Wedding at Tapeley Park

Westleigh Church was a fitting venue for the wedding of Steph and Paul, who met through their work as travel agents. Not only were Steph's parents married in the church, she was christened there. The service was followed by a marquee reception at Tapeley Park: "my dream venue since I was a little girl", says Steph.



In keeping with the fairytale romance theme, Steph wore a Veromia gown that comprised layers of tulle and a strapless bodice covered with Swarovski crystals, pearl beading and chiffon roses, while her bouquet was a distinctive blend of burnt orange roses. A chocolate and cream colour scheme was carried in the attire and details: the groomsmen donned chocolate brown tail suits with ivory waistcoats and cravats, while the bridesmaid wore a floor-sweeping chocolate brown dress.





After a week of rain, the couple tied the knot in glorious sunshine. "After a quick drive around Instow in a white vintage Rolls Royce we arrived at Tapeley Park for Pimm's on the lawn," Steph says. A sumptuous wedding breakfast followed, including dishes such as prawn cocktail, traditional roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, honey-glazed carrots and parsnips, and profiteroles with chocolate sauce and clotted cream.



In the evening, the couple arranged a novel snack idea: a chip van serving bacon rolls and old-fashioned paper cones of chips followed by fruit and sponge wedding cake. Live band 'Revival' played to a packed dance floor, delivering a set of pop, rock and selected family favourites, as well as the couple's first dance number: an acoustic version of Newton Faulkner's 'Dream Catch Me'.





The newlyweds stayed at The Commodore Hotel for the wedding night and continued the celebrations the next day with a brunch at Steph's parents' house before jetting off for their lavish safari and beach honeymoon in Kenya.



Steph reflects: "The most important thing is to find a photographer that you click with. You end up spending a lot of time with them. Martyn was fantastic - he took control and had a laugh with everyone." She adds, "Also, my mum and I made a lot of things for the day ourselves including the stationery and favours, and my dad even made the bar for the marquee. This saved a lot of money and made the whole day feel more personal."





The venue
Westleigh Church followed by Tapeley Park, Instow
0845 1800277 www.tapeley-park.com

The dress
Veromia from The Wedding Collection, Barnstaple
01271 379078 www.weddingcollection.biz

The flowers
Twigs Flowers
01271 326267 www.twigsflowers.co.uk

Photography
Martyn Norsworthy
01548 854044 www.norsworthyweddings.com

Copyright WED Magazine 2011