Ronald Joyce for Rainy Day, Romantic English Country Garden Wedding

Dear Readers, I hope you’ll enjoy this glorious wedding celebration as much as I have in writing about it. It’s completely transported me to beautiful Devon, imagining the fragrance from all of the flowers. Not only that, the utter heartfelt joy from the bride and groom positively radiates from the images and it’s been impossible for me not to smile along with them.

Meet bride Gemma, who works for a university, and groom Ed, who works for a publisher. They celebrated their marriage on the 16 September 2017 at St. Andrew’s Church in Hittisleigh, Devon, followed by a reception at the Oak Barn, also in Hittisleigh. It seemed only right to Gemma and Ed to be married in the part of the world they call home, and that they love so much.

“We moved to Devon in August 2015 after dreaming about it for years so we wanted our wedding to reflect all we love about it. We didn’t have a set theme but it had a feel of an English country garden with lots of flowers and colour. We also had a lot of family involved in various aspects of the day which gave it a really personal feel.”

Images by Panache

“We went to a few different venues but as soon as went to the Oak Barn we absolutely loved it. For us it summed up everything we love about Devon as it is in the middle of beautiful countryside overlooking Dartmoor, had incredible gardens and a proper English country garden feel. The owners, Katharine and John, were also absolutely brilliant – all the way through the planning and on the weekend itself.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and they went out of their way to make our day perfect. The little church St Andrew’s being right next door was a huge bonus and it was lovely getting to know the congregation by attending services beforehand.”

Gemma’s beautiful blonde curls were caught in a soft bun and dressed with a graceful handmade hair comb from Ivy and Pearl Bridal, a great recommendation from fellow brides on the Love My Dress Facebook group. Hair and make-up artist Gem Ryder was the talented stylist on hand to attend Gemma, also creating a picture-perfect romantic make-up look for our bride.

Gemma’s elegant and romantic gown, with its delicate lace and low back was by Ronald Joyce. The long lace train is particularly beautiful.

“I loved how unusual it was with the fitted underskirt and lace overlay, as well as the low back. It was the one I kept comparing all others to once I’d tried it on.”

Gemma’s mum and bridesmaids were looked after by Gem, with their hair styled by April Wagner (no details supplied). The bridesmaids wore exquisite powder blue lace dresses from Warehouse with shoes from Dune and Miss KG and hair accessories from AvaGrace Designs UK, purchased via Etsy.

The relaxed floral, country garden theme wove its way through many of the details of Gemma and Ed’s day, and the just-picked beauty of the flowers acted as a particular focal point.

“Ed’s Auntie used to be a florist and we were so pleased when she agreed to do our flowers. She did an absolutely brilliant job and they were more than we could have hoped for. We wanted a wild country look with lots of pinks, purples and whites and we were just blown away when we saw them.”

As an individual with minimal sewing skills, I’m always very impressed when couples are able to hand-make items for their day, and indeed Gemma did by making her own veil. On her feet she wore flats with jewelled buckles from ASOS, and for jewellery, heirloom pieces from family members; her mother’s sapphire ring and sister’s pearl earrings, along with a bracelet, which Ed gifted to his bride on the morning of the wedding. As her fragrance, she chose to wear Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet.

“I wanted a new perfume that would remind me of the day and I adored the fresh, floral smell of this one.”

“We met on our first day of University back in 2007 when we were living in the same halls and got together in our second term. Ed proposed in July 2016 on the most beautiful beach in North Devon on a camping holiday. We were engaged for 14 months before the wedding.”

Groom Ed chose a smart blue three-piece suit from French Connection at Moss Bros, and our talented bride made her groom’s tie (and those of the groomsmen) and pocket square from cheerful floral print fabric from Liberty London.

Pachelbel’s Canon in D was played on the church organ of St. Andrew’s as Gemma made her way down the aisle to meet Ed, accompanied by her Dad.

“The ceremony was so special. Our congregation filled the little church and hearing everyone belting out the hymns was amazing and our friends sang the most beautiful song which made everyone cry.”

The couple chose the bible passage 1 Corinthians 13  as one of their readings, as they both love the words. They also chose lyrics by Jim Croce, from his song Time in a Bottle as well as the poem The Quiet World by Jim McDaniel.

“We loved that it’s a bit different and felt it summed us up.”

“My ring was from an independent jeweller, Mortimers, in Exeter where Ed had found my engagement ring. I had searched for ages and hadn’t found anything and then I went back in there and they had a beautiful white gold ring with antique Swiss cut diamonds, which was perfect. Ed chose a white gold band from Orla James, whose sample service was great.”

Following the ceremony, the happy couple and their guests enjoyed a relaxed and rustic reception at the Oak Barn, just a stone’s throw away from St. Andrew’s Church, with Gemma and Ed travelling to the barn in style, courtesy of one adorable donkey cart! The couple hired vintage mini golf from The Prop Factory to entertain their guests.

  

Inside the Oak Barn, long tables were laid with crisp white cloths and jars of pastel-hued flowers and floral print napkins with sweet favours made by Gemma’s mum – packets of wildflower seeds and homemade chocolate fudge, which the guests loved. Homemade pink, white and purple paper pom poms and festoon lights hired from IA Lighting adorned the walls and hung from the ceiling. A feast of creative, local food came courtesy of the Pickle Shack.

“Our food was incredible. We came across Pickle Shack after a recommendation and we were blown away by their amazing food, which we got to try at a few tasting events before the wedding. They have a local produce promise and their food is creative and delicious. We were so pleased we had chosen them and their service on the day was perfect.”

Later in the evening, guests enjoyed cheese and cake, which had been made by Ed’s mum.

“We had one lemon, one raspberry and one fruit layer decorated with fresh flowers and it was absolutely delicious. Ed’s Dad made the incredible cake stand.”

It’s so lovely to read that Gemma and Ed’s day was so filled with loving family touches, from the flowers to the favours and the cake and stand. The evening’s entertainment was likewise a family affair, with live music from the groom’s father’s band.

“They spent a whole year learning a set list for us and they were absolutely brilliant.”

The band also played Gemma and Ed’s first dance choice, too – Elton John’s Tiny Dancer, and the music over the course of the night was another favourite part of the day for our pair.

“The other highlight was Ed’s Dad’s band playing in the evening – every song was brilliant and the dance floor was packed all night. We’ll never forget everyone jumping to their rendition of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’!”

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Try not to get too stressed during the wedding planning. You’ll have an amazing day whatever happens with all your friends and family around you so try to just enjoy the build up. People offer to help because they want to so take them up on it! And if you’re thinking about doing a speech, go for it! We did a joint speech and it was wonderful having the chance to thank everyone who was part of our day.”

Lovely Gemma and Ed, thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous flower-filled Devon day with us, it’s been a true pleasure. It’s wonderful also that Gemma derived so much support and advice from our closed Facebook group. Do head over and join in the fun! You can see more timeless Ronald Joyce brides on our pages here and more gorgeous Devon weddings here.

Until next time!

With love,

Laura