As we near the end of a busy year of love stories here at Upton Barn, we thought we’d share glimpse inside Isabelle and Dom’s sun-kissed celebration in June earlier this year with you on the journal today. The couple were immediately smitten with our charming wedding venue in Devon and opted for an outdoor ceremony (where thankfully, the weather played ball and they were graced with endless blue skies). Without further ado, keep scrolling to soak up the rustic-luxe vibes and be utterly inspired for your very own love story here in the heart of the South West.
The couple embraced a whimsical and rustic wedding theme with oodles of lovely pastel colours including blush rose, sage green and powder blue. “We kept it fairly simple as the venue itself was gorgeous. We went with home grown herbs in terracotta pots, along with dried lavender and gypsophila in milk bottle jars,” Isabelle says. “At my hen party we made bunting, so we had that hung around the venue. We also made a photograph timeline from our first date to buying our first house which was hung in the bar area. Sadly, both of my grandmothers passed away within 5 months of each other not long before the wedding, so as a nod to them, we had some butterfly decorations dotted around the venue in their memory.”
On the morning of the wedding, Isabelle’s glam squad arrived ready to get the bride and her team of ‘maids wedding-day ready. Her hair was done by industry fave, Ellie of The Updo Girl, who Isabelle describes as a ‘magical hair fairy’. Ellie created a mermaid plait, which was the perfect choice for her V-back wedding dress and worked hand-in-hand with the subtle fairy-tale feel of the wedding day. Fresh flowers delivered by Dilly Florist on the morning of the wedding were elegantly entwined in Isabelle’s plait, which lasted all day long into the evening. The posies in the bride’s hair complemented the bouquets and bridal colour palette beautifully.
The ultra-talented Nicola Redman was on hand to do Isabelle’s bridal make-up. “I don’t wear much make-up in general,” the bride explains. “So, I went for a very natural blush / fresh glow. My trial with her went really well and she didn’t settle until she saw ‘the smile’ which would reveal to her I was 100% happy. She replicated the gorgeous look on the morning of the wedding and was such a delight to talk to.”
Isabelle had her exquisite dress designed by Hermione De Paula, which was a year in the making and three trips to London for fittings, alterations and pick-up. “I knew what I wanted based upon one of their existing designs and had elements of it tailored to suit my shape and taste,” reminisces the bride. The bridesmaids purchased their dresses second-hand on Vinted, choosing mismatched options that were a similar style and colour palette, so that they all felt comfortable and confident in what they were wearing. Dom and his groomsmen purchased their suits from Moss Bros, looking handsome in pale blue attire that was the perfect fit for the season and colour scheme.
Isabelle and Dom fell head over heels in love with the outdoor space at Upton Barn and chose to tie the knot in the Walled Garden in the glorious summer sunshine. Some of the bride’s favourite memories are walking down the aisle, reciting her vows to Dom and hearing their readings from loved ones. Following their wedding ceremony, singing Duo Dolce Vita entertained the guests as they tucked into canapés and sipped on fizz and cocktails. Meanwhile, the bride and groom made the most of the photograph opportunities on offer here at Upton Barn and Nova Film + Photo whisked them off to the lakeside setting. Friends and family also played lawn games, which guests of all ages enjoy throughout the day and early evening. Children were spoilt with goodie bags that were waiting for them at the tables during the wedding breakfast – a fabulous addition if you’re having younger guests at your celebration!
As the couple wanted their bridal party to fully relax and enjoy the meal, they decided to cut the cake and have the speeches before the wedding breakfast. The evening drew in and the sparklers and firepits were lit, where scrumptious marshmallows were toasted! Loved ones tucked into delicious sourdough pizza by the gang at Exe Valley Pizza. Their first dance was truly beautiful – while their father and daughter dance was incredibly humorous! Isabelle’s dad dressed up as King Triton (to the surprise of their friends and family) and they danced to Under the Sea. A disco made sure the dance-floor was never empty and the Mamma Mia tracks went down an absolute storm.
Advice from one couple to another…
Enjoy the planning stages! There’s a lot to do, so make the most of the lead up. I would also strongly advise a few days off before the wedding to really wind down and relax before the big day. We took the week of the wedding off (got married on a Thursday) and I’m so glad I took that time off work as I really needed a rest! I don’t think I would have enjoyed the day as much as I did without it.
Isabelle and Dom’s summer wedding at Upton Barn was brimming with special moments and magical memories, with many of their guests saying it was the best wedding they’d ever been to! It was such a pleasure to host their celebration here in the Devonshire countryside – don’t forget if you’d like to see Upton Barn for yourself, you can book in a private viewing with our friendly team.
