Photography Katy Jones Photography katyjonesphotos.co.uk Venue The Great Barn thegreatbarndevon.co.uk
Loughborough University set the scene for Hannah and Oli’s first encounter. “We met in our first year and have been inseparable ever since,” says Hannah. “We navigated work placements, first jobs, living in separate countries and moving to London – but we always knew we’d end up together in our home in South London.”
Cornwall, an annual summer tradition, became the backdrop to the proposal. During a dog walk on Kynance Cove, Oli seized the perfect moment. “We were the only people on the beach,” Hannah recalls. “Oli proposed right by the shoreline; the dog was barking, it was all a bit chaotic, but absolutely perfect!”
It didn’t take long for The Great Barn to capture their hearts. The gardens, barns and cottages offered the dream setting for an extended celebration. “We loved that all our closest friends and family could stay on-site,” says Hannah. “It really felt like home for the weekend.”
Their English summer garden party theme unfolded in soft greens and pale yellows, with hydrangeas and cosmos – Hannah’s favourite blooms – featured throughout. “They remind me of my parents’ garden, so it felt very nostalgic to build the theme around them,” she explains. With help from her florist and her dad, who grew many of the flowers on his allotment and crafted several props, the floral vision blossomed beautifully.
As a stationery designer, Hannah relished creating their paper goods. “I wanted everything to tie back to the invitation to tell the story of the day and capture the beauty of The Great Barn,” she says. Watercolour hydrangeas and cosmos flowed through every detail, from the floral-adorned table plan to the oval menus, signage and venue illustrations. “Looking out from the top table and seeing a sea of florals in baskets, potted hydrangeas and glowing candles was breathtaking!” she says.
Bathed in glorious sunshine all weekend, celebrations began with an intimate welcome dinner in the West Barn. Saturday morning was slow and joy-filled before the couple made their way to the village church. “Walking in and seeing it filled with flowers, candles and everyone smiling at us… it’s a memory we’ll never forget,” says Hannah. “There were a few tears, a few giggles and so much love.”
After the vows, guests wandered down the hill to The Great Barn for drinks accompanied by acoustic music, rattan furniture and parasols – the perfect garden party scene. Roaming musicians provided the soundtrack as guests later took their seats in the Barn for speeches and a feast of salmon, beef, cod and a trio of desserts. The Upshots performed acoustic classics between courses, keeping the atmosphere upbeat and joyful.
Golden hour brought a campervan photo booth, a champagne tower and espresso martinis on the lawn before everyone returned inside for the newlyweds’ first dance to Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer. Hannah then slipped into a bridal mini for a night of dancing to The Upshots, complete with late-night pizzas and firepit gatherings. Celebrations continued into Sunday with a relaxed pool party.
Looking back, having all their favourite people together stands out most. “Merging our families and friends – and seeing everyone having an amazing time – meant the world to us,” she reflects.
When it comes to planning, the couple recommends carving out relaxed weekend sessions. “Don't try to cram things in after work – it all feels more stressful and less exciting. And most of all, enjoy it; the planning really does pay off on the day.”
Photography Katy Jones Photography katyjonesphotos.co.uk
Venue The Great Barn thegreatbarndevon.co.uk
Dress Mark Lesley from The Bridal Emporium bridalemporium.co.uk
Suit For de Bois instagram.com/1956fdb
Shoes Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com
Hair Love Your Hair by Louise loveyourhairbylouise.com
Make-up Changing Faces changingfaces.net
Wedding Hair & Makeup by Lucy instagram.com/weddinghairandmakeupbylucy
Flowers Dartmoor Flowers dartmoorflowers.co.uk
Décor Amor Décor amordecorevents.co.uk
Cake Swirls & Pearls Cakes instagram.com/swirlspearlscakes
Photo booth Crème de la Crème Fun Casino & Photo Booth cremedelacremefuncasino.co.uk
Furniture Virginias Furniture Hire virginiasfurniturehire.co.uk
Stationery Hannah Louise Stationery instagram.com/hannah_louise_stationery
Entertainment The Upshots upshotsband.com
Videography Pittstop Films Weddings pittstopfilmsweddings.com
