Ben & Nicol got engaged while on holiday in Bude last year and knew that they wanted to have their wedding at the place that held a special place in both their hearts! It wasn’t always plain sailing for the couple though, as Ben had to be quite persistent with his wooing of Nicol, until she finally agreed to “give it a try” and when Nicol got wind that Ben was going to propose a couple of weeks before the real thing, she said “oh no you’re not going to ask me to marry you are you?!” Luckily she said yes, when he officially popped the question!

The couple arrived the day before to set up for their ceremony and wedding breakfast, but then snuck off with a few close friends and family to have their legal ceremony in the garden. Ben and Nicol wanted their close friend to conduct the ceremony that all their guests would come to, as they wanted it to be really relaxed and personal. Upon hearing their plans when first meeting them a year before, I have to say I was a bit intrigued as to how this was going to work!

The next morning, although the mizzle of rain had set in, the joy and excitement felt from everyone, certainly was shining through! Nicol couldn’t have been more laid back as she got ready with her friends and family around her. Nicol had given her bridesmaids one simple instruction, find something in a grey tone that you like and feel comfortable in! They looked beautiful in all different dresses and complimented the laid back feel perfectly!

Bleujen popped in on the morning of the wedding with the bouquets and to put the finsihing touches to the tables, while Hannah Woodgates Hair Design gave Nicol her effortless look!

Although the rain decided to drizzle at the exact moment Nicol stepped outside the house, it really didn’t matter at all! Scooping up her delicate dress and revealing her stunning blue shoes, everyone made their way to the Mill Barn

The Bride met her Mum at the top of the Aisle, where her step dad handed her over to her Father, to walk her down the rest of the aisle to her waiting Groom.

I shouldn’t have been concerned at all over their friend conducting their ceremony! Being part of the Magic Circle, Joe was in his element in front of a crowd and was hilariously funny, yet sentimental! I can honestly say I haven’t cried in a ceremony so much! Not only from the laughing, but also through seeing just how much love they have for one another! After giving Ben a sandwich mid ceremony -Nicol was aware he hadn’t eaten for at least half an hour!-  Nicol made her vows to Ben and when all the guests from Wales stood up on her queue to sing a Welsh tribute to the Groom, I have to admit I welled up! Nicol had expressly said no Welsh Choral songs, but wanted to show she loved him enough to give in!

The traditional hymns were replaced with everyone singing “My girl” by the temptations! Traditional or not, no ceremony is complete without a kiss!

The Launcells Barton team then turned the Mill Barn around for the drinks reception, while guests helped themselves to a welcome drink in the snug bar.

Guests were then invited to take their seats for the wedding breakfast and speeches.

It was then time for the donut wall to open and guests to help themselves! Beautiful and The Feast catered the whole wedding from canapés through to that amazing wall of joy!!

Their incredible band the Zu Zu Men, then got everyone up dancing the night away!!

A few words from the happy couple-   “We got engaged near Bude and had this romantic idea about having our wedding nearby, forcing our friends and family to trek from afar down to the Cornish coast. After looking at six or seven venues, none quite hitting the mark – all too ‘weddingy’ – we stumbled upon Launcell’s for our last appointment before giving up and resigning to a venue closer to home. We didn’t make it out the car before we made our minds up; it was perfect. Rustic but not too rustic, wedding appropriate but not just another ‘wedding barn’, secluded without being too remote. Then we met Lara and Matt and the deal was done. So helpful without being pushy, relaxed while meticulously organised. Our wedding day was such fun. We didn’t want anything too traditional or formal. We wanted something personal and unique to us; Launcell’s Barton was the perfect venue to do just that.” 

We wish you every happiness in the world Ben & Nicol! It was such a pleasure getting to know you both and we loved witnessing the 2 of you become husband and wife in your wonderfully unique way! It was such a fun day and you could feel how much you meant to everyone there! Congratulations again!