"Karl laughed when I announced the theme as rustic glamour!" says Sian of their laidback yet luxe wedding. "We wanted a relaxed and rustic theme without losing any wow factor. Muddifords Court Country House ticked all the boxes, being a beautiful hire-only venue that we could put our own stamp on." Armed with their vision, they set about hand crafting a detailed affair full of colour and texture, pouring hours into making hessian chair sashes and table runners, as well as slate heart place cards that doubled as favours.
The lovingly handmade approach extended to other features, such as the wine bottle table numbers, a thumbprint tree guest book and the signs and table plan made from canvasses sprayed with chalkboard paint and cork borders.
The decor was flanked by a magnificent mix of flowers including precious moment, hypnose, dark blue hydrangea and seasonal pinks, while Sian teamed her show-stopping Farage gown with a bouquet of more muted blooms, such as peony, astilbe and precious moment.
The couple took their vows in the magical setting of The Cider Barn. "A key moment was when we had everyone sing '500 miles' by The Proclaimers during the ceremony!" recalls Sian.
After canapes and photos in the picture-perfect grounds, guests settled in The Shippen Barn, which was dressed with a multitude of chic, country touches and vibrant blooms. In keeping with the rustic mood, Dartmoor Kitchen served a delicious 'Devon Feast' comprising a seafood medley, roast beef with vine roast tomatoes, vegetarian moussaka and tomato and mozzarella salad. "It was out of this world!" comments Sian. Plumping for a scrumptious French wedding tradition, the wedding cake took the form of a towering croquembouche.
An eclectic repertoire of entertainment complemented the various stages of the day. Lee Coleman performed an acoustic set during the drinks reception, followed by Mafia Babies who performed a live set of golden oldies and modern numbers, including a surprise song for Sian that Karl had arranged. DJ Craig Fish completed the musical medley by spinning a playlist of old school R'n'B, keeping guests grooving until 3am.
"It truly is the best day of your life when you have so many of your family and friends there with you to help you celebrate," reflects Sian. "Friends came from Australia, Bali and one flew in especially for us from Shanghai for 24 hours only. The love surrounding us was just overwhelming and nothing spoils that."
"The only advice we would offer to others is to soak up every second and do it your own way," comments Sian. "We wanted our day to reflect us and definitely feel we achieved that."
Photography James Simmons Photography www.jamessimmonsphotography.com.au
Venue Muddifords Court, Cullompton www.muddifordscourtcountryhouse.co.uk
Dress Farage from The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood www.bridalrooms.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Twobirds www.twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk
Catering Dartmoor Kitchen www.dartmoorkitchen.com
Flowers Emma Vowles www.emmavowles.co.uk
Hair The Pop-Up Salon www.thepopupsalon.co.uk
Entertainment Lee Coleman
Mafia Babies
DJ Craig Fish
Copyright Wed magazine 2013