Photography Paige Grace paigegracephotography.co.uk Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com
Meeting on Tinder during the first Covid lockdown, Francesca and Ross’s romance blossomed at a time when dating looked very different. “It was the only way to date at the time!” laughs Francesca. “I was working at Derriford Hospital and Ross worked at Devonport Dockyard, so thankfully we lived within each other's permitted radius.”
Ross chose a setting steeped in personal meaning for his proposal. While staying at Francesca’s late grandmother's home in Moraira, Spain, he got down on one knee as the first rays of sunlight appeared over the Mediterranean. “Surrounded by so many cherished memories of my grandparents and childhood holidays, it was the most emotional and meaningful moment of my life,” says Francesca.
When it came to planning their wedding, the couple knew Upton Barn & Walled Garden was the one from the moment they arrived. “It perfectly combined the elegant, modern feel we were looking for with beautiful countryside surroundings and incredible indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Francesca.
“What truly sets Upton Barn apart, however, is the people. Every member of the team went above and beyond and made us feel genuinely cared for from start to finish.”
Echoing the venue’s blend of countryside charm and contemporary style, Francesca and Ross chose a timeless aesthetic accented with touches of black and gold. All-white florals featuring ranunculus, peonies, David Austin roses added softness and sophistication, while a minimalist cake with contemporary buttercream detailing completed the look.
Subtle nods to Francesca’s Italian heritage and the couple’s shared love of Italy were woven throughout the celebration. Guests toasted the newlyweds with limoncello during the speeches, while the menu featured tiramisu alongside wood-fired pizzas in the evening. Adding futher personality, the couple designed much of their own stationery and signage, while their beloved cockapoo, Neville, featured on the table numbers.
Bathed in spring sunshine, the ceremony unfolded within the walled garden. “Standing together in the beautiful gardens was a surreal and emotional experience,” she says. “The ceremony was everything we wanted – intimate, relaxed and full of love.”
Guests enjoyed drinks in the sunshine before sitting down to a feast inspired by the couple’s favourite foods. Yet one of the most unforgettable moments had actually taken place hours earlier. While getting ready that morning, Francesca was handed a letter from Ross. “Then, completely unexpectedly, a song began playing,” she recalls. “It started with the words, ‘Francesca, my darling...’ and I instantly realised something special was happening.” Unknown to everyone around her, Ross had commissioned a bespoke song telling the story of their relationship. “It was one of the most thoughtful and personal gifts I could ever have imagined,” she says.
More memorable moments followed as a surprise singing waiter transformed dessert into a full-scale singalong, with guests standing on chairs, waving napkins and belting out songs together. “Looking around at all of our favourite people having the best time is a memory we'll cherish forever,” she says.
The celebrations culminated in a spontaneous decision to hold their first dance outdoors at sunset. Dancing to Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez, performed live on saxophone, the couple were surrounded by their guests as the golden evening light faded. “It felt less like a wedding in Devon and more like an intimate celebration in Italy,” says Francesca.
“We never wanted a formal wedding,” she says. “We wanted a celebration where everyone could truly enjoy themselves. It felt personal, joyful and completely us.” Looking back on the experience, Francesca's advice to other couples is simple: stay organised while keeping sight of what matters most. “Try not to leave everything until the last minute,” she says. “Stay true to yourselves and enjoy every second.”
Photography Paige Grace paigegracephotography.co.uk
Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com
Dress Jane Hill from Kiva & Zen Bridal kivaandzenbridaldevoncornwall.co.uk
Sleeves Made With Love mwlbride.com
Hair The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com
Make-up Sophie White sophiewhitemua.co.uk
Catering Fig & Smoke figandsmoke.co.uk
Flowers Daisy Does Flowers instagram.com/daisydoesflowers
Entertainment Singers Secreto singerssecreto.com
Daniel Costin danielcostin.live
Content creation Undercover Bestie undercoverbestie.co.uk
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