Wedding at Middle Coombe Farm, Devon

Alice and Chris’ love story began on a night out in Reading. Nine years later, Chris proposed with a ring he had designed himself while the couple were visiting the Forest of Dean with their dog and six-week-old baby Beatrix. It was an easy 'yes' for Alice and the nature-loving couple chose to celebrate their union in the woodland of Middle Coombe Farm, set deep in the Devon countryside.

Drawing on the natural beauty of the setting and their soon-to-be married name of Green, ‘Woods and Wild’ became the theme of the celebrations. “It was important that green featured in the décor and colour scheme, and this also enhanced the natural rustic charm of the venue. Vibrant wildflowers added a splash of colour,” explains Alice who relished bringing her vision to life, handcrafting everything from the signage and bunting to the table runners and lanterns, and styling the cider barn with homegrown seasonal flowers. “We were fortunate to be able to forage for a lot of foliage on-site to further enhance the woodland feel,” she says. “We were very grateful to have friends and family help us put it all together the day before the wedding!”

Alice’s day began with a swim and dip in the hot tub followed by the bridal preparations, decorating the cake, making flower combs and preparing a cream tea with her bridesmaids – all with four children under three in tow! 

After a busy morning, she was ready to savour the tranquil woodland walk alongside her mum and bridesmaids to a mystical oak tree clearing where the ceremony took place. “The walk was like a fairytale, and the forest setting and being enveloped by love and nature was perfection,” she reflects. “We chose to write our own vows which were very emotional. Having forgotten to print them, Chris planned on reading his from his phone but the poor signal meant they would not load! This meant his vows truly came from the heart.” Looking back, this was Alice’s standout moment of the day. “He revealed all of himself in that moment. It was a feeling of utter acceptance and love,” she says.

After a confetti shower of homegrown roses, the newlyweds toasted their union with a Devon cream tea served amongst the trees. “My dad then changed into his town crier outfit and performed the most incredible cry that bellowed and echoed across the valley!” says Alice. “It was breathtaking and so special as this is a hobby that my dad and I share.” 

Packed with locally sourced produce, the sharing-style wedding feast included chicken in creamy cider and chestnut sauce, slow-cooked lamb, pulled jackfruit and roasted vegetable Wellington.

As day turned to night, Alice changed into an Art Deco style evening gown to take to the floor for the first dance. “We had spent three short hours with a dance teacher to learn a Strictly style dance to Rather Be by Clean Bandit and we twirled around the floor in complete euphoria. The moment the dance finished and all our loved ones joined us to party was completely unforgettable and radiated love and joy. It was the best moment of my life,” she reflects. Revellers then partied the night away to the couple’s personalised playlist followed by a glowstick rave into the small hours.

“Give yourself the time to enjoy it!” says Alice by way of advice for other couples. “Don't plan for next year – plan for the year after to allow yourself time to enjoy it, think about the details and not cause unnecessary stress.”

Photography GRW Photography grw.photography
Venue Middle Coombe Farm coombefarmwoods.co.uk
Dress Bridal Reloved Tavistock bridalreloved.co.uk/tavistock
Suit Simon Dowling Bespoke simondowlingbespoke.com
Bride's hair Kelly Hampson
Bridesmaid's hair Keziah, Radius Hair 
Make-up Ella Butler facebook.com/makeupbyellabutler
Flowers Bude Blooms budeblooms.co.uk
Catering Titley Green titleygreen.co.uk
Cheese cake The Westcountry Cheese Co westcountrycheese.co.uk
Favours Macmillan Cancer Support macmillan.org.uk