A Catherine Deane Gown for a Charming and Colourful Devon Wedding

I don’t know about you but I love Bonfire night- it stirs up so many cosy memories of eating jacket potatoes at my grandparents, lighting (small) fireworks in the back garden and that amazing smell of sparklers.

Did you manage to get out to celebrate last night? If your nose is still full of the smell of woodsmoke and toffee, let me pull you away for a little while, to earlier this year and a colourful summer wedding in Devon, full of flowers and sunlight.

“We wanted a relaxed colourful wedding and chose Dartington because of its beautiful gardens, which were perfect for an English countryside summer wedding.”

Photography by Daze of Glory

The day was captured in beautiful technicolor by Carla of Daze of Glory, who we are delighted to welcome to Love My Dress for the first time.  Rhianne and Johnny were delighted with their photos and I can completely see why- Carla’s reportage style picks out all those tiny and fleeting (but oh-so-important) moments that are so special, while still incorporating a few lovely couple portraits.

“Carla and Paul were perfect, so relaxed and non-intrusive, capturing some really beautiful shots.  We couldn’t have asked for better.”

Rhianne wore a fabulous gown by Catherine Deane, which she purchased from The Ivory Secret near Exeter.

Rhianne chose this particular gown as she felt it was comfortable and yet still simple but pretty.  Personally I just adore the soft tulle skirt and the delicate lace and I love the combination of the ultra-romantic lace and the almost Grecian shape.

On her feet Rhianne wore 1920’s inspired shoes by Rainbow Club (from John Lewis), while for accessories she kept things simple with pearl earrings (also from John Lewis) and fresh flowers in her hair.

Rhianne wore her hair in a soft up-do, entwined with gypsophilia and a single fresh flower, while for make up she opted for a beautiful natural look with peach lip, both of which were the work of Debbie Wright.

Flowers were the work of Blackawton Blooms (who are based in the village where Rhianne’s father and stepmother live)  who specialise in wild flowers that they grow themselves.

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I absolutely adore Rhianne’s gloriously colourful bouquet and the simple blooms on the cake and in Rhianne’s hair are so effective.

The young bridesmaids looked perfect in simple white gowns with blue sashes and trim, made by a local dressmaker (no details), while little Dylan wore an adorable outfit from Monsoon, complete with summer sandals.

Stationery was designed by Papier and reflected the colourful floral theme. Familiarise yourself with this superb online stationery store if you haven’t already. They have a fantastic choice of modern, fun, classy and vibrant wedding stationery.

Rhianne was accompanied down the aisle by her father, Charles, and she and Johnny said their vows to one another while their little boy played on the floor, completely oblivious to the words of love being exchanged above his head!

For readings, Johnny and Rhianne chose ‘Not Love Perhaps’ by ASJ Tessimond and an extract from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières.

This is not Love, perhaps,
Love that lays down its life,
that many waters cannot quench,
nor the floods drown,
But something written in lighter ink,
said in a lower tone, something, perhaps, especially our own.”

To complete their vows, the couple exchanged rings which they purchased from Goldsmiths.

After the ceremony, drinks and canapes were served under the trees and guests enjoyed the beautiful sunshine while Johnny and Rhianne slipped off for a few portrait shots in the gardens.

 

Dinner was served in the great hall and guests enjoyed a meal by the in-house caterers, finished off with limoncello, provided as favours as a nod to Italy (where Johnny’s mother lives).

Entertainment came in the form of The Guilty Pleasures, Rhianne’s friends’ band, who played long into the evening and made sure everyone danced the night away.

For their first dance as a married couple, the newlyweds danced to the band’s version of ‘Johnny B Good’ by Chuck Berry, chosen for the simple fact it is so much fun to move to!

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Relax and enjoy it and try not to worry too much about the small details.  It will all work out.”

Huge thanks to Johnny and Rhianne for sharing their intimate and lovely day, and of course, to Carla of Daze of Glory for the wonderful images.  I’m completely in love with Rhianne’s Catherine Deane gown and that tulle skirt.  If you’re the same, take a peek here for even more beautiful dresses.  Grab a cuppa, you may be some time!

Much love,

Shona x