Maggie and Darren’s love story began many moons ago, when they met through friends at Uffculme School. A scenic stretch of North Devon was the backdrop to their engagement some years later: Darren popped the question while the couple were enjoying a beach barbecue as the sun was setting over the Atlantic.
Planning began in earnest for their wedding – and the choice of venue was a no-brainer. “We run Deer Farm Tipi Weddings in Cadeleigh, Tiverton,” explains Maggie. With sweeping views across rolling hills and resident red deer and stags, the venue marries dreamy rural escapism and natural beauty with contemporary accommodation and luxury off-white tipis.
Choosing sage green as their key colour, the tipis and surrounding outdoor spaces were styled beautifully with a carnival of flowers spilling from terracotta pots, troughs, watering cans and vintage bicycles to complement the natural setting, while bunting, flags and parasols added to the celebratory scene.
A showstopping pampas grass installation and hoops woven with foliage were suspended above tables decorated with arrangements of lush green leaves and dainty florals, while wildflowers decorated the plates. There were nods to their deer park setting, too, through elements such as the cake frame and table plan decorated with deer motifs.
Flanked by bridesmaids in sage green dresses, Maggie paired her elegant Kate Walker Bridal gown with a flower crown for the ceremony at St Bartholomew's Church while Darren’s suit epitomised the country look via tweed and sage green accents.
Arriving in apt style to their tipi reception in a classic Landrover, the newlyweds ventured into the fields for photographs before joining their guests for welcome drinks in the blazing sunshine. Settling at the tables, everyone feasted on butternut squash orzo salad, spicy coleslaw, new potatoes, green Ottolenghi salad and sliced roast beef.
After the meal, guests spilled into the early evening sun, which provided a special memory for Maggie. “It was so lovely taking in the views and mingling with friends and family outdoors while the sun was setting behind the tipis,” the reflects. As dusk fell on the hot summer’s day and strings of festoon lights heightened the magical ambience, the dancefloor was the place to be as live 12-piece band DT8 delivered an electric performance.
“I think my favourite moment was having our photos taken on the swing and watching everyone smiling and enjoying themselves,” reveals Maggie, who has some advice on timings for couples in the midst of planning. “Don't set a strict time schedule,” she asserts. “Try to enjoy every moment without worrying about time; it will create a relaxing environment for everyone.”
Photography Sarah Jayne Photography sarahjaynephotography.online
Venue Deer Farm Tipi Weddings deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk
Dress Kate Walker Bridal katewalkerbridal.co.uk
Groom’s outfit Jonathan Hawkes jonathanhawkes.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses ASOS asos.com
Hair Laura Bukin Hair instagram.com/laurabukin
Make-up The Beauty Annex thebeautyannex.uk
Flowers From The Wild Floristry & Botanical Design fromthewildflorist.com
Catering Deer Farm Tipi Weddings deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk
Cake Dainty Bakes daintybakes.co.uk
Stationery Ooh I Like That Design oohilikethatdesign.com
Tableware South West Event Hire southwesteventhire.co.uk
Entertainment DT8 Live dt8live.co.uk
Videography Louie Rudge Films louierudgefilms.co.uk
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