22 May 2023
Katy & Nina’s Love Story
“We had an unforgettable weekend wedding at Deer’s Leap packed full of wonderful moments.”
We’ll never tire of looking back at Katy and Nina’s sunshine-filled celebration – from the surprise flash mob (more about that later) to the relaxed and happy feel that surrounded their entire day. With that in mind, we’re offering you a glimpse inside their love story here at Deer’s Leap Weddings…
As very outdoorsy people, Katy and Nina had always wanted to get married outside. “We were immediately drawn to the gorgeous setting that Deer’s Leap offered across the whole site,” they explain. “We also wanted to spend the whole weekend with the people we love, allowing us to have more time with people who had travelled a long way to celebrate with us.”
On the morning of the wedding, Nina nipped for a swim in the River Barle while Katy and her bridal party got ready in the Wedding Suite. At 12.30 pm, it was time for their alfresco ceremony to take place, where their friends and family gathered around the wooden gazebo that overlooks the lake. The couple both wanted to walk down the aisle and have that all-important moment with their chosen people, so chose to have two aisles that gracefully met at the gazebo. “Heather and James were very helpful in accommodating this and setting it up for us. This arrangement allowed us to walk down the aisle at the same time and join together at the end, which was really special and felt quite symbolic as well,” the newlyweds tell us.
Once the ceremony was over, Katy and Nina spent the afternoon sipping on Kir Royal and tucking into miniature pies (renaming their canapés as canapies). “We had bought in lots of different Quantock Brewery Beers, Sanford Orchard Cider and a selection of Wines from Corks & Cru in Bampton, so everything was as locally sourced as possible.” They also went all in on the lawn games, making the most of the vast lawn space on offer at Deer’s Leap. Nina made the Danish game, ‘Konge Spil’, alongside giant Jenga, Table Curling and a few others that Heather brought out from the Deer’s Leap games room. It made for tonnes of fun (and some fierce competitions) for guests of all ages! Nina and Katy also spent the afternoon enjoying their speeches and taking fun photographs in their homemade photo booth.
As they sat down in the Stone Barn for a delicious feast of Moroccan-style lamb, warm salads and indulgent dips from Levels Catering, Katy and Nina were surprised with a flash mob dance that had been secretly organised by their families! They were then showered in bubbles as they cut their wedding cake on the patio – with the sunshine beaming and everyone having the most wonderful time. A rip-roaring Scottish Ceilidh got everyone dancing on the lawn under blue skies, with lots of laughter and swinging each other around.
When it came to styling their wedding day at Deer’s Leap, Katy and Nina kept things stripped-back and minimalist, embracing the charm, quirkiness and rustic feel of the venue. “We decorated the tables and gazebo with wildflowers that we picked from the lanes around Deer’s Leap, which worked really well and looked great despite not being arranged by a florist.” Hessian runners and linen napkins worked perfectly against the wooden tables and stonework of the barn, tying in with the natural materials – something that was very important to the couple.
“Deer’s Leap was the perfect place for us to get married, it’s gorgeous green setting felt like our own slice of paradise and the warm, caring support and attention to detail that Heather and James provided made our wedding weekend everything we had wished for and so much more. We are incredibly grateful, thank you.”
Wedding Planning Advice from Katy & Nina
“There are two pieces of advice we would pass on. Firstly, only do the things and traditions that you as a couple want to do. Choose the parts that you like and scrap the rest, it’s your weekend. Secondly, invest in good people who understand you and what you want from this experience. Heather, James and all the staff at Deer’s Leap were worth their weight in gold, as was our photographer Anthony who took time to get to know us and worked his socks off on the day to deliver truly stunning photos that we’ll always cherish.”
A huge thank you to Anthony at Special Day Wedding Photos for beautifully capturing their wedding on camera! It was such a pleasure to host Katy and Nina’s relaxed summer soirée here at Deer’s Leap and we hope their celebration has brought a smile to your face! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for even more loved-up adventures in the Devonshire countryside or get in touch with us to book a private viewing so you can explore the setting for yourselves.
A little shout-out to Katy & Nina’s team of incredible suppliers…
Corks and Cru, @corksandcru
The Levels Catering, @levels_catering_co
Special Day Wedding Photos, @specialday.weddingphotos
The Ceilidh Tree, ceilidhtree@gmail.com
Justine Kendall, @justinekmua