Jon took me and our son (Harrison) to Dartmoor which is our favourite place and after a nice walk had a picnic and he got down on one knee. Under the pushchair he had put cream tea and champagne. It was lovely and a big surprise.
What was your first step in planning your wedding?
I had a wedding planner with lots of possible venues. We looked around many venues and very nearly booked one before we saw an advert on Facebook for St Audries Park and just driving down the drive knew we had found our venue. It was perfect! The staff were lovely and helpful and it was really reasonably priced. We also live in Devon but most of our family live in the Midlands so Somerset was in the middle which was a bonus.
What were your wedding “must have’s”?
We wanted nice gardens in the venue and the photographer was very important to us.
Wedding budget: how did you organise your wedding budget?
We got some ideas from friends and families as to budgets, however we did nearly double in budget by the end. But you only get married once and it was worth every penny.
Styling your wedding: how did you personalise your big day?
Our theme was vintage and peach being the main colour. Lots of hessian and lace, we had some mints for favours, we had cupcakes with a “classical” cake on the top. Sometimes less is more so I didn’t want to go over the top with decoration and, as St Audries Park is beautiful as it is, it didn’t need a lot of styling.
Wedding photographer: how did you choose your photographer?
We chose Lee Brewer for our photos and videos. He had great reviews from other couples and was very friendly and helpful when we first approached him. He really did do an amazing job at our wedding.
Describe your wedding attire
I tried on so many dresses that I thought would suit me but ended up with a dress that I had ruled out!! I didn’t want strapless or a plain dress but as soon as I put it on I knew it was the one. It was very plain so I sparkled it up with jewellery and a very long veil.
What accessories did you wear on the day?
On the day I wore a tiara which was my something new, pearl necklace, bracelet and some earrings which we’re my something old and borrowed and a garter with a blue ribbon that was my something blue. I cannot walk in heels so didn’t attempt it, I had sandals and so did my bridesmaids.
What did your partner wear?
Jon had chosen suits which I went to look at and then just steered him in the right direction!! They were grey, checked suits with peach tie and buttonhole and brown shoes.
Tell us about your Bridesmaids, Groomsmen and their outfits
I had my three sisters and best friend as bridesmaids and my two little nieces for flower girls. I had a big problem finding bridesmaids dresses as I couldn’t find the right shade of peach. So we ended with grey/silver.
Jon asked his two friends, my brother and both of our dads to be groomsmen, they all had matching suits and looked very smart!
What was your biggest wedding splurge?
My veil was nearly as expensive as my dress, it weighed so much, in the shop I underestimated it, my neck was so sore in the morning. But I didn’t take it off at all on the day.
What was your biggest wedding saving?
The photographer. We booked Lee for photos, videos, LOVE letters and selfie mirror which he was able to give us at a very competitive price.
What was your ceremony like?
The flower girls went in first, side by side, then my bridesmaids and one carried our son down the aisle. Then me and my dad. We walked down to “Somewhere Only We Know” by Lily Allen.
Tell us about your drinks reception and wedding breakfast
We chose a selection of Canapés and Welcome Drinks for everyone after the ceremony. For the wedding breakfast we had Duck Parfait (which is my favourite starter), Pork Belly and New York Cheesecake for dessert (which is both of our favourite dessert). However I had been on a diet for what felt like a life time to fit into my dress and two weeks before the wedding it was a bit tight so I hadn’t eaten very much the last two weeks so when it came to the meal I couldn’t eat very much at all. Jon managed to eat enough for the both of us.
Did you have a band or DJ for your evening reception?
We had the St Audries Park DJ that was included in our package and he was great!
Tell us about your first dance – what song did you chose and why?
We danced to “Million Dreams” from the greatest showman, however practising a dance in your living room in your PJ’s is very different when it comes to dancing in a huge room and with a big dress and after a few drinks.
What was the most memorable moment of the day?
I can’t pick! It was all just so great. From the night before until the morning after.
Did any members of staff stand out to you in particular?
The two bar staff in the evening were incredible. They joined in with everyone’s banter and nothing was too much trouble for them. Unfortunately I cannot remember their names, and of course Liz (Personal Wedding Manager) was impeccable, she was always there when we needed her and was so lovely the morning after when we felt a bit fragile.
“If we could do it all again, we’d…” have everything exactly as it was.”
Did you go on a honeymoon or mini-moon?
My mum lives in Spain so we went and stayed in her villa. We are planning to have a proper honeymoon when Harrison is a bit older. Something to look forward to.
Purchase & Hire – Tell us who your suppliers were:
Photographer: Lee Brewer
Wedding Cake: Vicki Cottrell
Wedding Attire: La Boutique Exeter
Wedding Rings: Beaver Brookes
Floristry: Loola Bells
