Wedding at Bovey Castle

Classic Romance

Elaine and Jason were work colleagues for several years before romance flourished. Three years after they started dating, plans were underway for their intimate family wedding.



The couple married at Bovey Castle before a small gathering of just a dozen of their closest family and friends. A large-scale evening reception took place just over a week later in the chic setting of St Elizabeth's House, proving a fabulous finale for their fairytale wedding.



On the wedding day, the boys checked into one of the lodges and enjoyed a few beers prior to the ceremony, while the bridal party indulged in a champagne and make-up session. With no scheme as such, Elaine wore a beautiful Essense gown whilst the bridesmaids shimmied in silver.



The Library was the intimate and beautiful setting for the couple's nuptials. Champagne and canapés were served on the terrace to a stirring soundtrack from harpist Elizabeth-Jane Baldry while the newlyweds were whisked off in a golf buggy for photos. They shortly returned for the wedding breakfast: a starter of terrine of confit duck, apple and shallot chutney and toasted brioche was followed by sirloin of south Devon beef, braised shallots and watercress puree. The meal was rounded off in sweet style with chocolate and peanut sponge with chocolate sauce.



The guests moved to the terrace to enjoy each other’s candlelit company until the early hours. The next day, everyone gathered for breakfast and delighted in some spa downtime before a barbecue party in one of the lodges – “another late night but a wonderful experience!” remembers Elaine.



Following their exotic honeymoon at the Grande St Lucian Resort Sandals in St Lucia, the pair reflect upon their day to offer advice to other budding brides and grooms.



“I dreamt of being a princess for the day and getting married in a castle, but never thought we would be able to afford it,” says Elaine. “My advice would be don't rule out your dream. By getting married on a Wednesday and having a small intimate wedding we found that our dream wedding was within budget.”





Elaine would also recommend an extended event: “We had a big party to celebrate with all of our friends – two parties and the chance to wear the dress again! Perfect!”



The venue
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park
0844 474 0080 www.boveycastle.com
St Elizabeth’s House Hotel, Plympton St. Maurice
01752 344840 www.stelizabeths.co.uk

The dress
Essense from The Wedding Company, Plympton
01752 347775 www.the-wedding-company.co.uk

The flowers
H Watts Floral Designs, Oreston, Plymouth
01752 403617 www.hwattsflorist.co.uk

Photography
Sorcha Holloway Photography
01752 662801 www.sorchahollowayphotography.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011