Shoni and Lewis’s love story began almost 13 years ago when they met through mutual friends on a night out. “We spent the whole night talking about music and making each other laugh,” she reminisces. Lewis’ plan to propose during an orchestral performance of the theme song from Spirited Away – a particularly special song for Shoni – was scuppered when the London show was postponed due to Covid. He decided to go ahead with his plan and proposed during a late-night stroll in St James’ Park instead.
The answer was an easy ‘yes', as was their decision to marry at Rockbeare Manor. “We knew straight away it was the one. It’s so beautiful with soaring high ceilings, large windows and lots of period features while still having neutral décor to suit any wedding colour scheme,” says Shoni. “We had a cherry-blossom themed wedding as this reminds us of Japan; our dream holiday and soon-to-be honeymoon destination!”
A striking palette of black, white and pale pink made for a dreamy scene, with faux cherry blossom trees lining the aisle and crowning the tables, a showstopping arch under which the couple exchanged vows and glass tea light holders enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The tiered cake carried the darker accents the couple were keen to incorporate, while the wedding favours were a DIY effort. “We saved up jam jars for two years and made candles," says Shoni. “They also served as our guests place names.”
The bridal party looked pretty as a picture with Shoni dazzling in an off-the-shoulder lace gown, while her bridesmaids wore pale pink dresses and carried bouquets of pale pink tea roses, astilbe and eucalyptus. “I felt like an elven princess!” says Shoni, whose family dog, Indi, took both flower girl and ring-bearer duties in a blossom flower collar and matching ring box inscribed with the couple’s initials.
The blossom-filled ceremony was filled with personal touches and emotion. “Our friend Dan played piano as I walked down the aisle and our friend Lizzie did a reading for us. We wrote our vows ourselves, which were very emotional to read – I barely got through mine!” she reflects.
Spilling outside to a deluge of pink confetti, the newlyweds and their guests mingled over champagne and canapés before taking their seats for a feast comprising the likes of Moroccan vegetable tagine, tomato, aubergine and mozzarella parmigiana, sirloin of Devon beef and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla gelato.
As day turned to night, the party got into full swing, thanks to the DJ’s playlist peppered with Shoni and Lewis’s favourite tunes. “He was great at playing a lot of the rock, metal and K-pop that we requested!” she laughs. Fuelled by a delicious array of freshly baked pizzas, guests danced into the small hours, with a sparkler tunnel providing a memorable interlude in the evening drizzle.
Looking back on their day, the pair are full of cherished memories and happy their day panned out in perfectly personal style. “Lewis took my surname - a breaking of tradition and something that we are quite proud of!” says Shoni who advocates sharing the wedding planning load with willing family and friends. “Ask your friends and family for help wherever you can and give yourselves plenty of time,” she advises. “Try and spend quality time together and remember why you are doing this all in the first place.”
Photography Toby Lidstone Photography tobylidstonephotography.co.uk
Venue Rockbeare Manor rockbearemanor.co.uk
Dress & bridesmaids’ dresses WED2B wed2b.com
Shoes Lace & Favour laceandfavour.com
Hair B Studios
Suits Skopes skopes.co.uk
Flowers Fiesta Red Florist fiestared.co.uk
Décor hire Unique Designs by Tina uniquedesignsbytina.com
Cake Killa Confectionery killaconfectionery.co.uk
DJ Devon Pro Entertainments devonproentertainments.co.uk
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