Leoma and Gary
London-based couple Leoma and Gary Harper describe their wedding as traditional tweaked with personal and DIY touches. Pair that with Devon, England, and a picture-perfect setting, and you've got a wedding to remember. On April 21, 2012, they tied the knot -- seven years after meeting -- with 100 of their loved ones and enough memories to last a lifetime.
The Fashions
Leoma glowed in a Jenny Packham "Marie Louise" dress and headdress. The silk was accented with Swarovski beading and like all of the designer's dresses, had a lovely blue ribbon sewn to the inside. The bride's 1920's art deco drop-earrings and diamond bracelet (a gift from Gary a few years prior) were the perfect finishing touches.
The groom got "suited and booted" at Marc Wallace. His blue custom three-piece suit, ivory tie, and Thomas Pink shirt looked sharp.
The Bridal Party
Gary's cousin Aemelia, and Leoma's friend's daughter Ava served as petite attendants. They wore dresses from I Love Gorgeous and Ralph Lauren.
Pretty Posies
The flower girls carried tiny nosegays of fresh blooms.
Driving in Style
Because the couple loves vintage cars, they decided to incorporate a few into the bridal party's transportation. For example, the lucky bride and her father rode to the church in a 1936 Daimler limousine.
The Ceremony
The afternoon service at St. Michael's Church began to the sweet sounds of harp and violin music. Décor was kept minimal -- save for a few floral arrangements created by the bride and some candles. Recitations of Corinthians 13 and "A House of Stone" by Carmen Bugan followed, along with a rendition of "Ave Maria" as the couple signed their marriage certificate. They left the church to Henry Purcell's "Trumpet Voluntary."
The Ride
The newlyweds decorated their getaway car, an old Austin Healey 3000, with a custom license plate that read "Mr and Mrs Harper 21st April 2012" and "just married" cards strung with ribbon by the bride.
A Costume Change
Leoma topped her dress with a stole from Sasso Timeless Bridal Boutique to keep away the spring chill before posing for photographer Polly Alexandre during cocktail hour.
DIY Details
Leoma found a template for matchbox covers online, printed them onto paper, then used them to wrap up inexpensive supermarket versions.
The Reception Venue
A friend suggested Combe House for their celebration. After seeing it for themselves, they were smitten. The romantic country house on hill overlooking the valley offered the beauty and intimacy they desired.
The Reception
Their wedding feast was prepared by the venue's two master chefs and served in the Green Mural Dining Room.
The Tables
Leaf-shaped table number cards from Vintage Twee were customized in French as a nod to the bride's mother's roots and displayed in Cox & Cox holders. Leoma further embellished them by punching each one with a small butterfly.
The Favors
Mooks Design used the couple's monogram for the labels for favor tins filled with hearth-shaped mints.
The Cake
A three-tiered dark-chocolate cake (with a tier of fruitcake on top) was covered in slick white frosting and decorated with tiny pearl-like beads and sugar flowers by Cake Matters. In addition to the cake, other sweets were set out in glass jars gathered by the bride, with striped paper bags to pack them up in as a take-home treat.
The Photobooth
The Photo Lounge snapped passport-size photos of guests with top hats, wigs, and glasses. The pictures could be added to the guestbook or taken home as favors.
The First Dance
The new Mr. and Mrs. danced to Eva Cassidy's version of "At Last".
Sources
Photography: Polly Alexandre Photography
Location and catering: Combe House
Flowers: Emma Vowles Flowers
Cake: Cake Matters
Music: The Walpot Brothers; GJs Discos; Adam Isaac; Celine Dos Santos
Photobooth: The Photo Lounge
Videography: Pete Cox
Wedding bands: DeBeers; Garrard
Hair and makeup: Ellie Tobin