Love In Lavender

client153182In the Press

Wendy and Mick first met over 20 years ago, but their lives drifted in different directions and they lost touch for over a decade.

Bickleigh Castle proved the perfect setting for the big family bash the couple envisioned. “Bickleigh Castle is the most magical, romantic setting for a Devon wedding and once we had seen it nowhere else would do!” says Wendy. “It was exclusively ours for the whole weekend so when guests arrived it was like being in a wonderful holiday complex but knowing everyone there – fabulous!” In homage to Mick’s Irish heritage, they even arranged for an Irish and English flag to fly from the tower!

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An opulent purple and gold colour scheme carried through the details of the day. Pots of lavender were scattered throughout the castle, a sprig of lavender was attached to each chair, and small bunches of dried lavender and wheat tied with gold ribbon made for fragrant favours.

Flanked by her bridesmaids – including her eight-year-old daughter Milly who was chief bridesmaid – Wendy’s nerves evaporated as she walked down the aisle in her gorgeous Maggie Sottero gown. Following the civil ceremony, the congregation made their way to the castle’s historic chapel for the couple’s dedication. “This was particularly special as it was led by my father who is a ley preacher,” says Wendy.

A jazz trio played in the grounds as guests enjoyed canapés and bubbly. A wedding breakfast of roast lamb with all the trimmings and chocolate brownies with ice cream was served by one of the day’s best-kept secrets – singing waiters! “We had chosen six classic songs that everyone would know and the shocked, confused faces of our guests soon disappeared and people were then up dancing and singing and having a ball – the atmosphere was incredible!” says Wendy.

The speeches proved a particularly memorable moment as Milly wrote and delivered her own loving dedication to the couple. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” remembers Wendy.

The evening revelry comprised a disco, fun casino and hog roast – and another superb surprise. “Mick and I were up on a balcony and as I threw the bouquet into the crowd another well kept secret started – a spectacular firework display! It was sensational and everybody loved it.”

Looking back on their festivities, which continued on the Sunday, Wendy muses: “It was truly dreamlike. We loved every single moment of it and will cherish the memories forever. I wish we could do all of it all over again!”

Following drinks and canapés on the lawn, the couple cut the three-tier white chocolate and summer berries cheesecake before sitting down to the wedding breakfast of crab salad and fillet of beef. A traditional fruitcake – made by Rachel’s mother – was served later in the evening.

Despite nerves, the couple’s dance routine to Michael Bublé’s ‘Just Haven’t Met You Yet’ went down a treat, and live band ‘Jive Jacks’ ensured the dance floor was grooving into the early hours. A firework display made a magnificent finale to the day.

The Venue
Bickleigh Castle, Tiverton
01884 855363
www.bickleighcastle.com

The Dress
Maggie Sottero from Pirouette
01392 432643
www.pirouettethecollection.com

The Flowers
Westcountry Wedding Flowers
01884 855309
www.westcountryweddingflowers.co.uk

Photography
Evolve Photo
07585 333233
www.evolvephoto.co.uk

© copyright WED Magazine 2012