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Real Weddings in Cornwall and Devon

Wedding at Syon House, Devon

Wedding at Syon House, Devon

Age of Elegance



Although Kirsty and James first met at secondary school, ten years passed before romance finally blossomed between the couple, leading to a festive proposal on the first Christmas morning in their new home. "We had opened all our presents around the tree - or so I thought - then James suddenly got on one knee and presented the most beautiful vintage engagement ring! It was a total surprise - very thoughtful and very romantic," recalls Kirsty.

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It was entirely fitting, then, that the couple brought a vintage mood to their wedding. Blending pretty vintage styling with pastel hues and rustic touches, the scene was set for a relaxed, dreamy and - as it turned out to be the hottest day of the year - sun-drenched celebration.


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Donning her exquisite Demetrios gown and clutching an elegant medley of romantic, country-style blooms, Kirsty was stylishly whisked to Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth in a 1930s' style Beauford for the ceremony. "I was walked down the aisle by my proud brother and the moment I saw James at the altar, it became so real and I struggled to fight back the tears," reflects Kirsty.

After the ceremony, guests gathered at Syon House in East Budleigh where they mingled in the sunshine while enjoying Pimm's, canapes and "the most breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the glorious Devon countryside".

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Beautifully echoing the country styling, the marquee was decked with handmade rustic bunting and hessian and lace table runners in a muted pastel palette; complete with a panoramic wall ushering in the country views, it made the perfect backdrop for a vintage high tea. Posh Nosh provided the scrumptious likes of scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes, scotch eggs and savoury tarts all presented on a gorgeous range of vintage china.

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The speeches provoked both laughter and tears, as Kirsty comments: "They were all so personal, memorable and funny, causing a real rollercoaster of emotions!" The evening party saw five-piece band Up4grabs entertain guests into the early hours.

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"It wasn't just our wedding day - it was our wedding week," reflects Kirsty. "We spent the whole week prior to the day setting up the marquee and doing all the finishing touches with the help of our families and friends. Everyone worked so hard and we couldn't have had the day of our dreams without them."

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With so much to do during the run-up to her day, Kirsty offers some practical planning advice: "Write lists! If you're anything like me, worrying about every little detail, lists will help you be more organised and less stressed. Also, make sure you both take some time out together during the day."

Photography Emma Solley www.emmasolley.com
Venue Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth followed by Syon House, East Budleigh www.syonhousedevon.co.uk
Marquee GD Marquees www.gdhire.com
Catering Posh Nosh www.posh-nosh.co.uk
Dress Demetrios from La Bella Bridal, Exeter www.labellabridal.co.uk
Flowers Flowers Going Green www.flowersgoinggreen.com
Groom's outfit Jonathan Hawkes www.jonathanhawkes.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Debenhams www.debenhams.com
Entertainment Up4Grabs www.u4g.co.uk
Crockery Devon Vintage China www.devonvintagechina.co.uk
Transport Westcountry Limos and Cars www.westweddings.co.uk


Copyright Wed magazine 2013