Soulmates

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Paris and Rees didn't speak much the first few times they met up on nights out with mutual friends. Even so, each had clearly caught the eye of the other as Paris would tell her friends how much she liked him, and before long, Rees asked her out on a date. "From then on we became inseparable, spending pretty much every day together. We knew we were made for each other and are best friends," Paris shares.

Rees’ proposal came as a huge surprise to Paris. The couple had been together three years and when he arrived home from work one night, it all just seemed like a normal day. Until that was, he got down on one knee in their living room. Now, neither of them can remember what were no doubt his heartfelt words – “I think Rees must have been nervous as he spoke very fast! It was all a blur and we were both so happy,” Paris explains.
It was love at first sight for the pair when they viewed Dairyhouse Farm Barn. Overlooking the Somerset levels it’s filled with character and offers incredible views. Paris tells us more: “The Dutch barn allowed us to roast marshmallows in the evening and the beautiful orchard offered a great place for guests to enjoy the outdoors. There was also a campsite next door, so we hired bell tents for the evening of the wedding. Overall the country farm feel was just what we were looking for.”
Eager to know more? We were too! So, read on as the bride shares her treasured memories of the couple’s big day...

Tipis Settling on a rustic, country vibe for the venue styling with a blush pink-based palette, Paris and Rees had a vision for their relaxed wedding. "We chose not to have a table plan as we wanted everyone to be outside enjoying the garden games and great weather. We weren't having a sit-down meal so it wasn't necessary, and we loved how our guests sat with whoever they wanted, mixing our two families together," Paris says.

Centrepieces The centrepieces were super-cute gypsophila-filled jam jars accompanied by a photo of the pair, placed on a log slice. Other floral arrangements included pink roses, pink and white carnations, alstroemerias, more gypsophila and eucalyptus. The venue supplied milk churns, which the florist filled with an assortment of these blooms and placed at the doorway to the barn as a lovely welcome to arriving guests.

The gloriously rustic three-tier big-day bake was covered in white buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers to complement the bouquets and other arrangements. Rees' mum, Cheryl, treated the pair to a topper featuring fondant figures in their likeness, cleverly made by their cake supplier.

The mother-of-the-groom had more surprises up her sleeve too, as she also booked a white Range Rover to collect the bride in the morning. It included a bottle of champagne, which the new Mr and Mrs opened after the ceremony, toasting their union on the way to the reception. "Cheryl went above and beyond to make our wedding extra special, not only on the day, but weeks and months beforehand as well. We can't thank her enough," Paris says.

Food table For the evening Paris and Rees opted for a banquet table full of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and pastries – basically a giant charcuterie table. "We love making this at home to enjoy with a film and envisioned a big feast for everyone," Paris explains. The Purplespoon café where the bride works, well and truly delivered. With awe-inspiring attention to detail, the team set up an array of delicacies and went above and beyond all expectations. Paris continues, "Everyone enjoyed having such a vast selection to choose from. They even included homemade falafel for our vegetarian and vegan guests. They'd thought of everything without needing to ask."

The ice cream truck too was hugely popular as you can imagine – the perfect treat on a hot day. Paris enjoyed a blue sherbet cone, which we think was pretty brave while wearing a white dress!

The bride looked stunning in her embellished A-line lace gown. She says, “I always knew I wanted a big princess-style dress with plenty of lace detail. It was the first of many that I tried on, but I knew it was the one straight away.” She completed the look with a pearl necklace and earring set bought by her groom as a wedding gift.

Rees and his groomsmen all wore matching green tweed country-style suits, which worked perfectly with the rustic theme. They then went the extra mile with palette matching blush pink ties and pocket squares – wedding attire goals!

The bridesmaids were dressed in long flowing gowns in blush pink with delicate detailing at the shoulders. The younger ladies wore pearl headbands, while the adults wore pearl hair slides.

Bride poses Live band The Busketeers were a huge hit all round. "They were an amazing instrument-swapping, vocal-harmonising group. Think Mumford & Sons. We had so many complements about them on the night. Plus, they were lovely guys. We'd definitely go and see them perform again elsewhere," Paris tells us. The couple also provided a Polaroid camera, so that guests could snap their own informal shots to take home or pin on a board for their hosts to keep.

End shot After the wedding, the newlyweds enjoyed a three-day minimoon in Cornwall. "We had the best time. We thought we were abroad as the water was crystal clear blue and the weather was amazing. It was just great to relax together for a few days," the bride says. Their plan is to go to LA next year for a longer honeymoon since Covid forced them postpone it.