Having lived in the same halls at Exeter University, Will decided to pop the question to Fay in the city where their love story had started. “We were living in Vancouver and had a trip planned back to the UK. Will had decided to propose in England so that we could celebrate with friends and family,” explains Fay. “After I ruined his plan to propose in Exeter, saying we didn’t have time for a detour, he proposed whilst we were having a walk around my parents’ field instead!”
The couple set about planning a relaxed and super-colourful wedding. “We’d always dreamed of hosting our own mini festival and my uncle kindly said we could use his lovely field on a hill overlooking Dartmoor,” says Fay.
Hiring two giant tipis, a series of bell tents and magical festoon lighting, the scene was set for Fay and Will’s wedding festival, which they decorated with handmade details and lots of colour. “The bridesmaids wore burnt orange and the groomsmen matched with ties, but otherwise we went for all the colours when it came to flowers, bunting and decorations!” A vibrant carnival of pom-poms and bunting – handcrafted by the mums – and an “incredible” hanging hoop dried flower installation added to the party vibe.
After taking their vows, folk duo Harbottle and Jonas kick-started the merriment as guests enjoyed beer, fizz and nibbles while playing lawn games and hitting the party tent, complete with fancy dress, a Polaroid station, sweetie counter and glitter station. “Half the guests had glitter on about 10 minutes after the ceremony!” laughs Fay.
In keeping with the laidback mood of the day, the menu comprised grazing boards (which the couple organised themselves with the help of friends) and Will’s mum’s chocolate fridge cake followed by fish and chips in the evening and s’mores around the tipi fire. And it wouldn’t be a festival without dancing into the small hours – Harbottle and Jonas filled the floor for their evening set followed by a silent disco. “Seeing everyone singing along to Westlife at the end of the silent disco was high up there on the greatest moments of the day!” says Fay.
“We’re so glad we bucked tradition and did things our way,” she enthuses. “Our celebrant, Sally Ingle, made the ceremony so relaxed and personal to us. My bridesmaid read a poem she’d written to kick off dinner proceedings and we had the drinks flowing before the ceremony even started. There were no rules, we just wanted everyone to have an amazing time!”
“There was a heap of work involved in a DIY wedding, but it was totally worth it,” she continues. “We’d recommend booking an on-the-day coordinator so that once the day arrives all you have to do is enjoy it!”
Photography Hannah Wilde hannah-wilde.com
Tipi World Inspired Tents worldinspiredtents.co.uk
Bell tents Devon Belles devonbelltent.com
On-the-day coordination Westcountry Wedding Planner westcountryweddingplanner.co.uk
Celebrant Sally Ingle soulconnectionsceremonies.com
Dress Park & Fifth parkandfifthco.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses Mango mango.com
Groom’s outfit T.M. Lewin tmlewin.co.uk
Flowers Fare of the Field fareofthefield.com
Festoon lighting System Electrical systemelectrical-sw.co.uk
Entertainment Harbottle and Jonas harbottleandjonas.com
Evening catering Flippy Chippy flippychippy.co.uk
Croquembouche Cherry Blossom Cakes cherryblossom-cakes.co.uk
