Great Barn Weddings – Catherine & Tom
Whilst we all do what we can to stay safe and help the tremendous efforts of all the key workers up and down the country, we thought we would take a little look back at some previous weddings here at the Great Barn Devon.
Today’s beautiful couple are Catherine and Tom, who were married on the 8th June last year – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Catherine is now expecting their first baby and on exactly the same date as their wedding, making it even more special. The images are by the incredibly talented Eleanor Stobbart Photography. Over to Catherine to tell us more about their wedding day…
How did you meet? We both worked together at Otterton Mill when we were 19 and 20. Tom worked in the shop and I used to pop in to stack the shelves. He went away travelling and I realised I hardly knew him, but I missed him terribly! We’ve been together ever since…13 years!
Tell me about the proposal: We both love Christmas and were in Edinburgh Christmas Market. I went to order mulled wine and when I got to him (outside the National Gallery) he was all emotional and said ‘there’s something I have to ask you’. We were surrounded by fairy lights and Christmassy bustle. Nobody even noticed us!
Tell me why you chose The Great Barn: We’d been to a few venues and hadn’t felt much. I walked into the Barn to meet Jon and felt like I was going to cry- I knew within about one minute it was THE ONE! The barn has the most amazing atmosphere (almost a church-like spiritual quality) and the garden is so ridiculously pretty- A mixture of traditional ‘best of British’ with a modern twist. Gorgeous. I know it sounds funny but Jon’s charisma lulled me into a real sense of security and calm. Something about him and his spirit that made me warm to him instantly and we felt safe in Jon, Susie and Emma’s hands the whole way. Nothing was ever too much for them and we liked their quirky ideas. I felt they really cared. Tom and I were never even sure we’d have a wedding; I never saw myself as the traditional wedding type and Jon supported this and had so many different ideas. We only wanted people onboard that were genuine and caring and FUN!
Tell me about your dress and accessories: My dress was from Sassi Holford in Taunton. The women in that shop were amazing. It was a Maggie Sottero dress, really simple, elegant, sleek and strapless. It had a beaded/almost 1920’s look part that layered over the top for the day and then I whipped the top part off for a simple strapless with beaded belt for the evening. My shoes were leopard print (my fave!) I had a simple long cathedral veil.
What did your husband wear? We wanted the boys to look comfortable, country casual. The Groomsmen/Ushers were all big-over 6 foot – proper lads! They all wore grey chinos, crisp white shirts and my fave..polka dot braces! The groom and best man had navy Hugo Boss blazers to look a bit smarter in the day. They wore boat shoes.
Did you use any of the suppliers recommended by us? We LOVED Vintage Camper Booths; they were amazing. We had instant photos taken in the camper booth itself. We used Dartmoor kitchen; the food was amazing. Ziggy’s disco was brilliant..and I really want to big up Exe Valley pizza van which everyone loved.
Did you have a theme or colour scheme? No strict colour theme at all. Bridemaids were in a silky dove grey. White peonies featured in bouquets and hedgerow flowers. There were foxgloves hanging from the elms and candles everywhere. Tom’s godmother who works at the botanical gardens in Edinburgh did the flowers. My family are farmers so we had their milk crates from the farm years ago-spruced up with flowers going down the steps as you leave the Barn and our family milk bottles were used as vases with flowers in on the tables. Tom’s dad was an author so the tables were all named after each of his books-very special. We had a tequila theme going – Tom and I love tequila so our favours were ‘Take a shot and take your seat’ hence lots of very merry guests.
What were your special moments or highlights of the day? EVERYTHING! Each and every chapter. Tom crying uncontrollably while I walked down the aisle. The song Yellow (Daniel Jang violin version) as I walked down the aisle, it worked so well. Take a shot and take your seat with tipsy guests downing tequila, laughing away. The dancefloor was wild -and full all night, laughter, love , happiness and so many toasts done with tears. People rolling in and out of the camper booth for photos, people chatting around fire pits,
Please can you tell us, in a few words, if and why you would recommend The Great Barn to other brides and grooms: I wrote this email (below) just after our wedding and the Great Barn put it on their site. it sums up the level of emotion we have when we think about The Great Barn and our wedding…
John, Emma, Susie, Claire
We don’t know where to begin thanking you all…but we’ll try.
Two people who never thought they’d get married but have been to hundreds of weddings & always thought it seemed stressful & that weddings were all the same! Well you changed everything.
The second we walked into your most stunning venue things changed for us!
Not only is The Great Barn the most stunning place I’ve ever been too, but the atmosphere, warmth and love in it is from all of you lovely people!
We felt listened to, cared for and relaxed from start to finish. Emma – you always reassuring… sending me lovely recommendations & meeting me & my mum on those first days. John for your endless charisma, help, fun and attention to detail & Susie for simply being the most beautiful, creative, kind human being, who kept me nothing but calm before I walked down the aisle. I won’t forget that moment!
From the gorgeous barn, to the flowers, gardens, cottages, elderflower bubbly, doggies and team! We cannot be more overwhelmed by you giving us, our families and friends the best day we’ve had. And for not judging our endless tequila shots!
Ha ha! Much love and thanks
Catherine and Tom
xx
