From the moment they visited Upton Barn, they knew it was the perfect place for their love story to take place. “It was not the first venue we visited, and certainly not the closest either. But as soon as we saw it and met the friendly and helpful team there, we knew it was the one,” say Lara and Loic. The combination of modern-meets-industrial interiors and never-ending views across the Devonshire countryside provided a magical backdrop for their entire day to flow seamlessly, from the ceremony through to the reception, right until the very last guest left the dance-floor.
When it came to their wedding day attire, Lara and Loic kept things classic, timeless and elegant. The groom looked smart in a black tux, while the bride wore a stunning satin gown by Hera Couture, complete with a split skirt and pearl-adorned accessories. “I wish I could wear it all more than once!” she said. Bridesmaids looked beautiful in champagne gowns, while the groomsmen matched Loic in classic tuxedos. It was a refined aisle style against the pops of colour coming from Grace Smith’s floral arrangements.
For their ceremony, the couple simply enhanced the space with two statement floral pillars beneath the wooden arbour while the garden itself did the rest of the talking. “Another reason why we loved Upton Barn so much is that it really didn’t need much decoration because the walled garden was so beautiful with the blooming lavender and rose bushes,” explain the couple. Inside, the reception carried the same understated elegance. Bud vases, candles and the hanging oak beam installation offered warmth, luxury and character to their wedding breakfast space, where guests were treated to an unforgettable feast by Mulberry Catering Co who serving up a delicious menu featuring bruschetta, Gochujang chicken and a perfectly sweet Eton Mess. “Many of our guests commented that it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had!” The drinks flowed with Pimm’s and G&Ts, while an array of mouthwatering canapés – steak and horseradish profiteroles, bang bang chicken, crispy butterfly king prawns and vegetable samosa – delighted guests during the reception. As the night drew on, Exe Valley Pizza served their irresistible wood-fired pizza – a perfect late night bite that keep everyone fuelled for the dance floor.
Music played a huge role in Lara and Loic’s wedding day. Talented saxophonist Daniel Costin got the party started during the drinks reception with Ibiza classics. “We were all dancing in the walled garden with the sun shining, and all of our guests absolutely loved it” they reminisce. Later in the evening, Bespoke Disco continued the celebrations with a setlist tailored exactly to the couple’s taste. “One particular memory that will never leave me is dancing with Lara on my shoulders and Luke, my brother & best man, on top of a friend’s shoulders raving along with us!”
For a personal touch, guests found their place cards accompanied by a photo of themselves with the couple –a heartfelt detail that doubled as keepsake wedding favours. “It took a while, but it was so worth it.”
The couple’s advice to future newlyweds? “You’re not the hosts; you’re the guests of honour – act like it! Have fun and don’t stress about the little things.” From meeting on a student night out on Brighton Pier to saying, ‘I Do’ in Devon nearly a decade later, Lara and Loic’s summer wedding in the countryside was total perfection.
If you’d like to explore everything that Upton Barn & Walled Garden has to offer for your special day, we’d love nothing more than to show you around. Discover our availability and book in a private viewing – we can’t wait to meet you!
