Photography I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk Venue Rumleigh Farm rumleighfarm.co.uk
Hannah and Josh go way back – all the way to primary school. “He was two years above me and a bit of a bad boy!” laughs Hannah. “I always had a crush on him. We finally reconnected just before lockdown.”
That long-awaited spark led to a picture-perfect proposal on a white-sand beach just minutes from Josh’s childhood home in Cape Town. With Table Mountain etched along the horizon, Josh orchestrated a day of Hannah’s favourite things. “He made my favourite breakfast, planned a trip up Table Mountain and booked dinner for the evening,” she recalls. “Before dinner he suggested a walk on the beach to catch the sunset – and that’s when he proposed. I hadn’t suspected a thing!”
For their wedding, the couple chose the rustic climes of Rumleigh Farm in west Devon – a charm-soaked rural setting that instantly stole their hearts. Embracing a DIY approach, the pair and their loved ones crafted a beautifully personal celebration inspired by forest hues, rustic textures and Hannah’s love of British wildflowers. “My lovely florist – who’s also one of my bridesmaids – worked her magic,” she says. “We even sourced pumpkins locally to bring in our love for autumnal colours, despite it being an August wedding.”
Friends and family gathered on the Friday to dress the historic barn: wildflowers spilling from green and brown bottles, foliage and fairy lights woven along the stone walls, and a striking ceremony arch – built by Josh – adorned with lush greenery and vibrant blooms.
When relentless rain scuppered plans for an outdoor ceremony, the groomsmen moved everything inside, creating a cosy, twinkling backdrop lit by fairy lights and the warmth of the log burner. “I ended up being nearly half an hour late and poor Josh was left sweating at the altar!” smiles Hannah. She walked in flanked by bridesmaids in shades of green, carrying a bouquet bursting with warm yellows, oranges and touches of pink and blue.
After the ceremony, guests mingled over canapés and Pimm’s before a welcome break in the rain allowed the newlyweds to wander the idyllic grounds for photos – with a spontaneous quadbike ride becoming an unexpected highlight. “It was a crazy few minutes, and Josh even managed to grab me an apple from the orchard while going full speed!” she laughs.
Speeches flowed into a delicious sharing-platter feast in the barn: slow-cooked brisket, seasonal salads and focaccia, followed by a dessert buffet of brownies, cheesecake and lemon tart with fresh berries, cream and chocolate sauce. “I was so excited about it and it did not disappoint!” says Hannah.
A showstopping tiered cake and a pizza van kept guests fuelled into the evening, which kicked off with Hannah and Josh’s first dance to Pretty Little Poison by Warren Zeiders. “Josh surprised me by flinging me into the air – thankfully it went pretty well and no one was hurt!” she says.
A disco playlist, courtyard firepits and a late-night gathering in the farmhouse brought a magical close to the day.
“We honestly had the best day we could imagine – filled with love, happiness and all our favourite people,” reflects Hannah. “Seeing everyone having such a great time together was amazing. We couldn’t stop smiling and just want to relive this day forever!”
Her advice for engaged couples? “Book suppliers early! And take moments throughout the day to look out at all your favourite people having a great time celebrating you both!”
Photography I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk
Venue Rumleigh Farm rumleighfarm.com
Dress Bridal Reloved Tavistock bridalreloved.co.uk/tavistock
Alterations Louise Elise Bridal Alterations instagram.com/louiseelisebridalalterations
Hair Vaughan’s @ Thirty Four instagram.com/vaughans34tavistock
Make-up Artistry By Josie instagram.com/just.josie.mua
Flowers Milli Fleur millifleur.com
Catering & cake Boo To A Goose bootoagoose.net
Lil’ Pizza Heaven instagram.com/lilpizzaheaven
Tableware Total Event Hire totaleventhire.co.uk
Entertainment Shot in the Dark Disco & PA Hire facebook.com/DeeJBaz
