From the sun-drenched days of summer to the windswept drama of winter, Devon’s coastline is rich in atmosphere and romance all year round. This styled shoot embraces a blustery autumn day on the south coast, using the dramatic seascapes and the warm, earthy tones of Gara Rock Hotel as its inspiration. “We wanted to explore the full spectrum of the venue – from its serene ceremony spaces and the charming restaurant for the wedding breakfast to the bridal suite and even the cosy cinema,” explains Simone Burchell of Something Borrowed Weddings, who coordinated the shoot, with the aesthetic drreamed up by Nikki Sherriff of Knots & Kisses.
Drawing on the hotel’s natural autumnal hues – warm woods, soft neutrals and natural textures – the palette blends creams, browns, salmon pinks and terracotta with the softest hint of petrol blue. The result is a stylish, contemporary scheme that feels perfectly rooted in its coastal setting. “The tablescape creates a cosy, elevated restaurant atmosphere with bare wooden tables, gentle linens in salmon, blue and beige, and stunning floral arrangements featuring vibrant autumnal dahlias that tied the whole look together,” says Simone. The design flows seamlessly through to a striking cake display, a fabric table plan and a bespoke cocktail bar.
An intimate ceremony before floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking mist-strewn cliffs sets the tone for pure romance, the couple framed by stunning autumnal flowers – and joined by an adorable four-legged ring bearer at their feet. The bride’s ceremony look pairs a contemporary two-piece with a pleated bodice and flowing chiffon scarf - a silhouette made for dramatic clifftop moments. Sleek, sophisticated hair and makeup echo the warm palette, bringing each detail together effortlessly.
As evening draws in, she slips into a strapless gown – light, modern and chic – her hair swept into an elegant updo, ready for dancing long into the night. The groom teams his relaxed yet refined sand-toned suit with a cool blue tie for the ceremony, creating a look that feels both timeless and coastal.
The result is a harmonious celebration of autumn elegance – highlighting the warmth, drama and understated glamour of a coastal wedding at this atmospheric time of year.
Photography Melanie Barnfield Photography melaniebarnfieldphotography.com
Styling, design & coordination Knots & Kisses knotsandkisses.co.uk
Planning & coordination Something Borrowed Weddings instagram.com/something_borrowed_weddings
Venue Gara Rock Hotel gararock.com
Content creation Milk Socials milksocials.com
Flowers Caroline Hodges Flowers carolinehodgesflowers.co.uk
Cake Edible Essence Cake Art edibleessencecakeart.com
Stationery Knots & Kisses knotsandkisses.co.uk
Hair Hair From The Heart hairfromtheheart.co.uk
Make-up Sophie White sophiewhitemua.co.uk
Dresses St Ives Bridal Boutique stivesbridalboutique.co.uk
The Ivory Lounge theivorylounge.co.uk
Suit Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk
Hair accessories & earrings Claire Austin England claireaustinengland.com
Celebrant Claire Austin claireaustinweddingcelebrant.com
Napkins & runners The Knotted Napkin Co. theknottednapkinco.com
Tableware Laura Louise Hall Weddings lauralouisehallweddings.co.uk
Rings Erin Cox erincox.co.uk
Models Sophie & Callum instagram.com/goodmoodfood.sw
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