Kerry and Toby became firm friends when they were placed next to each other in a class seating arrangement at university. “Fast forward a couple of years and we took a plunge on progressing our friendship to a relationship, and we certainly don't look back on that decision now!” says Toby.
He chose the 1st December to pop the question. “It felt so right to have this special moment together, which we will cherish forever,” says Kerry. “It was our not so ‘little’ secret between just the two of us, until we both felt ready to announce our news to the world!”
Opting for a summer wedding in the Devon countryside, Kerry and Toby chose a fresh and airy aesthetic for their celebrations at Deer Park. “We wanted to keep the look simplistic and clean. We focused on warm creams, ivory, blush pinks and fresh greens as well as navy accents with the suits,” she explains. Kerry’s light floral embellished dress, bridesmaids in blush frocks and arrangements of soft hued blooms carried the look. “We had floral table runners alongside tea light candles in dainty holders to tie the engagement theme into our wedding day,” she says.
St Giles’ Church in Sidbury made the perfect setting for the pair to exchange vows. “We decided to have an intimate, unplugged service in a quaint little church in the family village of Sidbury,” says Toby. “It was special for us to hold our ceremony in a place of meaning to us, and we really felt that there.” From the church choir and organist adding gusto to the hymns to the church bells ringing as they left the church, the couple savoured every moment of their ceremony before enjoying a drive along Sidmouth seafront.
Arriving at Deer Park, guests enjoyed canapés, drinks and mini crazy golf in the sunshine. “It was a great activity which most guests were able to enjoy throughout the day,” he says.
After a feast comprising citrus-cured salmon, roast breast of chicken, passionfruit cheesecake and apple crumble tart, everyone headed outside to sup on Aperol spritz and strawberry mojitos – the couple’s favourite cocktails – in the late afternoon sun. And, as the sun set over the countryside, rounds of homemade pizza were served, with a toffee apple and clotted cream pizza going down a particular treat!
Kerry and Toby’s first dance kickstarted the party, which included a floor-filling playlist and a magic mirror selfie stand. “One moment which stands out for us was seeing my 90-year-old grandparents dressed up in props and mastering the magic mirror! We loved dancing the night away with our nearest and dearest,” says Toby.
“It was wonderful to share this special day with all our loved ones and see everyone just having a blast!” he continues. “That’s what life is all about and having memories we can cherish for years to come.”
Looking back on the planning process, the couple have plenty of pragmatic advice for others. “Get a wedding planner journal,” recommends Kerry. “Also, have a rough idea in mind for your budget but allow for a bit of a buffer as extra costs will always creep in. Have a think about what your non-negotiables are. We had an Excel spreadsheet to track costs, especially for future payments, allowing us to focus our time on areas of our life outside the wedding planning!”
Photography Jennifer Jane Photography jenniferjanephotography.co.uk
Venue Deer Park deerpark.co.uk
Dress Mark Lesley from Boo Bridal boobridal.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses Jolie Moi joliemoi.co.uk
Suits Moss moss.co.uk
Hair Cindy Beddard Bridal Hair cindybeddardbridalhair.coc.uk
Make-up Amy Elizabeth Makeup Artist amy-elizabeth.com
Flowers From The Wild fromthewildflorist.com
Cake Angelchops angelchops.com
Stationery Sidmouth Print sidmouthprint.co.uk
Entertainment Portable Putts portableputts.co.uk
Bespoke Disco bespokedisco.com
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