A Beautifully Blended Family Wedding at Tree Top Escape - Martine & Shaun – 28th July 2023
Martine and Shaun Bissett’s wedding was more than just a celebration of love — it was a heart-warming coming together of two lives, two families, and nine wonderful children.
Having been together for nine years, Martine and Shaun had already built a busy, joy-filled life as a blended family. With a shared passion for watersports — particularly kayaking and surfing — their life is full of fun, laughter, and adventure. The couple got engaged on Christmas Day, surrounded by their children, making it a truly special family moment.
.
Why an Intimate Wedding?
Having both been married before, Martine and Shaun knew exactly what they wanted for their big day: something small, meaningful, and entirely focused on their family. “We wanted a wedding just for us and our children,” Martine explained. “Perfect.”
Finding the Perfect Venue
Tree Top Escape ticked all the boxes for the couple. The peaceful, secluded setting, stunning views, and unique treehouse-style venue offered just the right mix of intimacy and natural beauty.
“The intimacy of it and the location was just perfect for us,” said Martine. “I’m quite boho, so being in a treehouse was exactly what I wanted.”
Effortless Planning
Planning the wedding was made simple thanks to the supportive Tree Top Escape team — and an active, welcoming community of previous couples.
“Any questions I had were immediately answered through the Facebook page, either by the Tree Top team or by someone who had already had their wedding there. I found that so fab — other people’s experiences helped me a lot.”
The Big Day
Living locally, Martine stayed with her mum the night before along with her daughters. As part of Tree Top Escape’s Day package, the couple didn’t stay overnight on-site but arrived separately on the day to keep the excitement and surprise alive.
The Tree Top Escape team were brilliant at keeping them apart before the ceremony. Their photographer, Maria Broome, captured individual moments before Martine’s two eldest sons walked her into the Nest, where Shaun and the rest of their children waited. “That was the most special moment — having my boys walk me in to see my husband-to-be and all our children there.”
The ceremony was heartfelt and personal. With the Nest’s large doors open to let the sunshine and fresh air in, the couple exchanged vows, with their youngest son giving them their rings — a touching and symbolic moment.
Unique Touches
From start to finish, Martine and Shaun’s wedding was filled with thoughtful, personal touches. Their choice of music reflected their personalities — including a nod to their love for all things *Star Wars*, with the theme tune played during the day and even a Star Wars-themed cake from Mrs Smudger’s Kitchen.
Martine’s flower headband and bouquet were created by Blossoms and Butterflies, while her elegant hair and makeup were styled by Beauty by Cathy.
After the ceremony, the family enjoyed food, drinks, and photos in the breathtaking grounds. “The whole day was as magical as I knew it would be,” said Martine. “The staff were so helpful and made our day that extra bit special.”
Advice for Future Couples
“Try not to worry too much about things that could go wrong on the day — the staff at Tree Tops will sort everything,” Martine advised.
And with a day as special, relaxed, and joy-filled as theirs, it's easy to see why Tree Top Escape was the perfect setting for this beautifully blended family’s unforgettable celebration.
Final Thoughts
Martine and Shaun’s Tree Top Escape wedding was everything a family-focused celebration should be: relaxed, meaningful, joyful, and filled with love and laughter.
We feel truly honoured to have been part of such a special day and wish this amazing couple — and their beautiful blended family — a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and cherished memories together.
If you’re dreaming of a micro wedding in Devon that’s relaxed, personal, and surrounded by nature, Tree Top Escape could be just the place for you. Whether you’re planning a heartfelt elopement or a small celebration with your closest loved ones (and maybe a few alpacas!), our team is here to help make it truly unforgettable. Visit our Intimate wedding pages to explore packages, view more real weddings, and start imagining your own magical day in the treetops.
More Posts:
