Wedding at Tapeley Park

The Autumnal Extravaganza

From a surprise breakfast beachside engagement at Northam Burrows to a pastoral ceremony in a stone summerhouse at Tapeley Park, Stef and Phil's autumnal wedding was natural to the core. With just six months to organise the wedding, all hands were on deck to ensure the preparations paved the way for a flawless event.



Their October wedding boasted a palette of striking seasonal tones with golds, yellows, oranges and browns giving a sumptuous yet organic look. Tapeley Park was decorated with leaves, pumpkins, candles, dried and fresh flowers to enhance the relaxed countryside feel. Situated just minutes from the couples' house and near to the beach where they run their dog Clarence (who was also a guest), the setting seemed hugely personal.



The highly personal ceremony took place on the steps of The Toot; Stef walked in to Eva Cassidy’s 'Fields of Gold' and enjoyed poetic readings by friends, followed with drinks on the lawn and a reception in the stone barn.



Both being avid foodies, Stef and Phil opted for a communal feast of hearty, local and seasonal dishes. A free-range, rare-breed pig on a spit served with dauphinoise potatoes, roast parsnips, cabbage with mustard and carrots, followed by sticky toffee pudding and custard made for a scrumptious menu. Going for a 'big family Sunday lunch' feel, all the food was piled onto serving dishes in the middle of the long tables so guests could tuck in and help themselves.



In addition, 'posh' cider (the award-winning cider made using the champagne method by Ashridge Cider) was used for the toasts and drinks reception. The wedding cake was a stack of cheeses decorated with figs, grapes and flowers, which were eaten during the evening with crackers, chutney, bread and roast beef.



Calories were burned off courtesy of aptly named local band, The Food Fighters, and the celebrations continued until the day's end.



Looking back, Stef suggests canvassing help from others and doing as much as possible yourself, “We made the invitations, decorated the wedding cake and put together the evening buffet. Also, my mum grew flowers and pumpkins, made chutney and some of the gorgeous flower girls' dresses. My sister-in-law organized the wedding music, a friend lent us an overflow marquee, another friend cooked the roast beef and my bosses gave us the cider for the toasts. It made the day even more special because it was such a combined effort!”

The venue
Tapeley Park, North Devon
0845 1800277 www.tapeley-park.com

The dress
Ebony Rose from Pirouette, Exeter
01392 432643 www.pirouettethecollection.com

Photography
Lucy Shergold
01237 420828 www.lucyshergoldphotography.co.uk

Copyright WED Magazine 2010