Helen and Howard met by chance and fell in love. They married at St Michael’s Church, Axmouth, on Saturday, 2nd August 2025 and enjoyed a fun-filled waterside reception at Lower Bruckland Wildlife Gardens & Nature Reserve. A vintage Bedford bus carried guests to and from the church, where Reverend Nicky Davies conducted the ceremony. “It was beautiful, and included our religious and romantic requests,” Helen tells us. “Our rings were flown into the church service by a barn owl called Dusty, and my son, Matthew, was the receiver of the bird, which was a surprise for the congregation. Our guests could interact with and handle the bird of prey in the churchyard afterwards, which was a nice touch.” A red 1920s car transported the newlyweds to their reception, where Great Gatsby-themed entertainers greeted them, including a crystal ball performer, a close-up magician, a hula hoop act, burlesque Gatsby girls and a martini glass act. “Our guests enjoyed Bucks Fizz on arrival, and a quirky seaside-themed menu with a fish and chip lunch followed by ice cream,” Helen says. “Everybody enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and the crisp wall for supper, and we also served Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rose Brut and Ferrero Rocher from a burlesque champagne skirt.” Helen adds, “We loved our mini raspberry pavlovas handmade with Devon clotted cream and eggs which were decorated with chocolate-dipped mint leaves, fresh blueberries and strawberries and tasted delicious!” Helen spent 12 months making and designing the props. “We had confetti created using hand-dried red rose petals,” she tells us. “I also hand-crafted hula hoops with flowers, and we had mannequins wearing outfits from the era. We also had a converted wedding bicycle and a restored vintage circus tricycle, which looked great.” Helen wore a red off-the-shoulder bridal gown with a matching wrap, decorated with red pearls. “Red is one of my favourite colours, and it was the perfect fit,” Helen tells us. “I adored the rose ruffles because roses are my favourite flowers.” “The Wedding Speech Performer, Tom Vinall, had everybody laughing, and was exceptional at delivering witty humour and captivating the room.” - Helen 30
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