Photography Freeformimages freeformimages.co.uk Venue Tawstock Court tawstockcourt.co.uk
London may have been the backdrop, but timing proved the true matchmaker. “We both joined randomly through a graduate recruitment agency,” recalls Elli of meeting Sean during their first “proper jobs” in the city - and romance soon blossomed. For the proposal, Sean whisked Elli away to a secluded shepherd’s hut in rural Sussex. “There was a wood-fired hot tub and neighbouring llamas and pigs!” she laughs. “He proposed outside in the countryside, just the two of us, followed by a barbecue and champagne.”
Devon quickly emerged as the only place that felt right for the wedding. “I grew up in Devon and spent every summer camping in Putsborough,” explains Elli. Tawstock Court, with its Georgian grandeur, sweeping views and space for guests to stay all weekend, became the perfect setting for a celebration rooted in nostalgia and history.
Burnt orange was always destined to lead the colour palette. Paired with deep blue, it created a bold yet romantic aesthetic woven through bridesmaids’ satin dresses, table runners, dried flower bouquets and arrangements spilling from wine bottles and mismatched vases sourced from charity and vintage shops. “Even though it was spring, we went for an autumnal theme with dried flowers,” says Elli.
Personal touches ran throughout, with Elli’s mum baking the floral cake and her sister Livvi designing the save-the-dates. “We made our own decorations, including an old mirror I painted gold with wax-sealed name cards for the table plan,” she adds. Postcards were used as table names, each representing “places we’ve called home” with a handwritten story on the back.
The wedding morning brought drama as heavy rain looked set to move the ceremony indoors. Chairs were swiftly rearranged – until the clouds suddenly broke. “Everything was moved back outside which was very stressful for Sean, but I was none the wiser!” says Elli. “We were so lucky – it turned sunny about two minutes before the ceremony.”
Under the striking Tudor gatehouse, the couple exchanged personal vows and listened to heartfelt readings from friends and family. But it was their exit that stole the show. “Head Rush Brass Band appeared as we walked out and played during the confetti toss,” says Elli. “It was our favourite moment and a complete surprise for the guests.” The band continued to soundtrack the sunshine with upbeat covers as drinks and canapés flowed.
Guests later gathered inside for a Mediterranean sharing platter, followed by salmon, lamb and butternut squash mains with generous sides. Speeches led into tea, cake and cocktail hour, before a lively ceilidh kicked off the evening. “It was led by Jeremy Child, who also played at my sisters’ previous weddings – a bit of a family tradition,” says Elli.
Stone-baked pizzas kept revellers fuelled as the dance floor stayed full into the night. A sentimental detail came from Sean, who wore his grandad’s ring – “He wore it for 56 years, and it was a surprise to some family members,” explains Elli.
Reflecting on their dreamy North Devon celebration, Elli shares her top tip: “Use all the resources you can find online – checklists, budget templates, Canva, Etsy. So many weddings have been planned before — you don’t need to start anything from scratch!”
Photography Freeformimages Photography freeformimages.co.uk
Venue Tawstock Court tawstockcourt.co.uk
Dress The Bridal Atelier thebridalatelier.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses Azazie azazie.com
Suits Moss moss.co.uk
Make-up Laura Ettery MUA lauraetterybeauty.co.uk
Catering Posh Nosh posh-nosh.co.uk
Flowers Etsy etsy.com
Entertainment Head Rush Brass Band headrushbrassband.com
Jeremy Child barndancecaller.net
