A Retro, Colourful Celebration Full of Fun and Personality at Wooladon Estate, Devon
setting the scene
Lucy and Jess’ Wooladon Estate wedding was a vibrant, joy-filled celebration that perfectly reflected their personalities: bold, playful and deeply personal. Their 14th June 2025 summer wedding in Devon welcomed 58 daytime guests, with the party growing as evening fell. From start to finish, the atmosphere felt electric - fuelled by the couple’s infectious energy and a vision brought to life with confidence and creativity.
Describing themselves as “cat mums, cocktail lovers, 70s dreamers, proud LGBT women who bring colour to each other’s lives,” Lucy and Jess created a day that was heartfelt, fun and entirely their own. Wooladon Estate, with its tranquil lake, rolling Devon countryside and versatile barn, provided the perfect canvas for their retro-inspired wedding.
The venue
Wooladon Estate gave Lucy and Jess the freedom to design a day that unfolded naturally across the estate. The gardens hosted their outdoor ceremony, with the house forming a romantic backdrop, while the lake offered a quiet pause for portraits - a serene contrast to the high-energy celebrations that formed the other parts of the day. Later, the barn transformed into a bold, colour-filled reception space for dining and dancing.
The estate’s mirrored lake, open countryside and characterful barn allowed the couple to fully embrace playful styling without losing elegance. The barn’s neutral interior worked as a blank canvas for vibrant décor, while the surrounding landscape created space for guests to relax, explore and enjoy the full Devon wedding experience.
The photography
Katie Goff Photography’s work is rooted in documentary storytelling, layered with cinematic creativity and a confident use of colour. Her approach focuses on capturing how a wedding feels - the in-between glances, genuine emotion and natural energy of the day.
“The way I shoot is authentic and unique to each couple. It’s about telling their story honestly and capturing what’s important to them throughout the day,” Katie explains.
Lucy and Jess were drawn to Katie’s rich colour palette, her ability to work intuitively with light, and her experience photographing same-sex weddings, which made them feel completely at ease. “They loved the creative stuff, the moodier images, and that I’d photographed same-sex couples before, which made them feel really comfortable,” she adds.
From the playful confetti walk bursting with retro tones to the serene lakeside portraits, Katie captured moments that were both joyful and intimate. Wooladon Estate’s natural light, reflective waters and lush surroundings allowed her to create a gallery that balances documentary storytelling with cinematic imagery, perfect for couples seeking authentic, heartfelt photography.
the Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony took place in the estate gardens, framed by the house and Devon countryside. Minimal yet striking styling included floral pillars, a bohemian aisle rug and a live string quartet, creating a romantic, personal atmosphere.
Both Lucy and Jess made grand entrances alongside their fathers and bridal parties, sharing personal vows that left many guests moved to tears. “There were a lot of tears. Old friends, family - everyone so connected. It was really emotional, in the best way,” Katie recalls.
Preparation was key to capturing these moments. “Planning is everything. I run through the ceremony in detail so I know exactly where to be. It lets me capture fleeting glances and emotions naturally,” she adds.
The Fashion
Jess wore a vintage-inspired satin gown from Rouvell Wedding Boutique, designed with a classic A-line silhouette and a statement thigh-high split - blending timeless romance with modern edge. The structured bodice featured delicate braid detailing and a lace-up back, while a matching mesh scarf and soft embroidered veil added an ethereal, sophisticated touch.
Lucy looked effortlessly chic in an off-white Reiss linen suit, the double-breasted blazer adding structure while the fabric kept the look relaxed and summer-ready. Finished with classic DM boots, her styling injected a playful touch, perfectly matching the couple’s expressive, retro aesthetic.
Their bridal party of nine included two flower girls, with bridesmaids wearing a mix of oranges and reds in both suits and dresses - modern, inclusive silhouettes that complemented the day’s 70s-inspired colour palette.
Styling & Details
The couple’s retro wedding styling embraced oranges, pinks and reds, from florals to décor. Key details included:
Disco balls and neon signs in the barn
Vinyl record table plans, Polaroid cameras and a record-signing guestbook
Bohemian aisle rug and floral pillars for the ceremony
Natural sunlight lit the gardens, while the barn came alive with shimmering disco ball reflections in the evening. Every element worked in harmony with Wooladon Estate, enhancing the venue’s versatility.
Flowers
Florals by Moth Florist brought vibrant energy to the day, blending oranges, yellows and pinks to complement the retro theme. Statement installations framed the barn entrance, alongside the mirrored welcome sign, and the cake table, where abundant blooms created a striking focal point.
Bouquets were relaxed yet full of personality, while bud vases along the reception tables added playful pops of colour, beautifully paired with burnt orange table runners. The florals tied the look together, enhancing the space while staying true to the couple’s joyful, personality-led aesthetic.
Food & Drink
The reception embraced a relaxed, festival-style feel, with a hog-roast barbecue, by Porky Swiners, serving burgers and sausages alongside fresh, vibrant salads. Pimm’s was the signature cocktail, echoing the summery colour palette.
The retro heart-shaped cake, finished with intricate Lambeth piping, was displayed on a rustic wine barrel surrounded by blooms - a playful, style-conscious nod to the 70s theme.
Speeches struck the perfect balance of humour and heartfelt emotion, before the barn filled with music, dancing and laughter. “They created exactly what they’d dreamed of. Seeing their vision come to life was so special,” Katie recalls. “Nothing was staged. It was completely true to who they are. Everyone had an amazing time — and that’s exactly what you want from a wedding.”
FAVOURITE MOMENTS
Couple’s favourite moment: Lakeside portraits - serene and intimate
Guests’ favourite moment: Confetti walk with bursts of retro colour
Supplier’s favourite moment: Entrance with giant cat cut outs - joyful and unforgettable
Unexpected highlight: Seeing the barn styling fully realised and filled with energy
advice for couple
One piece of planning advice: Run through your ceremony in detail to allow natural photo moments
One thing worth investing in: A photographer who understands your style and personality
One thing to worry less about: Perfection - focus on authenticity
What made the day truly personal: Every element reflected Lucy and Jess’ identity, from styling and music to playful, meaningful details
Suppliers
Photographer: @katiegoffphoto
Venue: @wooladonestate
Dress: @rouvell_wedding
Suit: @reiss
Celebrate: @camomileceremonies
Florist: @mothflorist
MUA: @dolledbydex
Hair: @hairbychelseaparker
Video: @lyraandmothphotography
Cake: @daamngood_bakes
Music: @sorrellistrings @swmusicltd @jamesharrissaxophone
Catering: Porkyswiners
