Today, I’m thrilled to share the enchanting wedding story of Alex and Matt, who tied the knot on August 17th, 2019, at Ever After – A Dartmoor Wedding in Devon. They described their day as a beautiful blend of rustic charm, natural elegance, raw emotion, and tender vulnerability – and that’s precisely what it was. One aspect that truly stole my heart was the whimsical blue colour scheme, which infused the entire atmosphere with freshness and delicacy. The exquisite florals, featuring blousy blooms and soft bridesmaids’ dresses in a pale hue, perfectly complemented Alex’s stunning flower crown, which beautifully harmonized with her lace gown. Meanwhile, Matt and his groomsmen looked dashing in navy blue suits, waistcoats, and knitted ties – an impeccable combination.As you gaze through the photographs, be sure to notice the enchanting décor, including a vintage door table plan, a show-stopping semi-naked cake, and fairy lights that added to the magic. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Younger Photography for allowing us to relive this special celebration through their fantastic captures.
The Proposal
Matt had always dreamed of becoming a weapons engineer in the Royal Navy, following in the footsteps of his late father. When recruits were given a few hours off in their final weeks of training, Matt seized the opportunity to visit my father’s workplace and ask for permission to marry me. With approval secured, he snuck into town to meet with my best friend and choose the perfect engagement ring. As we watched him complete his basic training and receive his naval pass out, our closest friends and family were there to support and cheer him on. It was a special day that Matt decided to make even more memorable by proposing in front of all our loved ones, under the warm glow of sunshine.
The Vision
When planning their special day, many couples turn to Pinterest as a trusted resource for inspiration. My fiancé and I were no exception, spending hours browsing through pins and collecting ideas that reflected our shared vision of a rustic outdoor wedding with plenty of whimsical touches. Our love of indie rock music led us to seek out a live band for the evening’s entertainment, while the warm summer weather and my husband’s fondness for blue guided our decision on the overall color scheme. We ultimately settled on a shade that fell somewhere between pale and sky blue, providing the perfect hue for our special day.
The Planning Process
The outdoor setting, complete with lush gardens, inspired a minimalist approach to flower arrangements. Loose, natural bouquets tied with buttons and corsages featured an elegant palette of white Astibille and Astrantia, pale blue Delphiniums, cream Roses, and soft Scabious, accented with Thaspi and Eucalyptus foliage that harmonized with the overall ‘blue’ theme. The invitations and dried lavender place names further reinforced this floral motif, while the rustic charm of our semi-naked cake was elevated by fresh fruit and delicate blooms.
Groomsmen
The grooms-to-be sought to make a stylish impression, prioritizing coordination with the bridesmaid dresses and color scheme. While we’re advocates for tradition, it was crucial that the ties harmonized with these elements. In our opinion, the suits were even more impressive. The groom’s ensemble featured a navy blue Moss Bro tailored suit jacket paired with rich wool brushed trousers boasting a subtle check pattern. To add depth and visual interest, he also donned a dark green windowpane waistcoat, carefully fitted to accentuate his figure. The two-tone combination looked sleek and modern, brought together by a navy and green knitted tie and complemented by pair of Cavani tweed shoes.
The Cake
The rustic charm of our semi-naked cake perfectly complemented the whimsical theme. This showstopper featured three tiers: a 10-inch lemon cake, an 8-inch chocolate fudge cake, and a 6-inch lemon cake. The cakes were lavishly decorated with fresh fruit and flowers that mirrored the beautiful bouquets adorning Mr. and Mrs. Bunting’s attire.
Bridesmaids
I recall that planning the bridesmaid dresses for my special day was a relatively stress-free experience. With only two attendants who were both laid-back and easy-going, I felt grateful to find not one, but two dresses in the exact shade I had envisioned that both girls adored. The gowns themselves were understated yet elegant, crafted from heavy chiffon that hugged their figures at the top before flowing out at the waist with delicate bows adorning the shoulders, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to the overall design.
Beauty
As we worked towards creating a hairstyle that perfectly captured my personal style, I found myself drawn to a bohemian-inspired look with loose curls. However, I also wanted something that would complement my overall aesthetic. We ultimately settled on an up-style hairdo featuring a whimsical fishtail plait finished with a low bun. To add a touch of romantic flair, we crafted a flower crown using small white spray roses, pale blue delphiniums, and white astilbe – a combination I couldn’t get enough of. Meanwhile, my makeup was kept refreshingly natural, with a subtle glow that perfectly captured the essence of the day.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As every bride-to-be does, I had a clear vision of the perfect wedding dress in mind. However, when I finally found what I thought was ‘the one’ on the rack at the bridal store, I was left feeling underwhelmed and uncertain. Undeterred, I decided to take a different approach and try on a variety of styles and shapes – an experience I would highly recommend to any future bride. To my surprise, my ideal dress turned out to be quite different from what I initially had in mind! In the end, I chose a stunning Sophia Tolli dress called Orion, featuring a misty tulle and shimmering A-line design. To complete the look, I added a belt to accentuate my waist and a shoulder piece that quickly became one of my favorite details.
The Venue
From the onset, we envisioned a wedding day exuding a distinctly rustic charm. Our search for the perfect setting took us to numerous manor houses, yet none truly resonated with our vision. That was until we stumbled upon Ever After – an enchanting venue that immediately won our hearts. The picturesque barn would serve as the idyllic backdrop for our ceremony, followed by a seamless transition to the orangery and marquee for the remainder of the celebration. The surrounding woodland and lush gardens perfectly captured the rustic essence we sought, while the serene river running through the property proved the crowning touch. In truth, we couldn’t have conjured up a more ideal setting even if we’d tried.
Your Photographer
Upon discovering Younger Photography, we were immediately drawn to Aga’s ability to capture the exact aesthetic we had in mind – effortlessly conveying a sense of authenticity and perfectly balanced lighting. The resulting photographs have left us utterly enamored, and we’re thoroughly grateful for her exceptional work.
Your Filmmaker
The Honeymoon
As we embarked on a 10-day getaway to the breathtakingly beautiful Mauritius, we found ourselves enveloped in paradise. The tranquil atmosphere was the perfect setting for us to bask in the bliss of newlyweds, having taken the trip immediately after our wedding. This decision proved to be a wise one, as it allowed us to avoid the post-wedding blues and remain firmly entrenched in the love-filled bubble that had become our reality.
Memorable Moments
As we celebrated this momentous occasion, it was the heartfelt speeches that truly stole the show. The raw emotion on display from each speaker was a poignant reminder of the significance of the day’s events. Perhaps the most touching part was when we played a video montage of our parents’ wedding days, beautifully set against a timeline of Matt and my own journey as a couple. The result was a tear-jerking experience that had everyone in attendance feeling the emotional impact.
Advice For Other Couples
While it’s tempting to want to indulge in every optional extra, from burger vans to ice cream trucks, I believe less is often more. Take a step back during the speeches, ceremony, and book signing to soak up the moment – the day will fly by, and you might miss out on some truly special experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day, but remember to take your time and enjoy the little moments.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The behind-the-scenes magic of Alex and Matt’s special day was brought to life by a talented team of professionals. Photographer Younger Photography captured the love and joy, while Sophia Tolli’s stunning dress, adorned with the Orion design, was the perfect choice for the bride. Shoes from Margot’s Rainbow Club added a pop of color, as did Lisa Sheldon’s beautiful hair styling. Emmie Green worked her magic to create a flawless makeup look. The florist, Odds & Buds, wove together a stunning bouquet that complemented Alex’s elegant Grooms Suit from Moss Bros. ChiChi provided the perfect bridesmaid dresses for Matt’s lovely attendants. Ever After – A Dartmoor Wedding served as the picturesque venue, where Taylors Tavistock kept the drinks flowing and the catering delicious. The night came alive with the music of iRock, and it was a truly unforgettable celebration.