Photography Charlotte Dart charlottedart.co.uk Venue Huntsham Court huntshamcourt.co.uk
“Alice and I met while studying at the University of Warwick in 2014,” says Pip. “We met at a sports club social during our second year and hit it off straight away. I plucked up the courage to ask her out for some cocktails – that was the first date of many. We've been together ever since.” A trip to New York for a friend’s wedding marked the next chapter in their story. “We stayed on for a few days afterwards to visit friends, and that’s where Pip proposed,” says Alice.
With Pip having grown up in Devon – a place filled with shared memories – returning to the county to marry felt like a natural choice. Travelling from London, the couple visited venues across the county. “None of them felt quite right,” says Pip. “On the drive home, I mentioned Huntsham Court, which we were about to pass. We hadn't booked a viewing, but Alice suggested we pull in and ask if we could look around.” It was love at first sight, and they soon secured the house for a weekend-long summer celebration.
With the venue booked, one keyword quickly defined the aesthetic: “Blue!” laughs Alice. “I’ve always had a thing for blue, so it was a no-brainer.” The colour appeared in subtle touches throughout the day, woven through abundant, vibrant florals. Above all, atmosphere was key. “We wanted things to be fun and organic, without strict timelines,” says Pip.
Personal details helped bring their vision to life. An easel-mounted canvas invited guests to paint throughout the day, creating a collaborative memento. Beautifully engraved chopsticks at each place setting nodded to the wedding breakfast, while a playful idea from Pip added nostalgia. “Everyone drew a tiny picture of themselves that was collated and printed onto a tea towel, like we used to do at school” says Alice.
Festivities began on Friday evening with a Mexican feast. The next day featured a pasty lunch – Alice’s favourite – before guests gathered in the courtyard ahead of the ceremony at nearby All Saints Church.
“The ceremony was a lot of fun,” says Alice. “We asked to keep it light-hearted and upbeat.” Pip’s musician friend Sam performed a rendition of Better Together by Jack Johnson, while readings from a bridesmaid and groomsman added a personal touch.
Back at Huntsham Court, drinks, canapés and music on the lawn flowed into speeches before guests were invited inside for what Alice describes as “an unbelievable Japanese feast!”. A favourite cuisine of the couple, the bespoke menu featured katsu baskets, salmon tataki, niku beef hibachi, gyozas, yakitori and sushi. “So many of our guests commented on the incredible food by KUKU,” she says. “It felt important to have something we truly loved.”
As evening fell, a live band, DJ and saxophonist filled the dance floor before a karaoke after-party rounded off the celebrations. “Dancing with sparklers, the speeches on the lawn, the karaoke, the amazing food and seeing everything come together on the day – it was just wonderful,” they reflect.
For couples planning their own day, Alice advises perspective and partnership. “Keep in mind what the day is all about and work together as a team. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let your partner know.” She also recommends delegating where possible and locking in decisions early. “Split whole jobs,” adds Pip. “If you both try to do everything, it becomes unclear who’s responsible for what. Pre-agree who’s in charge of each task and check in weekly to discuss the big decisions together.”
Photography Charlotte Dart charlottedart.co.uk
Venue Huntsham Court huntshamcourt.co.uk
On-the-day coordination Kept Weddings with Laura keptweddings.co.uk
Dress Jesus Peiro jesuspeiro.com
Suit Edit Suits Co editsuits.com
Flower girl dresses Zara zara.com
Hair Louise Alway louisealway.com
Make-up Amy Elizabeth amy-elizabeth.com
Flowers Emma Hewlett emmahewlett.co.uk
Catering KUKU Plymouth kukuplymouth.co.uk
Pasties The Devon Pantry devonpantry.co.uk
Papavero Pizza Co. papaveropizza.com
Videography Ella Buffery-Martin
