Wedding at The Great Barn

A gorgeous blend of light aqua and cream set the tone for Catherine and Martin's country chic wedding, which took place in the dramatic setting of The Great Barn. The light aqua theme carried through the bridesmaid dresses, the groomsmen's ties and the stationery, while a mass of country garden flowers - such as peonies, roses and hydrangeas in white and cream - oozed elegance.



Having met six years ago in Exeter, the couple got engaged in style at their favourite champagne house in France. This inspired their table names. "The centrepieces each had a bottle of champagne which matched the table name for guests to open themselves and enjoy for the toast," says Catherine.





Guests arrived to the romantic sound of the Exe Valley String Quartet who also provided the soundtrack to the drinks reception. The union was toasted with Pimm's and lemonade, sparkling wine, Magners and delicious canapes on the lawn. Some guests enjoyed a few games of croquet, giant Jenga and quoits.



Dartmoor Kitchen delivered a sumptuous feast. The canapes of lemon sole goujons, spiced lamb kebabs and monkfish wrapped in courgette were followed by a beef carpaccio starter and a lemon and herb roast chicken main course. "Then we had the most wonderful chocolate wedding cake made by Annelise Harris for dessert," says Catherine. Guests received Cancer Research UK pin badges as favours after the couple made a donation to the charity.




 
"After the wedding breakfast we retired to the courtyard where guests enjoyed Cuban cigars and liquors." A vintage ice cream seller and barrels of Otter Ale provided further sensory satisfaction. A disco stoked up the party atmosphere for the evening celebrations; alongside a hog roast and West Country cheese platters, guests departed with full bellies and high spirits.





A luxurious honeymoon followed: an exotic break in Maui, Hawaii included three nights in Las Vegas en route and three nights in San Francisco on the way back.



Catherine offers some wise words for couples in the midst of planning their celebration, "While cost is important, always look at the product and service you will receive. Sometimes it is better to pay for quality and then cut back on something you can make or do yourself."



The venue
The Great Barn, Higher Ashton
01647 252552 www.thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

The dress
Anaya from The Bridal Emporium, Exeter
01392 493814 www.bridalemporium.co.uk

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

Photography
Andrew Coulter
056017 11335 www.acoulter-photography.co.uk

Copyright WED Magazine 2010