Wedding at Buckland Tout-Saints, Devon

Seaside Chic

Teen sweethearts Maria and Lloyd first met at a friend’s 18th birthday party during their final year at Taunton School. The pair clicked instantaneously and a decade later, they were holidaying in Thailand when Lloyd popped the question under the stars with the ocean lapping romantically at their feet.



A palette of soft dusky pink, mink and mushroom worked beautifully with their seaside vintage theme. “We are keen divers and love anything to do with the sea,” explains Maria. The tables were named after their favourite diving destinations, while messages in a bottle made for pretty and distinctive place settings.





Dainty crystal accessories, Rainbow Couture shoes and a veil complemented Maria’s stunning Ian Stuart gown; she completed the look with her “perfect” bouquet.



After an hour’s delay due to a car break down, Maria made a comedic entrance at Dartmouth’s St Petrox Church in an AA van decorated with white ribbons and flashing lights! The moment when they faced each other at the altar ready to take their vows stands out as one of the day’s highlights for the couple. After the ceremony, the newlyweds savoured a peaceful moment together. “We had some photos taken around Dartmouth Castle still feeling ecstatic that we had just got married,” Maria says.



The wedding party then made their way to the elegant climes of Buckland Tout-Saints for the reception. On arrival, guests chatted while nibbling on canapés and supping on champagne.



The cream of local produce featured heavily in their menu. A starter of salmon and herb rillette, pickled cucumber and lemon mayonnaise was followed by breast of guinea fowl, wilted spring cabbage, fondant potato and thyme jus. Passion fruit crème brûlée and chocolate sorbet proved a “divine” endnote to the mouth-watering meal.



Maria and Lloyd’s choreographed first dance to ‘Everlasting Love’ by Love Affair made for a memorable moment and, together with local band Funk 54, the party vibe was well and truly stoked for the evening celebrations. “I don't think the dance floor was empty at any stage during the night,” recalls Maria.



Reflecting on the day, Maria comments, “The best thing was that we had all our families and friends to celebrate our marriage and the overwhelming feeling that we both felt so loved throughout the whole day.”

The newlyweds’ honeymoon lasted for three weeks and took in the sights of Bali, Wangi Wangi Island and Singapore.



As for words of wisdom, Maria says, “Have a moment between just the two of you, go somewhere quiet and let it all sink in – you have just become husband and wife!”

The venue
St Petrox Church, Dartmouth followed by Buckland Tout-Saints, Kingsbridge
01548 853055 www.tout-saints.co.uk

The dress
Ian Stuart from the Bridal Rooms of Wellswood, Torquay
01803 380580 www.bridalrooms.co.uk

The flowers
Flowersmiths, Dartmouth
01803 835900 www.flowersmiths.co.uk

Photography
Martyn Norsworthy
01548 854044 www.norsworthyweddings.com


Copyright WED Magazine 2011