Real Wedding at St Martins Church

Fabulous on the Farm

A tractor, a hog roast, a local country dance band and a barrel of homemade farmhouse cider – Rose and Michael’s wedding was every inch a traditional rural affair. And the bride’s parents’ farm in South Devon made for a perfect marquee location, particularly given its close proximity to the beautiful 13th century St. Martin’s Church where Rose’s parents and grandparents had tied the knot.



It was a case of all hands on deck to prepare the site and decorate the marquee. Hurricane vases holding cream pillar candles and encircled with flowers made for striking table centrepieces.





Rose wore a classic A-line dress with a heart-shaped bust encrusted with gems. Her shower bouquet was a medley of classic white flowers and green foliage, while the bridesmaids held hand-tied bouquets and the flower girls held sweet pea posies. Amidst glorious sunshine, the bride rode up to the church sat on a hay bale on a decorated farm trailer, while her father drove the tractor.





“After a lovely ceremony we made our way back to the marquee for Pimm’s and homemade farmhouse cider which Michael and I had made from the orchard on the farm,” says Rose. The couple’s horse even played a central role in proceedings, “Tally didn’t bat an eyelid at having me heaved up on her for photographs and the dress flapping around her!”





The buffet started with French bread and olives stuffed with sundried tomatoes, followed by a selection of cold meats, salmon, salads and new potatoes. Fresh fruit meringue baskets served with Devonshire clotted cream made a fitting dessert. Given the country theme and the fact that the couple run Hot Hogs Spitroast Catering, it was entirely fitting that the party tucked into a hog roast in the evening; a chocolate fountain and cheese board provided further indulgence.



Local country dance band, Rumpus, got everyone into the party mood, and upbeat tunes and high jinks ensued. “The music had everybody up dancing and swinging about!” reflects Rose. A DJ ensured the party continued into the early hours of the morning. The couple shortly departed for their honeymoon on the Greek island of Rhodes. 




For Rose, delegation was key to the day’s success. “Enlist the help of friends and family,” she advises. “They love to be included and it adds that extra special touch to the day.”



The venue
St. Martins Church, Sherford followed by a marquee reception at the bride’s family farm

The dress
Phil Collins Bridal at Aphrodite Brides, Ivybridge
01752 895353 www.aphroditebrides.co.uk

The flowers
Bloomers Florist, Kingsbridge
01548 856700 www.bloomersflorists.moonfruit.com

Photography
Martyn Norsworthy
01548 854044 www.norsworthyphotography.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2010