“We met when we were both at university,” reflects Sarah. “I was attending Bristol UWE in my first year and Doug was at Bath in his final year. Like all classic modern love stories, we met through Tinder!”
Some years later, on her 25th birthday, Doug convinced Sarah to go on a rainy dog walk to one of their favourite places. “We had our first kiss at Anstey’s Cove many years ago,” she explains. “As we got down to the beach Doug started to act a little odd and, before I knew it, he was proposing to me. It was pouring down with rain and having our dog with us made it even more special – it was perfect.”
Finding a wedding venue proved easy for the pair, who fell in love with Upton Barn and Walled Garden at first sight. “This place speaks for itself and it is the only place we viewed,” says Sarah. “It was everything we wanted: private, quiet and simply stunning.”
The couple had no need to worry when it came to the minutiae. “I just wanted it to be simple but elegant – and it really was!” explains Sarah. “White was the main theme, with green from lots of foliage and the sage green bridesmaid dresses.” With simplicity being key, she planned the wedding from start to finish in less than nine months.
Sarah spent the morning enjoying her bridal preparations in the stunning spa-like space of The Paddock. "I would recommend booking this - as well as the luxury accommodation pods - without a doubt!” she enthuses.
Sarah teamed her off-the-shoulder lace gown with a soft ponytail and a bouquet of cream roses, while Doug donned a dapper navy suit and sage green tie for the ceremony in the Cider Barn.
It was an incident during the ceremony that particularly stands out in Sarah’s memory. “As we said our vows, I think the nerves got the best of me because I suddenly forgot how to talk properly and gave the crowd a good laugh as I was trying to say the word ‘solemnly’ for about two minutes!” she reveals.
Having tied the knot, the couple relaxed over drinks and canapés with their guests before feasting on the “incredible” wedding breakfast while Daniel Costin played the violin before an infectious saxophone performance as night fell. “He definitely brought the party later on! He was joined by Future Media and the amazing Mark Voisey,” says Sarah of another of her and Doug’s highlights from the day.
“The whole day was so special, but I loved but how much time we spent together throughout it,” she reflects. “We always said we would make sure that it was our priority!”
Photography Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod kathrynclarkemcleod.com
Venue Upton Barn & Walled Garden uptonbarn.com
Dress WED2B wed2b.com
Groom's outfit Marc Darcy marcdarcy.co.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses ASOS asos.com
Hair Beth B Studios instagram.com/bstudios.uk
Make-up Emma Roberts MUA emmarobertsmakeup.co.uk
Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk
Catering Mulberry Catering Co mulberrycatering.co.uk
Cake Claire Arscott Cake Design clairearscottcakedesign.co.uk
Entertainment Daniel Costin danielcostin.live
Mark Voisey future-media.co.uk
