David proposed to Hannah on a deserted coral beach in Ireland. "David said he had found a large cowrie shell and, upon turning round quickly, I saw he was on one knee!" recalls Hannah. "It was a beautiful platinum diamond ring in the shape of a flower which he had chosen himself and I loved!"
Their tipi reception at David's family farm in the Axe Valley was a celebration of the great outdoors. Opting for a rustic theme, a palette of natural tones, sage green and pale pinks, together with lots of handmade details, wood, hessian and Cluny lace created a stunning celebration scene. Medleys of daisies, pink emile and gypsophila on the tabletops added to the English country garden look.
"I tried to make a large proportion of the wedding by hand to enhance the natural and rustic theme," explains Hannah. A team of family and friends pitched in to help the couple bring their vision to life. "We found old stoneware jars on the farm for props, sourced hay bales, fire pits and tree trunks for guests to sit on around the tipis, cut wooden rounds for flower pots, table centres and name holders from wood on the farm and grew over 500 plug plants - geraniums, dahlias, pansies, asters - to plant up in pots for decoration." Other handmade features included the hessian and Cluny lace table runners and the table plan, which was crafted from an old pallet.
Blending perfectly with the aesthetic, Hannah's bridesmaids donned pale green frocks accessorised with pink spray roses in their hair, as did Hannah who dazzled in an elegant lace dress. The pretty bouquets featured the likes of heaven pink roses, white lisianthus, daisies, eucalyptus and pale pink spray roses.
After the ceremony at St Giles Church in Kilmington, Hannah and David travelled in style via an Austin 7 to the reception where guests indulged in canapes, Pimm's, fruit cider and local ale. A feast of local roast beef with all the trimmings was then followed by naked Victoria sponge wedding cake.
The dancing kicked off in earnest, with local folk band Spin 2 providing the entertainment. "My favourite moment was dancing with all my friends and family together," reflects Hannah. "David and I were lifted up on people's shoulders! It was such a celebratory moment - not only because of our marriage after a long relationship, but that we had created this day ourselves for all of our friends and family to enjoy - and they certainly did!"
Hannah recommends a calm and methodical approach to planning. "Try not to freak out at the many tasks that need to be done. I found Wed Magazine so perfect for what I wanted with local suppliers, fashions, tips and articles to reassure me!" she says. "My advice would be to take it slow - decide and organise one thing at a time. And don't be afraid to ask for help!"
Photography Dan Prettejohn The Event Studios www.theeventstudios.co.uk/photography
Venue St Giles Church, Kilmington followed by tipi reception
Marquee World Inspired Tents www.worldinspiredtents.co.uk
Catering Sweetlands Country Fare at Boveys Down Farm www.boveysdownfarm.co.uk
Dress The Bridal Emporium www.bridalemporium.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Light Weddings www.lightweddings.co.uk
Hair Bolt's Hair and Body www.boltshairandbody.co.uk
Flowers Just Flowers www.justflowersofseaton.co.uk
Entertainment Spin 2 www.spin2.net
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
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