An International Wedding Celebration at Hayne, Devon
Written by Ben MNT
Photography by Freckle Photography
When Sam and Jacqueline began planning their wedding, they wanted a celebration that felt like them. No outdated traditions, no pretence, just love, family, and a good old party in the heart of Devon. Their wedding at Hayne Farm delivered all that and more.
With guests flying in from Australia, Canada, Finland, and the Netherlands, this was a truly international event. The gathering reflected not only their story but also how deeply cherished they are by the people in their lives.
The Story
Like many modern couples these days, Sam and Jacqueline met through the online dating app, Hinge, while living in London. After chatting for a while, Sam asked Jacqueline on a date. They chose the big Boots sign at Oxford Circus as their meeting point, an iconic London landmark that set the stage for the beginning of their love story.
A few years later, while visiting Jacqueline’s family in Australia, Sam popped the question in the coastal town of Berry.
“Sam had been acting a bit strangely, so I knew something was up,” Jacqueline laughed.
He suggested a sunrise walk, his backpack unusually full. At the top of the hill with views stretching over the ocean, he handed her binoculars to look for migrating whales. When she turned back, he was on one knee. Her response was spontaneous:
“Oh hello down there!”
They enjoyed a two-year engagement, giving them plenty of time to plan the wedding they both dreamed of.
The Venue
The couple fell in love with Hayne, a family-run venue tucked away in the rolling hills of Devon. Owned by Tim and Milla, the property offers a combination of rustic charm, warm hospitality, and breathtaking gardens. For Sam and Jacqueline, it was the perfect match.
They loved that Hayne grows its own flowers, with Milla handpicking blooms for bouquets and table arrangements. It meant their day was literally rooted in the beauty of Devon’s landscape. Adding to the magic, Tim even joined the evening band on saxophone. For Sam and Jacqueline, these personal touches made Hayne Farm feel more like a home than a venue.
The Planning
The couple gave themselves around 18 months to plan their wedding, working with a budget of £25,000. For them, the most important elements were clear from the beginning:
Great food - hearty and wholesome, celebrating Sam’s Devon roots.
A venue that allowed them to host their closest loved ones on site, making the celebration feel intimate and family-focused.
The chance to gather together the night before with a relaxed barbecue, cementing the feeling of two families becoming one.
An outdoor setting with an English cottage garden feel that showcased the natural beauty of Devon.
With so much character already present at Hayne Farm, they decided not to impose a theme. “The nature spoke for itself,” Jacqueline said.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in Hayne Farm’s walled garden, a setting that perfectly captured the couple’s love for nature and the English countryside.
Their celebrant, Frances Celebrates You, was someone they had first met at The Un-Wedding Show.
“We were right at the beginning of our journey and totally bewildered,” Jacqueline recalled. “She made us realise our ceremony could be anything we wanted.”
Together, they created a ceremony full of love, laughter, and personality. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows that balanced sincerity with humour. Jacqueline promised Sam that one day she would finally watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy with him. A highlight was the reading of the Hot Priest Speech from Fleabag, which had guests smiling through tears.
The day was made even more special by the glorious sunshine, which shone brilliantly over the joyous gathering.
The Outfits
Jacqueline wore a gown by Karen Willis Holmes - an Australian designer. The dress featured detachable puffy sleeves - playful, dramatic, and unapologetically her. She paired the look with hot pink shoes for a pop of colour that reflected her fun personality.
Sam looked dashing in a dark green Ted Baker suit, complete with a bow tie. Together, their looks complemented the homegrown Devon flowers that surrounded them.
The Details
The couple’s personality shone through in the thoughtful details:
A chocolate wedding cake baked by Sam’s Godmother.
Strings of photos documenting their journey together.
Activity books to entertain the many children in attendance.
Tables named after Australian landmarks, a nod to Jacqueline’s homeland.
A memory table honouring loved ones who could not be there.
The night before, those staying on site gathered for a family meal. “My mother-in-law made three amazing lasagnes,” Jacqueline said. “It set the tone perfectly for the weekend.”
Feasting and Photography
Food was provided by FEGO Food, whose hearty, seasonal dishes celebrated Devon’s incredible produce. Guests enjoyed a feast at long tables, surrounded by flowers and laughter.
Capturing the day was Emma Latham of Freckle Photography. Emma’s documentary style meant the big and small moments were preserved with honesty and beauty, from the quiet glass of champagne Sam and Jacqueline shared after the ceremony to the dance floor antics late into the night.
The Best Bit
When asked for her favourite part of the day, Jacqueline found it hard to choose.
“Having a quiet moment with Sam and a glass of champagne after the ceremony… looking around the reception and seeing people getting along… and then watching everyone get really silly on the dancefloor. All of it felt amazing.”
New Traditions
One tradition she let go of was the formal entrance to the wedding breakfast.
“The idea of being clapped in or doing a dance entrance made me anxious,” she explained.
Instead, they simply walked in alongside their guests, which felt far more natural.
Jacqueline chose to honour some family traditions by tying a lucky sixpence, lent by her mother-in-law, to her shoe with a blue ribbon. This ticked the boxes of “something old” and “something blue” in the most sentimental way.
Advice for Other Couples
Jacqueline’s advice for modern couples is simple but wise.
“Take your time and chip away at the planning jobs. Give yourself grace. It is exciting, but it is also stressful at times. There is a lot of work that goes into it.”
Supplier Credits
Venue and Flowers: Hayne, Zeal Monachorum, Devon
Photographer: Freckle Photography
Food: FEGO Food
Celebrant: Frances Celebrates You
Sam and Jacqueline’s wedding at Hayne proves that the best celebrations are the ones rooted in love, family, and personality. Their day was filled with heartfelt vows, personal touches, and laughter shared across continents. From sunrise proposals in Australia to a sun-soaked ceremony in Devon, their story is one of connection, creativity, and choosing what feels right over what is expected.
For modern couples planning a wedding in the UK or Ireland, this celebration is proof that when you focus on what matters most, you create memories that last a lifetime.
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