Real Wedding at Church of St Michael

True Blue

An elegant colour scheme of pale blue and crisp white set the tone for Katie and Richard’s relaxed and intimate wedding celebration.



The couple had been together for 14 years when they tied the knot, having met as students at Anglia Polytechnic University in Cambridge. Katie grew up in the small rural village of Cotleigh near Honiton and, though now based in Lancashire, the couple decided to wed in this pretty corner of Devon. A marquee was erected in a playing field adjacent to Katie’s parents’ house, just a few hundred yards from the church.



Katie accessorised her Maggie Sottero gown with Christian Louboutin shoes and a diamond necklace – a surprise gift from Richard. The best man, usher and bridesmaid wore pale blue, which complemented the gorgeous array of white lilies, calla lilies, roses, delphiniums and freesias. A friend of Katie’s mother created the bridal bouquet, corsages and marquee arrangements, while Katie’s mother, Richard’s mother and Katie’s mother’s friends created the other arrangements in the church. “This meant a huge amount to me as I felt they had all been created with love.”



The party began as soon as Katie and Richard emerged from the church as Mr and Mrs. Guests tucked into a picnic of pink champagne and miniature scones with Devonshire clotted cream and jam in the churchyard. A jazz band provided some chilled sounds, leading the wedding party and guests to the marquee for a Pimm’s and canapé reception – not to mention al fresco entertainment in the form of giant noughts and crosses and Jenga. “Our guests made good use of the playground in the playing field which made for some fantastic photographs,” adds Katie.





The live jazz continued during the meal. Honey roasted Devonshire ham, locally reared roast beef and poached salmon were served alongside minted potatoes and summer salads while a trio of desserts: chocolate fudge brownie, strawberries and Chantilly cream and lemon meringue pie made for a sumptuous sweet.



The first dance to Jamie Cullum’s ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’ marked the commencement of an evening reception full of party tunes.



Richard had another surprise up his sleeve for his new wife: “He had secretly arranged for a wedding car to take us to Combe House Hotel where we spent our wedding night.” The couple then travelled to the Maldives for two blissful weeks.





“Enjoy your day! The average wedding takes a huge amount of planning, so make sure come the big day that you do your best to relax and enjoy it!”



The venue
Church of St Michael, Cotleigh followed by a marquee reception

The dress
Maggie Sottero from Pirouette, Exeter
01392 432643 www.pirouettethecollection.com

Photography
Emma Solley
01392 848500 www.emmasolley.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011