Jennifer & Richard – The Great Barn

On October 27th 2013 a horrible storm was predicted to hit the United Kingdom. Flood warnings and severe weather warnings were in place throughout the country, panic buying went in to full swing and we all battened down the hatches expecting a repetition of the great storm of 1987.  Now if that day happens to be the day of your wedding, how would you be feeling? I expect most of us would be more than a little panic stricken. However, Jennifer and Richard took a decidedly different approach…. but then having spent quite a lot of time getting to know them before the wedding, I wouldn’t have expected anything else. Jennifer is a primary school teacher…she’s the kind of teacher that we all wish we had and we all hope our children get. She has this calm, reassuring warmth that hits you the minute you meet her. She really did find her perfect partner in Richard. He is equally as calm (albeit on the surface waiting for his bride!) and beautifully kind….a gentleman. Together, I just want to squeeze them and all their loveliness.

The day started with a burst of sunshine and we all kept our fingers crossed that the storm might just pass us by.

Jennifer had her hair done at Gill Goddard in Totnes followed by make-up by the very fabulous Nicky Timms (who incidentally added the most gorgeous, flutterific eye-lashes!!)Dutch Flower shop in Totnes did Jennifer’s beautiful flowers. Jennifer’s father is originally from Scotland and so Scottish Thistle was included and ran as a theme through the bouquet and buttonholes. The Great Barn just outside Exeter was chosen as their beautiful venue for both ceremony and reception providing a really unique back-drop to their day. The wooden beamed ceiling is just amazing!
As Jennifer and Richard stepped out of the barn the skies were miraculously clear and so we managed to take advantage of some of the surrounding gardens. With some really gorgeous autumn colours, we were completely spoilt for choice.While the guests took advantage of the nearby marquee, the staff at The Great Barn quickly transformed the inside of the converted barn in to a beautiful reception space. Dartmoor Kitchen provided the most amazing ‘bangers and mash’ that I have ever tasted for the guests (honestly…..AMAZING!!!)I think it is safe to say that Jennifer and Richard’s two cats play a very important role in their lives (I was partly expecting them to walk down the aisle with the rings!!) So in order to include them in their wedding day, they made a rather lovely appearance on their wedding cake by Crafty Cakes of Exeter.
Ah…the speeches. One of my favourites of all time Richard…Future Media provided the DJ and the music for their first dance.
This final picture is one of my favourites and was taken in a brief moment as the storm was beginning to get a little wild. We decided to brave the rain and winds….and I’m so glad we did. It will always remind me that no matter what the weather throws at you on your wedding day, embrace it all, smile and enjoy every precious moment!