"After meeting up with our close friends for lunch he took me on a detour to Saunton Sands (unbeknown to me as I was fast asleep in the car). After a gentle wake-up call, we walked down to the beach and, as the sun was setting, Alex got down on one knee and proposed. I was pretty speechless! We then had the most amazing few days in Exmoor to celebrate."
Opting for a natural, pared-back colour scheme for their celebrations in the beautiful setting of Launcells Barton, a mix of white, green, grey and gold with some soft pink touches was carried in everything from the bridesmaids' dresses to the decor, including gorgeous sea glass pieces as table names that doubled as wedding favours.
"We were fortunate enough to have Alex's dad on board with building all the wooden structures including the archway leading into the main barn and the backdrop to our top table. Without him none of our initial ideas could be brought to life so we owe him a massive thank you," says Sarah.
"On that note, a tip for all future bride and grooms is to make use of the resources that you have and include your friends and family where possible in helping you to create new and exciting ideas," she adds.
After the church ceremony, guests were greeted with canapes and a 'Pretty Your Prosecco' stand made from wooden pallets and grow-your-own herbs on arrival at Launcells Barton, where a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic infusions crafted by Sarah's mum and maid of honour "created a little something special for our guests to make themselves."
The treats continued with the "modern, beautiful and locally sourced food"; sharing style platters presented the delicious likes of garlic field mushrooms, locally caught sea bass, roasted butternut squash and giant meringues topped with edible wild flowers.
"I'm a vegetarian and Alex is gluten intolerant so Keda and Will of Beautiful and the Feast created some really unique and delicious dishes that appealed to all," comments Sarah. A doughnut wall and wood fired pizzas (including a gluten-free base for Alex) provided further culinary delights during the evening, which also featured a stellar DJ soundtrack.
"Our top wedding planning tip would be to keep things as organised as possible," urges Sarah to other couples. "You may think that booking something one year in advance is over-egging the pudding, however it makes the final few weeks leading up to the big day far less stressful."
"Our favourite moment from the whole day was the ceremony itself. Alex and I were saying 'I do' not just for that day, but for the always that we are so fortunate to be able to share together. To all couples about to say 'I do' - treasure that very precious moment," she adds.
Photography Pete Cox Photography petecoxphotography.co.uk
Venue St Swithin's Church & Launcells Barton launcellsbarton.co.uk
Catering Beautiful and the Feast beautifulandthefeast.com
Wildbake wildbake.co.uk
Dress Pronovias from Flossy and Willow flossyandwillow.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses ASOS asos.com
Grooms & groomsmen's outfits Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
Hair Hannah Woodgates Hair Design facebook.com/hwhair
Make-up Tekka Beauty tekkabeauty.co.uk
Flowers Ruby & The Wolf rubyandthewolf.com
Stationery Gemma Milly gemmamilly.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2019
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