Back in May 2017 we were lucky enough to host the wedding of Nikki & Ant, a couple who wowed us with their creativity and style. As a stationery designer that we adore (you must take some time to browse Nikki's Knots & Kisses website), we knew the day would be a masterclass in colours and design, but it was also packed with personality, love and so much laughter. It gives us great pleasure to relive the day with Nikki, and Clare Kinchin's beautiful images.
What were your reasons for choosing Coombe Trenchard?
I first discovered Coombe Trenchard when we first moved to Devon and I was looking to connect with fellow wedding suppliers in the local area. I popped along for a chat with Sarah and she fed me the most amazing shortbread and showed me round her beautiful house and I was pretty much hooked from then!
When Ant proposed Coombe Trenchard went straight on to the shortlist of 5 venues I thought we should see.
I was happy for Ant to make the final decision though as all 5 I had shortlisted were venues I knew, had worked with and loved so it was really difficult for me to look at them objectively.
Ant fell in love with Coombe Trenchard immediately and we both loved the relaxed atmosphere and stunning surroundings. It combined both of our love of historic buildings and architecture without being too big or ‘grand’ and it made for the most amazing relaxed and fun day!
Where did you find your inspiration?
When I’m designing for a client I always start with asking them about the things they love in general. I like to see how they live and how they decorate their house. I think this shows a lot about a couple’s personality and it should always be this that show’s through in their wedding.
Fortunately Ant and myself had just bought a renovation house in Torquay and were already discussing colour schemes so we ended up picking a colour scheme which was based on our lounge and dining room!
Navy and dark wood are our favourites and I adore blush pink and dark pink reds and burgundy’s, so this is what we went for.
We also picked a subtle animal skull and floral motif to run through the day and introduced lots of references to films and books which we absolutely love. We wanted to incorporate all the things we love but in a really pretty and hopefully stylish way so it didn’t look like there was too much of an overall ‘theme’
What are your top supplier tips?
Be organised and understanding! Most of the suppliers in the wedding industry are small businesses who are working all the hours to try and make your day amazing so being friendly via email or phone goes a long way.
I’m a natural stress head but I tried to be as nice and friendly as possible to all my suppliers even if I was stressing out!
Having all the information they need to hand and making decisions quickly I think not only helps suppliers but yourself. Stressing for hours over tiny decisions which in the end won’t be noticed on your wedding day is not good for anyone’s mental health! I tried to make decision as quickly as I could.
What was your favourite part of the day?
We have two which we have discussed at length since the day!
Firstly our ‘first look’ before walking into the ceremony room together. We had the music start up and I walked down the stairs from the bridal suite and Ant met me at the bottom of the stairs before then walking to the front of the hall. This was the best decision ever … it was incredibly emotional and it actually made us both much less nervous about walking in in front of everyone as we were hand in hand.
Secondly was half way through the day when we asked all the guests to join us on the second terrace for the evening reception part of the day. None of the guests had any idea there was going to be whole other area for the evening and seeing their faces when they walked through under the clock tower and realised there was another area with photobooth, band and pizza van was amazing!
What advise would you give to future Coombe Trenchard bridal couples?
Take all the advice Sarah and Emily offer … they know what they are doing and are used to planning a wedding that is perfect for both you and makes the most of Coombe Trenchard! Be as organised as you can and create a timeline which you can add to gradually once you have found out timings from various suppliers. Having this timeline though means that you can hand everything over to the venue easily the day before and know that everything will go as closely to plan as possible. ( But be prepared that something might go wrong and realise that if it does that’s absolutely fine.)
Also have a separate wet weather plan just in case – you’ll be far less disappointed on the day if you do.
We ended up not needed ours but it was raining the morning of the wedding so I’d convinced myself it was wet weather plan anyway!.
What is your tale from the other side?
We absolutely love being married but it was never the be all and end all of our relationship. Make sure you love and enjoy your day but realise that the ceremony is the most important thing and everything else is just a beautiful bonus!
Photographer: Clare Kinchin
Florist: Brompton Buds
Caterer: Coombe Trenchard and Two Birds
Cake: Edible Essence
Dress: Needle & Thread, with embellishments from Abidemaids and hair piece from Kye Tew Jewellery. Shoes Rachel Simpson Shoes.
Groom’s Suit : Vintage Suit Hire Company / Accessories : Mrs Bow Tie
Entertainment: Swing Kings and Your New Favourite Band
Marquee Company: World Inspired Tents
Bar Company: Thirst Choice
Hair: Giselle at The Event Studios
Make Up: Giselle at The Event Studios
Other items and props : Virginias Vintage Hire, The Prop Factory & West Country Wedding Planner
Stationery & Styling : Knots & Kisses