Classic bridal style, natural touches and al fresco feasting at Bickleigh Castle

Set in a pocket of glorious countryside ' all dense wooded valleys and lush pasture, the River Exe meandering through the grounds ' Bickleigh Castle exemplifies the romance of Devon. Beyond the majestic 15th century castle, there's the 6th century chapel ' the oldest building in the county ' and a cluster of thatched cottages to accommodate the wedding party for an extended celebration in this extraordinary spot.

This styled shoot celebrates the romance of an al fresco celebration amidst Bickleigh Castle's picturesque grounds. Combining a palette of soft shades, floral motifs and luxe touches, the scheme draws on the majesty of the setting, offering a relaxed aesthetic with a suitably sumptuous edge.

The al fresco feast on the lawn, for example, beautifully echoes the hues of the historic buildings cloaked in foliage which cradle the setting, accented with shades of cornflower blue. Crystal glassware, long tapered candles and a foliage table runner, cascading off the table in a tumble of silken blooms and candles, is pure elegance, while golden cutlery offsets the rustic aesthetic of the table and chairs. Taking the castle as muse, the fine stationery captures the splendour of the setting, married with natural motifs and gold embellishment, while a backdrop of exposed stone and foliage is the perfect canvas for the minimalist design of the ice white cake.

A chunky fishtail braid brings a modern, laidback feel to the classic elegance of the bridal gown and bouquet of white blooms and foliage, while the bridesmaids echo the blue accents of the scheme, donning shades of navy and cornflower and holding posies of pretty white florals. Roaming amidst the dreamlike castle grounds, where wild flowers meet meandering river banks and historic buildings meet verdant lawns, the mood is relaxed, tranquil and oh-so romantic.

Venue Bickleigh Castle bickleighcastle.com

Photography Jennifer Jane Photography jenniferjanephotography.co.uk

Furniture Keeping It Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk

Virginias Vintage Hire virginiasvintagehire.co.uk

Flowers Poppy's Flower Studio weddingsatpoppys.co.uk

Cake Claire Makes Cakes clairemakescakes.co.uk

Dress Kate Walker Bridal katewalkerbridal.co.uk

Bridesmaids' dresses Abidemaids abidemaids.co.uk

Hair The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com

Make-up Claire Bowring clairebowring.co.uk

Jewellery Bee Lavish beelavish.co.uk

Stationery De Winton Paper Co dewintonpaperco.com