Nestled in a wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor, Ever After provided the perfect backdrop for their woodland wedding, which Cherie describes as "an elegant and classical affair with a contemporary twist." Flowers were a key feature for both Cherie and Dave. Opting for a palette of green and ivory, the show-stopping floristry comprised a flower arch on the river walk, a 25-foot display in the wedding barn, 50 individual rose heads hanging on ribbons from the roof and flowers spilling from drawers on the antique dresser and sweetie table.
A gown that "resonated with the gardens and woodlands" was high on Cherie's wish list and it was love at first sight when she set eyes on an exquisite Sassi Holford gown. She accessorised with chandelier earrings and sparkly Jimmy Choo trainers. In keeping with the natural aesthetic, her bridesmaids wore sage green dresses, while Dave and his groomsmen opted for country-cool tweed ensembles complete with sage green bow ties.
A deluge of rain dashed their visions of an outdoor ceremony. "We chose our venue based on our joint love of nature and were meant to exchange vows on the beautiful river walk - but as the rain had been going sideways since the evening before we played it safe and married under the awning of the wedding barn," reveals Cherie. Guitarist Pat McIntyre performed an acoustic version of 'Marry Me' as Bruno Mars' fan Cherie walked down the aisle - "it was dreamy and made me forget about the rain" - before celebrant Sam Brown conducted their "fun and personable" ceremony.
Drinks and canapes were served to an acoustic soundtrack before a delectable wedding feast featuring pan-fried Falmouth Bay scallops, Devon Ruby beef and Cornish sea bass. Transformed into a vintage front room complete with a settee, wallpaper, a 1960s' TV and a plethora of props, guests returned to the barn for fun in the photo booth and then roasted giant marshmallows over the firepit in the garden during a brief break in the weather. A drinks trolley topped with rare whiskies, unusual tipples from across the globe and boozy sweet treats then kick-started a memorable party packed with dance-offs, breakdancing and lychee martinis.
"Rainy day nuptials really can be awesome!" says Cherie, who has advice for anyone considering an al fresco wedding. "If you're getting married outdoors, have a 'rain plan'. My post-wedding advice is to be brave and get married outdoors rain or shine. You will probably only ever wear your dress once, so don't worry about trying to keep it immaculate." She adds: "With any luck, your wedding won't look anything like you imagined, it'll be better, just roll with everything...even the weather."
Photographer Andy Gaines andygaines.com
Venue Lower Grenofen, Ever After lowergrenofen.co.uk
Celebrant Sam Brown samthecelebrant.co.uk
Styling Inspire Hire inspire-hire.co.uk
Dress Sassi Holford sassiholford.com
Chandelier earrings Hermione Harbutt hermioneharbutt.com
Bridesmaids' dresses TwoBirds twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk
Hair and make-up The Event Studios theeventstudios.co.uk
Groom's and groomsmen's outfits Walker Slater walkerslater.com
shirts Cad & The Dandy cadandthedandy.co.uk bow ties Moaning Minnie etsy.com/uk shoes Russell & Bromley russellandbromley.co.uk
Videography Cupcake Videos cupcakevideos.co.uk
Flowers Dartmoor Flowers dartmoorflowers.co.uk
Caterer Outside Inn Cuisine outsideinncuisine.com
Cake The Organic Wedding Cake Company theorganicweddingcakecompany.com
Bar The Bartender thebartender.com
Vintage sofa The Prop Factory propfactory.co.uk
Entertainment Pat McIntyre guitaristforweddings.co.uk
DJ Gems djgems.com
Photo booth The Remarkable Photobooth Co remarkablephoto.co.uk
Stationery Cutture cutture.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2017
.JPG)
