Wedding at Boringdon Hall

An Elegant Affair

Elegance and simplicity were the hallmarks of Sarah and Lee’s fairytale wedding. A champagne and gold colour scheme and an array of white calla lilies made for a stunning aesthetic in the dramatic setting of Boringdon Hall.



The couple met at a tender age – Sarah was 12 and Lee was 14 – when they both swam for Plymouth Leander Swimming Club. They started dated a few years later and have been together ever since. The proposal was a complete surprise for Sarah: “I was told I was going on an SAS experience on how to survive in the rough and ended up getting engaged on the King’s balcony at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany!”



Despite torrential downpours in the lead-up to the wedding, the big day dawned with beautiful sunshine. Both Sarah and Lee spent a chilled morning getting ready at their respective parents’ houses and, in obligatory bridal fashion, Sarah was 20 minutes late for the marriage ceremony at Bickleigh Church.





After stopping for photographs at some local beauty spots, the newly weds arrived at Boringdon Hall. Dishes on the wedding menu included tomato and red pepper soup, prime west Devon sirloin beef with Yorkshire pudding and trimmings and Bailey’s cream cheesecake.



Despite plenty of nerves, the speeches were a hit. “Everyone was in stitches during all three speeches,” comments Sarah. The DJ played a request list of the couple’s favourite songs, which ensured an upbeat and personalised party atmosphere – with some serious moves on the dance floor.



The first dance, ‘Stand By Me’ by The Drifters had particularly special meaning for Sarah: “My family used to watch the group perform in a local hotel when we were on holiday. My Granddad even organised for them to sing happy birthday to me one year. He couldn’t be with us on the day so it was a lovely way to remember him.”



Sarah and Lee spent two weeks in the honeymoon paradise of the Maldives. “It was all perfect. We could not have dreamed for anything more,” Sarah comments, looking back. “Take it all in your stride and enjoy it” is her advice to other brides. And remember: “Less is more!”





The venue
Bickleigh Church, Plymouth followed by Boringdon Hall
01752 344455 www.boringdonhall.co.uk

The flowers
Sophie’s Florist
01752 659295 www.florist-plymouth.com

Photography
Younger Photography
01752 300636 www.youngerphotography.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011