Back in July saw Justin and Karen saying their vows to one another under a beautiful sweeping arch of greenery.
It also saw the end of the heat wave that gave us such a wonderful summer and, although it gave the farm some much needed rain, it did mean we needed to bring the celebrations inside. However, Karen and Justin’s excitement and totally calm and relaxed attitude towards their day, meant that no matter what the weather was, nothing could dampen their spirits! It was a day filled with love, laughter and happiness!
The day before their wedding their florist, Lisa from Cabbage White Flowers, who had come all the way down from Surrey as florist, friend and guest, set to work decorating the Mill Barn and Reception Barn. While Lisa worked her magic Justin and his friends were up the ladder putting up all the beautiful fairy lights! The venue looked stunning with circular arrangements of greenery hanging from the beams in the Reception Barn and the aisle in the Mill Barn lined with milk churns filled with arrangements of beautiful flowers!
Karen got ready in the Manor House at Launcells Barton, while Justin got ready at his family’s home near by. Although Karen didn’t need much help, Hannah Woodgates Hair Design & Lizzy Couch Make Up helped to make Karen glow on her big day!
As Justin and his bestman greeted all the guests as they arrived in the Snug Bar, Scottish pipers played to welcome everyone, before guests took their seats in the Mill Barn for the ceremony to begin!
It was then time for Karen, accompanied by the pipers, to make her way to the Mill Barn and walk down the aisle to say “I do”. Karen looked beautiful in a floaty lace bodiced gown from Grace loves Lace.
With personal readings and a relaxed laid back feel, their ceremony was everything they wanted it to be!
After the ceremony the heavens opened, so guests were welcomed with a drink in the Snug Barn, while we quickly turned the Mill Barn around. Guests were then welcomed back into the Mill Barn by the Blue Lion Band playing as Prosecco & canapés flowed.
Karen and Justin popped off to explore the grounds and enjoyed a bit of time together while all their guests took their seats in the Reception Barn.
We then announced the newlyweds to all their eagerly awaiting friends and family, before Dartmoor kitchen got underway with serving a delicious wedding breakfast! Do you know why it’s called a wedding breakfast? Well, it’s referred to as a ‘breakfast’ because it is the first meal in the newly married couple’s lives together and the first meal you eat as a married couple!
Karen and Justin’s wedding breakfast was full of fantastic speeches including the funniest Bride’s speech I have ever heard!
As the meal came to a close and guests milled around outside the Reception Barn enjoying the sun as it finally popped it’s head out, Karen and Justin went for a stroll and their band set up ready for the evening to begin!
Guests were then welcomed inside for the happy couple to cut their cake, a naked cake with flowers flowing down it designed by the incredible Hannah from Hannah’s Cornish Cakes. The Blue Lion Band then kicked the evening off with the couples first dance which the couple then asked everyone to join them for!
A few words from the gorgeous bride herself!- It is difficult to put into words just how much we feel you contributed to us making our weekend so special. Always on hand to answer our many questions, accommodating to our parents and suppliers, ready to give considered advice (that was always spot on!), your calm, professional, experienced and flexible approach meant that we had the day of our dreams.
For me personally, I have to say that I surprised myself with how anxious I got in the lead up to the day. Even on the Saturday morning I woke up worried that things would not be done or thought about. I think that must be a normal feeling for a bride, especially someone who likes to be in control of everything! What I learnt from all of this was that the worry was a complete waste of time – not only did you have everything in hand but you thought of and dealt with things that I did not even think of. From early on the Saturday morning I really felt like a Bride. And you being there was the biggest part of me feeling this way: the way you dealt with the bagpipes, to the way you facilitated the registrar visit, to the way you said ‘don’t worry I will sort out your dress’ as I was about to walk down the aisle amongst many other things you did, allowed me to feel like the most perfect bride and for us to have truly the best day ever. And I am pretty certain that people who chose to get married elsewhere do not get this treatment.
From the moment we visited it, we knew it was the perfect place and didn’t even consider anyone else. We loved the feel, the accommodating nature and the feeling that you would all do anything you could to accommodate us.
I am getting quite emotional as I write this! Thank you just doesn’t seem to cover it but we are so grateful and thankful we found you and Launcells Barton – there is nothing we would change about the experience. It was a pleasure meeting you both and, without sounding patronising, I have found your determination and approach to building up this venue very inspirational.
These gorgeous photos are thanks to one of our recommended suppliers Andrew, from Travis and Brown. He has photogrpahed a few weddings here since we opened in 2016 and every wedding he has really captured the couple and the individuality of their day. It’s great watching Andrew shoot a wedding, as he allows those nature moments to happen, but always there to offer reassuring words when needed.
It was an absolute joy being involved with your wedding Karen and Justin. It was wonderful to see two people so in love and meant for one another, as well as accepting of each others foibles – if Karen’s speech is anything to go by that is! Myself, Matt and Sophia wish you nothing but every happiness for the future as you start your married life together.
