Photography Katy Jones Photography katyjonesphotos.co.uk Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com
Lara and Loic met during their first week of university, almost a decade to the day of their wedding. “It was a student night out on Brighton Pier,” recalls Lara. “We got chatting and immediately hit it off. Since that day we’ve been inseparable.” A romantic proposal in Kew Gardens on a blue-sky winter morning paved the way for their equally picturesque wedding at Upton Barn & Walled Garden.
“As soon as we saw it – and met the friendly team – we knew it was the one,” says Lara. “We loved the industrial-modern vibe, the beautiful outdoor spaces and the dreamy countryside views, as well as being able to have every part of our day in one place.”
The venue’s natural beauty meant minimal décor was needed. “The walled garden was so stunning with the blooming lavender and rose bushes,” she says. Pops of colour came through the florals, while the rest of the styling was kept simple: bud vases, candles, a hanging oak beam and a pair of flower pillars that created a beautiful ceremony backdrop.
The couple chose a timeless dress code to complement the setting. Lara wore an elegant satin off-the-shoulder gown, while Loic and the groomsmen looked sharp in black tuxedos and the bridesmaids shimmered in satin champagne dresses. A first look gave the couple a quiet moment together before the celebrations began. “It was really lovely to see each other in private all dressed up”, Lara reflects. The ceremony then unfolded in the walled garden beneath summer skies.
Classic British summer drinks – Pimm’s and G&Ts – flowed as musician Daniel Costin, who had played violin during the ceremony, switched to an Ibiza-style saxophone set for the drinks reception. “Our guests are still talking about how great Daniel was,” says Lara. “We were all dancing in the walled garden with the sun shining, and everyone absolutely loved it! Even our grandparents got in the middle of the dance circle!”
After a sumptuous three-course feast and tear-jerking speeches, the day gave way to an evening of “dancing and laughter” thanks to a perfectly pitched DJ playlist. “One memory that will never leave me is dancing with Lara on my shoulders, and Luke, my brother and best man, on top of a friend’s shoulders raving along with us!” recalls Loic. The night unfolded in a blur of joy, with the newlyweds soaking up time with their nearest and dearest.
One of their favourite personal touches was the place cards. “We printed photos of us with each wedding guest,” says Loic. “They doubled as favours, and our guests absolutely loved them. Going through all our photo libraries was so much fun – we got to relive so many brilliant memories with each of our guests. It took a while, but it was worth it.”
When it comes to advice, Lara is clear: “You’re not the hosts, you’re the guests of honour – act like it! Have fun and don’t stress about the little things.” She adds, “One great tip we got was to stay together for the whole day. It’s so easy to get separated and have different memories. We were glued to each other from start to finish, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Photography Katy Jones Photography katyjonesphotos.co.uk
Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com
Dress Hera Couture heracouture.co.nz
Hair Nicola Redman nicolaredmanmakeup.com
Make-up April Natalie instagram.com/aprilnataliehair
Flowers Grace Smith Florals facebook.com/gracesmithflorals
Catering Mulberry Catering Co mulberrycatering.co.uk
Exe Valley Pizza Co. exevalleypizza.co
Cake Little Buttercup Cakery littlebuttercupcakery.co.uk
Entertainment Daniel Costin danielcostin.live
Bespoke Disco bespokedisco.com
South West Photo Booths southwestphotobooths.co.uk
Videography Daniel Bruce Films danielbrucefilms.com
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