Photography Seasons Media seasonsmedia.org Venue The Great Barn thegreatbarndevon.co.uk
Ashley and Matt’s met in 2014 but it wasn't until a year later that they realised they were meant to be. “Sometimes the most beautiful stories begin in the most unexpected places,” says Ashley. They welcomed their son Louis in 2019 and, nearly a decade later, Matt proposed during a family cruise. The moment was made all the more memorable by Louis, who joined Matt on one knee to present the ring.
The moment Ashley and Matt stepped into the courtyard at The Great Barn, they knew they had found their venue. “There was no question in our minds that it was the one,” says Ashley. “It has the wow factor in spades and the people are genuinely wonderful.”
Choosing a timeless palette of white, cream and olive green, plants and florals played a key role in bringing the couple's vision to life. Olive trees in Italian terracotta pots added height and impact to the ceremony aisle and reception tables, while fragrant herbs introduced texture, colour and scent. “All of our pots were finished with moss from our family farm, which gave everything a magical woodland-meets-Mediterranean feel,” says Ashley. Cream-toned blooms and white blossom trees enhanced the romance of the scene.
Ashley also designed all the stationery herself, including the couple’s bespoke wedding newspaper, while their monogram featured across everything from the invitations to the anniversary letters placed on each table. Matt was keen to weave his passion for classic cars into the day, and the venue's courtyard provided the perfect setting for a display of vintage vehicles brought along by family and friends.
The celebrations began with a welcome dinner on Friday evening, allowing the couple extra time to spend with loved ones who had travelled from around the world. On the wedding day itself, one of Ashley’s standout moments came as she made her way down the aisle, escorted by seven-year-old Louis. “My favourite moment of the day has to be walking up the aisle to Matt holding Louis’s hand,” she says. “He was so nervous about giving me away that it helped calm my own nerves. It was such a proud mum moment.”
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds enjoyed their confetti moment before a spell of rain saw guests retreat indoors for drinks and canapés. When the time came to enter the reception, Ashley and Matt were blown away by the transformation. “The barn looked incredible with all of our décor elements coming together, but seeing it filled with all of our favourite people made it feel like a dream.”
Food was a major priority for the self-confessed foodies, who chose a menu featuring Dartmoor beef rump, grilled sea bass and vegan tagine, followed by dark chocolate mousse, summer berry pavlova and pear and almond cake.
As the rain eased, guests spilled into the gardens before the evening celebrations got underway. Ashley and Matt shared their first dance before live band Rising Gravity kept the dance floor packed. Sparklers, wood-fired pizza and marshmallows toasted over the firepit added to the atmosphere.
The weekend concluded with a farewell brunch and pool party on Sunday. “It was the most incredible time spent with all of our favourite people,” reflects Ashley. “It was filled with laughter, love and an uncountable number of hugs.”
Advice from the self-confessed “detail-obsessed, type-A bride’? “Think about every moment of the day, from your guests’ arrival to the moment they leave and how they might experience it," she says. "Anticipate their needs and consider how each part of the day flows into the next. Giving yourself enough time for every element means you can enjoy it all without feeling rushed.”
Photography & videography Seasons Media seasonsmedia.org
Venue The Great Barn thegreatbarndevon.co.uk
Dress Veni Infantino from Brides at Waterfields bridesatwaterfields.co.uk
Shoes Harriet Wilde harrietwilde.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses Six Stories sixstories.co.uk
Suits Donalds Menswear donaldsmenswear.co.uk
Skopes skopes.co.uk
Hair Hair from the Heart hairfromtheheart.co.uk
Make-up Carlisha Dann instagram.com/carlishadannmakeupuk
Rings True North Forge truenorthforge.co.uk
Flowers From The Wild fromthewildflorist.com
Cake Swirls & Pears Cakes instagram.com/swirlspearlscakes
Cheese tower Sharpham Dairy sharphamcheese.co.uk
Honey favours The Secret Garden Apiary secretgardenapiary.co.uk
Candlesticks Borrow The Moon borrowthemoon.com
Newspaper Newspaper Club newspaperclub.com
Entertainment Rising Gravity risinggravity.co.uk
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