Rebecca and Tom had an instant connection when they began working together at a supermarket. “We quickly fell in love, getting together in early 2020,” Rebecca recalls. Two years later, Tom proposed during a holiday to Florida in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “He chose a spot he’d remembered me saying was particularly beautiful,” she smiles.
For their wedding, the couple envisioned a festival-inspired celebration filled with colour, fun and a laid-back vibe. Set amidst the rolling meadows of the Devon countryside, Deer Farm Tipi Weddings was the perfect backdrop. With its striking off-white tipis and on-site accommodation, family and friends gathered for a weekend of festivities, starting with a barbecue and drinks on the Friday night, where guests didn’t let the rain dampen the high spirits.
The colour palette was a bold blend of cerise, blush and burnt orange, inspired by sunset festival vibes. The theme carried through the playful stationery, vibrant floral arrangements and a statement cake adorned with colourful piping and cherries. Even Rebecca’s bridal look reflected the fun, free-spirited mood, wearing a two-piece gown, paired with fluffy mules and stacked headbands. Later in the evening, she changed into a party-ready dress with a statement back bow and sequined Prada sneakers. “We chose neutral suits for Tom and his groomsmen to complement the bright bridesmaids’ dresses,” she adds.
The al fresco ceremony took place under an arch framing the rolling Devon hills. “We were lucky the weather stayed dry enough for our ceremony outside,” says Rebecca. “I was walked down the aisle by Rachel, my best friend of 25 years.” With vows exchanged and confetti thrown, guests enjoyed popsicle Prosecco and nibble pots while soaking in the countryside views.
Inside the tipi, the relaxed, social vibe continued with sharing boards of charcuterie, baked Camembert, sun-blushed tomatoes and warm breads, followed by Texan-style boards brimming with pulled pork, chicken, Boston beans, slaw and potato wedges. Speeches followed, along with sweet treats from a pancake cart. “The afternoon was very relaxed, with guests mingling and enjoying the Spotify playlist I created for the day,” says Rebecca.
The first dance led to the couple’s favourite moment of the day. “We chose Champagne Supernova by Oasis just because we love it,” says Rebecca. “It was followed by the Pokémon theme tune which I secretly arranged as a surprise for Tom! Almost all our guests knew the words and were belting it out with us!” The speeches saw another impromptu vocal performance. “Wonderwall is Tom’s karaoke song and when my friends noticed him about to give his speech they burst into song which led to Tom giving us a rendition over the microphone!”
For a true festival wedding experience, live band The Elevation, a silent disco and late-night loaded fries kept the dance floor full well into the early hours.
Rebecca’s advice for other couples? “Forget about the opinions of others and absolutely go for what your heart desires. That way, your day will be nothing but magical!”
Photography Clare Kinchin clarekinchinphotography.co.uk
Venue Deer Farm Tipi Weddings deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk
Dresses Match Made Bridal matchmadebridal.com
Watters from St Ives Bridal Boutique stivesbridalboutique.co.uk
Shoes Sophia Webster sophiawebster.com Prada prada.com
Headbands A’el Este aeleste.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses Maids to Measure from St Ives Bridal Boutique stivesbridalboutique.co.uk
Suits Moss moss.co.uk
Hair & make-up Rose Forrest Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist roseforrest.co.uk
Flowers Amelia’s Flower Farm ameliasflowerfarm.co.uk
Catering Titley Green titleygreen.co.uk
Pancake Hut pancakehut.co.uk
Soul Fries soulfries.co.uk
Cake Auntie Boo’s Secret Bakery instagram.com/auntieboossecretbakery
Stationery Inspirwood inspirwood.co.uk
Entertainment The Elevation theelevation.co.uk
Silent Disco 4U silentdisco4u.co.uk