Wedding at The Horn of Plenty, Devon

Stephanie, who comes from the US, met Ash when she began her UK studies back in 2011. “We would have never thought through the years we would remain in touch but, as stars aligned, we did,” she says. “We met up in New York City in 2016 and began a long-distance relationship, then I moved to Plymouth to be with him in 2021.”

A year later, Ash popped the question while taking Stephanie on a hike to the Dartmoor beauty spot he’d taken her on her first visit. “It was the worst winds in England in the past 20 years and everyone was told to stay inside, but just like our love and spirit of adventure, nothing was going to stop us!” she says.

Not only is The Horn of Plenty close to the location of their engagement, the hotel’s country panoramas, customer service and sourcing of sustainable local food won the couple over. “We agreed to have a small wedding and wanted this to be special for us, but also for both families, coming from the US and Cambridgeshire,” she explains. “Having a small wedding of 17 people was one of the best decisions we made as it allowed us to spend time with everyone, keep costs down and add to the intimacy of the day and our memories.”

Choosing deep, romantic colours was an ode to their February wedding date, with accents of gold to add a classic touch. Cascading eucalyptus and big roses featured in Stephanie’s bouquet, as well as eucalyptus, pink and burgundy florals, and hurricane candles on the tables.

A “special and intimate ceremony” began with Stephanie walking down the aisle to Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. “Seeing each other at the end of the aisle and knowing we get to spend this life together was our favourite moment,” says Ash. Stephanie’s brother shared a reading before the couple exchanged personal vows. “This is something I recommend all engaged couples to do; it makes the ceremony much more personal,” she says. “We couldn’t stop smiling!”

The celebrations kicked off with local craft beer, cocktails and canapés, before everyone savoured a bespoke menu including lobster ravioli with crab on creamed leeks, rabbit loin with chorizo risotto, pan-fried seasonal fish and white chocolate crémeux with lemon parfait.

“Speeches from our family and friends were sincere, sweet and full of laughs,” says Stephanie. “Then our first dance was a sweet and loving moment. It felt like we were in our own world singing the lyrics together and dancing in each other’s arms. Music is one of our love languages, so this moment was so special for us.” Personal playlists continued throughout the evening, making it feel like “a big house party”, while a live artist illustrated guests.

Stephanie and Ash recommend a methodical approach for those planning. “We created a checklist of ‘month markers’ and then, once checked off the list, we set the planning aside,” she says. “It’s easy to get so consumed by it all but enjoy engaged life and each other!”

Looking back comes with great poignancy, which makes their memories even more treasured. “What we still go back to today is having our closest family and friends with us on our special day,” reflects Stephanie. “We have suffered significant grief, with the loss of my brother and mum within our first year in marriage, and to know we all had this time together is something we will hold with us forever.”