"Simon proposed in North Nibley at the Tyndale Monument, having taken me away to a cottage for our two-year anniversary," reveals Alice. "Whilst walking our springer spaniels, Simon asked me to take a picture of the view and when I turned around, he was on one knee. My response was "Oh no!" before I, of course, said yes!"
Upton Barn & Walled Garden instantly took their breaths away and provided the picturesque locale for their celebrations. "We loved the rustic decor as it looked beautiful with minimal decorations," explains Alice. "We attended the grand opening of the Stable Barn and were able to get an idea of exactly how it could look on our day. We loved being able to get married on-site and all of our guests commented on the choice of venue."
Reflecting their love of autumn, a striking seasonal scene was created through rich, rustic colours and details such as wooden apple crates to display the seating plan, gin bottles as vases and candleholders, and an array of foliage and candles scattered throughout.
"As it was close to Bonfire Night, we had sparklers and marshmallows for the evening," adds Alice, who also handmade the salt dough Christmas tree decoration wedding favours and blackberry and apple gin for the tables.
A collaborative effort culminated in the final look, including confetti made by Alice's school friend Meg, a friend's daughter making personalised bunting, and one of Alice's students creating a canvas timeline of the day with hand-drawn illustrations as well as writing all of the place cards, while Simon pitched in to create place card holders from empty shotgun cartridges.
Meanwhile, the flowers incorporated lots of foliage with burgundy and blue blooms, which were also carried in Alice's bespoke hairpiece, with pheasant feathers woven into the buttonholes to add extra character.
More magic was added by the couple's friend, Tayla Martin, who sang and played guitar during the reception as guests tucked into canapes and Prosecco. A sharing-style feast followed, comprising slow-roast pork belly and slow-roast heritage squash with a smattering of sides completed by platters of baked blackberry cheesecake, macerated berries and almonds roasted in honey.
"It is so hard to choose a favourite moment but, for me, walking down the aisle and reading the vows that we had written in front of all our friends and family and the bright blue skies and sunshine in November had to be it!" says Alice while fondly looking back at her rustic romance. "We also loved the dancing in the evening - terrible dance moves to fantastic live music!"
During her moments of reflection, Alice is also keen to share her planning methods. "We booked things very early and didn't leave things to the last minute, which meant that the run-up to the wedding was less stressful," she says, before adding: "A good spreadsheet is a lifesaver!"
She also advises asking suppliers for their recommendations. "Also, we looked at some DIY venues but soon realised that we had neither the time nor creative flair and so chose a venue with a fantastic team who offered support in planning and delivery."
Photography Nova Wedding Photography novaweddingphotography.co.uk
Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com
Catering Pickle Shack pickleshack.co.uk
Dress Enzoani from Tamsin's Bridal tamsinsbridalboutique.co.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
Groom's outfit Zebel Bespoke Exeter zebel.co.uk
Invitations Jess Moon
Hair The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com
Make-up Eve Ashby eveashby.co.uk
Flowers Poppy's Flower Studio weddingsatpoppys.co.uk
Transport Exe Valley Private Hire Taxi facebook.com/Exe-Valley-Private-Hire-212882112893077
Videography Yeti Photography & Film yetiphotography.co.uk
Cake Caffe Espresso facebook.com/CaffeEspressoExeterDevon
Entertainment Tayla Martin instagram.com/livingdreamsofsweetmaroon
The Busketeers busketeers.co.uk
Copyright Wed magazine 2019
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