"He disguised it as a 'pub walk'," says India. "We sat on the bench that is hidden there and I was so excited because I thought he was going to ask, until he said 'Shall we go then?' and my heart dropped! Then just as I was walking back to the path he said: 'Indie, you've dropped something...' and I turned around and he was on one knee! I think the whole of Dartmouth might have heard my scream!"
Opting for a quintessentially English wedding with "timeless, romantic and luxurious" keynotes, India and Ben's late summer celebrations beautifully reflected the changing seasons with a warm colour scheme of dusky pink and gold.
Donning a dazzling dress featuring more than 17,000 hand-stitched beads and diamonds, India emerged a bridal princess as she approached her groom, who stood proud in his naval officer's uniform at St Petrox Church.
"Our ceremony was the most special part," India reveals. "Neither of us had given it much thought; so much planning goes into the partying afterwards that you kind of forget about the most important bit! It was so romantic and beautiful in the church, and walking down the aisle to see Ben at the end is a moment I will never forget!"
Following their nuptials, the newly-weds enjoyed "much-needed" bubbles during the drive to the venue. "It was nice for us to reflect and have some of our first alone time to laugh and cheer!" says India.
Canapes and cocktails were savoured in the sunshine alongside an atmospheric jazz duo in Dartington Hall's gorgeous gardens as the sun started to retreat, providing India and Ben with one of the most cherished memories from their day.
Night-time was welcomed with a sumptuous feast comprising Brixham white crab, cured salmon gravadlax, and Vulscombe goat's cheese starters, followed by sea bass fillet, Devon local lamb rack and pan-fried Creedy Carver duck breast. Sticky toffee pudding, strawberry panna cotta and a selection of Devon cheeses provided the perfect sweet and savoury finish.
"We then danced all night," says India. "The Drat Pack was honestly the most amazing band! They got the whole wedding party up and dancing and singing along. We also kept our fireworks a total surprise for everyone, which was awesome when we got everyone outside."
A barbecue the following day continued the celebratory spirit while allowing the newly-weds to spend precious time with their guests. "There are so many people, it's nice to spend more than five minutes with them and spread the celebrations over the weekend!" comments India, who also suggests stealing some time away as a couple during the festivities to take it all in.
"Before dinner, take a moment to go away - just the two of you," she says. "You won't get a single moment like this again on the day so make the most of it and watch over all your guests having the most beautiful time!"
Photography Barney Walters barneywalters.com
Venue St Petrox Church & Dartington Hall dartington.org
Dress Martina Liana essensedesigns.com
Groomsmen's oufits Moss Bros moss.co.uk
Hair Plymouth Bridal Hair by Cassie facebook.com/Plymouth-Bridal-hair-By-Cassie-851128974919627
Make-up Rachel Raffety instagram.com/rachelraffety
Lisa Wood lisawoodfaceandbodyart.com
Flowers Dartmouth & District Flower Club devonandcornwallareaofnafas.btck.co.uk
Blue Geranium blue-geranium-florist.com
Stationery Print Affection facebook.com/printaffection
Transport Celebration Vintage Cars weddingcarsbrixham.co.uk
Entertainment The Drat Pack thedratpack.co.uk
Copyright Wed magazine 2019
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