Wedding at The Great Barn, Ashton

The Pride of Devon Wedding

Having become friends while working for the same company, Nick and Emily’s love for sport brought them together; he spent years teaching her tennis and windsurfing before they finally became a couple. Whilst visiting Emily’s family in Vancouver, Nick proposed.



Unlike most brides, Emily saw the dress of her dreams straight away. Despite the extravagant layers of tulle which made the base of the David Fielden dress quite big, she insisted that it was so comfortable she “didn’t want to ever take it off!”



Quickly ruling out London, they decided on Devon as a location because Nick grew up in the county and Emily’s parents honeymooned there. They chose the first venue they visited, The Great Barn in Ashton. Surrounded by rolling hills and typical Devonshire cottages, the immaculate barn had been restored to its 15th century glory to create a stunning wedding venue.

Complete with a walled garden for the drinks reception they envisaged, it ticked all the boxes for the couple.



Nick and Emily opted for a Devon themed wedding and the ceremony took place in the 15th century local church lit by original candelabras. Emily’s friends from The Royal Opera House sang hymns during the service, which heightened the ambience.



Bringing the countryside of Devon indoors, the church flowers consisted of gorgeous blue hydrangeas, cornflowers and lavender. Florist Joanna Game also created the table and wall flower arrangements, and napkins were wrapped in fresh herb bundles, lending an elegant yet rustic country feel. Dartmoor Kitchens helped Nick and Emily create a Devon-stamped menu, which included a board selection of cured Devon meats and pickles to start, Devon rump of lamb or Devon salmon and 'Devon mess' for dessert. Each guest received a miniature bottle of local cider as favours.



Tapping into the expertise of their suppliers, the couple asked the caterers, venue owners, florist and even stylists – most of whom lived in Devon – to come up with creative ideas themselves. The only element from outside the county was the six-piece London band, Central Groove who certainly didn’t disappoint and managed to get everyone on the dance floor.



Emily’s top tip for brides is simple, “let your groom organise the honeymoon. It’s such a great surprise and they love the responsibility!” The honeymoon setting in question was Costa Rica, which Emily describes as “paradise.”

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

The dress
David Fielden from Teokath
020 8971 2000 www.teokath.co.uk

The flowers
Joanna Game Flowers
01647 231657 www.joannagameflowers.com

Photography
Rebecca Roundhill
07855 576687 www.rebeccaroundhill.co.uk


Copyright WED Magazine 2010