A HOMESPUN HANDFASTING WEDDING IN DEVON

Happy mid-week one and all! Today we’re showcasing the work of Devon photographers Nova Wedding Photography and a gorgeous handfasting ceremony that’ll knock your pretty socks off. Brimming with DIY details, Amy & Ben’s highly personal day took place at Westcott House, a popular venue for those wanting to get married within a beautiful setting a relaxed atmosphere. Eclectic and creative there are so many inspiring details and ideas to covet (and nab!) so without further ado I’ll hand you over to bride Amy for a little summary of the day:

From Amy: We didn’t really have a ‘theme’ for the wedding - we wanted the day to feel relaxed and to reflect our personalities so it was an eclectic mixture of things that have meaning to us. Ben works in the music industry as an artist manager and I studied and teach English so music and literature were referenced throughout the day, in our decorations and activities. So the day was a real mish-mash of things that we have a love of - all thrown together in a hand-made jumble! It was a bit of a miracle that it all came together! We did stick to a colour palette of blues - which came through in the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s ties and the decorations - but even that was a broad palette as opposed to a strict colour scheme.

The ceremony was held in a circle. My mum walked me in, as my Dad passed away in recent years - it was a very emotional moment. Yann Tiersen played ‘She Moved through the Fair’ on violin as I entered. Conducted by Humanist celebrant David Pack, throughout the ceremony we had readings from my brother Mike, my bridesmaid, Litsa and Ben’s groomsman, Dan. A traditional handfasting, family members and friends came up to tie our hands together with ribbons as we said our vows. We exchanged rings and when the ceremony was complete, Ben’s dad read a final blessing. We then ‘jumped the broom’ (which had been handcrafted for us by a friend, using wood from her woodland on Exmoor) to leap into our new life together!

The details:

My dress was ‘Brigitta’ by Ronald Joyce in white and I found it at Krystle Brides in Bath. I had originally thought I wouldn’t go for a traditional wedding dress, but Krystle was so lovely and helpful and when she brought out this dress for me to try on I fell in love with it. The high neck-line and detailing were so beautiful and the scalloped lace edging around the puddle train was exquisite - I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to wear something so stunningly made so I went for it!

The bridesmaids selected beautiful dresses from Coast, Warehouse and Dorothy Perkins - each of which suited their individual style and, hopefully, they will wear again.

My bridesmaids and I did all the floristry ourselves. I found Grace at Peamore Flora and we talked through the types of flowers I wanted and she ordered them for me. I collected them from Peamore the day before the wedding and we spent the Friday night making our bouquets. It was so much fun - one of my favourite parts of the whole weekend.

Our bouquets were made up of blue and white anemones, ‘Ocean Spray’ roses, white lilac, white ranunculus, eucalyptus, pussy willow sprigs, white freesias and paper white narcissi from the garden of one of my bridesmaids, Jodie. The table flowers were made up of a mixture of the same, in a random collection of jam and mason jars, that my aunt and cousins put together the day before the wedding.

Some serious details to steal here! Um Prosecco picnic anyone?! Musical parade…and marshmallow toasting!!! I’m crushing all over this wedding. Seriously. Inspiring. Stuff.

♥ Sarah

//Credits: Photographer: Nova Wedding Photography//Venue: Westcott House//Dress: Ronald Joyce from Krystle Brides, Bath//Flowers: DIY supplied by Peamore Nursery//Yurt Hire: Yurts for Life//Hog Roast: Snout & Trotter//Deli: Bon Gout Deli//Band: Blue Attic (London based)