Wedding at Buckland Tout-Saints

White Wedding

The wedding of Sarah and Chris was a personal affair; on falling for the charms of Buckland Tout Saints, the couple decided to opt for exclusive use of the hotel and grounds. “Our guests felt like they were in our home for the day and night!” says Sarah.





“You could say that we were first loves,” she continues. “After a two year relationship we both went our separate ways for about eight years.” A chance encounter then led to an official date and, five months later, the question was popped on a romantic holiday in Antigua.





The wedding was relaxed and informal, blending a hint of vintage style with a minimalist approach. An array of crisp white flowers made a striking statement, while glass candelabras collected from second hand shops lent a vintage twist.



Sarah went for a glamorous look in her white lace gown and pearls in her softly waved hair. The bridesmaids wore black cocktail dresses to match the suits of the best man and ushers.



Sarah and her dad arrived in style in a friend’s Bentley. “After a dull morning, the top came off the Bentley for photos as we pulled up to Buckland and the sun shone all day.”



The moving ceremony saw an acoustic version of the bridal march being played on the bride’s arrival, Vera Lynn’s ‘Apple Blossom Time’ during the signing of the register and James Morrison’s ‘Precious Love’ as they left.



Kir royales and canapés followed in the gardens, while Rebecca and Matt from ‘Blue Orchid’ played an acoustic set. The speeches prompted more tears and lots of laughter before the wedding breakfast was served: a blue cheese, poached pear and walnut salad starter was followed by spring chicken with dauphinoise potatoes. The wedding cake made a tantalising dessert; as a surprise for birthday boy Chris, the top tier of the cupcake tower was a chocolate birthday cake. “Instead of cutting the cake we blew the candles out!”


 
The dance floor was full all evening. A local DJ played songs requested by the guests and ‘Blue Orchid’ performed a live set. Reflecting on their day, Sarah comments, “I think our lasting memory would be that of laughter! Everyone including Chris and I seemed to laugh in happiness all day.”



Sarah’s advice for other couples is simple: “Relax and enjoy every moment as it goes so quickly – especially the ceremony. I made sure I listened to everything the registrar said and took it all in.”

The venue
Buckland Tout-Saints, Kingsbridge
01548 853055 www.tout-saints.co.uk

The dress
Justin Alexander from Perfection, Plymouth
01752 262121 www.perfectionbridalandmenswear.co.uk

The flowers
Emma Vowles
01803 866831 www.emmavowles.co.uk

Photography
Gilbert and Evans
01392 832597 www.gilbertandevans.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011