Wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

Crimson and Cream

It is difficult to imagine a more romantic setting for a proposal than a boat in the middle of Lake Como at sunset. That’s exactly where Martin popped the question to Natalie, whom he had met at medical school. “He had tried to call my dad to ask his permission from Italy but he got the wrong number and nearly asked the wrong man!” laughs Natalie.


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

Despite a deluge of rain the night before the wedding, the big day itself dawned warm and sunny. The crimson shade of the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen’s ties perfectly contrasted with the bouquets of cream roses (arranged by the mother of the bride) to complete a classically romantic picture.


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

The marriage ceremony in Thurlestone Church proved to be particularly moving as Natalie's father is the recently retired vicar of the church. “He married us and nearly started crying when he started the service which set us all off”, remembers Martin. After the emotional ceremony, the newlyweds walked out of the church to the peal of the church bells.


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

Homemade gingerbread hearts were handed out to keep guests’ appetites at bay until a wedding breakfast of smoked salmon, roast beef and sticky toffee pudding was served in the stirringly beautiful setting of Dartington Hall.


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

In the evening, a ceilidh proved a hit with guests who piled onto the dance floor, followed by a DJ who took the helm into the early hours. “We managed to stay up till the end of the party at 1am, but we had to leave for the airport at 6am!” says Martin. The newlyweds then jetted off to Mauritius for their honeymoon.


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

Looking back, Martin recalls a comedic moment: “I tripped my new wife over (accidentally) when we were walking into the hall in front of everyone!” Offering up his top tips to other couples, he comments, “Try and get everything sorted a few days before the wedding so you can just relax knowing there's nothing else you can do. On the day, stop and take it in – it goes by in a flash.”


wedding at Dartington Hall, Devon

The venue
Thurlestone Church followed by Dartington Hall, Totnes
01803 847100 www.dartingtonhall.com

The dress
Maggie Sottero from From This Moment Bridal Studios, Surrey
020 8393 4049 www.fromthismomentbridal.co.uk

Photography
Martyn Norsworthy
01548 854044 www.norsworthyweddings.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011