Hannah and Ollie’s love story began at just 11 years old, when they first met at school. Five years of friendship later, on the final day of Year 11, they finally admitted what they’d both been feeling. "We liked each other more than just friends," says Hannah.
Years later, during a weekend escape to Millbrook Estate, Ollie had planned a romantic proposal in the summer house, where they’d be dining on their second evening - but nerves got the better of him. “He was so nervous, he did it as soon as we got to the accommodation!” laughs Hannah. “I was reading the guestbook when he called my name, and when I turned around, he was on one knee.”
For their wedding, the couple embraced simplicity, intimacy and natural beauty, opting for a just-for-two ceremony at the breathtaking Tree Top Escape, nestled in the wooded valleys of Millbrook Estate.
Their aesthetic was classic and timeless, a palette of creams, whites and lush green foliage that blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The day began slowly, with a relaxed morning spent getting ready together and having breakfast, before their wedding coordinator, Nicola, arrived to guide them through the day. “After the flowers, photographer and registrars arrived, Nicola helped me into my dress,” recalls Hannah.
The ceremony took place in the serene setting of The Nest, followed by a leisurely wander through Millbrook’s grounds. “We fed the lovely alpacas while being photographed!” Hannah smiles, reflecting on the joy-filled first moments of married life. The newlyweds then settled into the Meadow Room, overlooking the beautiful views at Millbrook, for an indulgent afternoon tea. “We really soaked up the moment in the sunshine, with no distractions in the world,” reflects Hannah.
The afternoon unfolded in a romantic blur of dancing to the jukebox before returning to The Nest, where their private dinner awaited. “We had the same menu for our evening meal that Justine, our chef, had prepared for our engagement in the summer house,” says Hannah. The nostalgia of their meal made it all the more special, starting with scallops, followed by roast duck, and ending with five miniature desserts to share. “This beautiful dining experience in The Nest, watching the sun set over the countryside, was one of our most treasured parts of the day,” she reminisces.
Later, the couple enjoyed a soak in the hot tub, where they recounted their favourite moments. “We loved how easy-going the whole day was,” says Hannah. “We were able to just soak up each other and the day. It was so perfect that it's hard to choose an favourite moment, but walking around the grounds after our ceremony, reeling about our wedding – and feeding the alpacas! – was a highlight,” she adds.
Reflecting on their intimate and romantic celebration, Hannah shares her advice for other couples. “Trust your suppliers and wedding coordinators; they're the experts! And try to enjoy the whole experience; it will make you feel so much more relaxed when the day comes. For us, simplicity was key – it allowed the day to be exactly what it's meant to be about, which is just making the most special memories for the two of you, where you can be focused on each other completely. You'll remember this day forever, after all!”
Photography Michelle Ley michelleleyphotography.com
Venue Tree Top Escape treetopescape.co.uk
Dress Lavelle Bridal Couture lavellebridalcouture.co.uk
Flowers The Flower Shop theflowershopsouthmolton.co.uk
Décor & styling Marcia Shapland marciashapland.com
Catering Justine Wood justine-wood.co.uk
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