Real Wedding at Buckland House, Devon

"Our eyes met across a crowded bar - cheesy but true!" says Katie of the fateful moment she and Sarvs knew destiny had struck. "We'd met briefly previously and both felt an instant attraction, and then when we met again by chance in a bar that was it - everyone else in the bar was ignored!" The love-struck pair decided to mark their union with a long weekend of celebrations at Buckland House.



In celebration of Sarvs' heritage, their autumn wedding had an opulent Indian theme, the rich palette of red and gold lending itself to the season. Katie's Auntie Win expertly arranged the vibrant medley of bright red gerberas and alstroemeria with gold and green foliage.



Katie teamed her Maggie Sottero gown with a fur wrap for the moving ceremony in the ballroom of Buckland House - the highlight being the moment the couple exchanged their personalised vows. "It was very emotional - not a dry eye in the house, even the registrar had a tear in her eye!" says Katie.



The Indian theme paved the way for a delectable banquet of exotic dishes provided by The Clay Oven. A mouth-watering selection of canapes was followed by the likes of butter chicken, lamb korma, saag paneer, rice and naan bread. Guests delighted in 'make your own' ice creams from Salcombe Dairy for dessert, while a three-tier cake decorated with Maltesers covered in red and gold glitter made a spectacular centrepiece for the feast.



Katie and Sarvs had a surprise in store for their first dance. The choreographed routine saw the couple kicking off with 'Ebony and Ivory' - "which got much laughter (for obvious reasons!)" says Katie - and then mixed in 'All I Want Is You' from the 'Juno' soundtrack. "We managed to keep it a surprise from everyone - the looks on people's faces was priceless! We were even requested to do an encore!" says Katie.



The Village Disco got guests of all ages up on the dance floor for the duration of the evening party, while a selection of Devon and Cornish cheeses and mini pasties kept partygoers fuelled into the small hours.



The newly weds have plenty of words of wisdom for other couples in the throes of planning: "Hand over all the last minute preparations to the best man and bridesmaids so they can deal with any last minute stresses." They also advise snatching some time to yourselves. "Steal at least five selfish minutes away from everyone and just enjoy that moment and remember it all. Everyone who's ever been married will tell you that the day will fly by, and it will, so treasure those few minutes whilst you can."

The venue
Buckland House, Buckland Filleigh, Beaworthy
01409 281645 www.bucklandhouse.co.uk

The dress
Maggie Sottero from Frilly Frocks, Barnstaple
01271 344338 www.frillyfrocks.co.uk

Photography
Emma Solley
01392 848500 www.emmasolley.com


Copyright WED Magazine 2012