As we dive into this whimsical wedding tale, you’ll discover the unforgettable union of Leo and Léonie at Ash Barton in Devon on June 3rd, 2017. Their celebration was a kaleidoscope of colours, creativity, and love, set against the picturesque backdrop of an outdoor ceremony within a stunning gazebo adorned with pom poms. The festivities continued with a vibrant barn reception that was equal parts playful and elegant. Every detail, from the rainbow streamer backdrop to the hand-painted bottles filled with blooms, reflected the couple’s unique personalities and shared sense of adventure. Léonie’s thoughtful touches included custom-designed stationery, while Leo and their bridesmaids made fashion statements in bold, multicoloured attire. The merriment was contagious, fueled by lively music, delectable cuisine, and sweet treats like a show-stopping drip wedding cake. And for the more adventurous guests, a temporary tattoo station provided an extra layer of fun. A huge thank you to Jordanna Marston for capturing these extraordinary moments with her camera lens.
The Proposal
It was a surprise 11 years in the making when Leo finally popped the question. What I didn’t know was that he had actually planned to propose during our trip to South America, having purchased a discreet ring from Argos just in case. However, with our busy social schedule getting in the way, we didn’t get much quality time alone. As a result, the proposal was delayed until my birthday, which Leo commemorated at an Ecuadorian restaurant in Islington. Fast forward a few months and we settled on a stunning antique engagement ring from a Devon-based shop, marking the start of our new chapter together.
The Vision
The Planning Process
As I reflect on our wedding planning experience, I’m reminded of the sheer scale of Pinterest boards I created – one for each aspect of the big day. I also meticulously managed multiple Excel spreadsheets. In hindsight, knowing about Trello would have been incredibly useful! Our venue choice was a deliberate decision, opting for a blank canvas to ensure we had creative freedom. However, this meant taking on the responsibility of handling every detail ourselves – and it did feel overwhelming at times. Despite these challenges, I’m proud of what we achieved: orchestrating a 4-day wedding celebration hundreds of miles from our home with minimal hiccups. Looking back, it’s amazing to think about how much we accomplished!
Budget
Surprisingly, our decision to prioritize the essentials meant that we allocated a significant portion of our budget towards securing the perfect venue, providing ample entertainment options, and ensuring a steady supply of refreshments. As it turns out, opting for a DIY wedding can be more costly than initially anticipated, with unexpected expenses arising from necessities like portable toilets.
The Venue
After an exhaustive search across the UK, we finally found the perfect location – Ash Barton Estate in EX33 2NP. What sealed the deal was its unique set of amenities, including no curfew and no corkage fees, which were major selling points for us. The estate boasts a stunning large house that can accommodate up to 30 people, as well as ample space for camping and an enormous barn that requires some creative vision to fully appreciate. Additionally, the property features beautiful gardens, providing a serene atmosphere for all guests. To add an extra layer of challenge, we decided to make it equally inconvenient for everyone to get there…
Your Outfits & Accessories
We started by crafting our own rings at a workshop led by Roderick Vere at Of Cabbages and Kings in Stoke Newington. I created Leo’s, while he designed mine – the process was an absolute delight, and we loved knowing that our rings are one-of-a-kind. The best part? It was significantly more budget-friendly than purchasing traditional wedding bands! With a limited budget for my dress, I focused on vintage shops and ASOS, ultimately settling on a stunning lace floral dress from ASOS that I customized by altering the neckline just three days prior to the wedding. To complete the look, I paired it with bold red platforms from Dorothy Perkins, which I further personalized by adding red pom poms to the ankle strap. For the evening, I donned a glamorous vintage red dress by Wayne Clark sourced from Etsy, accompanied by a Tatty Devine necklace and silver glitter shoes from ASOS.Leo opted for a dashing blue suit from J Crew, complemented by a vibrant, colorful print shirt from Paul Smith and an orange knitted tie. To break free from the conventional pairing of blue suits with brown shoes, he chose sleek grey leather sneakers from Mr Porter. Interestingly, both our outfits were finalized at the last minute!
The Readings & Music
As I made my way down the aisle to the sounds of Big Bill Broonzy’s ‘Glory of Love’, I was accompanied by a mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and gratitude. Our chosen readings added a touch of personal charm to the ceremony. Eliza, a dear friend from school, brought tears to our eyes with her beautiful rendition of Pablo Neruda’s ‘Your Laughter’, which had special significance as we’d visited his home in Valparaíso earlier. Leo’s sister then stole the show with her comedic timing while reading ‘I Like You’ by Sandol Stoddard Warburg. Our love for music was evident throughout the celebration, from my dramatic entrance to the reception drinks, where Orlando Julius’s ‘Disco Hi-Life’ got everyone moving. The first dance, set to Etta James’s soulful ‘At Last’, was a highlight of the evening. We’d also decided on some special songs to make it even more meaningful – I signed the register to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ upbeat ‘Home’, which we’d belted out at karaoke just the night before. The talented Miss Hoodoo and the Delta Boys kept our guests entertained with their eclectic set, transitioning seamlessly from acoustic Latin rhythms to bluesy soul grooves. As the night wore on, our friend Kris took over as DJ, keeping the party going well into the early hours.
Beauty
As I rushed to get ready, still in the midst of decorating the space at high noon, I decided to take matters into my own hands – literally! I opted for a DIY approach to makeup and hair, applying a quick swipe of lippy and some subtle eye shadow to give myself a polished look. While it may not have been a spa-quality job, I was satisfied with the results. In fact, I had taken the liberty of treating myself to a manicure just a few days prior, giving me a sense of accomplishment and confidence as I prepared for the day ahead.
Bridesmaids
When it came to dressing my bridesmaids, I wanted their individual styles to shine through. Alice and Tara have distinct aesthetics – Alice is understated yet chic, while Tara has a rebellious edge. Rather than forcing them into traditional bridesmaid attire, I encouraged them to express themselves through their fashion choices.
I had a clear vision for their overall look: cool, contemporary, and vibrant, with the added bonus of being comfortable and coordinated (a challenging feat, indeed!). The result was a stylish ensemble featuring red trousers, pink tops, and metallic shoes – a far cry from the typical bridesmaid getup.
Alice’s outfit consisted of Massimo Dutti trousers paired with a Topshop top, while Tara opted for Cos trousers and hand-dyed her eBay-scored shirt to create a unique piece that reflected her personality.
Groomsmen
When it came time for the group to dress up, they drew upon their existing wardrobe staples – a collection of suits that were perfect for the occasion. To add a pop of color and personality, they turned to an online retailer specializing in ties, selecting vibrant orange and pink hues to complement their outfits. The result was a stylish yet effortless ensemble that achieved a wonderful balance between coordinating pieces.
Your Photographer
The Cake
A culinary masterpiece was crafted by my friend for Cake of Dreams, showcasing an impressive multi-layered design. At its base, a moist vanilla sponge served as the foundation for a panna cotta and raspberry filling, providing a sweet and tangy contrast. The second layer featured another vanilla sponge, this time paired with a zesty lime curd that added a burst of citrus flavor. The pièce de résistance was the top layer, a vibrant lime sponge infused with the warmth of coconut. To finish, the cake was smothered in a rich vanilla buttercream and adorned with delicate flowers from Wilderness Flowers, perfectly matching the event’s décor.
The Flowers
As fate would have it, my introduction to Hayley from Wilderness Flowers was facilitated by a mutual acquaintance. From the moment we connected, I sensed that she possessed an uncanny ability to grasp my vision – vibrant hues and flowers resembling playful pom-poms (peonies, ranunculus, craspedia, alliums, and proteas) being top priorities. Additionally, I had specified mint inclusions, which I found particularly delightful.
The Details & Décor
The decorations played a vital role in bringing our special day to life, and we spared no detail in making it a vibrant celebration with a Latin American flair. I personally crafted many of the decorations myself, from the colorful paper tassel garlands and table names to the neon signs that added an extra layer of magic. The photobooth was a hit, featuring inflatable animals and custom-made llama cutouts that had everyone laughing. We also set up a temporary tattoo station with designs I had created, which guests loved.The barn itself was a massive undertaking, but we were fortunate to have the support of family and friends on the day before, for which we’re eternally grateful. My stepdad and his friend Ken went above and beyond in transforming the space with an impressive lighting and sound system that really brought everything together.As travel enthusiasts, we wanted our tables and centerpieces to reflect some of our favorite destinations. We filled the spaces with snow globes, souvenirs, and spray-painted bottles adorned with flowers from around the world. The table names were miniature neon signs, and each guest left with a llama fridge magnet from Peru as their party favor. The table plan was a beautiful piece of art in itself, featuring hand-drawn hanging snowglobes that added to the whimsical atmosphere.As an illustrator, I had the privilege of designing all the wedding stationery, which we then printed through Moo’s exceptional services.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows, we embarked on a romantic getaway to Mykonos for a brief respite from the wedding celebrations. We indulged in sun-kissed days and sea-breezed nights, savoring fresh seafood at Kiki’s tavern and basking in the serenity of our private beach haven at Mykonos Thea. Months later, we embarked on an epic Maximoon adventure in Mexico, a three-week escapade that took us from Mexico City to Tulum, with stops in Oaxaca, Zipolite, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Merida. We immersed ourselves in the local culture, staying in incredible bed-and-breakfasts, feasting on delectable cuisine, and imbibing margaritas aplenty. Our travel highlights included The Red Tree House in Mexico City, El Diablo y sandia in Oaxaca, Casa sol Ziplolite in Zipolite, Casa del Maya in Merida, and the enchanting Encantada Tulum.
Memorable Moments
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered with our closest friends and family for an unforgettable night of fish n chips, ice cream, and karaoke. The evening was filled with laughter and music, but my mum’s electrifying rendition of Bat out of Hell by Meatloaf took center stage – a performance that still has everyone buzzing.Our ceremony was nothing short of magical. We opted for a relaxed and playful atmosphere, incorporating vows that celebrated the importance of friendship, laughter, and adventure in our relationship. The picturesque gazebo beneath a towering oak tree provided a serene backdrop as we exchanged our promises.What made this day truly special was the effort I put into ensuring that everyone – not just the men – had a chance to share their thoughts and well-wishes. My bridesmaids and I even took turns delivering heartfelt speeches, adding an extra layer of intimacy and connection to the proceedings.In a surprise move, we didn’t finalize our first dance music until just hours before the big moment. And as for rehearsing? Forget about it – not even Leo’s signature leap into the air was part of the plan! The band, however, did their job impeccably, drawing us in with their infectious energy and keeping us on the dance floor all night long.We were so caught up in the music that we missed out on the amazing pizza truck we had hired for late-night snacking. But as the clock struck dawn, we finally bid each other adieu, exhausted but exhilarated by the joyous celebration. And to top it all off, Leo managed to squeeze in a trance set at the very end – talk about going out with a bang!
Advice For Other Couples
In retrospect, I realize the importance of delegating tasks when planning a DIY wedding. While I took on a significant amount of responsibility, looking back, I think it would have been beneficial to hire a wedding planner to handle the administrative aspects, freeing me up to focus on more creative and enjoyable tasks. My partner, Leo, is extremely organized and skilled with spreadsheets, but even with his expertise, there were still numerous logistical details to consider, such as renting tables, chairs, and glassware. The key takeaway from our experience is that it’s essential not to get bogged down in the minutiae of planning and to remember that you can’t please everyone. Ultimately, prioritize what matters most to you and your partner, and don’t be afraid to make decisions that align with your vision, even if they may not resonate with others.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the photographer, Jordanna Marston, captured the joyous moments of Leo and Léonie’s big day, we’re reminded that it was a celebration of love, beauty, and uniqueness. The bride’s stunning dress from ASOS paired perfectly with J.Crew’s tailored groom suit, while Paul Smith’s shirt added a touch of elegance to his overall look. The couple’s accessories reflected their playful personalities, featuring Tatty Devine’s quirky jewelry and Mr Porter’s stylish shoes. Wildflowers by Wilderness Flowers brought the outdoors in, as they adorned the venue at Ash Barton. A delectable cake from Cake Of Dreams and catering by H & A Catering kept guests satisfied. Stationery by Leonie Flower added a personal touch, while Miss Hoodoo and The Delta Boys provided lively entertainment. The ring-making workshop led by Roderick Vere at Of Cabbages and Kings was a sweet way to commemorate their love. Whiddon Wagon Events’ fish and chips and Mabels Ices’ ice cream van ensured that everyone’s taste buds were treated. Total Event Hire’s furniture added the finishing touches to this unforgettable celebration. It was truly a colourful and fun day, one that Jordanna Marston will always treasure as she reflects on her time with Leo and Léonie.