceiling. With every type of celebration tailored to ensure a day as distinctive as your love, a wedding at Powderham is a dream-come-true venue.
powderham.co.uk/weddings
WORDS OF LOVE
“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness – and call it love – true love.” Robert Fulghum, ‘True Love’
SECRET SPOT
A new outdoor wedding venue has opened its doors in North Devon. A joint venture between World Inspired Tents and Coxleigh Barton Farm in Barnstaple, The Venue at Coxleigh sits amidst rolling hills with farreaching views across Exmoor – a seriously scenic setting for a personality-packed wedding under canvas.
As well as a secluded location, the venue offers exclusivity for an entire weekend, affordable packages and on-site camping and glamping – think bell tents or shepherd huts dotted around the lake – for small gatherings through to large-scale weddings. Choose from one of World Inspired Tents’ Nordic tipis or Aurora sailcloth tents for a wow-worthy celebration space, whether you’re dreaming of summer celebrations with the sides rolled down or winter festivities complete with candles and firepits. Providing furnishings, lighting fixtures and event planning services, you can look forward to a hassle-free wedding immersed in nature, filled with woodland walks and dancing beneath the stars.
Maxi Photography regular | BRIDAL BUZZ bridalbuzzTIERS OF JOY The intricately crafted sweet creations by Peboryon are a sight to behold – and a treat for the taste buds to boot. From textured buttercream confections and sleek contemporary Stuart Wood Photography
styles to stunning tiers cloaked with dainty handcrafted sugar petals, Peboryon’s Claire Potts is passionate about creating a cake tailored entirely to each couple’s vision – and can turn her hand to all manner of designs.
The finest quality local ingredients – including organic and free-range products wherever possible – are another passion for the cake artist and, with flavours such as red velvet, sticky toffee, lemon and elderflower and passionfruit and white chocolate, you and your guests are assured an all-round sensory experience to savour.
peboryon.com
Dan Ward Photography Dan Ward Photography Darina Stoda Photography
STYLED WITH A KISS
Planning a wedding can be exciting and wonderful to time-consuming and stressful – and everything in-between – and one of the most discussed areas of planning is the styling. Choosing a wedding stylist means you can work with an expert to help create your dream vision, ensuring it looks every bit as magical as (or even better than) you imagined.
Nikki Sherriff of Knots & Kisses knows that fresh eyes and ideas can really help take your wedding to a new level, and that venue styling isn’t simply about making things look beautiful. Every visual element shapes your guests’ experience, so purpose and function are important too, and she’s offering three styling services to help you finesse the look for your wedding.
‘The Style Experience’ will see Nikki working with you from concept through to completion, offering a comprehensive, bespoke styling experience designed to shape the overall look and feel of your wedding. Meanwhile, ‘The On-The-Day Edit’ takes the stress out of the big day itself, removing any décor set-up and styling tasks from your to-do list – perfect if you already have a design in mind and most of the styling supplies you need.
And as well as styling and design, there’s also ‘The Inspiration Session’, a consultation-only service for couples who need a little guidance or a big dose of inspiration – ideal if you want to do everything yourselves but don’t know where to start when it comes to creating a cohesive, trend-led look for your wedding. Knots & Kisses also offers a range of backdrops and ceremony frames, which can be either included with a styling service, or used on a hireonly basis.
knotsandkisses.co.uk
WEDDING SUPERSTITION
It is thought to be good luck for a bride to cry on her wedding day because it symbolises that she has shed all her tears and will not have any to shed during her marriage. Just remember the waterproof mascara, ladies!
