Inspiration

If you've been contemplating having a socially distanced wedding, but aren't quite sure if you want to wait or just go for it?! Then this Deer Park Country House wedding in Devon, planned and styled by Fern Godfrey Weddings and photographed by Emma Pilkington Photography is not only the epitome of elegance but truly shows you how amazing your day can be. It features all the wonderful wedding day moments and details you'd expect from a pre-COVID wedding. Including an outdoor ceremony, candlelit reception, cutting the cake and first dance. And what's more, bride and groom, Shanice and Stephen look incredible in their black-tie wedding outfits. What a wedding and what an inspiration.

What Made Your Day Unique

Our day was special because up until a few weeks before, we weren’t even sure it would go ahead. We had to cut our guest list down from 150 to 30 which was heart-breaking, but in the end, we had the most intimate and special day. Coming from a Caribbean background we both expected to have a huge wedding and couldn’t fathom having a small one. We were both surprised at how beautiful the day was, despite the restrictions and limited numbers. It was amazing to get to spend time with each guest and create beautiful memories. We had 3 Bridesmaids wearing blue as the 'Something Blues' from the poem ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’. Each of them then carried something old, new and borrowed. Old was a cooking pot from Stephen’s late grandmother who loved to cook, new was Shanice’s new baby niece and borrowed was the broom that Shanice’s brother and sister in law jumped over at their wedding, and we did the same! Jumping the broom is an old Black wedding tradition.

Shanice & Stephen
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Wedding Planning

We planned our wedding with our wedding planner Fern in the middle of coronavirus. It was a time of intense uncertainty and caused us a lot of stress and anxiety. However, it reinforced to us the importance of marriage and the significance of the wedding day. For those who are thinking about going ahead despite restrictions, you won’t regret it. It will be special in a way you won’t have imagined and will be worth all the stress and uncertainty in the end. We truly had the best day and now have the most special memories. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without our WP Fern. She kept us sane and literally did everything. She is more amazing than words can describe, and it was the best decision we made to have Fern as our wedding planner. Also, our venue navigated the corona coaster so well and they supported us relentlessly and hosted the best wedding weekend. We are so grateful to all our amazing suppliers for their support and hard work.

Shanice & Stephen

Deer Park Country House

The light-filled orangery at Deer Park Country House was where Shanice and Stephen hosted their elegant socially distanced wedding. With rectangle and circular tables set out in groups of four beautifully styled by Fern Godfrey Weddings with peach linens, floral centrepieces and gold candles sticks. Every detail you'd expect from a pre-COVID wedding and more! We also love the couples personalised neon sign, framing their sweetheart table and how about the wedding cake laden with flowers and sittng very pretty on a gold cake stand. PIN-tastic!

Inspiration & Styling

The vibe of our wedding was timeless, elegant and classy. We wanted it to also be laid back and for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. We feel that our planner and stylist Fern Godrey Weddings really made this happen. Also, in hindsight we think the smaller numbers lent itself to this much better.

Shanice & Stephen

Advice

We would advise anyone to do what is best for them. Weddings can become so political. It’s your day and you want to make sure you enjoy it and create cherished memories. Wedding planning is hard enough, especially in a pandemic, so it’s important to try and create a day that’s truly reflective of you both as a couple that you’ll love forever.

Shanice & Stephen

As Shanice and Stephen have shown there is no need to alter your plans if you don't want to. If you still want to get married you absolutely can. And, you can still do it in style. We've put together an article of things you may want to consider scaling back to reflect your guest list.

Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Featured suppliers

Venue : Deer Park Country House | Planner/Stylist: Fern Godfrey Weddings | Cake: Edible Essence | Florist: Laura Hingston Flowers | Stationery: Knots & Kisses | Cellist: Jay Emme | Décor & Hire: Keeping It Vintage Devon | Abbotts Event Hire | Sound System: NUB Sound | Dress: Enzoani | Bridal Boutique: TDR Bridal | Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden | Hair & Makeup: Terika Chantal | Groom Jacket: Reiss Jacket | Bespoke Trousers: Richie Sacks | Groomsmen: Moss Bros. | Gift List: Prezola | Videographer: Handcraft Pictures

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