I’m thrilled to introduce you to Becca and Paddy’s enchanting Anran wedding in Devon, which left me breathless! Their special day on September 26th, 2020, was a masterclass in understated elegance, as they exchanged vows amidst the serene beauty of a glasshouse. What I adore most about their celebration is its effortless charm, showcased through an expert blend of modern and warm elements. From the lush greenery decor to the sustainable choices, not to mention Becca’s stunning outfit – every detail was a testament to their unique love story. As you gaze upon these joyous images captured by Albert Palmer Photography, I hope you’ll be swept away by the warmth, laughter, and romance that filled this unforgettable day.
Anran Wedding
The Proposal
It was during our Spring 2019 holiday in Kyoto, Japan, where Paddy carefully planned his proposal. He had been thinking about popping the question for some time but didn’t want to rush into it. One morning, he woke up to breathtaking blue skies and decided that would be the day. After conducting a quick online search for ‘most romantic places to get engaged in Kyoto,’ we headed off to a stunning botanical garden. However, things didn’t quite go according to plan as Becca was determined to fit in as much sightseeing as possible throughout the day. We spent hours exploring a picturesque rose garden, strolling along a serene bamboo trail, and cycling alongside a tranquil river path. Despite the initial setbacks, Paddy eventually got down on one knee once we returned to our hotel room, providing the perfect intimate setting for the proposal. He had planned a luxurious dinner that evening, which was followed by an unforgettable night of singing duets (badly) at a karaoke bar and sipping champagne on a rooftop bar until the early hours of the morning.
The Vision
We envisioned a laid-back celebration that would transport our loved ones to a luxurious weekend retreat in Devon. The venue’s distinct character served as the inspiration for our wedding vision. Anran offers a variety of spaces perfect for entertainment, and we wanted to curate an immersive experience by taking guests on a journey through the day, showcasing each unique area. We reserved the show-stopping Glasshouse and The Hut, saving them for a thrilling surprise – the final destination for dancing, adding an unexpected twist that would leave our guests in awe.
Budget
When planning our wedding, our initial budget was based on an expected guest list of 120. However, as the pandemic took its toll, we were forced to scale back and ultimately had a much smaller affair with just 30 guests in attendance. While the cost per head did increase slightly as a result, we still managed to come in well under our original estimate.
The Ceremony & Music
We exchanged our vows in a picturesque local church, just a 10-minute stroll from the venue, across a lush green field. Amidst the pandemic’s uncertainties, everyone donned masks, creating an unusual yet memorable atmosphere reminiscent of Black Mirror’s eerie scenarios. Despite the unconventional setting, our priest was a ray of sunshine, offering words of encouragement as we arrived at the altar in tears.
Our musical mastermind, Michael G Moore, brought the house down with his incredible performance! As soon as we got engaged, we knew he had to be a part of our special day. This talented musician played an array of instruments – cello and ukulele during the ceremony, guitar for the reception drinks, and piano throughout the wedding breakfast and into the night’s festivities.
What truly impressed us was his ability to craft the perfect atmosphere, effortlessly building the energy and keeping the dance floor packed. We’re still in awe of his stamina and dedication!
The Venue
From the moment we laid eyes on the venue, we knew it was the perfect spot to tie the knot. In fact, it was the only place we visited before making a decision – and we never looked back! The ‘Glasshouse’ served as the main reception area, where the breathtaking sunset provided a stunning backdrop for our dinner. As the evening wore on, the hundreds of candles scattered throughout the room began to reflect off the ceiling, casting a warm, romantic glow over the proceedings. Elsewhere, the picturesque courtyard played host to our pre-dinner cocktail hour, with the sunshine providing a lovely ambiance. Meanwhile, ‘The Hut’ (a converted pig barn) was transformed into an after-party hotspot, complete with dazzling disco lights that set the tone for a night of dancing under the stars. Rounding out the offerings were a cozy firepit where guests could warm up on chilly evenings and the stylish house and barn rooms that served as accommodations for our loved ones.
Your Outfits
As I searched for my dream dress, Andrea Hawkes’ bespoke design expertise proved to be a game-changer. After trying on numerous dresses without finding the perfect fit, I discovered Andrea’s custom creation capabilities and knew exactly what I wanted her to craft. My vision was a simple yet chic dress with modern twists. The silk organza wrap blouse stole the show, its textured fabric creating a unique visual appeal that also served as the perfect sheer cover-up for the cooler weather. Moreover, the blouse’s versatility allows me to wear it again in a casual setting. In a similar vein, my husband Paddy wore his Hawes and Curtis suit for his best friend’s wedding in 2018. Given we had the same best man standing by our side on our special day, we decided to reuse the suits with a fresh twist – a new tie. This sustainable approach not only saved us money but also reduced waste, as the suit had already been worn once before.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As we began planning our special day, we knew exactly who we wanted to capture it – Albert Palmer, renowned for his ability to seamlessly capture natural moments, stunning venue shots and unforgettable laughter. On the big day, he was a master of discretion and efficiency, making himself almost invisible while still delivering incredible photographs that perfectly told our love story.
For the videographer, we were looking for someone who could bring a fun and relaxed energy to the shoot. PuraVida Cornwall’s Mike exceeded our expectations with his warm demeanor and ease-putting nature, which was essential for two people who aren’t exactly camera naturals!
To give our guests an additional glimpse into the day, Tom, Paddy’s best man, used his phone to capture a series of 2-second shots using the Glimpse app. The resulting video is a heartwarming throwback that’s packed with memories we’ll treasure for years to come.
The Styling & Decor
The wedding’s understated elegance was largely inspired by the Glasshouse, where lush greenery served as the perfect natural decor. This minimalistic approach carried over into the overall aesthetic, with a focus on crisp whites, soft pinks, and muted greens. The bridesmaid dresses in dark olive-green added a pop of colour that tied nicely to Becca’s rose gold engagement ring. As we planned the celebration, our goal was to create a harmonious blend of these earthy tones.In the lead-up to the big day, we invested considerable time into preserving rose petals for confetti and scouring charity shops and friends’ homes for unique glass candlesticks and vintage vases to adorn the tables. This commitment to sustainability extended to every element of our decor, as we opted for items either handmade, repurposed from second-hand sources, or borrowed from loved ones. Even the fragrant Rosemary from the venue’s own garden found its way onto our table settings, further reducing our environmental footprint.
The Honeymoon
After a year-long pause due to lockdown, our enthusiasm for the wedding had waned. So, we took advantage of a brief window of opportunity and booked an impromptu honeymoon to Italy’s picturesque Amalfi coast. With COVID restrictions still in place, we relished every moment of our week-long escape from reality, soaking up the last rays of summer sunshine by the pool, sipping limoncello spritz, exploring ancient Pompeii, and indulging in a culinary journey featuring an endless supply of pasta and pizza. This rejuvenating getaway proved to be the perfect way to wrap up our wedding celebrations.
Memorable Moments
As we reflected on the entire day, it was undeniable that it would be etched in our memories forever. Considering the unexpected turn of events, we felt incredibly fortunate to have experienced it all. The perfect blend of love, laughter, and stunning blue skies made for a truly unforgettable day. To top it off, we even got to squeeze in a relaxing pool day on Sunday, which was an added bonus considering it was late September.
Advice For Other Couples
As I stood at the microphone, my nerves began to fade away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. Despite not being a confident public speaker, delivering a speech as a bride was one of the most memorable moments of our special day. The supportive audience made it feel like a truly intimate and emotional expression of my love for Paddy.
For those who may have initially envisioned a larger wedding, but ultimately opted for an intimate celebration, I highly recommend taking the leap. While we would have loved to have had everyone there, the unique charm of our smaller gathering made it all the more special.
Take a moment to step back and soak it all in – literally! Carve out those 5 minutes away from the chaos and revel in the joy and love surrounding you.
Special thanks go out to an incredible team of vendors who helped bring our vision to life. A huge shoutout to Albert Palmer Photography, Cru Events, Pura Vida Cornwall, Simply Flowers Devon, Laura Le Page, Dis2go, Brigitte Fisher, Anran, Michael G Moore, Andrea Hawkes, Konradi Cakes, Duzi Studio, RUST Jewellery, Maison Sabben, Anthropologie, and Hawes and Curtis for their hard work and dedication. And to our wonderful friends and family who joined us – thank you for being a part of this unforgettable celebration!