Get Married in style at Bickleigh Castle
The Perfect Devon Wedding Venue
Together since their teenage years when they became sweethearts at boarding school, Gemma and Chris celebrated their marriage with a three-day wedding in the fairytale setting of Bickleigh Castle.
On a Friday evening, the couple organised a casino night with roulette, blackjack, music and prizes so that guests could gather and mingle at their leisure before the day of ‘I dos’.
The pair chose a classic colour scheme of cream and vintage pink, which was carried by the bride’s bouquet of cream and pink roses as well as other minutiae throughout the venue.
On the morning of the wedding, Gemma picked fresh rose petals for the confetti in the grounds with her flower girls, then sipped champagne and munched on croissants while getting ready in the bridal suite. Meanwhile, the groom’s party walked to the pub for a pint before the civil ceremony in the Great Hall. A blessing followed in the on-site chapel before drinks and photos on the lawn.
Gemma recalls one of her most memorable moments, “My younger brother James gave me away and gave an incredibly moving speech at the wedding breakfast. In all the excitement Chris and I didn’t eat any of our own wedding cake – although we were told it was delicious!”
Guests dined on warm feta cheese tartlet, chicken filled with mozzarella and basil wrapped in parma ham, and dark and white chocolate mousse for dessert. There later followed a hog roast, disco and a surprise fireworks display, much to everyone’s delight.
Gemma and Chris had a wonderful multi-trip honeymoon. Nine nights on safari in Kenya, where they stayed at a number of reserves and parks including Treetops and the Masai Mara, was followed by eleven days on the island of Lamu before jetting back to commence married life together.
They advise other couples to “invest in the best photographer you can – you will look back on photos of your wedding day for years to come. And make sure you eat your cake!”
The Venue
Bickleigh Castle, Tiverton
01884 855363
www.bickleighcastle.com
The Dress
Aire’s Vintage Range, Madrid
The Flowers
Westcountry Wedding Flowers
01884 855309
www.westcountryweddingflowers.co.uk
Photography
Harrera Images
01884 235945
www.harreraimages.co.uk
© copyright WED Magazine 2010