When it came to choosing their wedding venue, it was simply love at first sight for Lucy and Yousef. “Walking into the Walled Garden, even on a cold and rainy December evening, I instantly knew I wanted to get married at Upton Barn. I wanted to take away as many stresses as I could for the actual day so knowing, with the unpredictable weather we get in England, that the Cider Barn was just as picturesque as the Walled Garden made it an easy choice. I would have been happy inside or out!”
“Our wedding day was perfect from start to finish,” reminisces Lucy. “For me, being the bride starting the day in The Paddock made all the difference, having the bright and open space to get ready was blissful. The wedding day itself was perfect and all the staff that supported the day filled us with such ease. It was the best day of our lives for sure!”
The Paddock provided a relaxing and stylish space for Lucy to begin the morning of the wedding with her team of ‘maids. For her bridal hair, Lucy opted for a simple, sleek and elegant low ponytail with a subtle curl. Dainty pearls that had been carefully tucked into the top of her ponytail were revealed when she took her veil off – a fabulous finishing touch. The bride wanted natural make-up, wearing a soft pink lip with gold tones on her eyes. “I’m not a huge make-up wear,” explains Lucy. “So, keeping it clean and simple was my plan!”
It turns out that Lucy & Yousef’s guests were surprised by the dreamy wedding dress she went for. Purchased at Brides at Waterfields in Exeter, Lucy looked stunning in a soft and floaty gown with full sleeves and delicate white button detailing. The design featured a low back and long trail that made the bride feel like a “modern princess”. Lucy and her bride tribe carried bouquets brimming with delectable peach and cream tones, giving a summer-time feel to the floral design and styling of the day. The groom and his groomsmen looked handsome in forest green suits with ties to match the champagne shade of the bridesmaid dresses.
Lucy and Yousef’s neutral colour scheme of calming tones and subtle peachy accents worked perfectly with our charming countryside wedding venue. They decided to keep their décor and styling for their ceremony and reception minimalist and simple. At Upton the venue holds its own character, so you don’t have to dress it up much! “It completely suits mine and Yousef’s style which made it feel like our own spin was already there, with the wooden beams through the Cider Barn and the beautiful flowers in the Walled Garden. We did however love our crisps wall we made!” It goes without saying – their wedding guests couldn’t get enough of their unique crisp wall!
For the wedding breakfast Mulberry Catering Co served up a delicious feast of burgers. “They were delicious, hearty and just what we all needed with a side of chips and salad,” says Lucy. “For a starter we had a tasty Godminster tart and for pudding, wedding cake that was made by my amazing mum & sister it went down a treat!” As the night drew in, they enjoyed fire cooked pizza which was a scrumptious choice for the evening!
When it came to entertaining their guests, Lucy and Yousef had garden games (including cornhole), a fun photo mirror, toasted marshmallows in the garden and incredible music all night long.
Advice from one couple to another…
“It can become so overwhelming planning a wedding but trust me when I say you wouldn’t be disappointed if you chose Upton. They keep in great contact and ensure everything is on schedule up until and after the big day. And for the big day itself it absolutely flies by so take it all in and definitely use the tack room to give yourselves five minutes of peace together…”
Lucy and Yousef’s favourite part of their wedding day was seeing each other at the end of the aisle. “It was so surreal but a moment we’ll never forget.”
It has certainly put a smile on our faces looking back at this gorgeous couple’s wedding day here at Upton Barn – don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to see even more real love stories in action, or take a look at our availability and book in for a private viewing.
