Wedding at Combe House Hotel, Devon

The Look of Love

Brisbane was the backdrop to Claudia and John’s first encounter. On arriving in the city during a working holiday, Claudia’s flat mate took her out to sample the nightlife: “We met up with some of his friends – one of whom was John, another who was to be our best man and another who later asked my other flat mate, who was one of my bridesmaids, to marry him just before our wedding!” says Claudia.



The film ‘Amelie’ is one of Claudia’s favourites so when John suggested watching it together one night, she didn’t have to think twice. During the closing scenes, however, she was surprised to discover John had inserted some of his own lines into the film’s English subtitles, culminating with: ‘So will you do me the honour and... marry me Claudia? I love you!’ “For a while I didn't know what I was reading, then it dawned on me and I started to cry. It was so lovely,” she says.



The answer to John’s question was easy – the location of their wedding, however, was not so simple. With Claudia being British and John being Australian, whichever country they chose was going to mean a huge amount of travelling for one side of the family. It was John who made the decision to marry in the UK. “Fantastically, John’s immediate family and many of our Aussie friends made it over too!”





Claudia’s gown oozed old school Hollywood glamour. She accessorised with exquisite pieces full of personal significance: art deco style pearl earrings that had belonged to her grandmother and a pendant her father had given to her mother. A pair of black suede pumps with patent bows, a crystal and pearl encrusted hairpiece and cathedral veil completed the elegant look.



The flowers were chosen to reflect their nationalities. A medley of daisies, cow parsley, roses, peonies and astrantia conveyed a vintage country garden vibe, and looked beautiful arranged in vintage tea sets. John had a small thistle in his buttonhole to reflect his Scottish ancestry, while the larger displays included chrysanthemums to signify his Chinese heritage.



Combe House Hotel was the setting for the weekend-long celebration. A pre-wedding party proved a great icebreaker, as guests got to know each other over a Devon cream tea and barbecue.



The ceremony took place in the idyllic setting of St Giles Church in Sidbury the next day. “The sun was shining and the church bells were ringing when we walked out as Mr and Mrs McKay,” reflects Claudia. The newlyweds then enjoyed a romantic ride in an open-top Bentley to Combe House.





Champagne, canapés and mingling on the lawn was accompanied by the smooth sounds of a pianist. Guests then enjoyed a different course of the wedding breakfast in three separate dining rooms. “This allowed us to speak to more of our guests,” says Claudia. Everyone danced the night away to the sounds of live band Time Out.



“It was a dream of a day!” says Claudia. “It was lovely walking down the aisle with my father and equally lovely walking up the aisle with my new husband. Taking part in a tradition with countless other couples, particularly in a church with so much history, was a real buzz.”



She adds, “John told me to take a step back from the crowd every now and again and watch our guests enjoying themselves, as though we were making deliberate memories. It’s good advice.”
 
The venue
St Giles Church, Sidbury followed by Combe House Hotel, Gittisham
01404 540400 www.combehousedevon.com

The dress
Johanna Johnson, Sydney
www.johannajohnson.com

The flowers
Haughty Culture Florist
01404 41699 www.haughty-culture.co.uk

Photography
Rayner Photography
07769 189017 www.richardrayner.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011