Weddings are an opportunity for different families to come together to celebrate the happy couple’s union.

None more so than the wedding of Ellie and Anaish who seamlessly blended their different backgrounds, cultures and religions into a colourful celebration over three days and two venues back in September.

We recently caught up with the gorgeous couple, who after 13 years together finally tied the knot, to talk about their different ceremonies, their most memorable wedding moments, and those little touches which mean so much.

Why did you choose Arches and Ash Barton as your wedding venues? 

Anaish: “We met in London and live in London and we’re city people. But we also love the country and the seaside too. And we really liked the idea of getting married by the sea and in a place that’s calm and peaceful and away from the hubbub of London.”

Ellie: “We have family and friends from all over the country, and we have a big family on both sides. So we needed a venue that could cater for everyone, from babies and little children running around to my 100 year old grandad!”

Ellie: “We went to a wedding at Ash Barton a few years ago and just loved how much flexibility there was. So when we came to booking a venue it was a no brainer.”

Anaish: “When we came to visit Ash Barton, Simon mentioned Arches to us. We went along to take a look and just fell in love with the view. It’s tucked away and feels private but it’s really easy to get to the beach.”

What really stood out at each venue?

Anaish: “Definitely those views at Arches. And Ash Barton feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. So there’s this real connection to nature and a feeling of calm.”

Ellie: “And both venues were really easy to set up exactly how we wanted. There’s no red tape or a list of what you can and cannot do. The kids we know are important to us and for them Ash Barton was just a fun and safe experience. So that meant their parents could relax and have a good time too.”

So tell us about the different ceremonies

Anaish: “My heritage is Indian, so we had a Hindu ceremony for 120 people at Arches on the Friday. Religion and family are important in my culture, and we wanted to celebrate in a respectful way. To have a place like Arches for the ceremony really made the occasion so special. We had family and friends craft the ceremony, including Ellie’s cousin who sang the mantras. So it was really personal.

Ellie: “I had a Catholic upbringing. So on the Saturday, we had a full wedding ceremony for 200 people at Our Lady of the Star Church in Ilfracombe. It was beautiful. And then we had the reception and party at Ash Barton.”

Tell us about your gorgeous gowns Ellie. Where did you buy them and who was the designer?  

Ellie: “Anaish and I went up to Leicester together and we bought my sari on the famous Belgrave Road. I then went to Wembley to get a bodice made up, and a family friend helped with the jewellery. It was lovely to have guidance from family members as to what I needed!"

“For my white dress on the Saturday, I spent the previous summer travelling round London with my Mum and sister looking at dresses. I tried on quite a few and chose a dress from Morgan-Davies designed by Jesus Peiro. I wanted something elegant and classic that I would look back on in 20 years’ time and still love. I chose a beautiful lace veil which mum was excited about as it’s something I can keep and pass down.”

And who did your make-up and hair?

Ellie: “On the Friday a good friend of mine did the make-up for the Indian ceremony and Olivia at SALT hair and beauty in Braunton did my hair.

“For the Saturday ceremony, Katharine Shaw did the make-up and Carly Hanson our hair. They were so laid back and created a lovely calm vibe as we were getting ready.”

Anaish, what did you and best men wear?

Anaish: “I wore a navy blue Hugo Boss suit and I opted for a collarless shirt. I didn’t want a tie as it felt too fussy, and I wanted to have that Indian vibe too. As for the groomsmen. I told them what I was wearing, and they chose suits that were complementary.”

What food did you serve? Who did the catering?

Ellie: After the Friday ceremony, we had bubbles and nibbles on the beach.”

Anaish: And then on the Saturday Masala Creations did the food. They’re based in Southall in West London and serve authentic Indian cuisine which was important for us. The owner Hardeep and his team really understood that we had a mixed guest list and needed to cater to all kinds of tastes. So everything was clearly labelled and it was absolutely delicious!’ We also had GT Ales supply the drink. Gary was great to work with.”

What was the wedding cake like? Who made it?

Ellie: “Mrs Smudgers made our cake, and it was so beautiful and elegant. It was a vegan cake with a chocolate layer, a lemon cake at the bottom and coffee cake in the middle. Emma was so easy and helpful to work with, especially as we don’t live in Devon.” 

What was your entertainment? What was the name of the band/DJ?

Anaish: “We involved Louis van der Westhuizen of West House Music, who puts bands together specifically for each event. So we had a jazz trio called Pocket Jukebox who were wonderful. Followed by a Cuban band Jesús Cutiño. And then a friend of ours, Ethan Carter, DJd. They had our guests dancing all night long."

Who was your wedding photographer and videographer?  

Ellie: “We had our friend Bafana at Matea Photography take our photos. He’s taken photographs of us before. So we felt really comfortable having someone we know behind the lens, and he was on hand to catch all the emotions.”

Anaish: “And our videographer was Cal of CreatedbyCal, who is based in South Wales, and did a fabulous job.”

And your wedding planner / co-ordinator?

Ellie: “Katie at Best Day Ever. The weather meant we were changing plans every five minutes and it honestly wouldn’t have been as smooth as it was without her!”

And who made your beautiful bouquet?

Ellie: “Carly and her team from Sweet Williams in Ilfracombe. They were brilliant from the word go and the whole process was so smooth. All the arrangements were so beautiful.”

How did you add a personal touch to your wedding?

Ellie: “We put together a collage of photos of our parents and grandparents which included pictures from their wedding days. It was a mixture of our cultures coming together and a reminder of where we’ve come from.”

What was the order of events on the Saturday?  

Anaish: “We had the church ceremony at lunchtime, then we went to Ash Barton and had canapes and the jazz trio, then some photos, and Ellie and I did speeches in the courtyard. We had the wedding breakfast and the cake cutting and a few more speeches, and then the partying.”

Ellie: “And the night only finished when everyone went to sleep!”

And how about the day after?

Ellie: “Because my father is Ethiopian, we had an Ethiopian coffee ceremony in the courtyard on the Sunday. We dressed up had a friend cook traditional Ethiopian food as well as a big dish of paella.”

What were the most magical moments of the weekend?  

Ellie: “I think both the ceremonies were incredible. The Indian ceremony was special because I was stepping into Anaish’s culture. And the vows we crafted added the personal touch. Then the church ceremony was just so calm and such a special moment making these promises to each other and having our families witness that.”

Anaish: Yes, the ceremonies felt like it was just us, even with so many people there. They felt authentic to who we are. It was special to share the moment with people who have been part of our story.”

Anything go wrong or any funny stories to share?

Anaish: “On the Friday at Arches there was the most torrential downpour. It was so bad the water was literally cascading down the steps and Katie from Best Day Ever was trying to clear one of the drains to stop the water overflowing back into the building. But as soon as the ceremony started the rain stopped!”

Ellie: “We had the ceremony in bare feet, and I remember thinking my feet were wet! But I didn’t mind. All the seasons are important – even the rainy ones!”

What is your advice to other couples planning a wedding at Arches / Ash Barton? Do you have any top tips?

Ellie: “There’s lots you can do. But both Arches and Ash Barton are venues that are beautiful as they are. What’s important is having the people you care about close at hand. And to remind each other what you’re there for.” 

Anaish: “Your wedding day is a big day and takes a lot of planning. But have fun with it and work together on it.”

And lastly, would you recommend Arches and Ash Barton as a wedding venue?

Anaish: “Absolutely, definitely. There are just no other venues like it.” 

Ellie: “Nothing offers you the freedom that either of these venues offer. Don’t hesitate. Just book it.”