Quennie and Joe first locked eyes at Barrio Soho, a Latin-inspired bar in London. Fast-forward to a rain-soaked Saturday in March 2023, and Joe was down on one knee on Branscombe Beach in Devon. “The weather was dreadful, and we were completely soaked,” recalls Quennie. “But it meant we had the beach all to ourselves, which made it even more magical.”
Determined to marry in the county where they got engaged, the couple found their dream venue in The Ash Barton Estate. “We wanted a venue where we could host a three-day celebration with no curfew – especially since we had so many guests travelling from overseas,” says Joe.
Their theme, Sicily in Devon, was woven throughout every detail, with lemons taking centre stage in the décor. The zesty fruits nestled among foliage and gypsophila on the tables, featured in the stationery, and even adorned the wedding cake. “Joe was adamant about having a lemon ricotta cheesecake flavour,” laughs Quennie. “But Cora of Cantel Cakes absolutely nailed it! Our guests loved it.”
A heavy downpour meant the couple had to move their ceremony indoors from beneath the oak tree to the estate’s stone chapel, which was candlelit and adorned with fairy lights, making for an atmospheric setting. Quennie’s father walking her down the aisle and Joe’s reaction to seeing her were moments she’ll never forget. “Exchanging our personal vows made the ceremony uniquely ours,” she says. “Though we both got nervous and stumbled over some of the words!”
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés in the grounds before sitting down to a sharing-style seafood feast inspired by the Devon coastline. The menu featured Brixham crab arancini, potted smoked mackerel and an indulgent surf and turf feast served with an array of sides.
As night fell, the celebrations turned into a joy-filled party packed with personal touches. The best man and Quennie’s friend Harriet performed, but the real surprise came when the bride herself – having changed into a Cheongsam mini dress to honour her Hong Kong heritage – stepped up to the microphone. “I surprised Joe by singing La Vie En Rose – he loves Édith Piaf,” she says. “I’m not a performer and almost bailed, but my friends (and a few shots of tequila) pushed me onto the stage!”
Joe, who used to be in a band, took his turn in the spotlight, performing Basket Case with his best man and the band. “This was a real highlight and the guests went wild, singing along,” says Quennie. “We also had a photo booth, though it turned out most guests were too busy dancing or at the bar – exactly what we hoped for!”
Looking back, these special performances were among the couple’s favourite moments. “It made the wedding feel so personal, and everyone loved it,” reflects Quennie. “One of the special moments was a quiet one – just Joe and I, before the reception, taking it all in and realising that everyone we love was there with us – it was overwhelming in the best way.”
The couple have some advice for other engaged couples. “Spend your time, energy and money on what actually matters. For us, that was food, drinks and entertainment. Make choices based on what you love, not what you think your guests might prefer. They love you, and they’ll enjoy whatever reflects you, so be authentic,” Quennie advises.
And think about your confetti. “We used flowers and rice, as is traditional in my culture. Rice, however, is impossible to shake off! Hilarious when it’s being thrown in your face, though – we wouldn’t change a thing.”
Photography Freeformimages Photography freeformimages.co.uk
Venue The Ash Barton Estate ashbarton.com
Planning Unity Event Design unityeventdesign.co.uk
Dress Enzoani enzoani.com
Hair & make-up Iconic Hair and Makeup iconic-hairandmakeup.co.uk
Flowers Bramble & Willow brambleandwillow.com
Cake Cantel Cakes cantelcakes.co.uk
Entertainment Idle Play Things Music instagram.com/idleplaythingsmusic
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