It’s been a wonderfully busy summer of love stories here in the Devonshire countryside and we’re not quite ready to let go of blue skies, sunshine and warm climates. With that in mind, we thought we’d look back at Anna and Seb’s dreamy wedding day, where you’ll find oodles of wedding inspiration for your very own celebration.
“It’s a cliché but our day was the happiest day of our lives,” reminisces Anna. “It was so well organised meaning that we could enjoy the day without any stress. We had dreamt of an outdoor, summer garden wedding and the weather was in our favour. It was perfect in every way.”
The couple had their hearts set on a soft, pastel colour palette, incorporating plenty of pale pink hues and light green accents – which you can spot in the sage bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits. Anna and Seb had always known they wanted an outdoor wedding, which thankfully the British weather granted for them. However, the option to be able to have a back-up plan at Upton Barn appealed to the couple. “The indoor Cider Barn is absolutely stunning, and we would have been more than happy to get married in there too,” says Anna. “We also love Devon and wanted somewhere you can appreciate the Devon countryside, making Upton Barn the perfect choice.”
Anna got ready with her bridesmaids in The Paddock, making the most of our luxe make-up stations and stylish yet versatile spaces. The bride looked utterly beautiful in the ‘Cameron’ wedding dress by Made with Love. “I loved the detachable wings and thought it was a bit different from having a traditional veil,” explains Anna. She wore her hair in a softly curled half-up, half-down hairstyle, with ultra-glam make-up. “If there’s a day to go all out on your make-up, it’s your wedding day!”
When it came to the bride’s bouquet by Flowers by Sophie Millington, we were all in awe! “The bouquet was the most beautiful thing ever,” Anna tells us. “It consisted of seasonal natural flowers in soft colours; pinks, creams, whites etc. I loved my bouquet so much one of my lovely bridesmaids sent it off to be pressed and framed so I can treasure it forever.” A white flowing ribbon was the perfect finishing touch to Anna’s flowers. Meanwhile, Seb wore a light stone-coloured suit by Ted Baker – a wonderful choice for a summer wedding in the countryside.
The weather played ball and the couple were able to have their dream alfresco-style ceremony in the Walled Garden, where Flowers by Sophie Millington had styled the arbour with a beautiful flower-filled column. The couple had also chosen to write their own vows, crafting a truly heartfelt ceremony against the most exquisite backdrop. Following their ceremony, Anna and Seb’s guests mingled in the garden, sipping on beers, Aperol Spritz and bellinis, as well as tucking into three types of canapés. Everyone broke the ice with games of Giant Jenga, as well as taking snaps with a polaroid camera. Wedding newspapers were dotted around the venue, offering a personal touch while providing guests with an entertaining read. During this time, the newlyweds made the most of the beautiful backdrops on offer for their couple portraits with Sophie Mort Photography.
As everyone made their way into the Stable Barn, their loved ones were wowed by the space! “To decorate our reception we used clusters of bud vases and tall dinner candles in soft colours,” says Anna. They had also hired elegant ivory drapes from Fika Event Hire, which added to the natural, ethereal feel of their summer wedding. Mulberry Catering whipped up the most delicious feast of smoked salmon starters, sharing chicken shawarma for main and sticky toffee pudding to finish. In the evening, Anna and Seb spoilt their friends and family with moreish pizza from Exe Valley Pizza – which went down a storm!
It was such a joy to be able to host Anna and Seb’s summer wedding here at Upton Barn & Walled Garden and we hope you enjoyed joining us in looking back at their very special day. Don’t forget to get in touch if you’re looking for the perfect Devon wedding venue! You can discover our availability here and book in a private viewing.
