Wedding at The Great Barn, Devon

All That Jazz

Rhona and Aaron fell for each other at Ivybridge Community College when they were teenagers. Despite being apart for two and a half years when Aaron moved to Bath to play rugby, their relationship evolved from teenage romance to lasting love – resulting in a proposal the evening before Rhona’s 24th birthday.



After dinner with friends, Rhona had a surprise in store when they returned home: “I was greeted with this amazingly romantic room. Rose petals were leading to our dining table where the ring was placed with champagne and diamond shaped chocolates. I was completely overwhelmed by the whole proposal that I think I accepted even before he asked the question!” Rhona reflects.



Tucked into the heart of the Devon countryside, The Great Barn was the perfect venue for the couple. “Their attention to detail was faultless. It's absolutely stunning and makes for the most amazing wedding day,” Rhona comments.





The couple opted for “a minimalist, chic” aesthetic. A midnight blue and ivory colour scheme lent an elegant sense of style, which worked beautifully with the ‘jazz and swing’ vibe of the celebrations. Joanna Game’s gorgeous arrangements of cream and ivory hydrangeas, peonies and roses made for the perfect finishing touch.



After the couple had taken their vows, a singer and pianist provided the soundtrack to a champagne and canapé reception. The two-course wedding breakfast had guests tucking into belly pork with crackling and a delicious choice of crème brûlée and hot chocolate fondant for dessert. Later in the evening, a cheeseboard and selection of pies kept appetites satiated as revelers danced to the eclectic vocals of Mackie followed by a DJ set, which culminated in a memorable dance-off.



The newlyweds enjoyed the exquisite honeymoon destination of Kuramathi Island in the Maldives before returning to Swansea to commence married life.



One of Rhona’s fondest memories of the day was spending time with her mum. “She helped me through the planning and it was arranged that it would be Mum and I alone as I was getting into my dress; it was really special.”



Walking down the aisle and seeing Aaron was another stand-out moment. “My Dad and I had two minutes alone as the bridesmaids were walking ahead of us. He said the nicest thing about Aaron that made my heart melt and I began to cry just as we started to walk, and then I saw Aaron smiling back at me.”



And her top tip? “To relax! I know it's easier said than done but just remember that if something goes wrong on the day it's too late to worry about it. If you can go with the flow as much as possible and rely on the team of people around you, then you’ll be fine.”



The venue
The Great Barn, Higher Ashton
01647 252552 www.thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

The dress
Pronovias from Simply Bridal, Cheltenham
01242 243388 www.simply-bridal.co.uk

The flowers
Joanna Game Flowers
01647 231657 www.joannagameflowers.com

Photography
Rebecca Roundhill Photography
07855 576687 www.rebeccaroundhill.co.uk


Copyright WED Magazine 2011