The engagement, however, took slightly longer. "We moved in quickly together but it took four and a half years for him to finally pop the question; his excuse was that he needed to make sure I was the one!" says Charlotte. The moment finally came during a holiday in the Cape Verde Islands when a rather nervous Phil dropped to one knee. With the initial excitement over, plans for the pair's countryside wedding quickly fell into place.
Selecting River Cottage HQ as the beautiful backdrop for their "rustic, laidback and fun" wedding, they planned an event filled with flavour. From the soundtrack to the food, every element was laced with people-pleasing attention to detail, while the pretty, country-inspired touches included colourful bunting and flowers with pops of baby blue, soft pink and tangerine arranged in jam-jars. The couple officially married during a small ceremony with close friends and family present at the Guildhall in Lyme Regis: "a beautiful castle-style quaint registry office," says Charlotte. She donned a cream Ted Baker dress while Phil wore a sharply cut navy suit from Hackett.
Charlotte then changed into a gorgeous Caroline Castigliano gown, complete with a full skirt and lace sleeves, while her blonde locks tumbled at her shoulders. The pair arrived at River Cottage in style via a tractor for the next phase of the day's celebrations. "This is a lovely experience on the way down as it shows off the views," she comments.
The couple took their vows under a rustic archway in the kitchen garden before their guests enjoyed afternoon tea in the sunshine and games such as welly wanging and hook-a-duck.
One of the undisputed highlights of the day, everyone tucked into a feast of organic Devon Red beef with seasonal vegetables and lemon tart cooked up by the River Cottage team. Phil's Croatian family also made a series of moreish sweet treats, which proved a hugely popular addition. Five-piece band Soulstar saw "everyone dancing their hearts out" as the party entertained guests into the early hours.
A day full of standout moments, Charlotte struggles to pinpoint just one. "I would have to say exchanging our vows," she decides. "And it was lovely that we were able to do it twice in one day!"
Charlotte advises taking some timeout during the celebrations. "Make sure that you have 15 minutes together to slip away and take in the day," she affirms.
Photography Sam Gibson www.samgibsonweddings.co.uk
Venue Lyme Regis Guildhall followed by River Cottage HQ www.rivercottage.net
Dress Caroline Castigliano www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Coast www.coast-stores.com
Groom's outfit Hackett www.hackett.com
Entertainment Soulstar www.soulstarmusic.co.uk
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
.JPG)
