Although Kat and Josh had met at school, some years passed before their paths crossed again with a chance encounter in their local town. “Josh took my number and then got in touch asking me out on a dog walk,” says Kat. “It wasn’t long before we were inseparable.”
It was during a particularly memorable dog walk on a winter’s night that Josh asked Kat to marry him in the pouring rain. “It was the most amazing surprise and I was caught completely off guard,” she smiles.-
Bradstone Manor Farm was the venue of choice for the couple’s ‘whimsical, romantic, rustic and autumnal’ themed celebrations. “We have always loved September as a month and we wanted to display ‘summer on the turn’ with a gorgeous palette of burnt oranges, peaches, dusty pinks and earthy tones of browns, beiges and greens,” explains Kat.
As a florist, Kat was keen to create a statement with her blooms, which took the stunning form of two large beam installations. “We wanted our guests to feel like they were sitting in amongst the flowers and foliage,” she explains.
Elegant taper candles, brass holders and beautiful napkins and place cards featuring individually pressed flowers made by Josh’s mum completed the scene, while stationery with illustrations featuring nods to the couple’s loves – from wellies and walking boots to coffee mugs and their dog – added a personal touch.
A celebrant-led ceremony in the enchanting grounds of Bradstone Manor proved the standout moment of the day for the couple. “Walking down the aisle with my dad was a really special moment, especially seeing how happy Josh was at the end of the aisle,” recalls Kat. The newly-weds then made a memorable entrance to their drinks reception on a 1950s Ferguson T0-20 tractor.
Canapés were served in the courtyard before sharing platters were presented in the barn, treating guests to topside of beef, gammon and homemade scotch eggs alongside Davidstow cheddar cheese, stilton, St Endellion Brie and an assortment of sides. A trio of puddings – chocolate pots, lemon meringue pie and banoffee pie – further fuelled guests for the party ahead.
“Our guests loved getting involved in the photo booth, and the venue provided a skittles alley and pool table, which certainly brought out our friends’ competitive sides,” laughs Kat of the evening entertainment. Guests gathered for a barbecue, drinks around the firepit and fireworks, while live band The Shrine ensured the dance floor was packed until the early hours.
Looking back, it’s the sheer joy of the occasion that stands out in Kat’s mind. “Everyone was so happy. It felt like everyone was ‘drunk on love’ as we were all just soaking up the live music, great food and amazing company,” she says. “The few days before was also something that really stood out to us. The amount of family and friends who came together to help make it so special was incredible and we shall be forever thankful.”-
And as for any newly-wed words of wisdom? “It’s never too early to get in touch with your favourite suppliers, especially as couples often booked their wedding a year or two in advance." she advises.
"And make sure your day reflects the pair of you. The beauty of today’s weddings is that anything goes and it’s your chance to celebrate spending the rest of your lives together.”
Photography Paige Grace Photography paigegracephotography.co.uk
Venue Bradstone Manor Farm countryweddingbradstone.co.uk
Celebrant Lisa Flahant celebrantincornwall.co.uk
Dress House of St Patrick from Browns of Totnes brownsoftotnes.co.uk-
Bridesmaids’ dresses ASOS asos.com
Groom’s outfit Colins Bridal colinsbridal.co.uk
Hair First Glance firstglancebeautytavistock.com
Make-up Laura Le Page lauralepagebridalmakeup.com
Flowers Milli Fleur millifleur.com
Décor & tableware hire Amor Decor amordecorevents.co.uk
Stationery Every Goose everygoose.com
Entertainment The Shrine wearetheshrine.co.uk
Photo booth Flicksbox flicksbox.co.uk
Videography Sean Hodge Wedding Films seanhodgeweddingfilms.co.uk
