It was a case of love at first sight when they started looking for a wedding venue. "We both fell in love with The Oak Barn and St Andrews Church the moment we saw them," comments Lee. "The barn lends itself perfectly for a vintage country style, and the gardens are a beautiful place to simply relax and enjoy the day."
A pink and ivory palette carried through the details of the celebration, from the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses. Sam teamed her chic, strapless gown with a bouquet of cream and pink blooms, while Lee donned traditional Highland wear.
Following their "intimate and special" ceremony, the newly-weds walked to The Oak Barn, where they were met by a deluge of fresh flower confetti. Champagne and canapes kick-started the sun-spilled celebrations as the Exe Valley String Quartet provided the mood-enhancing soundtrack.
Guests then settled inside the barn, where a carnival of bunting and tables brimming with vintage china and flowers arranged in jam jars set the celebratory tone. A delicious afternoon tea ensured appetites were satisfied in style with a feast of mini pies, finger sandwiches and sweet treats.
The evening party greeted guests with mulled Cornish cider, a sumptuous hog roast and a host of tasty trimmings as well as entertainment by the Iron Boot Scrapers who ensured a packed dance floor into the early hours.
Looking back, the newly-weds cite their standout moments from the day. For Sam, her mum walking her down the aisle and giving her away was a "very special and emotional moment during the day", while Lee cites getting ready with his childhood friends as a particular highlight. "We've all seen each other grow up and to be together on that day was amazing," he adds.
Sam and Lee are also keen to offer their advice to others in the throes of wedding planning. "If you can, take your time when choosing a venue and the style or theme if you don't already have something in mind - especially if you don't have a short engagement. We found our priorities and tastes change throughout planning the wedding."
"We would also recommend being really well organised when it comes to budget. It's really easy to get carried away and go off track when you start visiting all the wedding fairs, markets and shops that cater for weddings; not having a strict budget will see you go off track so quickly!"
Photography Harrera Images www.harreraimages.co.uk
Venue St Andrews Church followed by The Oak Barn www.theoakbarn.co.uk
Catering Treloars Deli www.treloars-deli.co.uk
Snout and Trotter www.snoutandtrotter.co.uk
Dress Catwalk 09 www.catwalk09.co.uk
Groom's oufit Burton www.burton.co.uk
Hair Elk Salon www.elksalon.com
Make-up Emma James of Glow and Glam
Flowers Peamore Flora www.peamoreflora.co.uk
Entertainment Exe Valley String Quartet www.exevalleystringquartet.co.uk
Iron Boot Scrapers www.ironbootscrapers.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
