When I sat down with Kiera and Rob, the newlyweds described their special day as ‘quirky, colourful, happy, relaxed, laid back, fun.’ They exchanged vows on July 20th, 2019 at The Old Barn in North Devon, surrounded by a vibrant multicolour scheme that perfectly captured their playful personalities. What stood out to me was the couple’s thoughtful advice for anxious couples-to-be, which I’m sure will bring relief and reassurance to many. Of course, I also fell head over heels for their unique wedding style, which featured whimsical decor elements like rag bunting, lanterns, chalkboard signs, and fresh florals. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the show-stopping dessert table that had me drooling just thinking about it. Kiera and Rob looked absolutely stunning in their chosen attire, and they even got to enjoy a fun-filled wedding day complete with a campervan ride and an on-site dodgems experience – talk about making memories! A huge thank you goes out to Joshua Rhys Photography for sharing these incredible images with us.
The Proposal
As the winter holiday season kicked off with the festive decor of our flat now aglow in the soft glow of twinkling lights, a seemingly innocuous question from Rob punctuated the tranquil atmosphere.
The Vision
Our primary goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could let loose and have fun. Think of it as a hybrid between a festival and a casual gathering. To avoid getting stuck in a single color scheme, we opted for a vibrant mix of hues. Our ultimate aim was to ensure that our guests left feeling refreshed, rather than exhausted or coerced into doing something they didn’t want to do. We believe we struck the right balance and created an environment where people could genuinely enjoy themselves.
The Planning Process
When planning our wedding, we deliberately chose not to take control of every detail. Instead, we opted for a more relaxed approach by booking most of our suppliers at the venue’s wedding fair a few months prior. I utilized Bridebook to track my progress and created a Pinterest board to guide the process. However, it was the professionals who took the lead on planning, allowing us to focus on other aspects of the big day. We attended just two meetings, leaving most of the decisions in their capable hands. This approach allowed us to avoid stress and potential waste, as we knew the suppliers would deliver exceptional results. To ensure our wedding reflected our personal style, we hired a venue stylist (Katie Stevens at Best.Day.Ever) who brought our Pinterest board to life. She connected us with Heather (Church Park Flowers), who crafted breathtaking displays and bouquets, and Emma (Mrs Smudgers Kitchen), who transformed our dessert table into an artistic masterpiece.
Budget
The Venue
The Old Barn at The Milky Way, North Devon, offered an unconventional yet charming setting for our special day. We discovered this DIY venue before even laying eyes on it, drawn in by its unique features and the right atmosphere. Our decision was validated when we visited their January wedding fayre in 2018 – we knew instantly that we had made an excellent choice. The venue’s rustic charm not only won us over but also allowed us to start booking trusted suppliers familiar with The Old Barn, making the planning process a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Your Outfits & Accessories
For my special day, I opted for an elegant ivory dress from Wynter Isabelle Bridal Boutique in Barry. The dress’s lacy design added a touch of sophistication, while the overall simplicity suited me perfectly – especially after getting whiplash on the dodgems! Meanwhile, Rob chose a classic tweed jacket and navy bottoms combination from Anthony Brooks Menswear in Fleet, which complemented his relaxed yet stylish approach to dressing for the occasion.
Beauty
The creative team behind my look consisted of my friend, Svieta, who styled my hair to perfection, and my talented sister, Christina Tsenti, who expertly applied the makeup.
The Readings & Music
In life’s most profound moments, we’re blessed with a discovery that can alter our trajectory forever. It’s the chance encounter with someone who recognizes and nurtures our full potential, refusing to settle for anything less than what we’re capable of achieving. As they gaze at us, we begin to see ourselves through their eyes – as a vital force capable of leaving a lasting impact on the world. If you’ve been fortunate enough to stumble upon such a connection, never surrender it to the whims of fate. Hold fast to the memory of that epiphanic moment when you realized they were ‘the one.’ The world will inevitably conspire against us, but let the recollection of that feeling guide you as you navigate life’s ups and downs. As Bright Eyes’ ‘First Day of My Life’ whispers sweet nothings in our ears, we’re reminded to cherish the beauty of human connection. And when the time comes to seal our love with a ceremony, Wheezer’s ‘Island in the Sun’ provides the perfect sonic backdrop for a celebration that will forever be etched in our collective memory.
The Flowers
The Cake
In a world where sweet treats reign supreme, few duos can rival the timeless appeal of salted caramel and dark chocolate. Emma from Mrs Smudgers shares her passion for this beloved combination, bringing together the perfect harmony of flavors.
The Details & Décor
Your Photographer
Your Filmmaker
Bridesmaids
The mention of Christina, Robyn, and Laura wearing dresses from the iconic brand Little Mistress highlights the timeless appeal of this fashion label. The trio’s style, inspired by Little Mistress’ unique aesthetic, is a testament to the brand’s ability to transcend seasons and trends.
Groomsmen
In a refreshing departure from the usual uniformity, Darren, Tom, and Ross opted for individualized attire, eschewing coordinated outfits in favor of expressing their personal styles.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
As our day drew to a close, we couldn’t help but reflect on the unforgettable experience we’d just had. The adrenaline rush from six rounds on the dodgems was still coursing through our veins when, just three days later, we found ourselves nursing a whiplash-inducing ache. But it wasn’t all pain and suffering – the night culminated in a raucous dance party, with Tenacious D blasting away to a packed dancefloor. And despite the physical toll of our adventure, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the day’s unbridged joy.
Advice For Other Couples
When entrusting your suppliers with the task of bringing your vision to life, it’s essential to remember that they have a wealth of experience in their field. By giving them the creative freedom to utilize their expertise, you’re allowing them to truly excel at what they do best. Our own wedding day was a perfect example of this. Despite our initial apprehension and tendency to downplay excitement, we were blown away by the end result. The reality far exceeded our expectations, leaving us eager to share the details with others for weeks on end. If given the chance, we would gladly relive that special day.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As I reflect on the joyous celebration of Kiera and Rob’s special day, I am reminded of the incredible team that came together to make it all happen. The photographer, Joshua Rhys Photography, captured every precious moment with elegance and finesse, while the styling and car courtesy of Best.Day.Ever added a touch of sophistication to the proceedings. The beautiful flowers were provided by Church Park Flowers, complementing the sweet treats offered by Mrs Smudgers Kitchen. The One Step Band got everyone’s toes tapping with their lively tunes, and H&A Catering kept everyone’s hunger at bay with their delectable offerings. The Old Barn served as the perfect venue for this unforgettable day, offering a charming atmosphere that was only enhanced by the Hartland Quay Hotel’s luxurious accommodations. Svieta James worked her magic to make Kiera look stunning on her big day, while Christina Tsenti (Lou’s sister) brought out the best in Rob with her expert makeup skills. Wynter Isabelle designed a breathtaking dress for the bride, and Anthony Brooks Menswear ensured that the groom looked dashing in his suit. Majestic Wines kept the good times rolling all evening long. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kiera and Rob for sharing their unforgettable wedding story with me.