The lowdown
The happy couple: Stuart Horne, a 48-year-old graphic designer and Helen Dumbarton, a 43-year-old corporate assurance and planning manager from Weston-super-Mare.
Wedding date: Saturday 11 January 2025
Ceremony and reception venue: The Kingscote Barn near Tetbury
The suppliers
Wedding theme: Winter rustic
Photographer: Ben Roberts of Blooming Photography
Flowers: Bloomfields Flower Barn
Dress: The Bridal Store in Weston-super-Mare
Hair and make-up: Face Perfect by Jodi
Groom’s outfit: Moss Bros
Cake: Marks & Spencer
Catering: Epic Catering
Stationery: Online specialist withjoy.com
Entertainment: The Missing Cat Trio, Darren Campbell Magician, Dizzy Feet Events (DJ Neil Carter) and Hotshots Entertainment photo booth
Favours: They made their own scratch cards to win a free drink at the bar. Kids had an activity pack and a disco ball cup.
Rings: Stuart used Hand On Heart Jewellery and Helen's ring came from Fraser Hart Jewellers.
The details
When and how did you first meet?
We met at the Beefeater in Weston-super-Mare.
Who popped the big question and how did they propose?
Stuart asked Helen whilst on holiday in Newquay. He wrote 'will you marry me?' in the sand on Fistral Beach. He didn’t have a ring, so proposed again at home later on.
How long did it take you to plan your wedding?
We had 12 months to plan our wedding.
How important was it for you both to be legally married?
We had been together for nearly 12 years, we have two children, a house together, so it seemed the only thing left to do! Stuart wanted to give Helen the wonderful day she deserves.
Why did you choose your venue?
We both loved The Kingscote Barn, its rustic charm, accommodation and location. If felt like us.
Was there an inspiration or theme for your wedding?
Rustic winter vibes with dusty blue and neutral colours.
Did you hire a wedding planner or was it a DIY affair?
We did most of it ourselves, but did have a fantastic wedding coordinator at the venue as part of our winter wedding package.
What song did you walk down the aisle to?
An instrumental version of November Rain by Guns N' Roses, performed by The Missing Cat Trio.
What did you have for your wedding breakfast?
We had canapés with mulled cider and mulled wine for our drinks reception. This was followed by a three course meal of goat's cheese and caramelised onion tarte tatin; a chicken main course; and a dessert platter with three different puddings. We all loved the food! The highlight was an edible flower pot on the dessert plank.
What kind of cake did you go for?
A shop bought cookies and cream cake from Marks & Spencer, with cookies and brownies.
What was your first dance song?
Dream Catch Me by Newton Faulkner.
What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
We loved every second! We especially loved the magician who kept everyone thoroughly entertained during the drinks reception.
Did everything go to plan?
Yes, the whole day was perfect!
What advice would you give anyone planning their big day?
Use a spreadsheet to keep an eye on your costs! Make time to have regular planning ‘meetings’ with each other to share the load.
Don’t get hung up on the tiny details, they aren’t the bits you remember in the end.
Enjoy the day, it goes so fast!
And finally, where did you spend your honeymoon together?
In a luxury cabin in the Forest of Dean, with a hot tub and log burner.
We will be off on a ‘familymoon’ to Crete later in the year.
