This particular wedding is special to me because it was my first New Year’s Eve and destination wedding! Bex and Neil were based in Australia at the time when they got engaged and reached out to me to help plan their big day!
Although they’re both from the UK and had already chosen the gorgeous Read Hall and Higher Eggbeer Farm in Exeter, Devon, they wanted a woman on the inside, or on the right side of the world, to bring it all together and source the remaining suppliers.
The pair chose my partial planning package, which involved a discovery call and a number of video calls for planning. I loved the idea of a New Year’s Eve wedding and Bex was captivated by the glamorous seasonal theme of golds, bronzes and lots and lots of sparkle! We kept the bling predominately to Bex’s heavily beaded wedding dress and mix of shimmering bridesmaid dresses – the different styles really dispersed the glitter whilst providing different hues and textures. Add in the luxurious faux- fur cover-ups for a regal feel.
The ceremony took place in the Reed Hall at Exeter University (where the couple met), a Grade 2 listed building tucked away within beautiful gardens, gardens which guests could enjoy through the grand floor-to-ceiling windows as they waited for the beautiful bride to arrive. After the vows and Love Actually reading (such a great idea!) the party gathered for drinks in the reception room before posing for an epic confetti snap outside the column encased entrance.
Bex and Neil had found a nearby venue for the reception, and I organised coaches so the wedding party could all travel together and get the party started. Upon arrival at the charming Higher Eggbeer Farm, guests were greeted to the delicious smell of mulled wine drifting from the bar, perfect to warm us up after embracing a brisk, but sunny December day.
This converted barn was an absolute dream to style. The main barn was set out with long, wooden tables, adorned with tall candelabras, foliage and sequin table runners. Sparkling fairy lights looped from the high ceilings for that post-festive glow, along with authentic oil lanterns on the walls.
With this being a winter wedding, Bex and Neil wanted hearty dishes for their wedding breakfast and a selection of winter tapas full of rich meats, olives and artisan breads were laid between guests, constantly being topped up when needed. This was then followed with comforting, warming stews in a family style service.
As guests mingled in the bar and outside the barn, tables were rearranged and the room was transformed into a magical dance floor, complete with a live band setup. This intimate space created an incredible atmosphere for the guests, and with the soft glow of fairy lights and lanterns above, made for some stunning photographs.
As with any New Year’s Eve wedding, we had to end the night with a bang! Thankfully the weather stayed dry, and the wedding party was able to move outside to enjoy sparklers and fireworks before singing Auld Lang Syne and sending the couple off in splendid style to their beautiful cottage opposite the barn.
Hopefully this real wedding has given you some inspiration and ideas for your own New Year’s Eve Wedding, and if you need support planning your wedding, then please get in touch.
Photographer: Yeti Vince Photography