Marquee wedding in Devon for Miriam & Dan

miriam & Dan

Marquee wedding in Devon

24th of June, 2023
All Saints Church, Merton, Devon and afterwards at
Speccott Barton Farm
Photography by Kayleigh at Snapdragon Photography

Friends from childhood, Miriam and Dan married in beautiful Devon, and held their wedding reception in a marquee in nearby Merton, enlisting the help of all of their family and friends to complete the heap of last-minute tasks!

With a mum who did the pretty flowers and a skilled seamstress friend, everything went perfectly to plan and this couple were so chilled out that they aren’t even sure how many people came to their evening reception! With a handful of great tips for other brides to be, we loved hearing all about Miriam and Dan’s special day of celebrations…

How did you meet, and when?

We first met or knew of each other years before our first date because Dan is cousins with one of my childhood friends, but we began getting to know each other in 2016 when Dan followed me on every social media platform there is, before finally sending me a message – our first real meet was at Westward Ho! beach on the 26th of May 2016.

What was your budget? Did you stick to it?

So, we didn’t really set a budget as such but we were aware of how easy it would be to spend money we didn’t need to spend on – the things you think you need but don’t!

How many dresses did you try on before you found the one?

I visited three different bridal dress shops and there were a few dresses in each I really liked but none of them made me want to buy them immediately! Then I was searching online and found a Ronald Joyce dress, which I managed to track down. I knew I wanted this dress without seeing it, but there were still a few things I’d want to change to make it perfect for me. Luckily I know an extremely clever seamstress – Toni Alexander – who did her thing and got it spot on!

What made your one your ONE?

It was just what I wanted, it was fitted where I wanted it to be fitted, it had lace, sparkle a beautiful detachable second train – all thanks to Toni!

I loved going back for fittings and putting it on each time.

Was there a theme or colour scheme for your wedding?

I really wanted a pastel colour scheme so we decided on soft pinks, light sage green and white. Pinterest is useful for helping with this and finding the themes you like.

How did you decorate your venue?

We did our welcome drinks in the garden in front of the farmhouse – the view of Dartmoor is amazing so we didn’t really need to add anything else here.

And with the marquee, we did it all ourselves with help from family members and our close friends.

The marquee company drape the marquee for you already and sort out all the lights and electrics so all there was to really add to it was the flowers and table decorations. I started collecting pampas grass from anywhere I could so that I had time to dry it out and spray it ready for the wedding.

What were your best decisions for the wedding?

Hire a welcome drinks’ musician – everybody loved the day music in the garden before we headed off to the marquee. It kept everyone entertained while we were having our photos done.

Ask the photographer and videographer to visit the boys getting ready too, it was so nice to see photos and videos on them in the morning as well as the girls.

Do the speeches before food – it just means everyone can relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

Did you make any cost savings, and how?

The bar we used, Burntwood Bars, does not charge you for being there – they only charge for the drinks that are bought so that is no cost to you at all.

I made all the invites and stationery myself using Canva. It’s so easy to use and there are already a lot of templates on there to get you started.

What were your favourite moments?

How can we choose?! The whole day was just incredible from start to finish! There wasn’t a part of the day I wish had gone differently or didn’t happen except the end – I wish it didn’t have to end!

Any funny things happen? Embarrassing moments?

It was a really hot day and Dan’s wedding ring finger had swollen so we couldn’t get his ring on in the church!

Did you follow all the traditions?

We did really but it wasn’t intentional. One thing we weren’t overly fussed with was the first dance but we wanted everyone to be up on the dancefloor all night so we thought it was the best way to get things started. And it worked!

What were the challenges of planning the wedding?

I think the hardest thing is knowing where to start and what to do when! When to get your dress, is it too early to book a photographer, when to send out invites etc. Because the venue is DIY venue and having a marquee we knew there was going to be a lot to do in the final few days leading up to the wedding but we had amazing help from family and friends

What advice do you have for other brides?

1 Do not stress – if you can’t change it there is literally no point worrying about it and will only bring you down. Especially about the weather – so many people kept asking if I had checked the forecast, I was purposely trying not to look at it – what will be will be.

2 Get your bridesmaids/bridal party together for craft afternoons – many hands make light work when you are putting together your invitations and so on.

3 Prioritise your non-negotiables – get these things sorted first and then anything else you do after that is a bonus.

4 Enjoy every second – the day goes so quickly Take a moment to step back with your partner and absorb it all. Everyone there is there for you and it’s the most wholesome and incredible feeling.

The Details

Photographer: Snapdragon Photography
Wedding venue: All Saints Church, Merton, Devon and afterwards at Speccott Barn
Wedding venue: 150 day guests, evening – unknown
Wedding dress designer: Ronald Joyce, with alterations by Toni Alexander of the Green Room in Torrington
Flowers: Created by the mother of the bride
Stationery: Home made
Shoes: ASOS
Hair, Makeup: Mel Avery Hair
Makeup: Claire Bowring
Cake: Amie Pannell and Kirsty from the Pyne Arms
Bridesmaids: Dresses from Shien
Menswear: Donald’s in Okehampton
Entertainment:
Roger Colomé – Day Music
Knightly – Evening Band
Sam Hill – Evening DJ
Videographer: Matt from Mad Mash Media
Marquee: Lee House Marquees
Catering: Sarah Sanders Catering
Bar: Burntwood Bars
Transport: Taw and Torridge Coaches

Thank you so much for sharing your special day with us, Miriam and Dan! We loved how laid back you both are and that you had so many cute children running around in the sunshine. May you have many happy years together!

Share your real wedding with us [email protected]
Read more amazing real wedding stories here