"After six years of being together, Joe proposed," recalls Maria. During a morning stroll around Royal William Yard, they walked through the tunnel overlooking Drake's Island. "I felt like we had been looking at the view for quite a while and just as I was about to say "let's go" Joe got down on one knee. He had secretly arranged for both our families to get together for a celebratory meal. It was such a thoughtful and wonderful day."
The day's entertainment was equally as considered, with a handpan player creating a memorable soundtrack. "The soft sounds of the different types of handpan were perfect for the coastal setting," says Maria. "He also allowed guests to have a go and try the instrument out for themselves."
Following the ceremony, canapes were served with Prosecco, Pimm's and beers in the courtyard, after which guests relocated to the lower barn for the newly-weds' joint speech and wedding breakfast. Sharing boards whetted appetites for a sumptuous main course of chicken breast 'poach grill' asparagus, wood mushroom truffle, and slow-braised ox cheek.
"One of my bridesmaid's husband's is an amazing baker and he kindly offered to make our dessert for us - a tower of mini pavlovas filled with summer fruits, stacked on a seven-tier stand. The vibrant colours and flavours were beautiful and so different to having a normal wedding cake."
The evening combined a lively funk and soul set by Joe's DJ-ing friends with a feast of freshly cooked pizzas in the courtyard.
"After the day had come to an end, Joe and I headed up to the field next to the barn where we had a tipi pitched overlooking the sea," reflects Maria. "Just as we got there, a lightening storm started, which was so beautiful over the sea that we sat and watched. It was a perfect end to a perfect day."
"Make a list of the things you would like to have and decide what is achievable and what will be the most effective for your venue," she adds as practical advice to other couples. "Allow plenty of time if you're planning on making your own decorations. And don't worry about what anyone else would like - as long as you and your partner like it, go for it. Just enjoy your day and make great memories with your loved ones and friends."
Photography Margo R Photography margorphotography.com
Venue New Barton Barns newbartonbarns.co.uk
Tipi Ready Tent Hire readytenthire.co.uk,
Catering Rock Salt rocksaltcafe.co.uk
World Pizza worldpizza.co.uk
Dress Jenny Packham from Sam Cox Bridalwear samcoxbridalwear.co.uk
Bridesmaids' skirts Coast coast-stores.com
Groom's outfit Ted Baker tedbaker.com
Hair Fox House Retreat foxhouseretreat.com
Make-up Jennifer Hole from Minx minxlb.wixsite.com/minx
Flowers Florabunda florabundaplymouth.co.uk
Entertainment Robert Joslin facebook.com/RobertJoslinMusic
Copyright Wed magazine 2018
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