Emily & Jack's Magical Day | 23rd December 2023
As a crisp winter breeze rolled across the North Devon hills, Emily and Jack tied the knot in a beautifully intimate ceremony at Tree Top Escape. With the glow of candlelight, the warmth of loved ones, and views stretching out across the peaceful countryside, their December wedding was nothing short of magical.
A Love Story Rooted in Simplicity
Emily and Jack, who live in Hampshire with their beloved cats Rosie and Jim, have shared over a decade of love and laughter. Their journey began more than ten years ago and saw a memorable proposal in Edinburgh in 2021. Fittingly, their wedding reflected the quiet, meaningful nature of their relationship: deeply personal, beautifully understated, and surrounded by only their closest loved ones.
“We’re quite a low-key, private couple,” shared Emily. “We wanted a relaxed day where we could really take everything in. A wedding should be personal – and this was our way of making it ours.”
Finding 'The One'... Venue
Long before they were engaged, Emily and Jack came across Tree Top Escape on Instagram. “We commented on how idyllic it looked,” they said. So when the time came to plan their wedding, it was the very first venue they considered – and nothing else came close. With panoramic views of the North Devon hills, luxurious accommodation, and their first-ever holiday spot just around the corner, it felt like fate.
From their first chats with Nicola and Sam, the couple knew they were in good hands. “Tree Top Escape is such a special place. We knew we’d made the perfect choice.”
Stress-Free Planning
Far from the chaos many associate with wedding planning, Emily and Jack found the whole process a breeze. Booking over a year in advance, they quickly chose their suppliers from the venue's trusted list and tracked everything with a handy spreadsheet. “We remember reading on the website that it would be a ‘stress-free wedding journey’ – and we can certainly vouch for that.”
One of the biggest decisions was whether to book a videographer. With a smaller guest list, they felt torn about how to include their wider family and friends. “We eventually decided on North Summit Films, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Our wedding film is now one of our most treasured possessions.”
A Day to Remember
The wedding day itself was calm and joyful from the moment it began. After a relaxed morning getting ready separately with their families, Emily and Jack exchanged heartfelt vows in the stunning ceremony space, with the rolling Devon hills behind them.
“We spent the rest of the day toasting, exploring the grounds, enjoying a beautiful afternoon tea, fine dining in the Nest and sharing speeches. It was perfect from start to finish.”
Making It Their Own
Tree Top Escape offers couples the chance to tailor every part of their day – something Emily and Jack truly embraced. Instead of the traditional speeches, they invited everyone to say a few words during their meal in the Nest, creating an evening filled with laughter and happy tears.
They also opted for a unique take on a guestbook – a custom wooden plaque signed by each guest, now proudly displayed in their home. And in the spirit of their winter wedding, they gave guests personalised, handmade baubles as favours – a thoughtful touch that now graces Christmas trees each year.
Unforgettable Moments
While the whole day was filled with joy, the ceremony stood out as their most cherished memory. “Our eyes meeting for the first time, saying our vows, being told we were husband and wife – it was all so emotional. The setting, with the Devon countryside beyond the windows, made it even more special.”
A Word of Advice
Emily and Jack encourage future couples to carve out time for just the two of them on their big day. “Those little moments alone are so precious. Enjoy every step of the planning process and, on the day, soak it all up. People told us our wedding day would be the best day of our lives – and for us, it really was.”
Suppliers Who Made the Magic Happen:
Photography: Michelle Ley Photography
Videography: North Summit Films
Hair & Makeup: Hair and Make Up by Cathy
Styling: Marcia Shapland Wedding Styling
Catering: Cooking with Gazz
Cakes: Mrs Smudger’s Kitchen
Florist: Church Park Flowers
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