Photography Harriet Bird harrietbirdphotography.com Venue Dartington Hall dartington.org
Keely and Nathan’s story began in their local pub in Leigh-on-Sea. “We’ve been inseparable ever since!” says Keely. The couple later moved to New Zealand, where they spent six years in Wellington. It was there, during a scenic hike, that Nathan proposed. “We hiked to the top of the Fuchsia Loop track, which had views across Wellington,” recalls Keely. “Nathan put me on his shoulders so I could see over the bushes and, when he put me down, he got down on one knee.”
After returning to the UK and settling into life in Devon, the couple chose the atmospheric surroundings of Dartington Hall for their spring wedding. "We fell in love the minute we walked into the courtyard," says Keely. "The Great Hall was stunning with so much character and history." Inspired by Keely’s favourite colour, orange, they created a vibrant celebration filled with bold seasonal blooms and joyful details.
The bridesmaids wore striking orange dresses, while flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and yellow brought the palette to life. From abundant bouquets to crystal decanters and cut-glassware thrifted from charity shops, colourful touches adorned the Great Hall’s tables and windowsills. “The flowers were everything we were after and more,” says Keely. Vibrant florals also featured on the cake and stationery.
The grandeur of the Great Hall provided a spectacular setting for the ceremony. “It was an incredible backdrop,” says Keely. Adding an extra layer of meaning, the couple exchanged rings they had made themselves during a workshop at nearby Cockington Court. “I couldn’t stop grinning like a Cheshire Cat,” remembers Keely. “Nathan said he felt surprisingly calm as soon as I walked into the hall, despite all the pre-wedding nerves.”
Following the ceremony, guests gathered outside for drinks on the lawn before returning to the Great Hall for a feast of mackerel pâté, chicken satay, sirloin of beef and pork loin, followed by chocolate mousse and sticky toffee pudding.
The wedding breakfast also featured some memorable Norwegian traditions, courtesy of Nathan’s best man who lives in Norway. Guests would ding their glasses to prompt the newlyweds to stand on their chairs and kiss, while stomping their feet sent them under the table for another kiss. “It was so much fun,” laughs Keely. “But it felt like we were doing burpees halfway through dinner. As soon as we’d kissed standing on the chairs, everyone would start stomping their feet and we’d be straight under the table!” The couple devised their own table game, Guest Who?, inviting guests to draw the person sitting opposite them.
As the sun began to set, guests headed into the gardens to enjoy the golden-hour light before alternative rock and indie band The Indie Killers took to the stage. “Our band really brought the party atmosphere and got everyone dancing,” says Keely.
When asked to choose a favourite moment, the couple struggle to narrow it down. “The whole thing,” says Keely. “We were marrying our best friend. We had friends travel from overseas who we hadn’t seen for years, which made it even more special. And the weather was incredible – the perfect finishing touch.”
Their advice to other couples? Divide and conquer. “Let one person research and shortlist bands while the other looks at different suppliers,” says Keely. “Then do a show-and-tell and make the decisions as a team.”
The couple also recommend choosing suppliers and locations you can revisit long after the wedding day. “We’re looking forward to another stay at Dartington with dinner at The White Hart. Every time we go back, we get to relive a little bit of the magic.”
Photography Harriet Bird harrietbirdphotography.com
Venue Dartington Hall dartington.org
Dress Stella York from Brides at Waterfields bridesatwaterfields.co.uk
Alterations Mes Filles et Moi instagram.com/devonmesfillesetmoi
Bridesmaids’ dresses Azazie azazie.com
Hair Brigitte Fisher brigittefisher.co.uk
Make-up Georgina Lauren Beauty instagram.com/georginalaurenbeauty
Rings Jo Bradford instagram.com/joxbradford
Flowers Amelia’s Flower Farm ameliasflowerfarm.co.uk
Cake Lucy Ellen Cakes lucyellencakes.co.uk
Favours Chocolate Heaven Made in Devon chocolateheavenmadeindevon.co.uk
Stationery Vintage Prints vintageprints.co.uk
Entertainment The Indie Killers theindiekillers.com
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
