This blissful sense of escapism set the tone for their wedding. Nestled in idyllic Devon countryside, the secluded climes of Coombe Farm and Woodland Trust provided the perfect space for their extended celebrations. "We had the venue for three nights to ourselves which meant we could all just relax and feel cut off from the world," says Genna.
The setting inspired a rustic, country mood, which saw a multitude of natural details and homemade touches alongside brown and green tones, dried leaves and wild flowers. "It was important for us for people to feel the power and beauty of the natural surroundings led by the woodland ceremony," comments Genna.
The traditional handfasting was held beneath a giant oak tree in the woods. Genna wore a reworked 1920s' dress with her hair tumbling at her shoulders speckled with real flowers, while Ollie worked an eclectic, country look featuring a vintage waistcoat and high street and second hand finds. "As we wanted to involve people in the ceremony, we asked everyone to bring a metre of ribbon, which they all came up to us in turn to wrap round our joined hands and give us their blessings," explains Genna.
Everyone then wandered to the old cider barn, which was dressed with rustic tables lined with hessian, homemade bunting, tin can lanterns and glittering fairy lights. Guests indulged in sparkling cider and homemade nibbles while folk band The Rambling Pitchforks lent the soundtrack and dress-up and vintage games provided amusement.
A vegan buffet, which included dishes such as puy lentils with roast tofu and vegetables and courgette, tomato, olive and hummus quiche, went down a treat. The honey and lavender wedding cake was served alongside a delicious selection of desserts made by family members, while vegan pasties kept hunger deliciously at bay throughout the evening.
The unique electro-swing sounds of The After Hours Quintet kept guests grooving into the small hours, and the merriment culminated with a campfire under starry skies.
The day after the wedding saw the celebrations continue as guests relaxed in the outside pool and by supped champagne in the hot tub. "It was bliss!" recalls Genna.
"The majesty of a hand fasting ceremony in the woods with all of our friends and family around us was truly magical," she continues. And, reflecting on her highlights, cites: "Those precious moments on our own, away from the crowd, when we realised what we had created!" As for her top tip, she wisely advises: "Don't lose sight of what makes you happy."
Photography Freckle Photography www.frecklephotography.co.uk
Venue Coombe Farm Woods www.coombefarmwoods.co.uk
Dress Dress reworked by White Leaf Bridal, Brighton www.whiteleafbridal.com
Flower girl dresses Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk
Catering Fair Foods www.fairfoods.org.uk
Rustic tables Virginia's Vintage Hire www.virginiasvintagehire.co.uk
Cider Green Valley Cider www.greenvalleycider.co.uk
Stationery and favours Genna Byrne www.gennabyrne.com
Wedding rings www.wooden-rings.com
Flowers Peamore Flora www.peamoreflora.co.uk
Entertainment The Rambling Pitchforks www.seansiegfried.moonfruit.com
The After Hours Quintet https://soundcloud.com/the-after-hours-quintet
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
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