16 minute read
BRIDAL BUZZ
bridalbuzzregular | BRIDAL BUZZ Rabbit House Studio Photography
Editor
Rebecca Matthews
Deputy editor
Lucy Higgins
Chief features writer
Hannah May
Contributors
Elizabeth Chester, Becci Clubb, Rebecca Green, Jessica Kearney, Hazel Parsons
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 Amy & Nick, Amy Chapple Photography amychapplephotography.co.uk Venue Watermouth Cove watermouthcoveweddings.co.uk Styling Best Day Ever! bestdayeverdevon.co.uk Dress Rara Avis raraavis-group.com Groom’s outfit House of Cavani cavani.co.uk Hair Cindy Beddard cindybeddardbridalhair.co.uk Make-up Jasmine Elle Makeup instagram.com/jasmine_ ellemakeup Flowers The Rose Shed theroseshed.co.uk Jewellery Wanderlust Life wanderlustlife.co.uk Model Kezia & Jordan instagram. com/the_lawrencegrahams
© 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. Rabbit House Photography
NATURAL BEAUTY
Situated on the Devon and Cornwall border, where the banks of the River Tamar and River Lyd meet 500 acres of enchanting woodland, lakes and rolling meadows, the setting of Wooladon Estate could not be more picturesque. The private estate offers a five-star country residence, together with a cluster of beautiful buildings, to host a wedding steeped in wild romance.
From vows in the garden or country ceremony room to festivities in the garden suite and photographs against the lake, the willow tree and woodland, expect seclusion, versatile celebration spaces and breathtaking views at every turn as you and your guests revel in the exclusive estate and all it has to offer.
At its heart, the luxurious Georgian house presents a plethora of charming spaces and a gorgeously romantic bridal suite bathed in natural light, while a cluster of barn conversion cottages add to the stylish and secluded accommodation options, some complete with private gardens, hot tubs and valley views.
Priding themselves on their exceptional catering, the team will build a bespoke menu using the freshest produce grown and sourced from the estate, including seasonal fruit and vegetables, beef reared on the riverbanks and bread baked on-site. A wedding packed with Devon flavour, stirring charm and the most soul-stirring of backdrops are the hallmarks of a memorable event at Wooladon Estate.
BEST OF BRITISH
Exeter-based florist Emma Hewlett is renowned for her beautifully creative and versatile approach to floristry. From classic romance to contemporary chic and dreamy boho to relaxed rustic, she can turn her hand to all floral styles with stunning results.
Passionate about making her service as sustainable as possible, Emma ensures all her floral designs are foam-free while avoiding single-use plastics. In a bid to push the sustainability envelope further, Emma has now launched a British wedding florals package. Using only flowers from local growers based within 20 minutes of her studio rather than imported varieties, the package allows couples to enjoy beautiful local blooms with a minimal carbon footprint. “I have built up a great relationship with growers that means I can tap into what is truly local to me,” says Emma.
Rather than couples specifying the flowers they’d like, Emma will use the very best blooms in the chosen palette which are available to pick the week of the wedding. “Obviously if there are key seasonal flowers the couple would like, such as roses, then I would ensure they are included, but it will be less of a recipe of flowers, allowing for a more free and natural design,” she explains. “I want to show couples that they can still have the most gorgeous flowers without relying on imported ones.”
The new package includes bouquets for brides and bridesmaids, buttonholes and table flowers, with options for larger floral installations also available for wow-worthy florals which are big on style and low on carbon impact.
emmahewlett.co.uk
Hannah Barnes Photography
WORDS OF LOVE
“I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more.” Angelita Lim
20. INTO THE BLUE Ocean blues and shimmering accents for an ethereal water’s edge wedding
22. TIME TO SHINE Deep hues and twinkling touches make for a wildly romantic winter wedding on Devon’s north coast
28. LOVE STRUCK Seriously stylish inspiration for a modern country house wedding
34. WED’S WISH LIST Dream dresses and lust-worthy shoes
38. WED’S STYLE GUIDE Get clued up on the bridal basics from the hemline to the headwear
46. WED’S BOUDOIR Bridal beauty tips and trends
48. HOT FROCKS Our favourite trends for your bride squad
56. BE JEWELLED Captivating bridal jewellery inspiration
60. A DESIGN FOR LIFE Find a forever-worthy ring with this guidance from the experts
68. SUIT YOURSELF The leading looks for the man of the moment
72. DREAM WEAVER Macramé details and soft hues bring luxe boho vibes to Devon’s countryside
76. IMMACULATE DREAM A symphony of crisp whites and luxe touches in a historic corner of Exeter
FEATURES
6. YOU’RE ENGAGED! NOW WHAT? How to start planning your day of dreams with wedding planner Jenny Wren
8. CEREMONIALLY SPEAKING A rundown on the various options for formalising your union
52. HERE COME THE GIRLS! 25 key roles for your bride squad
66. YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY How to marry in so-you style
71. WED’S HIP LIST Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day
82. MAKE CEREMONY MAGIC How to ensure your ceremony is the standout moment of the day
86. MONEY MATTERS Expert advice for planning a wedding that suits your vision and your bank balance
90. LOVE AT FIRST DANCE Move to your own beat on W-day with these first dance ideas
93. IT’S A CELEBRATION! Disco not your thing? Here are some alternative ideas to celebrate in style
REGULARS
10. BRIDAL BUZZ What’s new, what’s hot, what’s on
97. WED’S VENUES GUIDE The ultimate guide to Devon’s finest wedding venues
115. GOT WED Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day
162. NOTES ON A WEDDING Top tips for your planning pleasure
regular | BRIDAL BUZZ bridalbuzz FIELDS OF DREAMS
If you’re searching for a wedding venue that’s away-from-it all yet conveniently located, exclusive-use but laidback and set amongst a scenic stretch of Devon’s rural landscape – then prepare to fall in love with Deer Farm Tipi Weddings.
Located 25 minutes from Exeter and 15 minutes from Tiverton, East Dunster Farm is as picturesque as it is private. Set on the hillside of the family-run deer farm, a trio of spectacular off-white Nordic tipis makes a blank canvas setting for bespoke wedding celebrations with views across miles of rolling hills.
Tailored entirely to your vision, you might stage a blessing overlooking the rural panoramas before celebrating with your nearest and dearest or take your vows elsewhere before relocating to your tipi reception and feasting with up to 150 guests in attendance. The tipis come furnished with tables, chairs, benches and a handcrafted wooden bar. Bedecked in festoon lighting, fairy lights and a lantern lit walkway, you’re assured a palpably magical ambience as night falls.
Luxury accommodation with large, light-filled living spaces, private gardens and hot tubs for 16 people on-site (or more for an additional cost) is included in the hire, along with optional camping for further guests. Surrounded by green hills and grazing deer and stags, imagine soaking up the romance of your brilliantly personal tipi wedding with your nearest and dearest in this tucked-away corner of Devon. Heaven.
deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk
WSD Productions
STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION
WORDS OF LOVE
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” David Viscott
Dreaming of a wedding under canvas in a scenic location? Make your vision manifest with the help of Skybar Weddings. Armed with years of experience in the hospitality industry and with numerous weddings and events successfully under their belt, the team offers a range of services for all types and sizes of marquee wedding.
Whether you’re in need of a location scout, stretch tent hire, layout advice or interior styling and equipment hire, they will deliver your dream wedding with idiosyncratic flair. Their top-of-the-range stretch tents are tailored to suit all types of celebrations, from intimate affairs to large-scale parties. Beautifully blending form and function, the safe and secure tents can weather any storm and can be adapted to suit a host of settings. So whether you envisage a summertime clifftop shindig with an open-sided tent revealing the ocean beyond, a cosy winter wedding with warmth and magical ambience or a sprawling festival-style celebration via the tents’ modular, interlocking design – Skybar will create it with flourish.
And let’s not forget the interior. Couples can hire a range of lighting, flooring and furnishings such as tables, chairs and Chesterfield sofas, along with various staging, sound, PA and entertainment options to ensure that every element is taken care of in unique and oh-so ‘you’ style.
Maxi Photography regular | BRIDAL BUZZ bridalbuzzLOVE THROUGH A LENS
Priding himself on an unobtrusive yet relaxed approach to wedding photography, the multi award-winning Peter Prior will produce a stunning set of emotive images that you’ll forever value as one of the most treasured keepsakes from your day. “Your wedding album will be far more than a set of pictures. I will have created a piece of family history that will be a priceless heirloom for generations to come,” he explains. “My aim when photographing a wedding has always been to produce timeless, natural and elegant images that capture the soul and essence of the occasion.”
Tailoring his photography to suit your personal requirements, Peter will document as much or as little of your day as you’d like before presenting you with a handmade designer album packed with pictures you’ll wish to pore over time and time again (with a digital only option also available).
Rounding off his creative service with luxurious albums, you can look forward to a collection of images that will allow you to relive and share your wedding in the most beautiful of ways.
peterprior.com
Coco Moon Photography Coco Moon Photography
WILD AT HEART
A dream setting in the heart of the Devon countryside, where wildflower meadows meet maturing woodland, Higher Holcombe makes a gloriously green canvas for a relaxed wedding bursting with style, atmosphere and personality.
Situated near Ottery St Mary, the 30-acre rural retreat comprises a cluster of character-filled buildings, from the gorgeously lit barn with exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views across the grounds, to the farmhouse, which accommodates 10, and the Hobbit House, a quirkycool honeymoon hideaway set in its own garden overlooking the woodland and meadows. There are also shepherd’s huts, giant Lotus Belle tents and overflow camping for larger guest lists. For vows immersed in nature, you may choose to hold your ceremony in the willow ‘cathedral’ – a magical hilltop setting found along meandering flower-filled paths – or the secluded silver birch ‘church’ – a secluded woodland spot where you can marry, feast or take your first dance beneath a leafy canopy.
Licensed for marriages and civil partnerships, Higher Holcombe allows couples to tailor their day to suit their requirements. Whether you envisage a barefoot ceremony in the woods or exchanging your vows before feasting in the barn, the team are on-hand to help you achieve the most relaxed and personality-packed celebration with flourish and ease.
higherholcombe.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!
regular | BRIDAL BUZZ bridalbuzzON THE WAY TO George Bishop Photography ghbphotos.com
THE WEDDING
A Georgian stately home on the outskirts of Bideford in North Devon, Moreton House is an elegant setting for a modern wedding with its beautiful, light-filled spaces, luxurious on-site accommodation and picturesque grounds. Rich in the beauty of this corner of Devon, guests can enjoy roaming the five acres of landscaped tree-lined gardens, while the breathtaking vistas of the north coast are just a short drive away.
The new Bridgerton-inspired Daddon Suite has further enhanced the venue’s palpable air of romance. One of the few surviving rooms left from the earlier Daddon House, which stood on the site more than 300 years ago, the suite boasts wood panelled walls and plaster mouldings which predate the Georgian house of today. Now restored to its former splendour, the elegant space is styled with soft colours and accents of gold, antique furnishings and a sumptuous chandelier. An emperor-size four-poster bed, complete with pineapple finials, takes centre stage, while its large windows frame views across the gardens.
Included with venue hire for wedding couples, the suite makes a dreamy and photogenic getting-ready room and honeymoon suite. As well as plentiful space for gathering your bride tribe for a bubblyfilled morning of hair and make-up preparations, it is perfectly placed for a grand entrance via the formal staircase or directly into the ballroom ceremony space. And just imagine waking to the first day of married life in such a setting!
moretonhousedevon.com
Margo R Photography
WINTER SEAS
Located in a prime position on Plymouth Hoe with sweeping views across the sea, Pier One allows you to marry in style within touching distance of the water.
With the bustle of Plymouth only a short distance away, the coolly contemporary wedding venue offers complete privacy and stylish interiors. Mesmerising views of the sea fill the floor-to-ceiling windows, while the balcony makes a sublime spot to take your vows while basking in the fresh sea air. What’s more, with delicious food being a speciality, you’re assured a wedding feast to remember.
For those drawn to the romance of a winter wedding, the venue is currently running a special promotion whereby couples can get 50% off the venue hire fee during the winter months comprising January, February, March, October, November and December 2023 (excluding the period between Christmas and New Year). Get in touch to find out more.
pieroneplymouth.co.uk
Evolve Photography
regular | BRIDAL BUZZ bridalbuzzPHOTO FINISH
Capturing the big moments, the small moments and the fleeting moments it’s all too easy to miss, photographer Beth Wilson is passionate about enshrining the memories of your day in all its unique beauty. Adopting a documentary style of photography, Beth’s “relaxed, emotive and fun storytelling” approach is evident in every image. “For the best part of the day I’m busy capturing a wedding naturally unfold,” she says. “However, I always appreciate the chance to get creative in order to provide some showstoppers to your gallery that truly represent you as a couple.”
Taking the time to get to know each couple and build rapport in advance of the wedding allows Beth to establish a relaxed connection and create the most beautiful and natural images. Beth’s coverage extends from pre-wedding shoots to a standard 10-hour package and post-wedding adventure sessions, allowing you to choose a bespoke service to suit your requirements. “It’s really important you choose a wedding photographer with a style you love, a personality you click with and a price that suits your budget,” she urges. Head to Beth’s website and prepare to fall in love with her portfolio of natural, intimate and timelessly beautiful photographs.
photographybybethwilson.com
STYLED TO PERFECTION
Photography Babs Boardwell Photography / Flowers Brompton Buds
Booked a blank canvas venue and don’t know where to start? Allow us to introduce you to the wedding design and styling services of Knots & Kisses. With an innate flair and professionally honed eye, Nikki Sherriff taps into her background in art, illustration and graphics to offer complete event styling “full of visual drama and personality”. She will take care of every element and detail to create a bespoke look and feel that reflects your coupledom to exquisite effect.
“Drawing inspiration from fashion, interiors and art, I design luxurious, trendled schemes that feel completely personal and unique,” she explains. “It’s my job to turn whatever vision you have for your wedding day into reality. I’ll unravel your ideas, offer a view of my own and expertly style your event so it looks gorgeous from beginning to end.”
Working closely with each couple, Nikki will develop a detailed blueprint of your wedding from furniture hire to installations, food stations and seating areas, helping you to imagine and materialise your dream day with stress-free ease. Considering both form and function, she’ll create a space that looks and feels oh-so ‘you’ while providing an unforgettable experience for your guests. Pick a package to suit your needs, from a full wedding and design service that will take you from conception to completion to ‘The ‘On the Day’ Edit’ styling and set-up option and ‘The Inspiration Session’, which presents a consultation service to help couples embark upon the most stylish of DIY days.
knotsandkisses.co.uk
WORDS OF LOVE
