Monday 3 November 2014

Rob and Kat's Natural, Local and Coastal Wedding




This was a proper local wedding and a celebration of the things that Rob and Kat love the most: 
their family, each other, Poppy the puppy and the great outdoors – especially the beach!

Rob and Kat brought a real sense of the laid back Devon vibe throughout the weekend. It all began on Friday with a cup of tea!


While Kat and her team decorated the ballroom with beautiful pieces of driftwood, candles and these beautiful pots of homemade Jam (made by Rob’s mum Mary and labels made by Kat).


Everyone then regrouped for the “Big Bunting Hang”. Amazingly, this was one piece of Bunting which Kat’s talented Mum made – it was the biggest piece of bunting I have ever seen – it zig-zagged across the whole length of the Ballroom! Everyone had fun hanging it… “to me, to you…!”


Rob and Kat together wrote an itinerary of their wedding weekend on our big chalkboard, so that everyone knew what was going on at different times of the day, and signed it off together!


Their beautiful wedding cake had this gorgeous cake topper made by Kat herself. While we were planning their wedding, at the meeting on her 'to do' list was always “make Rob” so it was great to see miniature Rob finally made and joining Kat and Poppy the puppy!



So on a blustery Autumn Saturday morning, Kat and her closest family and friends, started the day with a cup of tea in jammies! Meanwhile the boys were up early and headed off for an 11k run!


Bridesmaid Kate carefully laid out everyone’s beautiful dresses.


We got to see the beautiful Wedding Dress – a real classic gown with a contemporary twist -


and the Bride started to get ready.


Whilst everyone was getting ready, the very talented Kelly from Offshore Blooms arrived with Rob and Kat’s flowers – beautiful sunflowers – perfect for this outdoorsy, fun-loving couple. Kat decided on sunflowers after cycling past lots of these happy blooms earlier in the summer!


I took up the buttonholes to give to Rob – his Dad bore witness to Rob taking the box of beautiful blooms, in case Rob put them down and lost them!


Meanwhile, Kat showed a very beautiful response to her bouquet. She was so moved as it was an “I’m getting married today” moment.

Such a cheerful choice of flowers!


Here are three of the bridesmaids Claire, Charlotte and Emma with their bouquet’s. Having everyone get ready together is lots of fun, there was much laughter and cheer from Kat and Rob’s family!


After such an autumnal start, the day took a beautiful turn for Rob and Kat. The view across to Baggy Point was crystal clear – perfect for our beach loving couple.


Meet Kat’s gorgeous and very proud Dad, Tom, all dressed and ready to give Kat away.


Back in our apartment Affinity, the wonderful Hannah from Brighteye Beauty finishes Bridesmaid Claire’s Make-up.


While Amy from Tangles finishes beautiful Kat’s hair


While the girls finish getting ready and put their dresses on, the boys were busy in the apartment next door. In the background here is Mike Wells, Rob and Kat’s wonderful photographer.


Rob and his best boys are keen cyclists, so while I was chatting to Rob and his Dad, I was surprised when Best Man Ian walked in, in nothing but his “Crown Joules boxers” (all the boys wore these pants as it is a play on the surname of the Groom - you can buy your own here!) and these fabulous red spot socks! Red Spots for the Tour De France’s King of the Mountain! 


And of course the Groom wore yellow socks for the 'Yellow Jersey' or Tour de France Winner. One day Rob, you may win the actual Yellow Jersey… Just remember us at Pickwell when you do!


Kat and Rob were married at St Brannock’s Church in Braunton. Here we have the very handsome Groom and his best boys leaving for Church. We love the top hats - they are perfect for a Wedding.


Just before they left, just time for a groom photo with Rob’s mum, wearing blue for her boy!


As the boys were leaving, we got our first glimpse of Kat in her dress - stunning!


A moving picture of Mum with her daughter on her wedding day. Wedding days are such special moments for mum’s and Linda glowed all weekend with pride!


A stunning photo Mike Wells set up – I sneaked in to take this photo of Kat in front of our window in Affinity!


This is William; Kat’s brother and sister-in-law's son, who had a VERY important role as Page Boy!


Here is our Bride ready to be married at Church…


Followed by her wonderful bridesmaids.


Last minute check before everyone headed off – all looked beautiful; classic but still capturing Kat and Rob’s fun and laid-back Devon personality!


After the ceremony Kat and Rob stayed at the church for private photos. Guests headed back to Sunny Pickwell for Pimms, Ale and Cider – properly Devonshire! They also enjoyed some delicious canapés: Butterfly Prawns, Somerset Bree with tomato and pepper compote, Honey and Mustard Sausages and Yorkshire Puds with Devon Beef.


And here are the brand new Mr and Mrs Joules! 


They arrived back to cheers from all their family and friends.. Check out how beautiful the back of Kat's dress is!


Guests were seated to enjoy glasses of wine and sharing pies: scrummy Steak and Ale and local Chicken and Leek with a host of local seasonal veggies.



In-between courses, the MC read out telegrams from those guests who were unable to make it, but still wanted to send their blessings. Kat’s dad followed, who shared some lovely stories!



For their dessert, Rob and Kat were very decisive: Profiteroles! Our wonderful caterers made these blooming homemade profiteroles and served them with jugs of butterscotch and chocolate sauces. My favourite pud ever!



It was time for Rob’s speech. After gifting his parents a huge pear tree and other lovely plants, he shared stories of how he and Kat met. Kat was visiting her friend who was a housemate of Rob's. Rob claims, he walked into his lounge to find Kat watching 'Jeremy Kyle'… Kat's version is slightly different, she says she was watching 'This Morning'… either way, the rest is history!


Whichever the programme, I’m sure you both now have a fond place for daytime TV?!


Best Man Ian delivered a hilarious speech. He and Rob have been best friends forever.. and Ian had plenty of stories to share!


I love to see how different couples choose to create their guest books – Rob managed to capture the exact moment he proposed to Kat in the Caribbean and they used this defining image for guests to sign around. Amazing!


After the speeches, it was time to cut the wedding cake with a sword! The sword represents Rob’s time in the Armed Forces and is a special family heirloom.


In the evening, Rob and Kat had more friends join them, and they were welcomed with wedding cake, proper Devon Fish n' Chips and the first dance to 'Hey Ho' by The Lumineers!


They chose to have a second dance with everyone to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.


The band then kicked in, beginning with “White Wedding.” 'The Garden Club' a local North Devon band were brilliant and played some rocking tunes which everyone danced to all night!


To end their amazing day, Kat and Rob’s family and friends gathered around them while they danced in the middle – so cute, a perfect end to a perfect wedding day!


Sunday morning, everyone was sprightly and enjoyed a hearty breakfast in Bliss and Affinity apartment lounges before guests set off for home.




Rob and Kat, you are an amazing couple and really looked after all of your family and friends over your wedding weekend. We loved seeing your wedding plans develop, meeting your friends and family and we so enjoyed your wedding. We’ll see you around North Devon! 

Lots of love and good wishes for your journey together as Mr and Mrs Joules! 

xxx