Wed Magazine Cornwall Issue 63

LOVE IS...

PARADISE FOUND

Wed in the warmth of the Mediterranean and discover an Eden that is exclusively yours. Say ‘I do’ in a tropical paradise and host your reception beneath a tree canopy lit by a thousand stars.

feel the love

GET wed DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

To order single copies or take out a year’s subscription for £18, simply visit wedmagazine.co.uk

Whether you’re newly engaged (congratulations!) or already a dedicated reader winging your way to the aisle, we’d like to welcome you to the new issue of Wed Magazine!

An incredibly special chapter in your life lies before you and, while wedding planning can be beyondwords exciting, it can also be overwhelming. These silken pages are designed to offer you a pocket of peace – timeout from the online wedding world and its endless grids, websites and mood boards – to immerse yourself in the joyful times that lie ahead.

Totally dedicated to Cornwall, each issue of Wed is packed to the brim with the dreamiest content, from must-read features to gorgeous shoots and joy-filled weddings – all captured against the county’s breathtaking landscapes. We’re proud to showcase the talents of an incredible team of wedding creatives, not to mention Cornwall’s seriously stunning wedding venues (head to our Venues Guide on p.113 for a

showcase of Cornwall’s finest).

This issue, our features range from a planning Q&A and the latest wedding trends to choosing those all-important rings, entertainment ideas for all ages and mixing up your wedding day timeline – sunset ceremony, anyone? And prepare for a bridal fashion fix as we showcase the hottest new bridal gowns landing in Cornwall’s boutiques.

You’ll find some swoon-worthy examples in our bridal fashion story She’s The One, which features a selection of modern romantic gowns in the elegant climes of new wedding venue, Polstrong Manor. In Love Struck, a carnival of blousy blooms, chic dresses and pared-back styling makes for a stunning contemporary wedding scene at beautiful Boconnoc.

For summer styling inspiration, Mediterranean Dreams is bursting with zesty hues, floral details and Italian kitchen garden vibes in the sun-kissed gardens

of Carwinion House. And The Godolphin makes a sublime canvas for a romantic palette of corals and pinks with a luxe boho edge in Shore Thing.

Then we come to the weddings. From Jules and Kieran’s DIY wedding in the heart of the Cornish countryside to Sarah and Tom’s colourful tipi wedding on the cliffs of Porthleven, each wedding is filled with so much joy, love and personality – not to mention Cornwall at its most beautiful.

Keep up to date with all things Wed by heading to our website, following us on Instagram at @wedmagazine and signing up to our weekly newsletter via our homepage on wedmagazine.co.uk.

But, for now, it’s time to get comfy, grab a cuppa and let the wedding planning commence!

Rebecca

TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY

Boasting one of the most iconic views in Cornwall and beyond, The Godolphin gazes directly at the world-famous St Michael’s Mount, making a wedding here as unforgettable as it is breathtakingly beautiful. Teetering on the water’s edge in Marazion overlooking the causeway, castle and sweeping Mount’s Bay, the beachfront boutique hotel stakes prime position for panoramas that whisper pure magic.

With three exclusive-use packages available for weddings up to 50-100 guests, you’re assured a dream blend of stylish interiors, sumptuous food and top-notch service in this incredibly scenic location. The Chapel Rock package comes with a Seaview room on the eve of the wedding and all hotel rooms on the Saturday night, together with a choice of ceremony rooms, drinks and canapés, a wedding breakfast, reception room and evening buffet. Choose the St Michael’s package for all this as well as the 10 hotel rooms on the night before and night of the wedding, exclusive use of the venue from the Saturday morning and a £500 bar allowance in Craby’s Restaurant. And, with the Kings Cove package, you can enjoy extras such as exclusive use of the venue from 3pm the day before the wedding until your departure the day after, and, for the Friday night, a dinner in Craby’s Restaurant and a £500 bar allowance.

Stage a ceremony on the terrace, with the castle and blue-green sea

Katie Goff Photography

SMALL WONDER

Dreaming of an elopement or an intimate wedding in a tucked-away valley in the Cornish countryside? Renowned for its beautiful weddings combining rolling landscape, charm-filled spaces and delicious, seasonal food, Nancarrow Farm is launching a special elopement package for a very limited number of dates in 2023.

Flanked by open grassy spaces and fruit orchards, the intimate ceremonies will take place in the idyllic setting of Nancarrow’s salad garden alongside the recently renovated greenhouse, where you may choose to take your vows alone or with up to 18 guests present.

Opening onto the garden, the Chicken Suite makes a perfect space for the pre-wedding preparations, while the salad garden is a gorgeous spot to mingle with guests after the vows over drinks and canapés made with the freshest of ingredients picked by the in-house kitchen team. As night falls, you’ll have the option of joining a Nancarrow Farm supper or throwing a bespoke feast in the greenhouse for up to 18 guests. An overnight stay in the venue’s luxury accommodation is the perfect way to round off a day packed with natural beauty, sumptuous flavours and wild romance.

The available dates for this package are 11th May, 18th May, 10th August, 17th August, 14th September and 21st September 2023. Get in touch to find out more.

nancarrowfarm.co.uk

WEDDING SUPERSTITION

It is believed to be good luck for a bride to cry on her wedding day as it symbolises that all her tears have been shed and she will not have any to shed during her married life.

Nick Walker Photography

Adam Sargent

Adam Sargent

Will Patrick

bridalbuzz

GARDEN PARTY

Nestled in 12 acres of idyllic gardens in the chocolate-box village of Mawnan Smith near Cornwall’s south coast, Carwinion House redefines the term ‘country escape’. The 18th century house can be found in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few miles from the maritime capital of Falmouth, offering a picturesque rural locale with sandy beaches and subtropical gardens nearby.

The exclusive-use wedding venue offers couples a secluded setting to celebrate their love in a series of scenic spaces, from the landscaped gardens and sprawling grounds to the stunning Raj marquee in the bloom-filled walled garden. Whether you wish to hold a small legal ceremony and celebratory drinks on the terrace or a larger event with full professional coordination, a package will be tailored to suit your vision. There’s even accommodation for six in the Gardeners Cottage, which is set in the heart of the garden overlooking the ponds and ceremony area.

Fully licensed for ceremonies that can take place either inside the historic house or outside in an incredibly pretty setting flanked by flowers and the still waters of the pond, flexibility and exclusivity are the keynotes of a Carwinion wedding for couples dreaming of a country romance with a dreamy difference.

As well as lower deposits and flexible payment terms, the venue is currently offering 20% off all available 2023/24 wedding packages booked before 30th April 2023. Get in touch to find out more.

carwinionhouse.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE…

STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION

Dreaming of a wedding under canvas in a scenic location? Make your vision manifest with the help of Skybar Weddings. Armed with years of experience in the hospitality industry and with numerous weddings and events successfully under their belt, the team offers a range of services for all types and sizes of marquee wedding.

Whether you’re in need of a location scout, stretch tent hire, layout advice or interior styling and equipment hire, they’ll be on expert hand to deliver your dream wedding with idiosyncratic flair. Their topof-the-range stretch tents are tailored to suit all types of celebrations, from intimate affairs to large-scale parties. Beautifully blending form and function, the safe and secure tents can weather any storm and can be adapted to suit a host of settings. So whether you envision a summertime clifftop shindig with an open-sided tent revealing the ocean beyond, a cosy winter wedding with warmth and magical ambience or a sprawling festival-style celebration via the tents’ modular, interlocking design – Skybar will create it with flourish.

And let’s not forget the interior. Couples can hire a range of lighting, flooring and furnishings such as tables, chairs and chesterfield sofas, along with various staging, sound, PA and entertainment options to ensure that every element is taken care of in unique and oh-so ‘you’ style.

skybarweddings.com

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Mignon McLaughlin

Katie Goff Photography

Katie Goff Photography

Katie Goff Photography

Katie Goff

Photography

WSD Productions

bridalbuzz

RURAL CHARM

Set in over 300 acres of rolling Cornish countryside just three miles from the north coast, Pengenna Manor offers a series of spaces for a private and personality-packed wedding in a secluded wooded valley.

Your wedding celebrations can play out however you wish across the exclusive-use venue, from the 800-year-old manor house and the summerhouse, an idyllic spot for outdoor ceremonies with sweeping valley views, to the Cowyard Barn, a 200-year-old rustic setting for wedding feasts and evening receptions.

A charm-filled room in the original stable block dating back some 200 years, the Stables is popular with couples seeking an intimate and atmospheric space for ceremonies and reception dinners. Over recent months, the space has been upgraded with new flooring, doors, windows, lighting and heating so that it can now host small receptions for up to 32 guests as well as wedding ceremonies for up to 60 guests. Its beams and timeworn walls bedecked in festoon lighting and lit with candles, it makes a seriously special setting for a wedding rich in rustic romance.

pengennamanor.co.uk

HOUSE OF LOVE

Blending timeless elegance with ambient spaces and views across acres of rolling countryside, new wedding venue Polstrong Manor offers immeasurable romance for couples seeking an intimate and gorgeously individual wedding.

Having recently undergone extensive restoration, the Grade II listed manor house in Roseworthy boasts a series of stunningly styled spaces, from the drawing room, a luxe and ambient setting with snug sofas, a striking fireplace and valley views, to the conservatory, a breathtaking, light-filled space for ceremonies, drinks receptions and evening parties.

Flooded with natural light and styled with exquisite wallpaper and a sink-into-me bathtub, the bridal suite is a serene sanctuary for the pre-wedding preparations – it also made the perfect setting for our bridal fashion story She’s the One (see p.22). The timeless romance continues in the gardens where a walled garden makes a secluded and scenic spot to host marquee receptions and al fresco ceremonies.

Available on an exclusive-use basis, Polstrong Manor strikes the perfect balance between country house elegance and a comfortable home-fromhome feel, making a stirringly beautiful setting for the house party of your life.

instagram.com/polstrong_manor_cornwall

Mark Shaw Photography

Katie Goff Photography

bridalbuzz

PARADISE FOUND

Beautiful, unique and enchanting, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offers an extraordinarily romantic setting for your wedding. Located in Pentewan, close to Cornwall’s south coast, the estate had been lost amidst the brambles of time since the outbreak of the First World War until the discovery of a hidden door which led to Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today, the award-winning 200-acre site is an earthly paradise – as peaceful as it is picturesque – where bamboo meets majestic tree ferns, meandering pathways weave through camellias and rhododendrons, the historical walled gardens, lamb-filled paddocks and the sound of birdsong.

The gardens are spectacular during all seasons, ensuring the most magical wedding experience. Hosting intimate ceremonies and receptions for up to 60 guests in a choice of indoor and outdoor event spaces, your wedding day can play out in the most beautiful of settings.

What’s more, for couples planning a wedding with sustainability in mind, approximately 85% of the produce used in Heligan’s menus comes directly from the estate – a mere 157 yards from garden to plate. Paired with a bespoke drinks menu of Cornish wines and spirits, your wedding breakfast of fresh, seasonal produce could feature everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Heligan’s own rare breed livestock. Whether you opt for a sit-down dinner or a relaxed al fresco barbecue, you’re assured a feast with a minimal carbon footprint, all coordinated by the dedicated wedding team.

Armed with a passion for creating weddings reflective of each couple’s style and story, The Lost Gardens of Heligan promises a beautifully memorable celebration in a unique setting.

heligan.com/events/weddings

PLANNED TO PERFECTION

If the prospect of planning your entire wedding from scratch feels overwhelming, then allow us to introduce you to Out of the Ordinary Weddings by Hazel Parsons.

Event planning involves much more than mood boards. Designing, sourcing, budgeting, problem solving, coordination and logistics and are just a few of the considerations to ensure a smooth, stress-free and successful wedding, which is where Hazel and her team can expertly help.

Armed with two decades of industry experience, Hazel utilises her passion, professionalism, attention to detail and insider knowledge to personally support couples every step of the way and make their vision beautifully manifest – minus the hitches. Specialising in weekend wedding management and on-the-day coordination, the service is perfect for couples planning weddings in marquees and exclusive hire venues. Choose from a comprehensive wedding planning package alongside styling (with sister company, Keeping It Vintage), pre-wedding set up and the big tidy up, allowing you to kick back and relax in the knowledge that, come one of the most important days of your lives, everything will fall into place.

outoftheordinaryweddings.com

WORDS OF LOVE…

“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” Elizabeth Gilbert

Photography: Chris Goodman Photography, Brian Robinson Photography Bridal wear: Coastal Bridal

Katie Goff

Photography

Louise May Photography

Louise May Photography

bridalbuzz

SHORE THING

Situated in a private cove just outside Newquay on Cornwall’s north coast, Lusty Glaze offers a heady blend of mesmerising seascapes, dramatic cliffs and fiery sunsets, making it an irresistible wedding venue for sea-loving souls. Roam between beach deck, beach lounge (complete with driftwood bar, sandy floor and dreamy ocean views) and the beach itself – or opt for an elopement ceremony inside one of the beach huts.

Discover the venue’s unique blend of beachside romance for yourselves when Lusty Glaze opens its doors on Sunday 26th March 2023 (10am–2pm) for its open house day. You’ll be able to meet the team and discuss your ideas with a selection of suppliers as you enjoy a cocktail and canapé hour within touching distance of the shoreline.

The event will reveal the sublime venue in all its sea-gazing glory as you’re given exclusive access and insider knowledge of all that’s in store for the wedding season ahead. For couples dreaming of a beach wedding, it’s difficult to imagine a more romantic than this spectacular corner of the Cornish coast, from the sun-kissed sands of summer to the wave-lashed shores of winter. lustyglaze.co.uk

PHOTO FINISH

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions of your day. Why? Because they’ll be your shadow throughout, so you’ll want someone that you – and your guests – can connect with and relax around to be your authentic selves and create the very best images.

Verity Westcott is all about staying true to who you are and how you want your wedding to play out, shooting every unique one accordingly. “I love to break away from the norm, breaking traditions, rules and not working from a list,” she says. “I shoot with Fuji cameras that are small and silent, not to interrupt any part of your day. I am not a traditional or formal photographer. I aim to capture all the raw emotions of your day, with you hardly noticing I am there.”

Her creative, fun and engaging approach produces albums that convey the personality of each couple while capturing the people and places involved with honesty and beauty. Offering micro wedding and elopement packages with a minimum two hours coverage, you can also book ‘The Ultimate Photography Package’ that features 10 hours coverage as well as a pre-wedding shoot, fine art prints, framed Polaroid image, online gallery and unlimited downloads. Get in touch for stunning storytelling photography you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

veritywestcottphotography.com

Clare Kinchin Photography

Charlotte & Dave by Mark Shaw Photography

bridalbuzz

LOVE ON THE LIZARD

Perfectly positioned on a clifftop on the Lizard peninsula, Polurrian on the Lizard offers the most stunning panoramas across Mount’s Bay. Together with its contemporary interiors and super-luxe private villas and light spacious hotel rooms, this ever-changing canvas of sea and sky makes for a spectacular backdrop for a wedding.

The venue offers a series of options, combining the expertise of the dedicated wedding team with delicious food and drink and a highly bespoke approach. You might dream of tying the knot and partying the night away in the Vista Lounge with its panoramic bay views, DJ booth and state-of-the-art sound system; or perhaps you envisage a more intimate affair in The Cove View Suite, a dedicated ‘blank canvas’ with private bar and outdoor terrace.

Discover the potential of the venue for yourself by visiting the wedding fair on Saturday 11th February from 12noon-3pm. With bubbles and canapés on arrival, you’ll be free to wander the various ceremony and celebration spaces while browsing the services of a range of wedding suppliers. Anyone who books their wedding on the day and pays a deposit will receive free venue hire. To attend this free event, please register by emailing events@polurrianhotel.com or call 01326 240421.

You might even decide to make the most of the venue’s Valentine’s package, which starts at £149 for an overnight stay including a three-course meal and full Cornish breakfast – all served before those breathtaking ocean views. polurrianhotel.com

WHERE COAST MEETS COUNTRY

Tucked into a secluded Cornish cove with Porthluney Beach on one side and stunning wooded gardens on the other, Caerhays Estate is immersed in natural beauty – an oasis for couples seeking a palpably away-from-it-all feel for their wedding day.

Wild, romantic and exclusively yours, pick from a plethora of spaces to take your vows and celebrate, from a ceremony in the sea-gazing Coastguard’s Lookout or The Vean to a reception in the Beach Meadow or Castle Field (also available for celebrantled ceremonies), which present prime territory for a marquee wedding overlooking sprawling seascapes.

The Vean is Caerhays’ private Georgian country house retreat offering luxe accommodation for up to 16 people, while Caerhays Holidays boasts a dozen properties ranging from a wing of the castle to a barn conversion for a stay (almost) as sublime as the wedding day itself.

Discover more about weddings here whilst roaming the estate during Caerhays Wedding Open Day on Saturday 25th February, which will coincide with the spring opening of the gardens. Meet a selection of suppliers, drink in the views and discuss your ideas with the events team as you envisage your own celebration in this beguiling corner of Cornwall.

caerhays.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE…

“The older you get the more you realize that it isn’t about the material things, or pride or ego. It’s about our hearts and who they beat for.” J. Sterling

Debs

Alexander Photography

Mark Shaw Photography & Adj Brown

Nick Bailey Photography

Lee Searle

Photography

Travers & Brown

Photography

Verity Westcott

Photography

bridalbuzz

A SO-YOU CEREMONY

Designing beautifully bespoke ceremonies, Nicola Le Couteur Bisson and Denise Whitehair of the Cornish Celebrants are dedicated to achieving the most memorable and meaningful celebration that reflects your relationship in all its unique wonder. Whether you wish to wed with the sand between your toes, atop a Cornish hilltop or in a field of wildflowers, you can pick every element of your ceremony to match your vision.

With almost 30 years of combined experience in Cornwall’s registration service before setting up Cornish Celebrants in 2014, Nicola and Denise will create a personalised ceremony at the place and time – and with the content – to suit. “We believe that the ceremony should be at the very heart of your wedding day; after all what’s more important than saying ‘I do’?” says Nicola. “We will write your bespoke ceremony script in conjunction with you, ensuring that it is reflective of your unique combination of personalities,” adds Denise. “We never deliver the same ceremony twice, and pride ourselves on the diverse range of ceremonies that we have conducted over the years.”

Picture a sunrise hand-fasting ceremony on the beach, tying the knot at moonrise or hosting a midday ceremony in the sunshine of your back garden while uttering your self-penned vows. You may wish to incorporate special music or prose, cultural traditions, alternative rituals or stage an intimate blessing at your favourite park. However you envisage your wedding, Nicola and Denise promise to work closely with you to create the most magically ‘you’ ceremony – and moments you’ll cherish forever.

cornishcelebrants.co.uk

SO INN LOVE!

If a relaxed wedding in a boutique inn sounds like your kind of celebration, prepare to be wowed by The Gannet. Located in Carbis Bay, The Gannet lies just a short distance from award-winning Blue Flag Carbis Bay Beach and is just a mile from the quaint streets and sandy beaches of St Ives. Being the sister hotel to Carbis Bay Estate, ceremony and photo opportunities on beautiful Carbis Bay Beach are just some of the attractions of marrying at The Gannet.

A spacious and stylish space for taking your vows and celebrating in style, the lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar area is styled with luxe furnishings, snug chesterfield sofas and quirky accents. Food is a speciality at The Gannet, and a delicious menu will be designed around your tastes: think hearty dishes packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients and washed down with a heady choice of fine wines and local ales and spirits.

There are 16 individually designed bedrooms with a blend of mellow coastal hues, bold décor and elevated sea views, and a further 12 bedrooms in nearby Gannet House. With exclusive hire options available, you can enjoy a private party at the venue, making cherished memories on the sands of Carbis Bay as well as in the luxe, versatile and characterful climes of the boutique retreat.

gannetstives.co.uk

WORDS OF LOVE…

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life. That word is love.” Sophocles

Katie Goff Photography

Katie Goff Photography

Harrera Images

Boconnion is a secluded 150 acre estate featuring a Manor House, a farmhouse, a reception barn and numerous traditional outbuildings, all set within acres of well-maintained gardens overlooking miles of unspoilt rolling countryside.

the colour of love

From scarlet and garnet to ruby and burgundy, embrace shades of red for a bold, beautiful and oh-so romantic wedding

compiled by Rebecca Matthews

1. Available in premium recycled card or plantable seed paper, the Art of Flowers stationery suite by Laura Likes combines sustainability with artful design and a sumptuous palette. lauralikes.co.uk

2. From the tulle ruffles to the shade of deep red, this dress by Needle and Thread channels elegant Hollywood vibes for a head-turning bridal party. needleandthread.com

3. This garnet necklace by Wanderlust Life makes a dainty finishing touch for a bridal or bridesmaid ensemble. wanderlustlife.co.uk

4. Crown your gown with this handwoven silk headband by Holly Young Millinery. hollyyoung.co.uk

5. Finish your bridal ensemble with these distinctive earrings by Emily Nixon, blending sparkling rubies and seaworn gold. emilynixon.com

6. This glorious medley of rubies and diamonds by Mirri Damer makes for a forever-worthy wedding ring. mirridamer.com

7. Bold, sophisticated and oh-so comfortable, these court shoes by Emmy London make for perfect party wear. emmylondon.com

8. If romance was a bouquet, we think it would look something like this dream medley of blooms by The Cornish Country Garden Flower Company. instagram.com/ cornishcountrygardenflowers

Rebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Headband Victoria Louise Accessories

she’s the one

Layers of airy tulle and chiffon spin a modern fairytale in the achingly romantic setting of Polstrong Manor

Photography Liam Arthur Styling Suzi Winter

Rebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Headband Victoria Louise Accessories

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique Headband The Lucky Sixpence X Ness Bridal

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Earrings Victoria Louise Accessories

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique Headband Victoria Louise Accessories

GAIA Bridal, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Earrings Victoria Louise Accessories

love struck

Set amidst acres of parkland, ancient woodland and flower-filled gardens, Boconnoc makes a dreamlike canvas for a country house wedding. In this styled shoot, a love story plays out against the elegant spaces of the historic house, from the Library dressed with a carnival of flowers in muted tones to a pared-back tablescape in the lightfilled Garden Room styled with delicate stems.

The soft and romantic mood continues with the bridal gowns. From a gorgeously light confection of ruffles and floral embellishment to a sleek, minimalist design, the dresses blend timeless beauty with a modern edge. With the groom resplendent in a dashing dinner suit, the couple wander the grounds –champagne in hand – basking in the joy of their contemporary country house romance.

Fall for the romance of a modern country house wedding where elegant styling and fanciful gowns meet a symphony of roses

photography Kamila Nowak Photography styling Rebecca Marie Weddings

wed’s wish list

COOL CUTS

There’s a new designer gracing the rails of St Ives Bridal Boutique – and, with its blend of clean cuts, luxe fabrics and trending design features, Love Story Bride is the perfect addition to the coastal boutique’s contemporary collection. With quality and skilled craftsmanship at the heart of its ethos, the luxury British label pairs timelessly elegant silhouettes with fresh and feminine twists – think figurehugging crepes, off-the-shoulder cuts, daring side splits and modern romantic laces.

The new designer sits alongside a line-up of some of bridal fashion’s most coveted names in the relaxed and intimate boutique, from Charlie Brear and Made With Love to Kate Fearnley and Alma Novia. The stylish selection of dresses and separates from Charlie Brear come with a range of styling pieces such as overskirts, capes, sleeves and tops, allowing brides to create a bespoke look which can be transformed from day to night.

Meanwhile, Australian label Made With Love continues to wow brides seeking beautifully crafted modern dresses. From minimalist silhouettes to romantic gowns embellished with hand-beaded lace, the collection is as versatile as it is fashion-forward. The latest arrivals include Luca: a soft confection of soft pleated tulle decorated with pearl-look lace; Jaymes: a showstopping gown pairing a plunging neckline and decadent floral lace; and Kennedy: an off-the-shoulder cut with statement lace, intricate ruching and a dramatic train. Then there’s Alexandra: with its beaded lace and mini skirt, it’s the perfect party dress for the engagement party, hen night or evening reception! stivesbridalboutique.co.uk

From dreamy dresses to seriously chic accessories, here’s our pick of the latest bridal must-haves

words Rebecca Matthews

1.

TIME TO SHINE

Dripping with sequins and happy vibes, Rosa Bloom’s capes and jackets are the ultimate accessory for festivalchic brides. Designed in Cornwall and handcrafted in Bali, the brand has earned a cult following for its playful designs cloaked in oversized sequins. We love the Eclipse sequin cape in iridescent opal or amethyst for a fun cover-up, or how about a shimmering dress or jumpsuit for the evening shenanigans? rosabloom.com

THE IT-BRIDAL BAG

Say hello to a super-chic way to carry your W-day essentials: the Grace Backpack from Grace Loves Lace. Crafted from fresh ivory crepe off-cuts, the versatile bag from the Australian designer is the ideal size for your must-haves – perfect for the big day and beyond! graceloveslace.co.uk

HOT FROCKS

Creating a special experience for brides to remember is key to the ethos of Bridal Gossip in Wadebridge. “It’s not just a dress – it’s a wedding experience, whilst making memories you will always cherish,” explains owner Caroline Griffiths.

You’ll find some seriously special dresses in the boutique too, from dreamworthy ballgowns and elegant A-lines to figure-hugging fishtails and chic separates. A selection of gowns from House of St Patrick La Sposa offers both classic elegance and trend-led detailing for modern brides, while White Rose offers pure romance in lace, silk, chiffon and tulle. There’s a beautiful selection of customisable designs by Millie May and its sister plus-size label, Milly Grace, and dreamy silk numbers by Ivory & Co. Then there’s the Kelsey Rose collection, which is going down a treat with brides seeking cool-girl bridal style, from super-stylish separates to boho, beach-ready dresses.

The arrival of new designer Ladybird brings more swoon-worthy choice to the rails. Blending flattering fits, quality fabrics and handcrafted detailing, Ladybird balances contemporary style with classic glamour. Hopeless romantics will love the elegant lace and sheer detailing of Alizah and Luella, the structured lines and luxe mikado of Kaiza and Petra, and the sweetheart neckline and daring slit of Paityn. bridalgossip.co.uk

TRUE ROMANCE

Tucked away on the winding streets of Mevagissey, Coastal Bridal offers bridal treasures galore in the scenic setting of a Cornish fishing village. Home to designers Victoria Kay and True Bride, brides can look forward to everything from fresh-from-a-fairytale gowns and vintage-inspired designs to pared-back modern cuts.

The arrival of a flurry of new gowns by True Bride sees the collection growing ever dreamier. Fusing contemporary inspiration with bygone Hollywood style, luxurious fabrics and expert construction, the new gowns offer divine silhouettes, dazzling details and a generous dose of glamour. The boutique will be hosting a True Bride trunk show on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February. With the latest collection at the rails – not to mention discounts and goodies available – it’s the perfect time to browse the dreaminess for yourself.

And, for a gorgeously dressed bride tribe, the boutique also stocks True Bride’s collection of bridesmaid dresses. Whether you’re seeking vintage vibes, classic elegance or boho style, the extensive choice of colours and figure-flattering cuts will ensure a look your ‘maids will love. coastalbridal.co.uk

SISTER ACT

Celebrity stylist and bridal wear designer Kate Halfpenny has unveiled her new Sister collection: a stunning edit of bridesmaid dresses and separates to suit every body shape and style. Designed and made in England, the designs come in sage green and rose gold, and range from a flattering wrap dress and cowl neck midi dress to a versatile cami and skirt – each designed to be loved and worn again and again. halfpennylondon.com

GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS

Looking for chic gifts your bridesmaids will love? Armed with a vision to redefine wedding gifting, new company April & Bloom offers a range of carefully curated gift boxes filled with stylish products such as Marc de Champagne truffles, Whispering Angel rosé, silk scrunchies, sculpture candles, bath soaks and soaps wrapped lovingly in ribbons. Whether it’s for your bridesmaid ‘proposal’ or a wedding morning thank you, your ‘maids are sure to cherish these boxes of delights. aprilandbloom.uk

GO FOR GLAMOUR

A selection of dresses from the new Abella collection from Allure Bridals has arrived at Bliss Bridal Gowns in Newquay – and the blend of iconic silhouettes, playful accents and dazzling beading and lacework promises to wow brides seeking a heady dose of glamour on W-day. Choose from the striking sheath, beaded tulle and delicate feathers of Shirin; the crisp mikado and off-the-shoulder silhouette of Samira, and the soft lace and square neckline of Eden.

Joining gowns from GAIA Bridal, Ella Rosa and Rebecca Ingram by Maggie Sottero, you’ll find designs ranging from classic elegance to modern sophistication as well as a stylish collection of bridesmaids dresses from Sorella Vita. With a huge variety of necklines, silhouettes and fabrics, choose from airy chiffon to sumptuous velvet in a range of trending colourways.

And, for those all-important finishing touches, a collection of handcrafted baroque pearl jewellery from Kiri & Belle is now available, including delicate drop earrings, dainty bracelets and shimmering necklaces. What’s more, a tree will be planted for every gown purchase as part of Bliss Bridal Gowns’ partnership with the Field to Forest Foundation, leaving a wonderful legacy of your special purchase in a corner of the Cornish countryside. blissbridalgowns.co.uk

WHITE HOT

Frocks & Frills has opened the doors of its new boutique in Little Castle Street, Truro – and it’s packed with an extensive selection of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses as well as fashions for mother of the bride, evening wear and prom.

Home to Romantica, alongside Pure, Jennifer Wren, Silhouette and Sonsie, brides can look forward to a fabulous choice. From Romantica’s award-winning opulent gowns to Sonsie’s shapely dresses designed especially for the fuller figure, brides are bound to fall for (at least!) one of the many frocks adorning the rails. What’s more, the top floor is dedicated to a selection of off-the-peg dresses for both brides and bridesmaids, alongside a collection of accessories such as veils, boleros and tiaras.

So whether you wish to peruse the latest collections, find your finishing touches or bag a beautiful bargain, Frocks and Frills’ will ensure a spoilsome shopping trip. Get in touch to make your appointment and keep an eye on the boutique’s Facebook page for details of an upcoming open evening. frocksfrills.co.uk

HEADS UP

If you’re seeking a head-turning look for your wedding, you can’t go wrong with this luxe bridal beret from Holly Young Millinery. Named after Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall – renowned for her penchant for berets – this soft wool creation from the Cornwall-based milliner comes complete with a detachable veil and crystal moon brooches to add instant sophistication to your W-day look.

hollyyoung.co.uk

THE TOP TRENDS OF 2023

From bold bows to micro minis, these are the looks to love for the coming year’s nuptials

words Hannah May

If your search for ‘the one’ also involves a hunt for the hottest fashions spilling off the bridal catwalks, then you’re in luck. For we’ve scoured the latest collections to bring you the must-have fashions for this season and beyond.

Simply pick your favourite features and combine them for an utterly ‘you’ bridal look that’s both bespoke and effortlessly on-trend.

(Back) bows

Having never really left the runway, back bows remain an easy way to up the sartorial ante – along with the drama. Part of the maximalist movement, oversized bows are appearing everywhere from the shoulders to the derrière, skirt and train. Detachable or in-built, they ooze modern glamour. Alternatively, mini bows are also de rigueur, offering a more understated look through dainty bow belts, floating bows, tiny hand-stitched embellishments, spines of bows and delicate bow detailing.

Abella by Allure,

Bliss Bridal Gowns

Tulle

Tulle will always be synonymous with bridal wear. As far as ultra wearable, light-as-a-feather fabrics go, it’s the clear winner. Especially suited to ethereal styles, it smacks of feminine and timeless romance. Full tulle skirts, draping or off-the-shoulder sleeves, tulle mock necks and billowing veils are all coveted additions on the catwalk. Dotted, bobbinet, silk or pearl – there’s an array of different types, textures and effects for a multitude of looks. And if you want to create two ensembles in one, pair your gown of choice with a detachable tulle skirt or tulle shawl for an extra shot of bridal style.

Square necklines

Though reminiscent of romantic Regency style empire gowns, square necklines also offer a modern-cut edge for brides seeking a blend of traditional and top trending. Chic, simple and versatile – combine with puff sleeves for an opulent sense of romance, lace for boho beauty, a mermaid silhouette for form-fitting seduction or a statement ballgown for classic and tailored elegance.

Kelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

Kelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Rebecca Ingram, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

St Ives Bridal Boutique

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Silhouette, Frocks & Frills Ladybird, Bridal Gossip True Bride, Coastal Bridal 47

Corset styles

Boudoir-inspired bridal wear continues to reign supreme. Think lace-up backs, underwear as outerwear, structured bodices and exposed boning for the most sensual ensemble imaginable. Whether you prefer babydoll or bandage dresses, there’s a bridal look to suit. Daring brides will delight in flossing, cut-outs, deep plunging V-necks, corsetry and nude fabrics, while those in favour of a more modest outfit will migrate toward cinched waists, structured bodices, lace bustiers and sweetheart styles.

Textural and sheer fabrics

Barely-there styles are beautifully on point, presenting brides with the chance to bare all or cleverly cover up with just a hint of skin. Sheer fabrics are the perfect solution to achieve a range of looks, from ‘naked’ gowns to bohemian splendour. From sheer tulle tops and illusion backs to translucent lace, sheer skirts and trains, see-through materials (with or without carefully placed panels, appliqués and embroideries) can be as layered, embellished or exposing as you like. Meanwhile, textural fabrics and elements can be used to achieve a more subtle – or similarly risqué – effect, such as with (colourful) floral embroidery, faille, crinkled chiffon, 3D florals, feathers, dotted tulle and crochet.

Kelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Jennifer Wren, Frocks & Frills

True Bride, Coastal Bridal

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Victoria Kay, Coastal Bridal

Victoria Kay, Coastal Bridal

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Made With Love, St Ives Bridal Boutique

Voluminous sleeves

Fast becoming bridal mainstays, voluminous sleeves are a high-impact and dreamily romantic addition to any outfit. Puff sleeves maintain their position amongst the mostwanted list alongside balloon sleeves and flared styles.

Off-the-shoulder, removable and three-quarter lengths are popular ways to enhance the fairytale factor, while flared sleeves (flutter, batwing, bell) can evoke everything from a retro to a regal vibe. Go bold with bishop sleeves or vintage with fluted sleeves. So long as there’s shape or volume involved, you’ve struck the right fashion chord.

Sparkle

Eye-catching adornments are all the rage, ensuring head-turning fashions with a heady dose of glamour. Metallics are making a megawatt resurgence – either tonally through the fabric or as embellishments, while everything from a delicate scattering of sequins to jewelencrusted bodices are hitting the sartorial mark. There’s a host of ways to create or capture the look including beads, crystal work, mirror and reflective embellishments, and rhinestones, whether it’s head-to-toe sparkle or the odd light-catching speck you favour.

Spruce up a plain dress with freshwater pearls strung along your back and shoulders, pick all-over beaded lace or add metallic embroidery to your veil, train or appliqué for the most bedazzling bridal look.

Abella by Allure, Bliss Bridal Gowns

Charlie Brear, St Ives Bridal Boutique

True Bride, Coastal Bridal

True Bride, Coastal Bridal

Jennifer Wren, Frocks & Frills

Ballgowns

Never have ballgowns been more breathtaking. Offering brides eternal elegance along with the chance to showcase some seriously swoonworthy designs, the humble ballgown has been transformed into today’s modern wonder. With costume drama influences and Gothic elements all filtering into ballgowns, expect to pore over everything from frocks with feather fringing and mock necks to blue and black coloured gowns. Tiered skirts remain a staple, while paints and prints are eye-catchingly en vogue. Minimalist mikados pack a simplistic statement, cutouts and corsets create contemporary edge, splits whisper seduction and ruffles ooze romance. Adornments of note include hand-stitched embroideries and beadwork, paper ribbons, feathers, giant bows and pearl detailing.

Bridal separates

For instant personalisation, mix and match designs are the fun, versatile and oh-so stylish choice. Announce your à la mode status by pairing handpicked pieces to suit your individual fancies. Making particular waves on the runways are heirloom separates, dressed up jumpsuits with capes/overskirts, statement shrugs and two-piece pantsuits. There’s a set to thrill everyone from fashionista to boho bride, including classic allwhite bridal suits (with detachable overskirts), statement cargo pant and bralette two-pieces and silk camisoles or lace tops with maxi skirts. Veils, headpieces and gloves complete the carefully curated ‘editorial’ look – or opt out of the accessories for a more laidback, barefoot vibe.

Micro minis

Party-ready, frivolous and uber fashionable, the LWD (little white dress) is gorgeously amok on the runways. Micros are one of the most coveted of cool styles, with thigh-high splits and high-lows (or the new ‘minilow’) providing alternative ways to flash your pins during the aisle walk or afterparty. Perfect for a sneaky dress change midway through the day, layer a short skirt with a longer overskirt to remove post-nuptials, or swap a maxi skirt for a mini for the most wow-worthy first dance moment. You might wish to nod to the trend with a chic tulip skirt or asymmetrical hemline, or own the look with an open back, illusion panels, sheer lace and plunging neckline.

True Bride, Coastal Bridal

Kelsey Rose, Bridal Gossip

wed’s boudoir

Tips, trends and top products for beauty junkie brides

words Rebecca Matthews

call of the ocean

Born from a passion for the ocean, Newquay-based Me&thesea Skincare handcrafts a luscious selection of skin-loving products ranging from body butters and scrubs to a cleansing balm and Cornish clay mask from ethically sourced sustainable ingredients. As well as being deeply hydrating and enriching your skin with natural goodness, the essential oil-rich potions will whisk your senses to tropical climes. A blend of sea salt, coffee granules, raw shea butter and cocoa butter, the award-winning lemongrass and lime coffee scrub is our new skincare staple – and just the ticket for silky, wedding-ready skin. meandtheseaskincare.co.uk

the eyes have it

Put your best flutter forward with Enrich & Elevate mascara from Iconic London. Infused with a lash growth active to improve the condition of your lashes, the multi-tasking mascara curls, lifts and lengthens for a wide-eyed W-day look. Wear it with Enrich & Elevate eyeliner, which also nourishes your lashes while creating high-impact flicks that will look seamless from the pre-ceremony preparations to the post-party fun. iconiclondoninc.com

go-to gloss

Prepare to meet your new beauty bag must-have. Super hydrating and gorgeously glossy (minus the sticky factor), Trinny London’s Lip Glow brings a wash of buildable colour to your lips. Complete with vitamin E and a sweet watermelon scent, choose from shades ranging from cherry red to peachy nude. trinnylondon.com

sleeping beauty

From the wedmin and late nights crafting DIY details to the prewedding socials, sleep can be in short supply during the run-up to W-day. And, as study after study reveals the detrimental impact a disrupted sleep pattern has on our health, there’s never been a better time to discover the calming, sleep-inducing brilliance of the Deep Sleep range by This Works. From the cult pillow spray, which calms body and mind with its award-winning blend of lavender, camomile and vetivert, to the overnight cream, bath soak and body whip, prepare to be soothed into a deep and restorative slumber by this must-have collection. thisworks.com

natural selection

A trio of face creams has landed from Lab by NS Biome all based exclusively on the unique postbiotic active and fermented extracts of northern cloudberry and wild raspberry to help support your skin’s microbiome. Made with a powerful blend of sustainably grown and harvested wildflowers and herbs, the ingredients will boost your skin’s resistance to external aggravators, enhancing radiance and regeneration, whilst maintaining healthy skin and a glowing complexion. Choose from the Protection & Moisturising Face Screen with SPF50, the Hydration Face Cream with SPF30 and the Biome Peptides Face Cream – and look forward to a natural, healthy glow for the nuptials. naturasiberica.co.uk

L U X U R Y W E D D I N

T H E

S E

G S B Y

A

H i s t o r i c c h a r m w i t h a m o d e r n e l e g a n c e . T h e A t l a n t i c H o t e l N e w q u a y i s a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g 4 s t a r w e d d i n g v e n u e a s u n i q u e a s y o u r l o v e s t o r y

S u r r o u n d e d b y b e a u t i f u l h e a d l a n d , s t u n n i n g b e a c h e s , a n d e n c h a n t i n g s e a v i e w s , y o u r d a y i s f r e e t o b e w h a t e v e r y o u d r e a m o f

F o r a b r o c h u r e , p r i c i n g , o r v e n u e t o u r p l e a s e e m a i l e v e n t s @ a t l a n t i c h o t e l n e w q u a y c o u k

be jewelled

Prepare to be captivated by this exquisite bridal jewellery

PERSONAL PIECES

Seeking a personal gift for your bridesmaids or a customised finishing touch for your bridal ensemble? Devon-based jewellery brand Wanderlust Life have unveiled Memento, their new collection of engravable jewellery. From lockets and heart pendants to bar bracelets, signet rings and porthole necklaces, the gorgeous choice of jewels might be inscribed with initials, nicknames, dates, personal mantras or whatever you fancy for a minimalist but meaningful piece of jewellery to treasure.

wanderlustlife.co.uk

REMEMBER ME

Couples are continually seeking special ways to honour loved ones who have passed away on their wedding day. Cast & Found offers a gorgeously personal way of taking that special someone on your journey down the aisle in handcrafted jewellery encapsulating ashes. Cast directly from nature’s capsules such as poppy seed heads and acorns, these timeless pieces are as beautiful as they are meaningful – and a wonderful way of keeping your loved one close as you take those allimportant vows.

castandfound.co.uk

words Rebecca Matthews

NEW JEWELS

Renowned Plymouth jewellery store Drakes is now under new management, having joined forces with award-winning jewellers Allum & Sidaway. “We now have the added resource of not one but an additional five sister stores; that gives us the opportunity to access countless more collections to bring you much more choice!” explains marketing manager Abi Davies. “Our store team remains the same: same friendly faces, same values, same passion for all things bridal – just with the benefit of more choice.”

The new management has ushered in a flurry of shimmering arrivals to the store, with diamond-set wedding rings being particularly in demand. The exquisite designs are perfect for brides seeking a delicate and intricately detailed ring to complement their engagement ring, while making a sparkling statement of its own.

“Our principal wedding ring partners Brown & Newirth have released some brilliant new diamond-set shaped and wishbone styles to facilitate even the most unique engagement ring,” says Abi. These are joined by new textured and patterned wedding rings for men in-store. Renowned for their quality and durability, each Brown & Newirth ring is made to order, and couples can choose the width, metal and finish with the option for free engraving inside.

“We continue to see many couples looking to create something bespoke to fit an inherited, remodelled or unusually profiled engagement ring,” says Abi of the current love affair with personalised jewellery. “We just love working with these couples to design and craft a one-off piece.”

Beyond the exquisite collection of rings, a stunning selection of bridal jewellery has arrived in-store. We love the new range of necklaces, earrings and bracelets from Clogau which encase pearls in silver and gold floral detailing. “It’s so easy to picture this on a spring bride,” says Abi, while also lauding the allure of Swarovski for bridal jewels. “Swarovski remains a trusted brand to offer affordable sparkle for your big day,” she says. “They’re classic pieces you can be sure you’ll wear again and again.”

Designed by Italian sculptress and painter Annamaria Cammilli, the Maison’s jewels feature three-dimensional forms in gold and diamonds, while Giovanni Raspini, another new Italian brand, creates bold and strikingly beautiful pieces in silver. With these standout creations in-store, it’s an exciting time to visit Drakes and plan your wedding day jewels. drakesjewellers.co.uk

Giovanni Raspini

Brown & Newirth

Brown & Newirth

Swarovski

Swarovski

Clogau

A DESIGN FOR LIFE

As the symbol of your union you’ll wear for life, choosing your wedding and engagement rings is a big decision. From metals and gemstones to personal touches, the experts share their advice for choosing a ring to cherish forever

words Hannah May

Verity Westcott Photography

When it comes to important purchases, buying an engagement or wedding ring is right up there. And, while the experience of finding or designing a piece of jewellery together that will symbolise your union – and remain emotionally and physically attached to you thereafter – is incredibly exciting, there’s a lot to consider. We’ve enlisted some expert advice to help you get started.

A question of style

Where to start with choosing an engagement ring? “Have a look at the jewellery your partner already wears to get an idea of what style they like. Think about their personality and the clothes they wear,” advises designer-maker Stephanie Stevens (stephaniestevensjewellery. co.uk). “Perhaps create a mood board of rings you like, and you will see a certain theme start to emerge. Always go with your gut: clients normally go back to what they picked first.”

Once you’ve thought about style preferences, it’s important to consider your budget to help you manage your expectations and achieve your vision.

“Think about your budget – not just for the engagement ring, but also for down the line,” highlights Janie Wolverson at Erin Cox (erincox. co.uk). “If you are buying an engagement ring in 18ct gold then ideally you will need a

such as the style of ring, the width that suits your hand, the colour of metal you like best and whether you would like any diamonds or gemstones,” she continues.

“It sounds overwhelming, but it is a fairly instinctual process. I often find people are naturally drawn to certain elements or designs – and it’s our job to put those pieces together and design the perfect ring.”

What’s your metal?

Next, it’s time to consider what metal you like. Different metals have different properties, ranging from silver (the weakest) to platinum (the strongest). Matching the metal strength of your engagement and wedding rings is important to ensure that one doesn’t wear the other down.

“You also need to consider lifestyle,” advises Janie. “Will the ring be worn all the time? Is the person wearing the ring very practical, or does he/she have a manual job? Your jeweller will help guide you to the right sort of stone, metal and settings to suit how you will wear the ring.”

And if you still can’t quite decide, Janie has the perfect solution. “Erin likes to mix metal colours and so it may be that the ring shank is one colour and the setting a different one. Erin also creates a unique ‘camo gold’ where yellow and white gold is melted together. This is a great option if you wear a range of different coloured metal jewellery and also ensures the ring stays modern with the ever-changing fashions.”

wedding ring in 18ct to wear alongside it,” she elaborates. “18ct gold is more expensive than 9ct because it has twice the amount of gold content.”

Armed with an image and price range, the next logical step is to start looking in person to see the array of options – and discover what you’re most drawn to. “My first recommendation is to visit our workshop,” says Jamila Hirtenstein at Justin Duance (justind.co.uk). “We have a really relaxed approach with our customer appointments: it’s all about having a bit of fun trying on lots of rings and narrowing down what you like.”

“When you are trying rings on, we encourage you to think about what elements appeal to you

If you’re seeking a ring with green credentials, discuss this with your jeweller too. “There are lots of precious metal options to help the environment: recycled, Fairtrade, SMO (Single Mine Origin) and remodelling old heirloom jewellery into your wedding rings,” asserts Corrinne. “Research these and see what resonates with your ethos – most jewellers can accommodate your requests. There will, however, be different costs involved as some are more expensive so don’t be afraid to ask for several quotes.”

By discussing the details and sampling a range of styles with your jeweller, you’ll gain a better understanding of what looks and feels best for you (and your budget), from the metal to the band width and ring shape.

Another consideration is the pairing of your engagement and wedding rings, as Stephanie explains. “If you have an engagement ring, you have something to work with and to make the

“It sounds overwhelming, but it is a fairly instinctual process. I often find people are naturally drawn to certain elements or designs – and it’s our job to put those pieces together and design the perfect ring.”

Verity Westcott

Justin Duance

Drakes

Justin Duance

Verity Westcott Photography

wedding ring fit perfectly alongside it. Think about where you need a curve, and if you would like diamonds or other stones set in the band to make them match the ones in the engagement ring.”

“If you don’t have a ring to sit alongside then you can have whatever you want,” she continues. “The main thing to think about would be the shaping of the band – this will link to your personality and what design best suits you. Then you can think of different ways to make it unique like adding engraving, stones and textures.”

Hot rocks

Once you’ve decided on your metal and shape, it’s time to consider whether you wish to incorporate stones into your design.

Selecting something personal to you can help to make the ring your own – perhaps by incorporating your birthstone or a gem with a meaningful colour – while also maximising its visual impact.

Again, think about how the gem will wear, as well as appear. “Erin loves to use naturally coloured stones, including diamonds and sapphires, in engagement rings as they are hard-wearing and durable for jewellery which is going to be worn every day,” explains Janie. “These stones can come in a range of golden tones as well as oranges, pinks, blues and greens. Coloured stones are often teamed with white diamonds either as

a trilogy or by having diamonds down each shoulder.”

Remember to discuss your ideas to see if your jeweller can help you find a practical solution. “People often want an emerald in their engagement ring; however, they are very delicate, meaning they are not ideal for everyday wear. We often suggest alternative green stones such as sapphires or garnets, which are more suited to daily wear,” explains Janie.

If your heart is set on diamonds, Janie has some words of advice. “We would always recommend buying quality over quantity,” she says. “Buy the best quality diamond you can afford, even if that means going for a smaller size. The clarity of the stone will be far superior and it will really twinkle – often making it seem bigger than it is.”

Many jewellers’ signature making processes will imbue extra meaning, such as Justin’s sandcasting technique, which is most commonly used to reinvent preexisting pieces. “If you have any heirloom materials, we can remodel them into your wedding rings, and incorporate any existing or new gemstones into the design,” explains Jamila.

Something personal

When it comes to personalising your rings, there’s a host of options to increase the bespoke factor. “There are the finer details such as choosing a beach

sand for your ring to be cast in, or the hardwood to be inlaid,” says Jamila. You could pick the cove where you became engaged or the tree in the garden of your first home together.

“We can also engrave the inside of your ring with a personal message, date or fingerprint – to name but a few options!” she adds.

“Personalised wedding rings will always be popular,” agrees Janie. “Engraving or having secret stones set inside the band conveys a special meaning to the wearer.” Reworking an heirloom piece of jewellery, whether it’s using sentimental gold or gemstones, is another way of adding a personal touch to your ring.

“Choosing a ring is a very special time,” reiterates Jamila. “Whether as a surprise or picking your rings together, we always recommend choosing something that suits you and your lifestyle. Don’t get too worried about what is in fashion or what other people do. Ultimately, these are the rings that you are going to wear forever so they only need to be right for you.”

1. Drakes drakesjewellers.co.uk 2. Emily Nixon emilynixon.com 3. Justin Duance justind.co.uk 4. Stephanie Stevens stephaniestevensjewellery.co.uk

HERE COME THE GIRLS!

Naturally, you’ll want support in the lead-up to and throughout the wedding day. You’ll turn to your partner for the big things, but when it comes to the little details, you’re likely to want to turn to your besties for advice.

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a great honour, but with it comes big responsibilities. Before you select your bridesmaids or bridesmen, make sure you have considered your decision. Think about what you expect from your bridal party and if the person you are thinking of asking will be able to meet these expectations. Once you have chosen your bridal squad, it’s time to get to work and start delegating!

Being a bridesmaid doesn’t just involve turning up and walking down the aisle. Your bridesmaids will be your go-to people for making the wedding planning fun and stress-free. From wedmin tasks to being by your side on the big day, here is how you can bring out the best in your bridesmaids…

1. If you know exactly who you want to walk down the aisle in procession with, you can ask your favourite people to be your bridesmaids early on in your engagement. The benefit? Your gang can help you to organise an engagement party.

2. Your spouse might not be interested in attending wedding fairs. Step in the bridesmaids! Make a day of visiting a wedding show, stopping off for lunch and a debrief after spending the morning sourcing suppliers and inspiration.

3. Once you and your significant other have whittled your venue options down to one or two, arrange a site visit with your bridesmaids. These ladies are likely to know you inside out and will be able to help you make the right decision on where to wed.

4. Dress shopping! An obvious, but important, role for the bridesmaids. If you are sticking with tradition, your partner won’t see your outfit until the ceremony. Your bridesmaids can offer their advice as you search for your dream dress and all come together to agree on a shade and style for the bridesmaid dresses too.

5. Rope in the bridesmaids to address envelopes, post save the dates and track your RSVPs – many hands make light work!

6. You will have partied with your leading ladies many times, they know what music gets you on the dance floor. Ask them to find three evening entertainment options within your budget before you make the final choice.

7. One of the biggest roles for the bridesmaids is organising your dream hen party. Your bridal squad can take the reins in organising your last night of freedom, planning activities, sending invitations and collecting deposits.

8. Ask your girls for cost-saving ideas to help you stick to your budget. They might think of ideas you haven’t.

9. Plan a night in with the girls and get to work on DIY tasks. Enjoy a glass of wine while you make tassel bunting or fill glass jars with sweets for your candy cart.

10. Bridesmaids should be front and centre at the wedding rehearsal – whether a full rehearsal or a quick venue visit to practise walking down the aisle.

11. Enlist the girls to help you to find something borrowed, blue, old and new for good luck on your special day.

12. Do any of your bridesmaids bake amazing cakes or sing in your local bar? Ask them to use their talents on the wedding day; they’ll be honoured and it will be a meaningful part of the day for you.

13. Pack a bag of on-the-day essentials, including things like safety pins,

There’s more to being a bridesmaid than swilling champers on the hen do and walking down the aisle. From the lead-up to the big day, here are 25 key roles for your bride squad

words Becci Clubb

1. lip balm, plasters, tissues and a straw. Give it to one of your bridesmaids to look after in case of any emergencies!

2. In the morning, the bridesmaids should be on hand to field calls and deal with any last-minute issues, allowing you time to relax, sip champagne and be pampered.

3. If you’ve chosen a dry-hire venue, trust your bridesmaids to set up on the day, from arranging tables and putting out decorations to instructing suppliers on where to display things.

4. You will be busy all day so it’s the bridesmaids’ duty to make sure you have something to eat in the morning, to save you some canapés and to keep your drink topped up all day long (we mean water too!).

5. The girls will be there in the morning to help you get ready, from buttoning up your dress to helping you step into your shoes.

6. The girl gang should ensure everyone has everything they need before you all leave for the ceremony – including your bouquets and ceremony readings.

7. If you have a long train, the bridesmaids should fan out your dress before you make your entrance (and again at the end of the aisle) and be on hand if you need any assistance going to the toilet!

8. Along with the groomsmen, the bridesmaids should help organise group photographs to avoid you having to stand around for ages while your guests assemble.

9. Although not in the traditional line-up, bridesmaid speeches are becoming popular. Your girls might take to the mic to raise a toast to the newlyweds.

10. Ask your bridesmaids to look after the guests throughout the day – checking on elderly relatives, making sure no one misses the first dance and helping people navigate their way around the venue.

11. Whether they join you during the first dance or for the next song, the bridesmaids should lead the way onto the dance floor, encouraging other guests to do the same.

12. Just before the end of the night, your wedding party should head to your room and make sure it’s tidy after a busy wedding morning – they could even order a bottle of champagne for you to make a private toast to saying “I do”.

13. Your bridesmaids should be with you to offer you love, support and help you overcome any wedding nerves, ensuring you have the best day ever!

Planning a wedding is so much fun but it’s hard too. It comes with a whole host of potential stresses. Both in the planning and on the big day itself, surround yourself with the right people. The people that love you will be honoured to be included in your bridal party and happy to help you on such a monumental day. Your bridesmaids are your leading ladies, not just on the day but throughout your life too. So follow your instinct and pick the people you couldn’t live without.

SUIT YOURSELF

Whatever your W-day vibe, the latest grooms wear collections have an option to suit. We’ve picked out four of the leading looks to make your own words Hannah May

TIMELESS

If you’re searching for an ensemble that will stand the test of time, then you’re in good company – as many designers are being drawn back to classic tailoring. And there’s one particular dress code that (quite rightly) refuses to go out of fashion: black tie. Effortlessly chic and timelessly cool, simply pair a perfectly fitting (silk-lapelled) DJ with trousers (with or without braces), a crisp dress shirt and a bow tie (cummerbund completely optional) for instant suavity.

Opt for midnight blue (and luxe fabrics like velvet) for a more modern twist or pick a tux in any monochromatic shade from chocolate brown to burgundy, ochre or olive green to reflect your wedding’s colour scheme and season – and voilà: dapperness unleashed. Alternatively, channel today’s Regency wear obsession with a morning suit, double-breasted waistcoat and brogues for timelessly elegant style with a modern-romantic makeover.

Moss Bros.

Favourbrook

Favourbrook

Moss Bros.

Favourbrook

Jaeger Jaeger Jaeger Jaeger

Torre Uomo at Cornwall Suit Room

MODERN

For a sign of the times, modern groomswear merges with menswear trends while retaining its own sense of occasion. The result? Ensembles that are as on point as they are idiosyncratically ‘you’ – and more than fit for a wedding. And with colour, pattern and texture the keynotes of today’s runways, grooms can pick each element to match their mood and inner fashionista to build a look that’s both unique and on-trend.

Think bright accents (jazzy jacket linings, printed waistcoats) and colour-blocking (especially jewel tones such as emerald, ruby and amethyst) alongside windowpane or sharkskin suits, paisley print jackets and punchy florals. Go traditional (yet still standout) with tartan or pinstripe; subtle by focusing on the minutiae such as a tweed waistcoat, velvet tie or micro pattern pocket square, or statement with head-to-toe hot pink, jacquard or all-white. Patent leather shoes provide the perfect fashion-edge finish.

CASUAL

There’s a certain nonchalance when it comes to today’s collections, offering grooms the choice to switch things up or tone it down to individually suit.

Mix and match is the ideal solution for those wanting to sport several styles but are unsure how to achieve it. Picture a smart blue wool jacket with a pair of beige chinos and floral print tie or a white jacket and opencollared sky blue shirt for an effortlessly laidback look.

Light linens, loafers, suspenders and going tie-less all smack of more ‘undone’ style, which also includes relaxed tailoring – or the option to ditch the jacket altogether in favour of a U-shaped vest. Splice some extra character with a Western accent such as a silk shirt and cowboy boots (or any chisel-toed boot), nautical feature (especially with a preppy vibe) or quirky/personalised accessories such as a feather bow tie, heirloom jewellery, embroideries or an orchid boutonniere.

MINIMAL

Pared-back style continues to reign supreme, giving grooms the chance to sport the cleanest lines, sharpest-cut suits and muted tones for a masterclass in minimalism. Neutral shades are de rigueur, with sand, greys and beige being the forerunners, closely followed by earthy hues and edible-esque tones like pistachio, berry and caramel – along with sky blue and baby pink – all worn without embellishment.

Choose slim-fit, skinny or loose tailoring to suit your frame, as the key is to adopt a coordinated approach with colour and cut (so no mix and matching!). A plain tie (or open shirt) and pocket square completes the gorgeously unassuming ensemble that speaks for itself.

Pura Vida Cornwall

THE LIGHT SIDE

In keeping with their relaxed boho theme and pastel palette, Aidan opted for a pale pink suit for his wedding to Naomi at Brickhouse Vineyard

“Initially I was very indecisive about a suit for our wedding day,” says Aidan. “I knew I wanted a light colour that fitted the theme. My groomsmen were always going to be beige, and I wanted to stand out and wear something different. Naomi found the light pink suit and, while I was a bit sceptical at first, it looked great on, and I loved how all the colours came together on the day.

I wore a white satin tie, a white fitted shirt and white loafer style shoes to complete the outfit. My buttonhole and some personalised gold cufflinks from Naomi finished the look. I would describe my wedding day look as fresh and clean.”

Suit, shirt & loafers ASOS asos.com

Tie Next next.co.uk

Flowers Floren Studio florenstudio.co.uk

A PERSONAL TWIST

It was all in the detail for Declan who married Joi in a relaxed celestial style wedding in St Ives

“I wanted my look to be a bold modern take that showed a bit of my personality, while still being smart,” explains Declan. “My Twisted Tailor suit was perfect: from a distance it looked plain black but, up close and when it caught the sun, the geometric pattern really stood out. My buttonhole was made with local wildflowers from Cornish Cutting Garden.

I wore a smart dress shirt with a black waistcoat to differentiate myself slightly from the groomsmen but we all wore the same pink tie to match the theme. I wore a celestial tie clip that matched Joi’s earrings as I wanted to have something in common with my beautiful bride. My Ted Baker shoes were nothing too fancy on top, just black, but the soles were pink for another flash of colour.”

Suit Twisted Tailor twistedtailor.com

Tie & shoes Ted Baker tedbaker.com

Shirt, waistcoat & belt Reiss reiss.com

Tie clip Ruby Tynan Jewellery rubytynanjewellery.co.uk

Flowers Cornish Cutting Garden cornishcuttinggarden.co.uk

ElsieLove Photography

Clara Cooper Photography

Credit: Katie Goff Photography

ACCESSORISING IN STYLE

From tartan to tuxedo, Tobias drew on his heritage, personal style and favourite finishing touches for his wedding to Hannah at Trevenna

“For our ceremony, I wore my full weight Kennedy tartan kilt,” says Tobias. “I’m Scottish on my mum’s side and proud of my heritage. Considering mine and Hannah’s surname is a double barrel of my English and Scottish roots, it seemed fitting to wear my kilt with pride. I modernised the look with a Glen Orchy charcoal tweed waistcoat and jacket along with a white shirt, bow tie and gold cufflinks, which Hannah had bought for me as a wedding gift and had engraved with my initials. To keep with the more modern theme, I went for charcoal kilt socks and black leather shoes – something more plain as opposed to the traditional brogue. To finish the ensemble, I wore a bespoke leather and tweed sporran handmade by my dad. It was a great mix of modern and traditional Scottish.

After our ceremony, I changed into a classic tux. I kept this look traditional with the white shirt, bow tie and cufflinks, a subtle black leather belt and a statement lug sole horsebit leather loafer. As men we often get a little left behind when it comes to accessorising, so I’ve always been a fan of a good shoe. I wore my favourite watch for our entire wedding day: a chunky gold piece from Armani. Hannah bought it for me quite a few years ago and it’s the first lovely thing I ever owned.”

Waistcoat & jacket MacGregor and MacDuff macgregorandmacduff.co.uk

Bow tie Hugo Boss hugoboss.com

Cufflinks Aspinal of London aspinaloflondon.com

Sporran Spartisan Leather instagram.com/spartisanleather

Socks & shoes Loake loake.com

Tuxedo French Connection frenchconnection.com

Loafers Gucci gucci.com Watch Armani armani.com

SUITED AND BOOTED

For the groom who wants to look his matrimonial best, Cornwall Suit Room –formerly Little Anne Maids – based in Tuckingmill, Camborne, offers an extensive range of formalwear to hire or buy. The store is also home to a huge selection of accessories – ranging from shirts, shoes and boots to ties, cravats, pocket squares and cufflinks – making it a veritable one-stop shop for your big day outfit.

Whether you’re seeking classic formalwear, a contemporary ensemble or a relaxed vibe, Cornwall Suit Room will have the style solution you’re seeking. “We hold a large amount of stock in-store so rather than choosing your suits from a brochure or website you can book an appointment to try on the suits in most sizes,” explains owner, Alan Walker. “You can try unlimited combinations of suits, waistcoats, neckwear colours and shoes to complete the full look.”

Take your pick from the Peter Posh and Ultimate ranges, which feature everything from lounge suits and tailcoats to dinner jackets to hire in a diverse range of shades. House of Cavani, Torre Uomo, Skopes and Remus Uomo are amongst the desirable designers for purchase, alongside a selection of waistcoats from Heirloom and L.A. Smith.

With over 150 neckwear colours to hire with matching pocket squares, you can mix and match styles to create a stylishly individual look. What’s more, the store’s alteration service will ensure a perfect fit.

“Nearly all our suits for hire and about 20 of our retail suits are available in matching children’s sizes,” adds Alan of another reason to visit the groomswear emporium and ensure every member of your party is suited and booted to the highest standard. cornwallsuitroom.com

Sonder West Photography

Perched on the gently sloping cliffs above Falmouth Bay, our wonderful venue offers a relaxed space for you to gather your favourite people for a full day of unforgettable wedding celebrations.

wed’s HIP LIST

KIND WINES

Eco-friendly, ethically sourced and a joy to sip, what’s not to love about Sea Change Wine? Comprising a selection of still and sparkling wines, every bottle sold helps fund ocean conservation projects across the globe. The white and rosé Prosecco make for perfect party starters, while the Sauvignon Blanc and organic red Bobal are sure to go down a treat alongside your wedding feast. Or serve beautifully designed cans of Italian Semi Sparkling Veneto Fizz in a vintage ice bucket for a fabulous focal point for your drinks reception. seachangewine.com

HIGH SPIRITS

A seriously special new rum from Salcombe Distilling Co., Salcombe Rum Island Street is a blend of single estate gold rum produced at the award-winning distillery with the finest exotic rums and spices from the Caribbean. With sweet notes of soft brown sugar, gingerbread cake, warming vanilla and fresh pineapple, serve it on its own over ice or add premium ginger ale or ginger beer with a slice of fresh lime for a totally delicious crowd-pleaser. salcombegin.com

EASY RIDER

Seeking some cool wheels for your wedding day? Meet Hank, Honey and Hatty: a trio of beautifully restored classic VW vehicles from the award-winning Honey Bugs Cornwall. Based near Newquay, the team offers a friendly, relaxed and professional service to suit your individual requirements. All resplendent in pearl white, Hank, a coolly converted campervan, Honey, a 1960 VW split screen, and Hatty, a 1963 VW Beetle, are sure to create a fun focal point at your wedding, not to mention blissful memories riding Cornwall’s roads in style in your newlywed bubble. honeybugscornwall.co.uk

SO-YOU STATIONERY

New to Cornwall, Aimee Paints Illustration creates custom illustrations and wedding stationery to bring a beautifully ‘you’ feel to your wedding from the first clatter of the letterbox. Offering hand-painted and digitally enhanced options, Aimee’s gorgeously detailed designs might feature your favourite place, pet, hobby or even your wedding venue, making for a unique wedding memento to delight your guests. aimeepaints.co.uk

BEVERAGES WITH BENEFITS

Low in calories, packed with probiotic goodness and delicious with alcohol and without, add kombucha to your cocktails or whip up a mocktail for a refreshing and healthy option for non-drinking guests. Brewed in the Devon countryside, Boo Chi kombucha is organic, delicious and available in five flavours: think Fresh Strawberry to Replenish to Korean Ginseng to Brighten. Head to our website for some cocktail ideas from Boo Chi: we love Boojito, the Boo Chi take on a mojito, the Strawberry Negroni and Turmeric Fizz. boochi.co.uk

Fresh, fun and fabulous ways to add a unique touch to your day

words Rebecca Matthews

Milly Fletcher Photography

The bloom-filled gardens of Carwinion House make an idyllic backdrop for a relaxed wedding bathed in the scents, shades and warm sun of summer photography Katie Goff styling Keeping It Vintage

mediterranean dreams

A tucked-away corner of Cornwall’s south coast, where meadows and wooded valleys slip down to the Helford River, is home to Carwinion House, a new exclusive-use wedding venue comprising breathtakingly beautiful gardens, expansive grounds and an 18th century country house. In this styled shoot, the venue’s Raj marquee, which nestles the walled garden with views across wildflowers, lakes and mature trees, is the canvas for a celebration immersed in the romance of summer.

Rich in Mediterranean influences, a palette of zesty yellows and bold blues pop against crisp whites and clean lines. “We wanted to celebrate the essence of summer, drawing on the blue and white of the summer skyline and yellow hues from the summer sun,” explains coordinator and stylist Hazel Parsons of Out of the Ordinary Weddings (outoftheordinaryweddings.com). “We added garden herbs, citrus fruits, greenery from the garden, pot plants and candles to create an Italian kitchen garden feel.”

The Mediterranean accents continue with the bold prints, ceramic tile place settings and sweet flavour of limoncello – stirring the senses with a gorgeous medley of smells, tastes and textures, which makes the prospect of a relaxed summer celebration so alluring.

The bride and groom are the epitome of sweet summer love. From the floral accents of the groom’s ensemble to the bloom-filled embellishment of the bridal gown and earrings, the couple embrace the romance of the garden setting as they take a loved-up stroll through the captivating country idyll.

Venue Carwinion House carwinionhouse.co.uk

Photography Katie Goff katiegoffphotography.com

Coordination Out of the Ordinary Weddings outoftheordinaryweddings.com

Styling, tableware, glassware, linen & décor Keeping It Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk

Dress The Bridal Studio bridal-studio-helston.co.uk

Hair Elliegant Hair ellieganthair.co.uk

Make-up Beautera beautera.co.uk

Earrings Nicholls Jewellery at The Bridal Studio bridal-studio-helston.co.uk

Groom’s outfit Cornwall Suit Room cornwallsuitroom.com

Flowers Wheal Sara Flowers whealsaraflowers.co.uk

Stationery RoCha Designs rochadesigns.co.uk

Furniture Absolute Canvas absolutecanvas.co.uk

Models Megan & Simon Oliver

“Nearly one month on from the wedding, and all the guests are still talking about the cake” Happy Groom

Dream a little dream of a wedding styled with warm hues and luxe boho vibes on Cornwall’s wildly romantic west coast

photography Katie Goff Photography styling Keeping It Vintage

Perched on the edge of Marazion, where the land gives way to the sweeping beach and ancient causeway to St Michael’s Mount, The Godolphin boasts a truly breathtaking vantage point across one of the UK’s most awe-inspiring locations.

Here, the venue makes a dream canvas for a seasonal wedding, which celebrates warm hues and a relaxed mood. Inspired by ripe summer fruits, the palette of peach, coral, pink, white and cream pops against the blue of the table linen and the ocean beyond.

It’s difficult to imagine a more romantic setting for a ceremony than the terrace, with its views across the historic castle and sandy beach. “We created a luxe, beach boho feel using rattan items and rustic lanterns: a dream for an intimate elopement on the Cornish coast,” explains Hazel Parsons of Out of the Ordinary Weddings who coordinated and styled the shoot.

The table styling sees cut crystal glassware and candlesticks nestling marble charger plates and linen napkins on edged white crockery, while fruits such as peaches, grapefruit, lemons, limes, apples and pomegranates enhance the summery mood. The stationery captures the laidback, contemporary aesthetic with its understated yet elegant design and relaxed calligraphy font. Completing the captivating picture, the cake and floral arrangements are a veritable burst of colour.

The bridal look strikes the perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern style, pairing a textured gown with sandcast rings and pearl earrings, which reflect the shimmer of the ocean.

ASK THE WEDDING PLANNERS

A: Discuss the things that are important to you both and how much you have for your wedding budget. Allocate your budget to the different areas such as venue, ceremony, catering, facilities, bar, staffing, insurance, stationery, dresses, suits, rings, hire items, décor, flowers, hair, make-up etc. I’m a big fan of spreadsheets to plan the day from suppliers through to budgets, timings and service provision. Do some window shopping so that you can see if what you want works with the budget you have allocated. Are there elements of your day that family and friends might like to help with? If you’re not a spreadsheet fan, you could use one of the planning apps to help you with this. Hazel Parsons

A: Start with what’s important to you both as a couple. Decide on your absolute non-negotiables –not just a wish list but the one or two things that are a must. That might be a location that means something to you, a venue you both love, a band you must have or being on the top of a snow-capped mountain if that’s what floats your boat. The rest will gradually unfold. Rebecca Green

A: Make a cup of tea, sit down together and chat about what you both want, what you both envisage and make sure you’re both on the same page. Don’t rush anything! Sophie Walker

Q: Are there any planning tools you’d recommend?

A: Bridebook has an app for planning your wedding which allow you to set budgets, create checklists, track progress and give you inspiration and ideas. There’s also TopTablePlanner for planning your seating plan and room layout, and Appy Couple for managing your guest list and RSVPs. Hazel Parsons

A: I’m a big Pinterest user but do try and pin with purpose – or at least try and hone down those hundreds of images to bring together the style for your day. There are also some good free table planner guides from UKbride. Table plans can be a bane of the planning process; if you have a tool that you can save and play with then you won’t get yourselves in a muddle. Rebecca Green

A: The Moleskine wedding journal is an absolute dream! It has sections for everything you could ever want, and if you’re booking a wedding coordinator,

it’s a fab book to hand over to them as everything is in one place. I love good old Google Drive as well: you can easily share documents with your other half and suppliers and everything is in one place. Sophie Walker

Q: How do I set – and stick to – a wedding budget?

A: Decide what it is you want to spend on – the quality and quantity – and then get some prices to see if it will work with the budget you have allocated. Be willing to compromise on some elements to allow you to spend more on others. Get quotes on all areas of the wedding so that you can make an informed decision on what to buy. Hazel Parsons

A: You really need to know what you’re comfortable with spending, then create a payment plan and figure out how long it could take you to get there. Are you lucky enough to have help with the cost or can you set up a direct debit into a separate account that becomes your wedding account? This makes things easier to manage.

We use budget planners that also mean payment terms and dates are clear for suppliers.

Q: Where do I start with planning a wedding?

How do I set a budget? What should I think about when choosing a styling scheme? And where do I even start with planning a wedding? We’ve asked the wedding experts to solve some of your planning dilemmas

Remember to be realistic: weddings are generally quite expensive, even those that are considered to have been done on a budget. If budget is a concern, look at compromising on the date: out of season weddings can be just as beautiful and quite a bit cheaper in terms of venues and some suppliers. We now offer a discount for Cornish locals and NHS workers: take a look and see where else savings could be made. Rebecca Green

A: My top tip is to scrap all the templates and create a list of priorities. Work out want you want to spend the most on: is it the flowers, venue or food? You are more likely to stick to your budget if it’s what you want to spend your money on. Also, you need to know when to stop. The wedding world has so many exciting options but ask yourself whether you need it all.

Sophie Walker

A: Create a hit list of what your venue must have and what you would like it to have. Consider the style of venue, location, cost, size, facilities, accessibility and what is included in that price. Look at what other costs you might need to consider so that you can compare like for like. Create a spreadsheet with a list of your must-haves and add each venue’s details so that you can reflect on all the information after you have viewed them. Hazel Parsons

A: This comes down to what’s more important: location or the venue itself. If there’s a location that’s important to you both, then start there. If you can be flexible on location, then consider who you and your partner are as a couple: do you like a relaxed beach vibe or festival style? Or do you like the finer things in life and love an historical building? Once you know the kind of vibe you want then you’ll be able to narrow down those venues.

Also consider other elements that would be important to you: for example, do you want family and friends to be able to stay on-site? If budget is an issue, find out if there’s corkage. If you want a sea view marquee wedding, then think about the type of marquee that would work for your wedding style. Rebecca Green

A: Think about what you want from your venue; do you want somewhere with a good amount of space or maybe even different spaces so you can create ‘breakout’ rooms? Not everyone loves loud music and crowded spaces. Do you want the venue to supply the catering? If yes, make sure you like the food before booking. Does the venue have recommended suppliers that you have to use? If yes, are your desired suppliers on that list? Sophie Walker

Q: Do you have any advice for finding your wedding style?

A: Some couples have a clear vision from the get-go, others choose their style once they have decided on their venue or the wedding dress. From this, you can choose the feel of your day and the colours that suit. Also have a think about the seasons, the feel you want to create and what colours would work well with the natural light. If you have chosen a farm or woodland venue you might choose natural tones, soft woods, off-white linens, greens and blues. If you have chosen a hotel with a coastal luxe feel you might choose to add clean crystal lines, white or coloured opulent linens, indulgent table décor and

Q: Do you have any top tips for choosing a wedding venue?

iStock.com/Elena

Gonzalez

Hontoria

metallics touches with soft florals. Pinterest is a great place to start planning your wedding look. Create a board with the ideas you love and look at what will work within your budget to create that look. Hazel Parsons

A: Create a Pinterest board and pin everything you love, then hone it down. I’ve seen lots of boards that have such an eclectic mix of styles that it’s hard for the couple to really see what it is they want. Really think about the type of people you are. Are you outdoorsy and love nature, do you want that sea view or do you want that high-end luxe vibe?

Check out blogs, magazines and Instagram but also think about what’s important to you. I’ve recently had some very creative clients with different priorities and style, but they were all able to put their stamp on their day. One couple were happy to have a secondhand marquee, which they put up themselves, but when it came to the design of the day, they were very particular, down to having the tablecloths printed in their wedding design.

Rebecca Green

A: There are so many styles out there, but make sure it’s all about you. A good place to start would be your house décor as it says a lot about you as a couple. Or perhaps start with one of your favourite holiday destinations. When it comes to palette, choose one main colour and then ‘fill the gaps’ with neutrals or paler colours, white or black. It will stop it getting too busy. Sophie

Walker

MEET THE PLANNERS

Hazel Parsons

Hazel, a highly experienced wedding planner, wedding venue consultant and stylist based in Cornwall, pairs her event management skills with her styling expertise via Out of the Ordinary Wedding & Events and Keeping It Vintage. outoftheordinaryweddings.com / keepingitvintage.co.uk

Rebecca Green

Rebecca is a Cornwall-based events specialist, whose event producing projects have seen her coordinating stylish and unique weddings and events across the UK and overseas. rebelandanchor.co.uk

Sophie Walker

Wedding stylist and coordinator

Sophie is passionate about creating beautifully individual weddings inspired by memories, stories and unforgettable moments across Cornwall and beyond. thelittledetailsbysophie.com

Q: Is there a wedding planning detail couples often overlook?

A: If it’s a DIY venue consider all the extra utilities you will need to bring to site to create your day: power, water, toilets, lighting, heating, car parking, staffing, set-up and pack down. Hazel Parsons

A: Generally, it’s logistical issues that tend to be overlooked and usually for DIY, marquee weddings. We now have a checklist for couples having this style of wedding. The catering tent is a big one. Some will need to be ordered separately; this can slip through the net as clients assume the tent company will automatically do this or that the catering company bring their own. It’s always worth checking.

Consider the parking and those who will want to drive home the night of the wedding: very often the cars are in an adjoining field with no lighting to guide them back. Also, there’s often a separate catering company and bar, or some help yourself bar – be aware of who’s responsible for the different glassware, otherwise you can be left with a sea of glasses that no one’s clearing away.

Finally, make sure you have a plan for waste. Most field owners will want you to take your waste away. The marquee companies aren’t responsible for it. Ask your catering company and bar company if they can take their waste and ensure you have bins around so general waste is easy to dispose of the next day.

Rebecca Green

A: Make sure you have a cake knife! Sophie Walker

Q: Is there one key piece of advice you would offer all newly engaged couples?

A: Have the items you really want and be willing to compromise. Remember it is your wedding. Don’t feel overwhelmed by others wanting to help. If you have booked a DIY venue, then invest in a coordinator to take the pressure off you on the day. Hazel Parsons

A: The age-old mantra of ‘it’s your wedding, so do you’ is very important. Having said that, I believe in putting yourselves into your guests’ shoes and considering what their experience will be like. Remember those weddings you’ve been to and felt hungry or spent hours waiting for photos to be taken – that way you can make sure things flow and everyone has a great time.

Also, whilst I’m a big advocate of Pinterest and getting inspiration don’t get lost in trends as they come and go and try not to overwhelm yourselves. You don’t have to have a first dance if you don’t want to and never compare your wedding to those highly glossy, Instagram weddings – just take inspiration, not stress. Rebecca Green

A: Don’t forget what the day is really about: you’re marrying the love of your life. If things get forgotten, it’s not the end of the world - you have each other.

Sophie Walker

iStock.com/Xesai

Pura Vida Cornwall

hendra barns Mitchell, Near Truro hendrabarns.co.uk

Photos courtesy of Tom Robinson Photography

THE TREND REPORT

There are plenty of ways to personalise your wedding while still being in style. Simply pick from the latest trends and work them your way for a day that reflects you with unique panache.

From al fresco ceremonies to mocktails and vegan menus, we’ve gathered some fresh inspiration for

couples seeking to stamp some extra (and rather en vogue) personality onto their day...

Colour happy

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to evoke mood is through your colour scheme. Though muted tones and pared-back aesthetics remain de rigueur, brights are emerging as a top way to inject some happy

into the look and feel of your day. From rainbow themed celebrations to colour pop accents and statement features, bold colour schemes can brighten a winter’s day, complement a summer shindig and instantly pique your guests’ senses. Fresh zesty tones like lemon, orange and pink grapefruit are perfect for a tropical beach party, while electric blues and fluorescent greens add a fun and futuristic energy. Pick

pastels for a vibrant vintage do, metallics for modern glamour, jewel tones for eye-catching décor or burnt shades for autumnal brilliance.

Plant-based catering

Forget the drab meat-free dishes of weddings past and instead embrace the catering movement that’s garnering popularity the world over. With the huge surge in more sustainable, planet-friendly consumption, a vegan wedding gives you the chance to give back a little – both to your guests and the environment. Whether you include one fish or meat dish alongside plant-based options – or select an exclusively vegan menu – by focusing on the food in a more considered, benevolent way, you’ll enhance your eco credentials and guarantee a flavoursome feast. Local, fresh and seasonal produce will reduce your carbon footprint for a menu as beautiful-looking and bespoke as it is mouthwatering.

Non-alcoholic cocktails

Another way to inject flavour (and style) is to pay some extra attention to your beverages. Please everyone from the kids to the teetotallers – along with anyone in need of a scrumptious thirst-quencher – by designing a non-alcoholic drinks list that looks and tastes sensational. Mix it up with iced teas, milkshakes, a smoothie bar, artisan coffee van, homemade lemonade and juices – and one of the most popular wedding trends du jour: mocktails. Customise or go classic, the lip-smacking choice is yours. Think virgin piña coladas and mojitos, gin-free G&Ts, passion fruit martinis, baby bellinis and negroni mocktails served in vintage or colourful glassware for the most delectable quaffables ever – minus the hangover!

Outdoor ceremonies

Outdoor ceremonies are one of the most wanted on couples’ wish lists. Could there be anything more romantic than uttering your vows under a giant oak to the sound of birdsong or amongst wave-lashed shores with the sand underfoot? Since it became permanently legal for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies to take place fully outdoors (at licensed venues), couples have been chomping at the bit to say “I do” in the most open plan way. Simply pick your venue, the views – et voilà: an al fresco ceremony steeped in natural beauty is yours.

Sustainable elements

Green weddings are going nowhere. Whether you’re planning a zero waste and carbon neutral event – or simply wish to save money in the most sustainable way possible, eco-friendly nuptials are fast becoming the marital must-have. From recycled and upcycled décor to plant-based catering, secondhand outfits, charitable favours and emission offsetting schemes, there’s a plethora of ways to ensure your day is as conscientious as can be.

Mismatched wedding party style

Coordinated bridal and groom party style is distinctly passé. Instead, the bride and groom are creating leading looks that stand out from the crowd, with the rest of their posse sporting eclectic outfits that reflect their individual sense of style. Picture the groom in a bright

Emily Rose

Photography

Katie Goff

Photography

Verity Westcott Photography

The Buffalo

Rebecca Marie Weddings

Rebecca Marie Weddings

Marta

D

Weddings

blazer or waistcoat alongside his groomsmen in a muted version of the same tone, colour-blocking suits worn in mismatched ways or an accent hue/ pattern showcased via different features such as the jacket lining, pocket square, socks, tie or waistcoat. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids can don the same colour dress in different designs or opt for matching styles in a variety of shades for instant wedding party pizzazz.

Dress and suit changes

Transformational wedding wear is all the rage. Opt for two looks in one with a cleverly layered ensemble, detachable elements or statement accessories, or dip out of proceedings midway through the day for a complete dress change. Brides can add an overskirt (with train), sleeves, statement shrug or floor-length cape to a dance floor-ready micro mini or jumpsuit, while grooms can remove their tie and DJ for their own open shirt reveal or switch their smart three-piece for a fun and fashionable outfit with colour, customisation and endless character.

Minimalist receptions

Less is the new more. Minimalism is in the throes of a renaissance, with stripped-back styling, sustainability, ‘nude’ elements and a general understated approach all forming part of the paredback aesthetic. Select a single focal point such as a statement wall, floral installation or dramatic lighting alongside neutral/natural, monochromatic or soft colour schemes. Keep tablescapes clean and simple with a few low-level floral arrangements, single blooms or sprigs of greenery accompanied by fussfree settings, while furniture should be demonstrably bare.

New florals

Revamped floristry sees everything from dramatic features to a delicate scattering of single stem buds. In line with either end of the maximalist/minimalist movements, flowers are finding new forms by way of floral backdrops and large flower clouds, arches and chandeliers or delicate pressed flower detailing and the occasional frond. Meanwhile, bridal bouquets are going big and bold with a full-on combo of colour, texture and blousy scented blooms, elegant with cascading designs or simplistic with mono toned petals, petite dried posies and bunches of seasonal wildflowers.

Lavender

With Pantone’s 2022 colour of the year Very Peri (a blue/violet hue derived from periwinkle) still making schematic waves throughout wedding receptions the world over, so too is another soft pastel shade hotly tipped to be one of the coolest colours of the year: Digital Lavender. Meanwhile, Pantone’s 2023 colour of the year has been revealed as Viva Magenta: “a signal of strength, inclusivity and self-expression... whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration.” Combine this “animated red” with a purply hue for a striking and on point scheme or pick any one of these trending shades to weave into your décor for statement-making bedazzlement.

Pura Vida Cornwall

Rebecca Kerr

Photography

Rebecca Kerr

Photography

ZMKD

Photography

Sonder West

Photography

Rebecca Marie Weddings

Rebecca Marie Weddings

Rebecca Marie Weddings

Kamila Nowak

Photography

Charlotte D’Arcy

NEW ORDER

Thinking about mixing up the timeline of your day? Go for it! From sunrise ceremonials to surprise speeches, here are some ideas for a standout celebration

words Hannah May

Amy Chapple Photography

You might have nailed the venue and date, but what about the other ‘when’? The timing of your day’s events might seem predetermined by some: ceremony, drinks reception, food, speeches and party. However, like all other aspects of modern weddings, couples are defying convention by mixing up their itinerary to personally suit.

Whether you wish to host a welcome supper the night before or say “I do” at sunset, the schedule can be planned to make the most of the time, place and people at your disposal for a distinctively unique wedding format.

Don’t fancy waiting for the speeches? Deliver them during the welcome drinks. Dying for your first dance? Grab your spouse post-ceremony for the ultimate party starter. We’ve compiled some of our favourite ideas…

Pre-wedding gatherings

Schedule an extra pre-wedding soirée with your guests, whether as a grand gathering or intimate greeting for close family or friends who have travelled from afar. The day or evening before allows anyone helping with the preparations a rewarding break and additional mingling time, while an evening shindig sets the celebratory mood ahead of the main event. Depending on your venue (and where your guests are staying), you might wish to arrange afternoon tea, drinks and nibbles, a takeaway or a sit-down supper. You could also plan a walk, surf, spa session, beach barbecue or activity in keeping with the location and theme of your wedding, blow off some steam and ease the pre-wedding nerves – so think about what you and your nearest might like to see/do/eat – and go for it!

Sunrise weddings

A cultural custom for some across the globe, sunrise weddings are the ultimate way to embrace your day from start to finish and extend the time you have together. In summer, it might seem daunting to wake and get ready in the middle of the night, but imagine uttering your vows as the sun rises from the ocean or appears on the hillside. Especially suited to elopement or intimate weddings, you might want to stage a small sun-up ceremony in the company of others or alone before joining guests to celebrate or invite everyone to experience the moment with you. The logistics will require a little more effort to ensure your ceremony space is well placed (and permitted) to take advantage of the emerging light and guests can safely find their way in the pre-dawn darkness, but the result could be incredible. And by scheduling some downtime in the day to allow guests to rest and refuel for the party ahead, you can ensure that they’ll have no problems going the full distance from dawn to dusk.

First looks

Though some may still believe that seeing each other before the ceremony is bad luck, other couples are choosing to appoint some private time before their vows for a sneaky ‘first look’. The exclusive chance to see your beau in all their wedified glory before the rest of the crowd is fast garnering mass appeal, and the sweet courtesy is now being extended to other family members such as parents, siblings and grandparents

to poignantly mark the occasion in a wholly personal way.

Speeches

There’s no modern etiquette when it comes to the speeches. Tradition dictates that there should be one by the groom, best man and father of the bride, but nowadays you can have as many or as few as you like – or none at all. Bridal speeches are all the rage, along with other people stepping up to say a few words including the maid of honour, mother of the bride/groom and even the grandparents or children. Scatter them throughout proceedings, perhaps with the father of the bride saying something postceremony, the groom’s orations being delivered ahead of the first dance and the best man sharing stories over the firepit. The bride might like to announce a toast during the wedding

breakfast or incorporate a speech into the ceremony itself. Pick a place, time, person and wording with meaning – or randomly assign the speaking roles and ask for them to be delivered spontaneously for a fun surprise.

Wedding breakfasts

Depending on what time of day you tie the knot, you might want one or several catering sessions to keep your guests’ appetites at bay.

Whether you wish to make a feature out of the food or simply provide a decent belly fill between the day’s events, you can present the wedding breakfast at any time. If you’re hosting an early/morning ceremony, an early lunch may be required. Alternatively, dine with your guests before an afternoon/evening ceremony or serve them an afternoon tea, picnic or barbecue before the nuptials and organise a

late supper or buffet. Or you could always ditch the formal dining completely in favour of hampers, food vans and food stations dotted throughout the day.

Twilight weddings

Sunset weddings are one of the most romantic options for couples who might also be dreaming of a more intimate or whirlwind day. Save the main event for last after schmoozing all afternoon or – depending on the time of year and, therefore, sundown – dine with your guests before spoiling them with a twilight wedding as you bid farewell to the day in the most magical of ways. Picture a sand-between-the-toes ceremony as the sun slips beneath the sea or walking a lantern-lined aisle on a windswept winter’s night as the last light fades. Could there be anything more magically atmospheric?

Van

HUSTYNS

RESORT CORNWALL

Romantic rural weddings in the Cornish countryside

Celebrate

The Surf Beach Bar is a unique venue situated in one of Cornwall’s most southerly, rugged locations right on Sennen beach. You can enjoy your wedding day whilst taking in the stunning ocean, beach and cliff views stretching right across to Cape Cornwall.

weddings@hustyns.co.uk www.hustyns.co.uk

Enjoy your Wedding by the sea

For more information please email weddings@surfbeachbar.co.uk

signed, sealed, delivered!

Stationery is key to setting the scene for your big day. Take inspiration from the top trends for 2023, from luxe details to eye-popping brights

words Becci Clubb, ABCD

Your wedding stationery is often your guests’ first taste of your wedding styling, so impress them with designs that wow.

Naturally, your personality and taste will be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing your wedding stationery, but there are other influences that will impact your decision. Where you wed, the season you are tying the knot, your budget and new styling trends are all factors that will guide your stationery selection.

Here, Becci Clubb, founder and designer of ABCD (abcd-weddings.co.uk) shares her predictions for next year’s wedding stationery trends and influences…

All in the detail

From silk ribbons to twine and personalised stickers to wax seals, the current trend for luxury details is here to stay. The little details make all the difference for couples wanting to make an impression with their wedding stationery, by allowing them to create a unique look with the designs they select. This year ABCD have introduced wax seals, fine threads and vellum sleeves to their collections, which already include personalised tags, ribbons, twine and foiling. The fashion for adding finer details also plays a part in on-the-day wedding styling. Think printed menus displayed at each place setting, or framed quotes designed to match the overall wedding theme dotted around the venue.

Bold brights

Wider trends have an impact on wedding styling and we are seeing lots of rich jewel-like tones on the fashion scene as we enter 2023. Key colours will filter into bridal trends and classic white wedding details will be injected with pops of colour, from bold red tones to vivid mustard yellows and elegant emerald greens. We expect to see stationery designs with splashes of gemstone colours; whether a floral stationery set featuring lots of bright colours or a simple design with just one or two bold hues, this trend will make your wedding day details stand out from the crowd!

Charly Woodhouse Wedding Photography

ABCD

The Whole Caboodle Design

The Whole Caboodle Design

ABCD

ABCD

Liberty Pearl Photography

It’s about you!

Following the Covid pandemic, it has become more important than ever for couples to celebrate their love in their own unique ways. From writing your own vows to serving signature cocktails at your drinks reception, personalisation will be a key trend for 2023 weddings as couples strive to make their wedding all about them. In terms of stationery, this includes choosing bespoke designs, adding a personal logo or monogram, and using your initials throughout your stationery suite.

Elaborate envelopes

Gone are the days when an envelope was just a way of holding a selection of papers together. Envelopes are becoming an important part of the stationery suite in their own right. Elegant printed envelope liners that match the invitations are hugely popular at ABCD, along with personalised stickers to seal them. The envelope has become a considered part of stationery design, with decorative postage stamps, calligraphy lettering and wax seals lending themselves to the look.

Going green

As people try to make ethical and ‘green’ choices more and more in daily life, eco-conscious couples are looking for responsible suppliers that work sustainably for their wedding day, too. From flower petal confetti to bridal gowns made from recycled plastic bottles pulled out of the ocean (check out the Jesus Peiro Amalia collection), couples are choosing to select suppliers that consider their environmental impact.

At ABCD, nature and our environment are our biggest source of inspiration and we try to do all that we can to protect them. Our paper products are all FSC certified, which means they come from carefully managed forests, and the inks we use are eco-solvent ensuring our stationery is suitable for conventional recycling. All our designs are made to order, meaning we don’t hold or throw away any unsold stock. When couples contact us, they have the freedom to choose from a selection of paper stocks including recycled card or they can have their design supplied digitally for them to send e-invites.

Aimee Paints Illustration

ABCD

Aimee Paints Illustration

de Winton Paper Co.

ABCD

ABCD

Jessica Reeve

Photography

ABCD

Barely there

Echoing sheer fabrics in bridal wear, transparent and translucent stationery is set to be a big trend for the new year. We’ve seen the popularity of acrylic invitations rise, and couples are predicted to turn to vellum stationery details for 2023. Giving a similar visual effect as acrylic, vellum is kinder to the environment and kinder to your budget too. Used as the invitation itself or as a sleeve holding your invitation packs in one neat bundle, vellum adds a new dimension to traditional paper stationery design.

Purple power

Pantone’s colour of the year for 2022 was Very Peri, a pretty periwinkle shade that we expect to work its way into wedding details for 2023. The colour of the year for 2023 has been announced as Digital Lavender – another purple shade. We are expecting to see colour schemes that include both tones, with pops of periwinkle dispersed through lavender details. A nod toward the hues with splashes of purples in your stationery designs will ensure your 2023 wedding is bang on-trend.

Shape shifter

Along with bespoke stationery designs helping to create a unique wedding day look, unusual shapes will be another trend for 2023. Invitations and table numbers will be designed in varying shapes, from oval to hexagon. Stepping away from rectangular designs and choosing something more unique gives a modern edge to the wedding styling.

When it comes to choosing your wedding stationery the endless options can be a little unnerving – especially for the overthinkers among us. To make the right choice for you, opt for a design that’s in keeping with your wedding theme, check that your products are manufactured sustainably and post pretty papers that you would be thrilled to receive!

ABCD abcd-weddings.co.uk

Aimee Paints Illustration aimeepaints.com de Winton Paper Co. dewintonpaperco.com

The Whole Caboodle caboodle.wedding

ABCD

ABCD

Jennifer Jane Photography

ABCD

Jessica Reeve Photography

ABCD

ABCD

THE GENERATION GAMES

Lego, dominoes and chess. Not what you might immediately think of when it comes to wedding planning, but bear with us. Wedding guests can often span the decades in age from newborns to nonagenarians. So, you need to plan a day that caters to everyone’s ages and personalities. Yes, it’s easy to set up a craft station for the young (and young at heart!) but what about games that guests from every age can enjoy together? Here are some of our favourite ways for guests to play on your wedding day, whatever their age.

Board games

With chess clubs being popular in schools, children as young as five can master the checkerboard as well as granny who may have been playing for decades. Either set up a chess station where guests can take it in turns to play, à la The Queen’s Gambit, or hire a giant chessboard for outside play. We were recently wowed by a couple who played human chess using their guests

as the pieces on an outdoor chessboard. Of course, the bride and groom were the king and queen, and other guests took their places as the other pieces. But it doesn’t have to be chess. Draughts, dominoes and even Lego building can be accomplished whatever your age.

Another idea that’s trending right now is a bespoke puzzle – an image of the happy couple made into a jigsaw, for example. Guests are then asked to complete the puzzle throughout the day so each guest can put a puzzle piece or two (or hundreds, depending on the size of your jigsaw!) into place. Puzzles and board games will also ensure any guests who are less mobile or unable to stand for long periods feel they have really participated in the day without having to move far.

Racquet games

Although probably not ideal for your very young guests, wedding badminton could fit nicely into an outdoor reception space for those of school age and

above. You could keep a league table so guests can play each other sporadically throughout the day and then move their name up or down the chart according to who has won. The player at the top of the chart at the end of the day can then be crowned Wed-minton Winner! The same can be done with table tennis, too. Younger guests could oversee the league table and even announce the winner.

Arcade games

Hiring retro arcade games and tabletop games like pinball and table football will ensure your guests young and old are catered for. You could even decorate your games area in vintage styling for the older generation. Or, if you have the space, you could have games and entertainment through the ages, starting with the likes of a coin pusher or a Punch and Judy puppet show and moving on to ‘80s style games such as Pacman and more recent games such as Arcade Hoops Basketball. Your guests could then meander through your arcade

words Elizabeth Chester

of the ages, reminiscing about the games they used to play or trying out something new.

Lucky dip

Mobility issues – either young (toddling over) or old (needing a hand to stand) – won’t be relevant when it comes to a mobile lucky dip. Ask a responsible member of your wedding party to walk around your reception with a lucky dip box and ask your guests to have a dig around to see what they can find. This is a great game for grandparents and grandchildren to do together and should make for some wonderful photography: cue surprised faces please! Prizes could include personalised fortune cookies, luxury marshmallows or macarons, or even a voucher for a drink of your choice from the bar. The lucky dip idea can be used in place of favours, too.

Spinning wheel

A wedding spin-the-wheel is sure to cause hilarity and chaos in equal measure. Either team up in pairs (one spins and one calls out or completes the action) or let people spin and call at random. Ideas for the spinning wheel include forfeits, dares (sensible ones!), treats or just wedding-worthy suggestions like ‘now kiss the bride’ or ‘dance with the maid of honour’.

Name That Tune

Another game that spans the generations is the allinclusive Name That Tune. Ask your DJ or, if you’re not having one, a willing member of the wedding party. You could split your guests into teams with each team having someone from every age bracket in their team (e.g. 0-15, 15-30, 30-45, 45-60, 60+). The host then plays the first few seconds of a

selection of songs and each team must try and guess the song. The team with the most correct answers wins.

World records

Pre-teens are likely to love this one. Choose as many random world records as you can and see if any of your guests can be record-breakers on your big day. Examples include: how many hops can you do on a pogo stick? How long can you keep a hula hoop spinning? What’s the highest number of keepie-uppies you can do with a balloon? You get the idea. Using simple props and non-dangerous world record attempts, this should keep guests who love a challenge – whatever their age – busy. And you never know, your wedding day may also produce a brand new world record!

Nestling beneath the wild, sweeping contours of Bodmin Moor is a dense wooded valley where lush hills tumble down to the river below. Here, in a picture-perfect patchwork of orchards and meadows, you’ll find The Green.

Whether it’s a large-scale traditional affair, a cosy country celebration or a laidback festival-style party, the ethos is one of flexibility. Our team will use all our skills to deliver the calm, relaxed day that you dream of.

Hosting up to 140 guests, The Green has wedding barns, a luxurious house and cottages, all set in acres of beautiful countryside, accommodating as many as 32 guests.

The Most Natural Choice for your Perfect Wedding.

www.thegreencornwall.co.uk | 01579 362 253 The Green Cornwall, Netherton Farm, Upton Cross, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5BD

A beautiful venue where you can make the memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo

Paul Keppel Photography

wed’s VENUES GUIDE

Choosing a wedding venue is usually the first stop on the planning checklist. From country houses to beach-chic party spots, wed reveals Cornwall’s standout settings for a wow-worthy wedding

VENUES GUIDE:

BEACH & WATERSIDE

When you think of Cornwall, you think of the coast –and, from luxe hotel soirées to laid-back sand-betweenyour-toes celebrations, the county has it all

Lusty Glaze

Tie the knot with the sand between your toes at this sublime cove on the edge of Newquay. Crowned the UK’s Best Coastal Wedding Venue in the 2019 UK Wedding Awards, the beach venue is available to hire on an exclusive-use basis. The venue, of course, comes with uninterrupted ocean views and, with fiery sunsets and dramatic cliffs – plus the option for a mid-celebration surf and dancing in the sand under the stars – this little cove offers romance in spades for sea-loving souls. lustyglaze.co.uk

Total capacity: 120 day, 200 evening Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 30 Dog-friendly: Yes

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate

Perched on the edge of its own Blue Flag beach overlooking St Ives Bay, Carbis Bay Estate offers a dream destination wedding setting on Cornish shores. Set amidst subtropical gardens, the 125-acre estate comprises a hotel, spa, pool, beach club, myriad accommodation options – and a choice of wedding venues depending on the style of celebration you’re seeking. Choose Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling for breathtaking panoramas across the sea alongside stunning seasonal menus or The Wedding Hut for ceremonies on the sand and celebrations in a chic coastal setting. The light-filled Godrevy Room also comes with dreamy views, while The Gannet Inn offers a cosy space for intimate weddings with boutique accommodation. carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Total capacity: The Godrevy Room: 40 The Wedding Hut: 120 Ugly Butterfly: 150 The Gannet: 80 Spa Pavilion: 10 Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: 36 rooms in Main House, 8 suites, 8 luxury lodges, 4 valley cottages, 6 valley apartments & coastal properties Dog-friendly: Yes, in The Wedding Hut

Dan Ward

Photography

Alexa Poppe

Photography

Mark Noall

Photography

Katie Goff

Photography

Polhawn Fort

Nestled in a tucked-away corner of the Rame Peninsula with soul-stirring sea views, Polhawn Fort really is the stuff of dreams. The Napoleonic Fort sits on a Cornish clifftop with rolling lawns and wildflower-filled gardens slipping down to the sea and a private beach for loved up wanders at the water’s edge. Available for two, three or four day weddings, take your vows beneath the vaulted ceilings and twinkling lights of the grand Napoleonic hall or head outside for a sun-kissed garden ceremony in the summerhouse. Whether you’re dreaming of frolics on the sands and sundowners on the Mediterraneaninspired roof terrace or cosy candlelit celebrations with the waves crashing at the shore below, this captivating exclusiveuse venue offers an extraordinary setting to begin married life. polhawnfort.com

Total capacity: 100

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 16 Dog-friendly: Yes

The Godolphin

Boasting one of the most iconic views in Cornwall and beyond, The Godolphin gazes directly at St Michael’s Mount, making a wedding here as unforgettable as it is breathtakingly beautiful. With three packages available, including exclusive-use, for weddings up to 50-100 guests, you’re assured a dream blend of stylish interiors, sumptuous food and top-notch service in this incredibly scenic location. Stage a ceremony on the terrace, with the castle and sea as your backdrop, before taking a stroll on the sands and soaking up the relaxed ambience over cocktails on the terrace. Enjoy a delicious wedding feast packed with local produce and kick off an evening of festivities as the sun slips behind Mount’s Bay. Complete with boutique accommodation, The Godolphin is the ultimate setting for a dream water’s edge wedding in Cornwall. thegodolphin.com

Total capacity: 80 day, 110 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 10 rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

Polurrian on the Lizard

Perched on the clifftops gazing over Mounts Bay, the Polurrian has entertained guests for over 100 years. Rebranded as ‘Polurrian on the Lizard’ in 2019, this stunning Edwardian property has been fused with a fresh modern atmosphere, where classic architecture and history meets contemporary comfort and local excellence. Say “I do” with views, stretching from Mullion to St Michael’s Mount and beyond, set in 12 acres of mature gardens with its own secluded beach. There are a variety of packages ranging from day-use weddings to exclusive events, and a choice of three rooms for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. Every Polurrian wedding is given the utmost care and attention, allowing the bride and groom the freedom to be unique and personal while creating their special day. polurrianhotel.com

Total capacity: 90

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 41 rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

First Light Wedding Photography

Katie Goff Photography

Beacon Crag

Just a stone’s throw from the harbour town of Porthleven you’ll find Beacon Crag, a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast perched on the cliffs. Set within five acres of private grounds and terraced gardens, the venue boasts staggering views across the sea and rugged cliffscape with its own access to the rocky coves below. Catering for elopements and intimate weddings through to large-scale marquee receptions, it’s a wildly romantic place to wed, whether the stormy seas are crashing below or the sun is glinting on the calm waters. And with luxurious accommodation on-site, you can sink into a super-comfortable bed when the party’s over – and wake to those awe-inspiring sea views.

beaconcrag.com

Total capacity: 15 inside, 300 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 10; 4 rooms plus apartment Dog-friendly: Yes

Land’s End Hotel

With the Atlantic Ocean as your breathtaking backdrop, a wedding at the award-winning Land’s End Hotel offers an irresistible blend of drama, romance and a stirring sense of place. Set atop 200ft cliffs at the western tip of the country, the Victorian hotel blends traditional charm and modern touches. From elopements and intimate gatherings to celebrations for up to 120, you can look forward to a bespoke menu of the finest local flavours served alongside mesmerising ocean views. Complete with accommodation in the form of newly refurbished en suite bedrooms, the elegant Penwith Studios and a luxe honeymoon suite, you’ll be tempted to stay awhile and savour your newlywed bubble on the clifftops of this extraordinary place. landsendhotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 35 en suite bedrooms, 4 Penwith Studios, 1 Saddle Apartment & 3 Stable Rooms Dog-friendly: Yes

Atlantic Hotel

With an endless stretch of ocean shimmering at the windows, the Atlantic Hotel – perched close to Fistral Beach on Cornwall’s north coast – offers a glamorous and versatile take on seaside luxury. The clifftop venue wows from the moment you enter the red-carpet-adorned marble entrance, with its sweeping staircase, glittering chandeliers, champagne bar and sun-trap pool. Hosting weddings for 10 through to 500 guests, choose from the art deco-styled Grand Ballroom, the elegant Tea Lounge or the Gatsby-esque vibe of Café Atlantica to take your vows. Take a loved-up wander across the headland as the sun sets and listen to the murmur of the tide from your sea view room. atlantichotelnewquay.co.uk

Total capacity: 500

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 91 rooms and suites Dog-friendly: Yes

I Do Film + Photos

Gwel an Mor

A versatile venue on the north Cornwall coastline, Gwel an Mor offers you everything from rustic back-to-nature weddings to glamorous celebrations. Marry in the beautiful boho-style yurt or the rustic events barn, and take a wander through the woodland valley to the sands of Portreath for some newly-wed photos. The spa, restaurant and vast choice of accommodation – from luxury Scandinavian style pine lodges and lakeside eco lodges – are at the fingertips of your family and friends for a luxurious break. You can enjoy the company of the birds of prey and resident reindeer – a perfect photo opportunity and not to mention a delight for young gwelanmor.com

150 day, 250 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 350+

The Gannet

Located in Carbis Bay, The Gannet lies just a short distance from award-winning Blue Flag Carbis Bay Beach and is just a mile from the quaint streets and sandy beaches of St Ives. Being the sister hotel to Carbis Bay Estate, ceremony and photo opportunities on beautiful Carbis Bay Beach are just some of the attractions of marrying at The Gannet. A spacious and stylish space for taking your vows and celebrating, the lounge, restaurant and cocktail bar area is styled with luxe furnishings, chesterfield sofas and quirky accents. A delicious menu will be designed around your tastes: think hearty dishes packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients and washed down with a heady choice of fine wines and local ales and spirits. The 16 individually designed bedrooms offer a blend of mellow coastal hues, bold décor and elevated sea views. With exclusive hire options available, you can enjoy a private party at the venue, making cherished memories on the beach as well as in the versatile and characterful climes of this boutique retreat. gannetstives.co.uk

Total capacity: 50

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 16 rooms Dog-friendly: Yes

St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa

Boasting a picture-perfect position overlooking Porthminster Beach and the fresh-from-a-painting seascape of St Ives Bay, St Ives Harbour Hotel hosts grand-scale weddings through to more intimate affairs in its gorgeously designed interiors. There’s a choice of suites for ceremonies and celebrations, a superbly positioned terrace, beautiful intertwined jasmine arches and manicured gardens offering scenic spots for your guests to take in the views. And, of course, the sands of Porthminster Beach make the perfect backdrop for those just-married photos. Your guests will love waking to a sweep of blue sea and white sands in the boutique bedrooms and unwinding in the spa, which offers a tempting selection of treatments.

harbourhotels.co.uk/hotels/st-ives

Total capacity: 200

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 50 rooms

Dog-friendly: Yes

Katie Goff Photography

An iconic country house in the heart of the Cornish countryside.

Scorrier House is a historic family home in the heart of Cornwall where unforgettable weddings can unfold in a truly magical setting.

• Accommodation for 20 guests with glamping options in the grounds.

• Multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces.

• Seats up to 120 guests in one room in the house or unlimited ceremony numbers outside in the gardens.

Surrounded by ancient parkland and gardens, Scorrier affords complete exclusivity where a fairytale wedding tailored to your every whim.

• Exclusive hire of the house and gardens.

www.scorrierhouse.co.uk info@scorrierhouse.co.uk 01209 820264

Images by Paul Keppel Photography and Jack Westhead Photography

The Rockpool

The Rockpool is the perfect place to enjoy the enchanting Cornish north coast, just steps away from the sea, offering a unique and memorable destination for both ceremony and reception. Nestled in the dunes of Gwithian and Godrevy, surrounded by breathtaking views over to the National Trust headland, the beautifully relaxed and spacious venue offers a unique wedding destination, whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a larger event. The wedding coordinator will work with you to create your bespoke day, from the menu and the layout to every last detail. The extensive list of recommended local suppliers can assist the rest of your decisions so that together the team can design your perfect, laid-back coastal celebration. therockpoolbar.co.uk

Total capacity: 80 day, 120 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 1 flat, sleeps 4

Dog-friendly: Yes

Nestled amidst the buildings on the banks of Fowey estuary, The Old Quay House Hotel was formerly a refuge for seamen – today, it’s a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity where mesmerising views across the water come with elegantly styled interiors and fine food. Available for exclusive-use weddings, marry on the water’s edge terrace where the sea air, call of seabirds, and fishing boats bobbing by promise a ceremony to remember. Indoor options comprise the Penthouse Suite and waterfront restaurant, which also makes a gorgeous setting to dine on a bespoke menu brimming with local delicacies – think Fowey River oysters and local scallops washed down with champagne. theoldquayhouse.com

Total capacity: 70

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 13 rooms

Dog-friendly: On terrace only

Fowey Hall Hotel

Perched high above Fowey, Fowey Hall Hotel boasts awe-inspiring views across the waters of the estuary and the ocean beyond. Thought to be the inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, the Victorian mansion is rich in opulent features, bringing a sense of relaxed grandeur to your day. Drinks on the croquet lawn while the warm sun shimmers on the sea offer heady romance during spring and summer, while festivities amidst crackling fires and vistas across white-tipped oceans are equally soul-stirring in winter. There’s also a sumptuous selection of bedrooms, a crèche, cinema room and spa with an outdoor hot tub – a dreamy spot for toasting your nuptials. foweyhallhotel.co.uk

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 72, plus children

Dog-friendly: Yes

Surf Beach Bar

Located on the westerly tip of the county, Sennen Cove offers wild romance in abundance with its sweeping sands and rugged cliffscape. The Surf Beach Bar sits on the edge of the beach, almost within touching distance of the breakers. A light and airy space with staggering sea views, it is a dream setting for a relaxed, beachside wedding, complete with a fully licensed bar and kitchen facilities. Imagine the drama of marrying before steely skies and rolling waves in the winter, feasting on hearty food rich in the finest locally sourced ingredients and taking a stroll along the shoreline as the sun slips behind the Atlantic. Dreamy stuff indeed. surfbeachbar.co.uk

Total capacity 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Driftwood Spars

Perched on the edge of Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, The Driftwood Spars is rich in the atmosphere of the Cornish coast. Dating back to the 1650s, the building has been a tin mining warehouse, sail-making loft and fish cellar – now a cosy pub, this seaside treasure offers charm-packed spaces for a relaxed and sustainable beachside wedding. There’s a Cliffside Garden for drinks receptions served with salty air, sea views and a huge choice of hand-picked ales, ciders, wines and spirits as well as handcrafted beers from the venue’s own brewery. Add feasts rich in locally sourced produce and you have all the ingredients for a laidback coastal celebration. driftwoodspars.co.uk

Total capacity: 83 day, 120 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 37 Dog-friendly: Yes

The Rosevine

Located within pebble-hurling distance of the shore on the edge of the Roseland Peninsula, this home-from-home Georgian house has cosy lounges, an indoor pool, a restaurant and 15 apartments. Blending its 18th century elegance with contemporary seaside style, the ‘Big House by the Sea’ is ideal for a relaxed coastal celebration. Host a gorgeously intimate ceremony and feast inside the house for up to 65 or throw a dazzling tipi reception on the lawn with views across Gerrans Bay for larger numbers. Draw the day to a close with toasting marshmallows under the stars to the whisper of the sea. Dreamy. rosevine.co.uk

Total capacity: 65, plus extra with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 15 apartments, sleeps 30

Dog-friendly: Yes

Above the Bay

Above the Bay offers a relaxed and contemporary setting for a wedding complete with mesmerising sea views. Flanked by Falmouth Golf Course, the venue is a sun-soaked spot where you can spill onto the terrace for drinks and take in the coastal panoramas during the warmer months. Similarly romantic during the winter, enjoy epic photographs against stormy skies and return to your magically lit party space to enjoy festivities before views across rolling waves. A light-filled blank canvas for styling to your taste, choose from a selection of menus or design a bespoke feast of locally sourced ingredients. With a dedicated wedding coordinator on hand, you can relax and savour every moment of your celebrations above this special stretch of Cornwall’s coastline. abovethebay.co.uk

Total capacity: 80 ceremony, 100 wedding breakfast, 180 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No Dog-friendly: Only during the ceremony

The Llawnroc

Nestled in the fishing village of Gorran Haven on Cornwall’s south coast, The Llawnroc Hotel is an away-from-it-all sanctuary where you can combine a sand-and-sea celebration with the luxuries and comforts of a boutique hotel. The venue offers a choice of rooms for ceremonies and celebrations with views across the gardens and the ocean beyond, and 18 individually styled bedrooms for your guests to enjoy the venue’s sumptuous brand of seaside style a little longer. Take the path down to the beach climb to the clifftops for photographs and magical moments at the water’s edge, or drink in the ocean vibes and delicious cocktails on the sun-trap terrace. thellawnroc.co.uk

Total capacity: 80 day, 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: 18 rooms Dog-friendly: No

Lee Maxwell Photography

Rain or Shine

Bespoke ceremony and reception for up to 220 guests – barn wedding in Tredudwell Pavillion

Small and intimate ceremony and reception in authentically restored Manor house Outdoor ceremony temples and natural amphitheatre for up to 250 guests

by Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1 NJ | 01726

Photo: Dan Ward Photography

Lanteglos

VENUES GUIDE:

RUSTIC & COUNTRYSIDE

From rustic barns to modern spaces flanked by wooded valleys and rural panoramas, throw your dream wedding in the Cornish countryside

The Gate

A hidden sanctuary located between Looe and Polperro on Cornwall’s south coast, The Gate presents a picturesque setting to marry, make merry and spend a cherished few days alongside sweeping countryside views and the luxurious facilities of a boutique hotel. Available for intimate weddings to large-scale celebrations, the exclusive-use venue offers a choice of three idyllic settings for ceremonies, a stretch tent in the garden and a newly renovated reception hall for sit-down feasting and dancing the night away. The stylish accommodation features king-sized beds, private balconies with outdoor baths and rolling country views. From garden vows and starlit moments around the firepit to dancing beneath the stars and a blissful soak in the outdoor bath, the dreamiest of days is guaranteed.

thegatecornwall.com

Total capacity: 150 Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 24 Dog-friendly: Yes

Trevenna

This rural treasure sits amidst 142 acres of countryside where the Tor-dotted horizons of Bodmin Moor meet sprawling expanses and wooded valleys. Bespoke weddings are a speciality; the historic cluster of barns offers exclusive-use of the facilities and accommodation for a one, two or threenight hire. Kick off the fun with a welcome meal in the farmhouse and drinks at the bar stocked with local craft beers, spirits and wines. Get married in the restored Threshing Barn or the Garden Venue, a light and versatile space overlooking the garden meadow across to Berry Tor. Or marry outdoors beneath the handcrafted arbour with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner will be a treat – look forward to a seriously good feast of local flavours from Trevenna’s Event Kitchen. trevenna.co.uk

Total capacity: 120 day, 150 evening Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 40 Dog-friendly: Yes

Hendra Barns

The jewel in the crown of this secluded rural idyll is the picturesque arbour, hugged by green pasture and the twinkling waters of a lake. You can marry here, amidst the fresh air, birdsong and acres of idyllic Cornish countryside, or in the lakeview conservatory, which offers views across the rolling grounds from floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether you’re planning a classic, rustic or festival vibe, the sprawling lawns of Hendra Barns make a dreamy spot for a tipi or marquee reception. As well as accommodation for 20 in three luxurious properties, a vaulted ceiling function barn for indoor receptions makes it the ideal year-round venue. hendrabarns.co.uk

Total capacity: 60 (more with marquee)

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 20 Dog-friendly: Yes

Pengenna Manor

Flanked by a wooded valley, this 800-year-old estate lies amidst 300 acres of countryside close to the north coast. Weddings are private, exclusive affairs with a range of stunning spots to take your vows. There’s the summerhouse, with its valley views while guests watch from an avenue of apple and cherry blossom trees, and the former cow shed, which has been converted for rustic-chic ceremonies and wedding receptions for up to 100 guests. Then there’s the Grade II manor house itself, where you can say “I do” in the archway of the 450-year-old front door or the drawing room. As well as plentiful accommodation you’ll find gorgeous celebration spaces galore, from the former cowyard for fizz-fuelled mingling to the marquee garden for festival-style celebrations where marquees can be erected to host up to 350 guests. pengennamanor.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 in barn, 350 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 18

Dog-friendly: Yes

Nancarrow Farm

Set against a backdrop of open grassy spaces, fruit orchards and rolling pasture, this working organic farm offers the dream rural wedding in lovingly converted barns where rambling roses clamber up the walls and wild flowers scent the air. Tie the knot amidst the rustic charm of the hay barn or the southfacing courtyard before moving onto the green-oak framed event barn for feasting and merriment bathed in natural light with millpond views. The finest seasonal produce and the farm’s own organic meat and kitchen-garden vegetables go into the super-tasty menus. Nancarrow’s kitchen team cook mostly over woodfire and their home produced Wilder Wood’s Charcoal. Accommodation for 26 is available in the restored barns and two shepherd’s huts and a cabin located in The Orchard. nancarrowfarm.co.uk

Total capacity: 130 day, 160 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 26

Dog-friendly: No

Lower Bussow Farm

Set amidst sweeping fields on the edge of St Ives, Lower Bussow Farm offers the best of coast and countryside, with the sandy beaches of the seaside town within easy reach, while a walk along the footpath to Rosewall Hill affords spectacular views across the surrounding coastline. Enjoy an al fresco blessing beneath the cedar-roofed pagoda – a seriously scenic spot flanked by wildflowers – or inside the stunning wedding barn, which offers feast-style dining, a fully staffed kitchen and bar, a firepit and ample space for live music and dancing. Accommodation comes in the form of cosy cottages, refurbished barns, a farmhouse and small campsite. lowerbussowfarm.co.uk

Total capacity: 200 day, 500 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: No - blessings available

Guest accommodation: For 18 in cottages Dog-friendly: Yes (on a lead)

The Green

This former dairy farm is now a ready-made wedding village set amidst meadows and rolling woodland on the edge of Bodmin Moor. From a cosy do for two to a big bash for 140, there’s a choice of settings to exchange vows, from the house and country-chic wedding barn to the lake arbour in the woods and the oak arbour with views across the valley. A former cow shed, the Red Brick Barn is a perfect party space with its characterful brick walls and beams, while the Really Rustic Barn offers an industrial style backdrop. And the cottage accommodation is pretty special too! thegreencornwall.co.uk

Total capacity: 140

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 42 Dog-friendly: Yes

Knightor

Hugged by traditional Cornish hedges in a picture-perfect corner of the countryside, Knightor comprises four acres of vineyards, pastures and orchard with a courtyard and 18th century threshing barn at its heart. Marry amidst the exposed stone walls and twinkling beams of the barn or beneath the spectacular arbour overlooking the pond. Delight your guests with carefully curated menus brimming with locally sourced ingredients washed down with Knightor’s exceptional collection of wines. Spend your wedding night in Orchard Barn, a modern studio barn nestled amidst the meadow grass and apple and pear trees of the orchard, while 12 further guests can savour the comforts of Knightor Manor.

knightor.com

Total capacity: 90 ceremony, 150 evening reception

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 14, plus two bell tents Dog-friendly: Yes

Victoria Walker

Photography

Sofie

Michelle

Photography

Ben Selway

Photography

Dan Ward Photography

Nick Pumphrey

Photography

Tredudwell Manor

There’s so much that makes Tredudwell Manor spine-tinglingly romantic, from the picture-perfect country location just 10 minutes from the secret coves and sparkling seas of the south coast to the 18th-century manor house and ceremony temple flanked by a Roman folly, pond and natural amphitheatre. A purpose-built pavilion offers a brilliantly flexible blank canvas space for celebrations all year round thanks to its light, airy climes in summer and snug underfloor heating in winter. There’s also accommodation in the manor house and parkland and gardens entwined with climbing roses – perfect for lawn games and ice creams bathed in Cornish sunshine. tredudwell.co.uk

Total capacity: 220

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 18 Dog-friendly: Yes

Trenderway

Gaze out across a gorgeous sweep of Cornish countryside, scattered with lakes and woodland, as you get wed at Trenderway, where there’s a choice of four licensed locations for ceremonies. Choose from the historic restored barns – all exposed stone and aged beams woven with twinkling lights – or outdoors with meadow views. The 200-year-old Cornish granite Linhay Barn, with its oak floors, whitewashed walls and cosy bar, is an atmospheric space for feasting and partying, while the cobbled courtyard is just the spot for gathering in the sunshine. What’s more, the accommodation comes complete with a five-star Cornish breakfast served in the garden – if the weather permits! trenderwayweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 150 day, 250 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 14 Dog-friendly: Yes

Stennack Farm

This family-run working farm is home to an exclusive and secluded wedding venue, set amidst acres of meadows and woodland just a short drive from St Ives and Godrevy. A beautifully renovated cow barn sets the scene for the country celebration of your dreams, thanks to its contemporary design and blank canvas aesthetic. With a cluster of luxury barn conversions on the doorstep, the wedding party can stay on-site and enjoy snug beds, hot tubs and al fresco dining amidst the Cornish countryside. stennackfarm.com

Total capacity: 150

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 20 Dog-friendly: Yes

Toby Lowe

Photography

Enchanted Brides

Photography

Albion Row

Photography

Albion Row

Photography

Tregedna Weddings

Steal away to the south coast where Tregedna Farm offers a choice of two character-filled settings for intimate weddings through to large-scale celebrations in a secluded rural idyll. Marry in The Loft, a traditional barn setting with rustic beams, or The Barn, a blank canvas backdrop for styling as you wish, before heading to nearby Maenporth beach for photos and just-married moments on the sands. With accommodation for 24, you’ll be tempted to extend the festivities and soak up the scenery and romance of this enchanting corner of Cornwall. tregednaweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 100 seated, 150 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 24 Dog-friendly: Yes (but not permitted in bedrooms)

Hustyns Resort Cornwall

Flanked by 90 acres of lush grounds and woodland in St Breock Downs near Wadebridge, the Cornish countryside sets the scene for a wedding celebration in this country club style hotel. Celebrations take place in the brasserie or restaurant – flexible, blank canvas spaces for weddings of all styles and scales – with views across the lawns, fountain and water feature. A choice of hotel rooms, self-catering lodges and glamping on-site means the whole wedding party can enjoy the extended celebrations; plus, Hustyns Spa is home to a gym, pool, sauna and steam room and a range of spa treatments – perfect for some pre-wedding pampering and postwedding downtime. hustyns.co.uk

Total capacity: 250+

Civil ceremonies licence: No - reception only & non-legal ceremonies

Guest accommodation: 35+ hotel rooms & private lodges

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Barn at Pengelly

Set amidst 500 acres of scenic farmland on the edge of Truro, The Barn at Pengelly offers a purpose-built wedding space overlooking rolling hills and serene lakes. Bathed in natural light, marry inside the glass-fronted barn, with its lofty ceilings, bi-folding doors and sweeping views, or venture outside for vows on the terrace. With blank canvas interiors and a well-stocked bar (including Pimm’s on tap!), the barn can be styled according to your vision for a beautifully individual celebration. Imagine drifting onto the terrace for sun-drenched drinks and games while soaking up the panoramas across the surrounding meadows. Spend your first night as a married couple in the luxurious eco cabin, gazing at the stars from your lakeside hammock and waking to views across the tranquil waters. pengellyweddings.com

Total capacity: 150 day, 300 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: Honeymoon cabin for newlyweds plus cottage accommodation for 21 Dog-friendly: Yes

VENUES GUIDE:

MANOR HOUSES & CASTLES

Scorrier House

Situated at the heart of 400 acres of magnificent parkland, Scorrier House sets the dreamy scene for an exclusive wedding for up to 160 guests. The jewel in the crown of the historic manor house is the Grand Hall with its lofty ceilings, elegant architectural features and idyllic views across the grounds – hold your ceremony here, or, for something more intimate, there’s the gilded Drawing Room, or even the gazebo in the pretty pool garden. There’s also a classical orangery filled with lush plants, the Blue Library – a cosy spot for unwinding during the celebrations – and accommodation in the house itself as well as the Stable House across the courtyard.

scorrierhouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 160

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 20 Dog-friendly: By arrangement

Burncoose House

The woodland gardens of Burncoose House make for a captivating carnival of colour in the spring and early summer – all camellias, magnolias and hydrangeas framed by blossom-cloaked trees. Then there’s the house itself: the Grade II listed Jacobean and Georgian gem has been renovated to create a luxurious retreat, which sleeps up to 14 in seven en suite bedrooms. From snug celebrations in rooms warmed by roaring fires in winter to al fresco celebrations under the stars in summer, this year-round venue offers small-scale weddings in the house to large marquee receptions on the lawn. Extend the festivities for a few days with lazy barbecues and long soaks in the hot tub. burncoosehouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 250 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 14 Dog-friendly: Yes

Live out your very own fairytale in one of Cornwall’s elegant country houses or majestic castles

Tim Woolcock

Photography

Lizzie

Churchill Photography

Lizzie Churchill Photography

Blossoming

Boconnion

Nestled within 150 acres of rolling fields and ancient woodland on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Boconnion offers privacy and picturesque surrounds together with romance and atmosphere in abundance. Flanked by acres of lawns and traditional outbuildings, the recently refurbished Georgian manor house and rustic Barton farmhouse stand at its heart, offering luxe yet laid-back accommodation for 36. A perfect retreat for an extended celebration, throw the party of your life in a marquee on the lawn and spend the rest of your stay exploring the grounds, working up a sweat on the tennis court, lounging by the heated swimming pool and sinking into the Swedish woodfired hot tub beneath the stars with your nearest and dearest. boconnion.co.uk

Total capacity: 90 for sit-down meal, 250 for reception and ceremony

Civil ceremonies licence: No - celebrant or church ceremonies available

Guest accommodation: For 36 in 17 bedrooms Dog-friendly: Yes

Boconnoc

Set in undulating Cornish countryside, Boconnoc immediately whisks you into a magical, timeless romance. The lovingly restored Boconnoc House sits next to a stunning 700-year old church and additional accommodation is situated in the 18th century stable yard. Whether it is an intimate wedding of 15 or a party of up to 40 guests, there is accommodation for everyone on-site. Glamping in the grounds is also available from summer 2021. Design your own unique day, picking and choosing your dream settings. Marry in the church, stable yard, sunken Georgian Bath House or Dorothy Garden. Enjoy fizz by the lake, dine in elegance or dance under the stars. Throw the wedding of your dreams, however large or small at Boconnoc, one of Cornwall’s bestkept secrets. boconnoc.com

Total capacity: 100, 240 with marquee

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 40 Dog-friendly: Yes, in cottages

Tim Charles Photography

Exposures

Tom Durn

Photography

Pencarrow

Pencarrow is the beautiful Georgian home of the Molesworth-St Aubyn family. Lying at the foot of a sweeping valley, the venue offers everything from intimate weddings to grand affairs for 250+ guests. Ceremonies can take place in the historic house or one of the licensed outdoor spaces, the wisteria-clad arbour on the lawn being a firm favourite. A purpose-built seasonal marquee in the walled gardens, staffed wedding bar and children’s entertainment all on hand as well as lots of optional add-ons, the venue delivers a truly unique and charming wedding experience, combining the beautiful traditional backdrop of Pencarrow House with a versatile contemporary venue. You and your guests can stay in a yurt, bell tent or shepherd’s hut and wake to a breakfast hamper delivered with an optional Bloody Mary or glass of Prosecco alongside a cooked breakfast.

weddingsatpencarrow.com

Total capacity: 250+ Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: 2 yurts, pod, 2 shepherd’s huts, bell tents (no capacity) Dog-friendly: Yes, except in house

Caerhays

Rich in romance and natural beauty, the dreamlike Caerhays Estate sits in a secluded Cornish cove, hugged by acres of beautiful woodland gardens. Perched on a headland with far-reaching views out to sea, the Coastguards Lookout makes an intimate and magical setting to take your vows, while Beach Meadow, perched just above the sands, and Castle Field, located beneath Caerhays Castle, offer dreamy backdrops for a marquee reception with coastal and castle views. Then there’s The Vean, a private and elegant country house, which makes a luxurious retreat to stay for the duration of the celebrations. caerhays.co.uk

Total capacity: Beach Meadow 250 Castle Field 250 Coastguards Lookout 20 inside

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 20 Dog-friendly: Yes on leads (please ask in advance)

Carwinion House

Located in a tucked-away spot in Mawnan Smith on Cornwall’s south coast, Carwinion House offers a dream blend of stunning gardens and a country house setting. Enjoy the peace and privacy of this exclusive-use venue, where you can take your vows in the charming 18th century house or amidst the flower-filled gardens. A beautiful Raj tent in the walled garden makes a breathtaking canvas for a personality-packed reception, overlooking a carnival of wildflowers, lakes and mature trees beyond. Complete with accommodation for up to six in the heart of the gardens, prepare to fall in love with this captivating country idyll. carwinionhouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 80

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 6

Dog-friendly: No

Mark Shaw Photography

Katie Goff Photography

VENUES GUIDE: WOW FACTOR

Eden Project

The Eden Project offers the balmy temperatures and vibrant atmosphere of a destination wedding – without having to leave Cornwall! Take your vows amidst the scents and colours of the Mediterranean Biome or the lush foliage of the Rainforest Biome. Hold an after-dark reception in the Mediterranean Biome and make merry beneath the illusion of a starry night sky. There’s also The Gallery, which offers panoramic views of the biomes and space for a whopping 500 people, with the Kitchen building having space for 1,000 at a drinks reception! With sustainability at the heart of the venue’s ethos, your carefully sourced feast might be served with exclusive Eden Project wine. Guests can be transported by a decorated land train and those keen to make a showstopping arrival can abseil into the biome or fly down the SkyWire! edenproject.com

Total capacity: 1,000 Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: 58 bedrooms Dog-friendly: Couple’s dog welcome for ceremony and reception only

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Beautiful, unique and enchanting, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offers an extraordinarily romantic setting for your wedding, whichever season you choose to marry in. Located close to Cornwall’s south coast, the awardwinning 200-acre site is an earthly paradise where bamboo meets majestic tree ferns, meandering pathways weave through camellias and rhododendrons, the historical walled gardens, lamb-filled paddocks and the sound of birdsong. Hosting intimate ceremonies and receptions for up to 60 guests in a choice of indoor and outdoor event spaces, your wedding day can play out in the most beautiful of settings. What’s more, with approximately 85% of the produce used in Heligan’s menus sourced directly from the estate, you’re assured a feast of fresh, seasonal ingredients with a minimal carbon footprint. heligan.com

Total capacity: 60 daytime, 90 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No, but plentiful accommodation nearby Dog-friendly: Yes

We’ve rounded up some of Cornwall’s most incredible settings for a standout celebration

Nick Walker Photography

Photography: Chris Goodman, Brian Robinson

Heartlands

Set in the heart of Cornwall’s atmospheric mining landscape, Heartlands offers an eclectic combination of celebration spaces and facilities for a wedding rich in Cornish history, culture and romance. Tailoring packages to all styles and scales of wedding, you might exchange vows in the airy, light-filled Great Hall in the Chi an Bobel building (its low carbon footprint makes it a savvy choice for a sustainable celebration), the versatile Red River bar and conservatory, or, for a more intimate ceremony, there’s the iconic Engine House. Roam the 19 acres of landscaped park and gardens dotted with sculptures and let young guests burn off some energy in the giant adventure playscape before gathering for a feast to remember in this quintessentially Cornish setting. heartlandscornwall.com

Total capacity: 200 ceremony, 300 reception

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No Dog-friendly: Yes

Cornish Tipi Weddings

Dreaming of a wildly romantic wedding? Prepare to find it at Cornish Tipi Weddings, a secret glade of ancient woodland with carpets of wild flowers and a glorious lake at its heart. A dream canvas for a relaxed, backto-nature wedding, take your vows to the sound of birdsong in the pavilion, crafted from willow and canvas, or opt for a blessing next to the lake. Throw the ultimate festival wedding in the marquee meadow, which can be styled according to your vision, whether it’s pared-back pretty or full-blown boho. And sprinkle the celebrations with the romance of rowing across the lake, gathering round the firepit for marshmallows and stargazing, and, of course, spending your wedding night in a tipi!

cornishtipiweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 300 Civil ceremonies licence: Yes Guest accommodation: For 300 Dog-friendly: Couple’s dog welcome for ceremony and photos only

appleB

Images

Debs

Alexander

Photography

appleB

Images

VENUES GUIDE: SMALL & INTIMATE

Dreaming of stealing away for a small wedding in a beautiful corner of Cornwall? These gorgeous spots specialise in intimate weddings

Charlestown Harbour

Located on the picturesque south coast, this small, privately owned Grade II listed Georgian harbour is one of Cornwall’s most iconic locations and offers romance and character in spine-tingling abundance. Steeped in maritime history and home to a fleet of striking classic tall ships, couples can marry in the intimate climes of The Round House, which can be found at the end of the east side of the harbour, offering sweeping views across St Austell Bay. Built in the late 1800s, the atmospheric space can host ceremonies with up to eight guests in attendance, while larger receptions can take place in the heart of the inner harbour on board the tall ship, Kajsamoor. Create a tailored package to suit your requirements, from a drinks reception on the open deck space to a three-course meal for up to 32 seated guests (or 50 standing) provided by popular local restaurant, The Longstore.

charlestownharbour.com

Total capacity: 30 in Round House, more for harbour reception

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: Available on classic ships, capacity dependent on time of year and vessel Dog-friendly: Yes, but not on ships

St Nectan’s Glen

As well as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this utterly enchanting corner of north Cornwall is thought to be one of the UK’s most spiritual sites. The otherworldly beauty of St Nectan’s Glen is undeniable, from the magnificent 60-foot waterfall cascading into an idyllic valley to the acres of ancient woodland where ivy-clad trees line the banks of the River Trevillet. Secluded, tranquil and truly away-from-it-all, this hidden Cornish valley is a dreamlike setting for a wedding immersed in nature. With the focus very much on each couple’s individual vision for their day, the friendly and flexible team will help you to design the celebration of your wildly beautiful dreams, whether you choose a hand fasting, an elopement or intimate ceremony. st-nectansglen.co.uk

Total capacity: 20

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 15 Dog-friendly: Yes

Treseren

Described as a ‘homestead under the stars’, Treseren sits in a secluded countryside setting, just 10 minutes from the north coast. A stylish retreat where Georgian character and Austenesque romance is woven with modern accents, Shepherds House is flanked by two-and-a-half acres of greenery, with winding paths leading to secret flower-filled gardens. Specialising in small weddings with accommodation for 12, choose from a romantic ceremony in the Wedding Room or a candlelit winter elopement in the Drawing Room. There’s also the oh-so dreamy option of garden vows beneath a moon gate festooned with blooms followed with lawn games, feasting and cosying up around the firepit as the sun slips behind the leafy horizon. treseren.co.uk

Total capacity: 22

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: For 12

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Park Cornwall

Located within pebble-hurling distance of Mawgan Porth beach, this five-star holiday park offers an eclectic choice of settings for an intimate wedding, wrapped up in the drama of the north Cornish coast. Exchange vows in the magical yurt village, the coolly styled restaurant, The Kitchen on the Beach, or in an eco lodge with breathtaking balcony views. After the vows, enjoy a loved-up stroll across the sands, before returning for delicious food fresh from the clay oven and stargazing around the firepit. Make a holiday of it and enjoy a memorable few days savouring this family-friendly and dogfriendly haven; there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tubs, play areas, resident goats and chickens, and sprawling coastal beauty on the doorstep.

theparkcornwall.com

Total capacity: 50

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: 18 lodges, 13 cottages, 2 cabins, 4 caravans, 2 yurts, 1 house Dog-friendly: Yes

Toby Lowe Photography

Joe Burford Photography

VENUES GUIDE: MARQUEES & TIPIS

Dreaming of a so-you wedding under canvas? Be inspired by these fabulous outdoor wedding specialists

Absolute Canvas

Absolute Canvas is a family-run marquee hire company based in Cornwall with over 30 years of experience. Absolute Canvas offers a range of beautiful marquees, from elegant beautiful traditional canvas, to stunning clear span marquees. Each marquee is a blank canvas and can be styled to your individual taste; from rustic English fete, to your lavish modern finish. The team pride themselves on their attentive and personal approach to your planning and can be involved as little or as much as you would like. They are on hand to offer advice, chat and discuss your vision. They understand that this is the biggest day of your life and love nothing more than to take your big ideas and make them happen.

absolutecanvas.co.uk

Skybar Weddings

Seeking a wow-worthy space to stage your celebrations? Skybar Weddings’ collection of top-of-the-range stretch marquees will suit weddings of any size and style. Couples can hire a range of lighting, flooring and furnishings such as tables, chairs and Chesterfield sofas, along with a bespoke bar (with setup and service), plus various staging, sound and entertainment options too. The company even offers stylish wedding transportation in the form of a Land Rover. From finding the perfect party spot to the full hire and styling package, look forward to a brilliantly personalised service from this highly experience team of event organisersand a marquee wedding to remember. skybarweddings.com

Freckle Photography

Taylor & Porter

Kirstin Prisk

Photography

A marquee is a blank canvas

At Absolute Canvas we can offer a range of beautiful marquees; from elegant traditional, to stunning clear span marquees.

Each marquee is a blank canvas, and can be styled to your individual taste; from rustic English fete style, to your lavish modern finish.

375747 to discuss the possibilities or visit our website

www.absolutecanvas.co.uk

Sunset Tipis

Sunset Tipis brings the wow factor in spades with their giant big hat kata tipis as well as their own locations for hire spanning spots with coastal, valley and countryside views, including the iconic St Agnes Beacon. Roll up the sides and savour the Cornish views and warm sunshine or take them down to create a snug and cosy vibe by the fire, the exposed poles woven with fairy lights adding to the magic. Every element of your tipi wedding can be looked after by the team. sunsettipis.com

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENUE

Before you fall for the first venue you visit, get clued up on the essential questions

Choosing your wedding venue is a huge decision, and one from which many of your other decisions will follow. It’s oh-so easy to set your heart on the first country pile you visit but, before you make a decision, consider these key questions from wedding planner, Jenny Granlund of Jenny Wren Weddings & Events (jennywrens.com).

Then go ahead and make that all-important booking – safe in the knowledge that you’re prepped on the party-planning essentials.

• What is the capacity for a ceremony and reception?

• Does the venue have a ceremony licence?

• What ceremony locations are there, both inside and outside?

• Is the venue exclusive use?

• What is their availability like?

• What is included in the price?

• Look at the rooms and discuss whether room turnarounds will need to take place (for example, if the dinner is in the same room as the ceremony).

If so, who will take care of this?

Tipi Spaces

Tipi Spaces’ ivory white canvas Nordic tipis provide a versatile and truly enchanting blank canvas. Manufactured in Sweden, each tipi is designed to offer maximum durability and protection from the elements to give a fabulously flexible solution for any setting or style of event. Their striking structure ensures a wow-worthy centrepiece, while inside, the conical shape sculpts a more intimate space for your celebrations. And, boasting almost 50 years combined experience of project and luxury event management, the team is enthusiastically primed to achieve your vision by attending to all the details. tipispaces.co.uk

• Are there any break-out rooms away from the party for older guests or babies?

• Will there be a wedding coordinator on-site on the wedding day? What will they be taking care of?

• Is furniture provided?

• Is tableware provided?

• Can you bring in your own suppliers and catering company?

• Are toilets provided?

• What time do the licenses for music and alcohol run until?

• Are there restrictions concerning music?

• Is there the option to provide your own alcohol? Do they charge corkage?

• What day and time can you have access from?

• Is there accommodation on-site or close by?

• Do they allow fireworks?

• Do they allow confetti?

• Do they allow firepits?

• Are there dos and don’ts concerning decoration?

• What time does the hire end?

• Who does the clean up afterwards?

• Who takes away the recycling and rubbish?

Venetia Norrington Photography

Venetia

Norrington

Photography

Venetia

Norrington Photography

PhotoCredit:EmmaStoner

ceremonially speaking

From civil ceremonies and celebratory ceremonies to pagan handfastings, wed looks at the many ways you can formalise and celebrate your union words Hannah May & Nicola Le Couteur Bisson, Guild of Cornish Celebrants

Thomas Frost Photography

However and whenever you’re thinking of getting married, there’s a host of ways to do it to suit your vision. Whether you’re living by the rule book or wanting to write your own, couples can design a day to reflect their love story and stage something reflective of the times by picking a mode to match, from the multitude of ways to say (or not say!) ‘I do’ that are also oh-so ‘you’.

Legally speaking…

First off, don’t forget the legal requirements of entering matrimony. To get married or form a civil partnership in England and Wales (with differing rules for Scotland and Northern Ireland), from 27th February 2023 you must both be 18 years of age, not closely related nor already married or in a civil partnership. Two witnesses must be present at the wedding.

Documents required include proof of name, age, any name changes, nationality and address. Additional paperwork such as details of where and when you intend to marry must also be submitted – alongside (if applicable) a decree absolute or final order, entry visa and death certificate of your formal partner. Non-UK nationals will need to check any visa requirements, and allow additional time for the notice to be processed.

A notice period of at least 29 days must be given by signing a legal statement to say you intend to get married or form a civil partnership at your local register office (the district of which you must have lived in for at least seven days), and the ceremony must be completed within 12 months of submitting this notice.

Civil Marriage

This is a non-religious legally binding marriage ceremony performed by two local authority officials called a superintendent registrar and a registrar, at a register office, registration office or venue approved by the local council. It can feature readings, music and songs, by prior agreement, but cannot include any religious or spiritual content. Two witnesses must be present.

Civil Partnership

A civil partnership legally recognises the relationship between two people and, though isn’t defined as a marriage, does involve similar responsibilities and rights such as tax benefits, inheritance and pensions. It takes place in front of a registrar and doesn’t involve a ceremony or the exchanging of vows (though both can be requested), but simply the signing of the civil partnership document in front of two witnesses. Civil partnerships are open to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, and they are referred to as civil partners, rather than husband and wife.

Civil Partnership Conversion

Same-sex (but not opposite-sex) couples can convert a civil partnership into a marriage in England or Wales by attending an appointment at a register office to sign a ‘conversion into marriage’ declaration in front of a superintendent registrar, who must also sign the declaration (which you can also say to each other). A marriage certificate is then issued, dated with the date of the original civil partnership. Should you choose to follow the conversion with a ceremony (with or without guests), you can do so at a register office, approved premises or religious building where same-sex marriages are allowed.

Religious Ceremony

A religious marriage ceremony can take place at any Church of England church or registered religious building and must be presided over by a vicar or authorised person, such as a minister, who will need to ensure the marriage document is correctly

produced, signed and posted to the local registration service for the marriage to be registered. The ceremony must take the form of the rites and ceremonies of the Religious denomination in which you are marrying and will include some form of prescribed vows. Same-sex couples can get married in a religious building if it has been registered for them to do so.

Sequel Wedding

Sequel weddings are a two-part event whereby couples have a small ceremony or intimate wedding followed by a larger second ceremony or celebration at a later date (only one can be legally recognised). This can take the form of an elopement, virtual or micro wedding followed by a grand-scale sequel the following year.

Celebratory Ceremony

This is a way for couples to celebrate their marriage with friends and family when and wherever they want. It is free of any legal restraints and can be conducted by a professional celebrant or a friend. Your status won’t alter since the service isn’t legally binding, but it does give total freedom and flexibility with regards to venue and content, and can include traditional elements such as vow and ring exchanges and readings, or anything else you personally desire, from promises to rituals such as handfasting, a sand ceremony or a ring warming. Most couples will have a simple legal ceremony either just before or after the celebratory ceremony. Professional celebrants work with the couple to personalise the ceremony in its entirety and spend time meeting with and getting to know the couple. The celebrant will then write and conduct a ceremony which is completely unique and tailored to the couple and reflects their wishes. There are two types of professional celebrant: independent celebrants and humanists. A humanist celebrant is a member of Humanists UK and follows their philosophy and will not usually allow any religious or spiritual references in their ceremonies. An independent celebrant is led by the wishes of the couple in the ceremony content and will include religious or spiritual references and work with couples of any or differing faiths or non, to create a ceremony which is meaningful for all, they will also work with faith leaders.

Pagan Handfasting

The ancient pagan-inspired marriage ritual is usually performed by an independent celebrant or fellow pagan and involves a couple’s hands being bound with ribbon or cord to signify their union. Handfasting is not legally recognised on its own as a form of marriage. Holding hands so that the pulse points or wrists are touching, the ribbons or cords are looped around the couples’ joined hands whilst they say their vows and promises. The colours of the ribbons or cords can be accorded meanings and are chosen specifically by the couple. Family members or guests can be included in the ceremony by coming forward to place the ribbon or cord over the couples hands. Further layers of meaning can be added by invoking the blessings of the cardinal points and elements if wished.

Vow Renewal

However you originally married, renewing your vows is a way to celebrate your marriage and relationship. Couples can choose to periodically renew their vows every decade (or even annually!), at milestone anniversaries, after having children (who they can ask to host the reaffirmation), or to reinforce their love and commitment during turbulent times. It can occur anywhere from your home to a poignant outside space or building or a traditional house of worship - and, not being legal, can be led by a friend or a celebrant.

A NEW WEDDINGS LAW?

The ceremony, the heart of your wedding day, is full of choices – legal ones! Will you marry in church, in the register office, a hotel or stately home? Or have you got your heart set on a romantic wedding on a beach or in your parents’ garden? Anything is possible, but there are legal hoops to jump through to have the day of your dreams if you wish to be legally married.

Currently there are limited options for a legal marriage in England and Wales. So much of wedding law goes back to the Marriage Act of 1949 and some aspects of the law can be traced back to the times of King Henry VIII! It’s recognised as unfit for purpose and so, in 2019, the government asked the Law Commission to undertake a review of wedding law to look at the “red tape and outdated rules around weddings”. The final report was published in July 2022.

So what are the proposals?

The report covered ‘weddings law’ which covers all of the formalities which a couple is required to go through in order to have a legally recognised marriage. It includes the preliminaries to the wedding (also known as giving notice), rules about the ceremony itself, including where it can take place, who must attend and what must be said, and the registration of the marriage.

That all sounds very dry and legal – what does this mean for our wedding?

At present nothing will change – until the government decides what, if any, of the proposals it wants to put

forward as a bill to parliament, and this may not be until 2025. But change is in the air, and there is great support for these recommendations to go ahead.

The exciting takeaway is that couples will no longer be limited to using a licensed building as a venue for their wedding. The proposals are for regulation of the officiant rather than a building. More and more couples are looking to have their ceremony in a place that has meaning for them: a beach, garden or a field on the family farm, and to have a ceremony with more personalised content than is currently available within a legal wedding ceremony. These proposals will allow couples to have the legal ceremony they want, rather than making compromises on location or content.

The legal preliminaries will change: Anglican preliminaries (banns) will remain with some reforms and civil preliminaries will begin with the initial notice being given online, with an in-person interview at least five days before the schedule (legal document which will take the place of the register) is issued. Notices would be published online rather than in the register office.

The Law Commissioners recommend the development of five categories of officiant. These include Anglican clergy, registration officers and nominated officiants (from other religions), who are able to undertake legal weddings under the current law, albeit under the buildings registration and licensing rules. The two additional categories are maritime officiants (allowing weddings on

cruise ships for example), and independent celebrants.

The nominated officiants category would be expanded to included non-belief organisations (such as humanists) in addition to belief organisations (faith groups). Independent celebrants, registration officers and maritime officiants would each be able to perform civil weddings, with nominated officiants and Anglican clergy performing belief or non-belief weddings. It will be for the government to decide who can fulfil these officiant roles.

The ceremony proposals are equally radical. There would be a common set of duties and responsibilities for all officiants, and the same rules would apply to all groups and all weddings. Civil weddings would be allowed some religious content whilst still being identifiably secular.

We are awaiting the government’s interim response to these proposals early in 2023 and a full response should be made by July 2023. Should these proposals go ahead it really will be ‘your ceremony – your way’. You will be able to choose a location that means something to you and you will be able to work with your chosen officiant to create a ceremony full of meaning to you both. As independent celebrants, we are excited at the prospect of these changes to the law, and we look forward to conducting many more bespoke ceremonies in every corner of our beautiful county.

Nicola Le Couteur Bisson of the Cornish Celebrants looks at

the prospect of a new wedding law – and what it

could

mean for your ceremony

George Mackay Flowers 07852 405311 georgemackayflowers.com

The Velvet Daisy 077906 92221 thevelvetdaisy.co.uk

Marquees

Absolute Canvas 01326 375747 absolutecanvas.co.uk

Skybar Weddings skybarweddings.com

Sunset Tipis 01872 553383 sunsettipis.com

Tipi Spaces 01884 277306 tipispaces.co.uk

Trevarno Marquees & Event Hire 01209 831333 trevarnomarquees.co.uk

Menswear

Cornwall Suit Room 01209 613366 cornwallsuitroom.com

Photography

Alan Law Photography 07594 847422 alanlawphotography.co.uk

Grant Lampard Photography 07943 035436 grantlampardphotography.com

Hannah Wilde Photography 07508 596322 hannah-wilde.com

Joey Lamb Photography 07470 331337 joeylambphotography.com

Nick Bailey Photography 07816 251838 photobailey.com

Olivia WR Fine Art Photography 07470 056050 oliviawhitbread-roberts.com

Ross Talling Photography 07525 781128 rosstalling.co.uk

Stewart Girvan Photography 01209 480699 stewartgirvan.co.uk

Thomas Frost Photography 07584 906088 thomasfrostphotography.com

Toby Lowe Photography 07800 805081 tobylowephotography.co.uk

Verity Westcott Photography 07412 364197 veritywestcottphotography.com

Rings & jewellery

Drakes 01752 227775 drakesjewellers.co.uk

Emily Nixon 01736 887599 emilynixon.com

Justin Duance 01736 368395 justind.co.uk

Michael Spiers 01872 272264 michaelspiers.co.uk

Stephanie Stevens 07817 239895 stephaniestevensjewellery.co.uk

Transport

Honeybugs Cornwall 07981 166098 honeybugscornwall.co.uk

Venues

Above the Bay abovethebay.co.uk

Atlantic Hotel 01637 872244 atlantichotelnewquay.co.uk

Beacon Crag 07815 311291 beaconcrag.com

Boconnion 01208 220488 boconnion.co.uk

Boconnoc 01208 872507 boconnoc.com

Caerhays 01872 501310 caerhays.co.uk

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate 01736 795311 carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Carwinion House 01326 653212 carwinionhouse.co.uk

Charlestown Harbour 01726 70241 charlestownharbour.com

Cornish Tipi Weddings 01208 880781 cornishtipiweddings.co.uk

The Driftwood Spars 01872 552428 driftwoodspars.com

Eden Project 01726 811911 edenproject.com

Fowey Hall Hotel 01726 833866 foweyhallhotel.co.uk

The Gannet 01736 795651 gannetstives.co.uk

The Godolphin 01736 888510 godolphin.com

The Green 01579 362253 thegreencornwall.co.uk

Gwel an Mor 01209 842354 gwelanmor.com

Heartlands 01209 722325 heartlandscornwall.com

Hendra Barns 01872 510884 hendrabarns.co.uk

Hotel Tresanton 01326 270055 tresanton.com

Hustyns Resort Cornwall 01208 893700 hustyns.co.uk

Knightor 01726 851101 knightor.com

Land’s End Hotel 01736 871844 landsendhotel.co.uk

Llawnroc Hotel 01726 843461 thellawnrochotel.co.uk

The Lost Gardens of Heligan 01726 845100 heligan.com

Lower Bussow Farm lowerbussowfarm.co.uk

Lusty Glaze 01637 872444 lustyglaze.co.uk

Nancarrow Farm 01872 540343 nancarrowfarm.co.uk

The Old Quay House Hotel 01726 833302 theoldquayhouse.com

got wed

Beautiful love stories from across Cornwall

“Be calm and take in every moment”

Handmade and Heartfelt

Despite having ‘missed’ one another while attending the same college, Jules and Kieran clicked years later while dating online. It was after a Christmas morning sea dip in Portreath that Kieran popped the question through the final piece of an elaborate advent calendar he had made Jules, dropping to bended knee with tears in his eyes.

The wedding planning commenced, and the couple soon fell for the idyllic climes of Woodland Valley Farm in the heart of the Cornish countryside. “It’s a beautiful setting you can really make your own if you are willing to make the effort,” explains Jules.

Selecting a colour scheme of burnt orange, sage and champagne “for the calm vibe they offer”, Jules sourced and created much of the décor herself, from the hand-painted stationery and jars of flowers and pampas grass to the Cornish fudge and rock favours and miniature jam jar shots, which went down a treat during the toasts. She even made her own veil, which was the perfect finishing touch for her dreamy lace and tulle gown. Friends and family also pitched in, with Kieran’s dad making an arch for the ceremony aisle and bridesmaid Amy baking the three-tiered cake with the bride and groom’s favourite flavours.

Jules enjoyed a memorable arrival to the barn ceremony by tractor. “This really helped set the tone for the relaxed atmosphere,” she says. Walking back down the aisle as a married couple to Arkansas by Chris Stapleton, and being whisked away on the tractor together, proved one of their highlights of the day, followed by a beautifully personal ceremony which included “a bit of banter!”

Boarding the tractor, the newlyweds enjoyed a cocktail together while guests soaked up Aperol Spritz and Pimm’s in the sunshine ahead of a sumptuous feast of Woodland Valley sausages, rib-eye steak, chicken, vegetable kebabs with roast halloumi and tofu, and a smattering of delicious sides.

As the sun set on the hot summer’s day, the festivities revved up with a magician wowing guests and live band Roadrunner filling the dance floor with some of the couple’s favourite tunes.

“The RSVP requested a song that made our guests happy and every so often I would hear couples scream ‘it’s our song’ and I’d see their happy faces running to the dance floor!” smiles Jules.

“Doing my own speech at the wedding breakfast and our first dance being sung by my new father-in-law,” she cites as some of her most treasured moments of the day. “He used to be in a band and made an exception to belt out a tune for us!”

Reflecting on their personality-packed wedding, Jules and Kieran are replete with advice for couples in the throes of planning. “Prioritise what is important to you to keep expenses down,” she says. “And know the important parts to plan early: register, notice and rings. Everything else will fall into place.”

They also advise a couple-centred focus on everything from the schedule to the seating plan. “Make some intimate couple time,” Kieran says. “Immediately after the ceremony we had five minutes over an old fashioned cocktail to discuss our morning. It was a bit of ‘us’ time to realise the amazing thing we had just done.”

“Don’t be afraid to have just a bride and groom table for the wedding breakfast,” he adds. “It was a beautiful moment seeing all the people we loved enjoying themselves.”

Photography Thomas Frost Photography thomasfrostphotography.com

Venue Woodland Valley Farm woodlandvalley.co.uk

Celebrant Kate Brian

Dress Justin Alexander from Elaine Rawlings elainerawlings.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses Selfridges selfridges.com

Groom’s outfit Moss Bros. moss.co.uk

Hair Ro Hair rohair.co.uk

Flowers Ingrid Stone stoneingrid7@gmail.com

Cake Amy Wallace Del-Monte

Magician Fine Entertainments fine-entertainments.com

Entertainment Roadrunner roadrunnerbandlive.co.uk

Handcrafted décor, personal touches and joyous moments were the keynotes of Jules and Kieran’s heatwave wedding in the heart of Cornwall

Jules and Kieran chose shades of burnt orange, sage and champagne for their relaxed summer wedding in the heart of Cornwall.

The Bright Side

Sarah and Tom first met while studying at university in Manchester. Almost ten years later, Tom popped the question during a weekend away in Polzeath.

“We went for a stroll along the beach, which we had completely to ourselves, just in time for a stunning sunset,” says Sarah. “Out of nowhere, Tom dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him, presenting me with a ring he’d been carrying around all day! I burst into (happy!) tears – and of course said ‘yes’!”

A protracted planning period with a series of Covid-related changes ensued. “Originally, we were planning a 150-guest wedding in Somerset. However, the postponement gave us time and space outside of the original rushed excitement of wedding planning to really think about what we wanted,” explains Sarah.

Opting for a smaller guest list “meant we could move the venue to where we’d always really wanted it to be – Cornwall!” says Sarah, who was smitten with Beacon Crag in Porthleven the moment she set eyes upon it. “Porthleven is one of our favourite places in the world; Beacon Crag worked for our numbers, the venue can be a complete blank canvas and that view is just unbelievable!” she says. “We hired a tipi to host our reception on the terrace overlooking the sea and opted for an outdoor ceremony on the cliffside.”

With a “festival and colourful wildflower” vision, the couple styled the day uniquely their way. “We just chose everything we loved, threw it all together and ended up with something that really felt special to us – and had a lot of fun with it too!” says Sarah.

A smattering of fairy and festoon lights, ribbon bunting and a huge ribbon wall backdrop created a colourful and ambient space inside the tents, with matching tableware in the form of bright glassware, rattan charger plates and dusty pink cheesecloth table runners lined with mismatched glass bottles filled with flowers. “We set up a couple of chill-out zones inside the tipi by hiring armchairs, rugs and coffee tables, and outside we had hay bales with colourful blankets around firepits with s’more stations,” adds Sarah.

Following the ceremony, canapés, drinks and acoustic music greeted guests ahead of a banquet including grazing platter starters followed by stuffed whole salmon, grilled cauliflower and aubergine Moroccan flatbreads and apple crumble for dessert. As night fell, the party kicked up a gear with a glitter station, rounds of beer pong, a live band and fireworks finale.

“My favourite moment was definitely the ceremony,” reflects Sarah. “To have all our guests together on a beautiful sunny day overlooking the ocean to watch us finally become husband and wife felt incredible. I loved our handfasting ceremony, which included both of our mums laying the ribbon over our hands. It felt really special to have them both involved.”

Sarah pays tribute to the team effort that made their wedding day so spectacular. “It wouldn’t have happened without our amazing friends and family helping with the set-up and, of course, our brilliant suppliers,” she says.

“Your wedding doesn’t have to fit a theme or a look – and you don’t have to invite everyone you have ever met,” she adds as final words of wisdom. “Just have fun with it and enjoy the process.”

A clifftop ceremony, colourful tipi reception and firework finale made for a spectacular celebration by the sea for Sarah and Tom

Sarah and Tom took their vows before an awe-inspiring ocean backdrop on the edge of Porthleven.

“To have all of our guests together on a beautiful sunny day overlooking the ocean to watch us finally become husband and wife felt incredible”

SARAH

Photography Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod kathrynclarkemcleod.com

Venue Beacon Crag beaconcrag.com

Tipi The Cornish Tent Company thecornishtentcompany.com

On-the-day coordination Miss Carlysle and Co misscarlysleandco.com

Celebrants Cornish Celebrants cornishcelebrants.co.uk

Dress Anna Kara from Perfect Day Bridal perfectdaybridal.net

Bridesmaids’ dresses Sammi McCarthy Designs etsy.com/uk/shop/SammiMcCarthyDesigns

Flower girls’ tutus Six Stories sixstories.co.uk

Groom’s outfit John Lewis johnlewis.com

Hair Louise Alway louisealway.com

Make-up Suzi Winter makeupartistcornwall.co.uk

Flowers Lafonia Flower Company lafoniaflowercompany.co.uk

Catering Dish Cornwall dishcornwall.co.uk

Cake Ahh Toots ahhtoots.com

Tableware & prop hire Keeping it Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk

Furniture & prop hire The Prop Factory propfactory.co.uk

Entertainment The Nauticals nauticalsband.com

Fireworks Sonic Fireworks sonicfireworks.co.uk

Glitter station Pluma UK instagram.com/pluma.uk

Videography The McHendrys themchendrys.com

You, Me and the Sea

It was an old-school college romance for Sammy and Will, who became an item while studying at Truro College and shared their first kiss on the night of Sammy’s 18th birthday. Fast forward to 2019 and, having ventured to Australia for their friends’ wedding, the couple joined a catamaran bound for the Whitsunday Islands. One evening they found themselves alone on deck as the sun was setting over a secluded bay, and Will plucked up the courage to capture the moment.

“The sunset was like nothing we’d ever seen before”, recalls Sammy, “so Will asked to take a picture of me looking west towards the horizon”. Stood across the deck and out of view, Will wound the film on but Sammy didn’t hear his camera’s characteristic shutter release. “When I turned around, he was down on one knee with a ring in his hand and in floods of tears – it was perfect”.

Back on Cornish shores, the couple set about planning their coastal boho celebrations in a seaside meadow overlooking Charlestown and St Austell Bay. They wanted the natural beauty and colour of the location to take centre stage, so chose an understated floral aesthetic of white rose, pink lisianthus, gypsophila and eucalyptus to complement the setting of their day.

“We’ve always loved neutral, soft colour palettes, but having got engaged in Australia we also wanted a nod to that in our colour scheme,” Sammy explains. “We settled on eucalyptus green as our main foliage colour and complemented this with neutral pampas grass and hessian tones through the marquee and on our signage.”

Having officially wed in a civil ceremony a few days prior, the couple’s self-penned vows were presided over by lifelong friend and celebrant Laurence Pears, as they stood overlooking the sea beneath an arbour of Charlestown Pilot Gig Rowing Club oars. “We wanted to keep things as honest, personal and intimate as possible,” remembers Will. A combination of lawn games and songs from Steve Panter entertained guests while they enjoyed canapés and drinks before everybody headed to the marquee to tuck into an incredibly special wedding breakfast.

“We were set on something sourced in Cornwall, cooked al fresco and fit for a celebratory feast”, recalls Sammy, and with the team from Beautiful and the Feast at the helm, their brief was delivered with gusto. Handmade barbecue flatbreads were followed by slow-braised beef shin and smoked chimichurri, before bowls of cardamom plum and whipped custard crumble rounded everything off.

As day turned to night, The Brass Junkies wowed guests, while custom-designed cocktails and pasties were polished off. “The band learned a new song for us – (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing – so we could attempt the famous lift at the end of the set!” smiles Sammy. Performances over, a personalised playlist kept guests on the dance floor until midnight, after which the rowers sang sea shanties into the early hours. “It was an unforgettable end to the night”, remembers Will.

With so much to take in, then, what was the most special part of the day? “For me, it was trying to memorise every aspect of Sammy walking down the aisle,” reveals Will. “I’m so happy I listened when friends and family advised me to watch her walk towards me and commit it to memory –overwhelmed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt!”

So, with their big day a success, could Will and Sammy share any tips for other soon-to-be weds?

“Make a list of the things that are most important to you and try to nail those aspects down as far in advance as possible,” advises Sammy. “And don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family – the night before is particularly important so you can focus on getting your nerves under control.”

From soul-stirring vows overlooking the ocean to sea shanties in the small hours, Sammy and Will’s wedding was a dreamy affair from start to finish

“We wanted to keep things as honest, personal and intimate as possible”

Photography Lauren Knuckey laurenknuckey.com

Venue Broad Meadow House broadmeadowhouse.com

Marquee Absolute Canvas absolute canvas.co.uk

Dress Lillian West from Elaine Rawlings Bridal Boutique elainerawlings.co.uk

Bridesmaids’ dresses The Pretty Infinity prettyinfinity.co.uk

Groom & groomsmen’s outfits Cornwall Suit Room cornwallsuitroom.com

Bride’s ring Cathedral Jewellers cathedraljewellers.co.uk

Groom’s ring Justin Duance justind.co.uk

Hair Leah at Salt Hair Co instagram.com/salt_hair_co_

Flowers Andy’s Flowers andysflowers.com

Catering Beautiful and the Feast beautifulandthefeast.com

Pasties Pearce’s Family Butchers facebook.com/PearcesButchers Cake Rachel Allen

Tableware & kitchen hire Abbotts Catering Suppliers abbotts-catering-supplies.co.uk

Bar South West Bars and Events southwestbarsandevents.co.uk

Entertainment Steve Panter facebook.com/stevepantermusic

The Brass Junkies brassjunkies.co.uk

Dog care Wedding Day Dog Nanny wddognanny.co.uk

AND

TAMARA

All the Fun of the Fiesta!

Tamara and George first set eyes on each other at their freshers’ bar on his first night at university. Romance blossomed and George took his opportunity to propose when the rules were relaxed during the Covid lockdown. “It was during one of the August weekends when we were allowed a small gathering,” reveals Tamara. “We held a festival-themed party with friends in my mum’s garden and George proposed with a poem in front of everyone.”

The couple set about planning their personality-packed wedding, deciding Cornish Tipi Weddings offered the perfect backdrop for their South American themed celebration.

“We travelled through South America before starting our postgraduate degrees and wanted to bring some of our favourite things to the day,” explains Tamara. Bold red was a recurring theme, from the bridesmaids’ senorita dresses to Tamara’s flamenco gown, which she changed into for the evening reception. Guests also got into the colourful spirit via a “bold, bright, fiesta” dress code.

The marquee was a carnival of colour: Tamara’s mum used Peruvian fabric to create the table runners and cushion covers; each chair was decorated by hand with multi-coloured ribbons and vibrant flowers carried from the chandeliers to the showstopping cake.

After taking their vows on the lakeside, Tamara and George stole a few moments together rowing across the lake to the sound of panpipes, which proved one of their standout moments of the day. Beneath trees strewn with dreamcatchers, guests enjoyed canapés and drinks in the company of alpacas while Mamba Rumba provided a fitting soundtrack.

Retiring to the marquee for cocktails including pisco sours, caipirinha and mojitos, guests then tucked into an Argentinian asado barbecue featuring the most flavoursome salads, chicken, beef and cheese dishes.

The first dance saw the newlyweds take to the dance floor for a special samba routine, after which a carnival show from Tropicalia, featuring Brazilian dancers and samba drums, provided the energetic entertainment.

“Watching the guests’ faces when the dancers walked in,” is a moment that Tamara cites as one of her personal highlights from the day. The rest of the evening included a DJ set by none other than George himself, along with a photo booth complete with themed props.

Tamara makes a special mention of “how amazing the staff at Cornish Tipi Weddings were from start to finish”, while also extolling the virtues of prompt planning and enlisting the professionals’ help to ease the pressure.

“Start planning early,” she advises. “Even if other people tell you that you are being too organised, it will all pay off in the end! And trust in your suppliers: the way that they all come together on the day is quite magnificent!”

Photography Toby Lowe tobylowephotography.co.uk

Venue Cornish Tipi Weddings cornishtipiweddings.co.uk

Celebrant Sue Skillings independentcornishcelebrant.co.uk

Dress Enzoani enzoani.com

Groom’s outfit Marc Darcy marcdarcy.co.uk

Hair Melody Rose Hair & Weddings instagram.com/melody_hair_weddings

Make-up Studio 3 Makeup & Beauty studio3cornwall.com

Flowers The Woodland Atelier thewoodlandatelier.com

Transport Wedding and Executive Car Hire weddingandexecutivecarhire.co.uk

Catering Sizzle Grills sizzlegrills.co.uk

Bar Kaz Bar kazbarcornwall.co.uk

Cake Craftycakehole craftycakehole.co.uk

Entertainment Mamba Rumba alivenetwork.com

Tamara and George celebrated their love for each other - and South America - during their vibrant festivities at Cornish Tipi Weddings

“Enjoy the experience of planning a wedding together”

got wed

“It’s all about marrying the person you love the most!”

Coming Up Roses

Gorgeous blooms and elegant touches brought a romantic English garden feel to Alice and Dave’s enchanting wedding at Trelowarren

Alice and Dave first met at Porthleven’s Masked Ball, exchanging numbers before starting to date in London where they were both living at the time.

“After eight years together, the proposal was a complete surprise to me!” admits Alice. “Not long after the last lockdown ended in 2021, we went away to stay in a beautiful cabin in the Brecon Beacons. We were watching the sunset over the mountains, sitting by the firepit, when I suddenly turned around to see Dave on one knee!”

Determined to marry in the county where Alice grew up and they first met, the couple visited just one venue. “I saw a styled shoot at Trelowarren in Wed Magazine just after we were engaged and was so excited,” she reveals. “We really liked that we could have the whole day there with a few different spaces to move around. We also wanted our guests who were coming from out of the county to see the wilder side of Cornwall that we love. Trelowarren with its meandering driveway, wild ponies and an almost Gothic feel felt perfect!”

Shades of pinks and burgundy combined to create the couple’s “romantic English garden with a retro twist” celebrations, which included gorgeous floristry in the form of hydrangeas, peonies, roses and an abundance of foliage.

Having officially married the day before in the company of their parents in Trelowarren’s library, Alice and Dave staged a “personal and fun” ceremony in the chapel surrounded by a congregation of close friends and family. Drinks, canapés and ice cream followed to a string quartet soundtrack on the chapel lawn, paving the way for the speeches in the Stable Barn.

“We really wanted the menu to be completely local and showcase lots of Cornish ingredients; New Yard have a Green Michelin Star for their efforts in sustainable and local sourcing so we couldn’t have wished for a better option!” explains Alice of the on-site restaurant who served a bespoke menu featuring their favourite foods. “We had a spin on caprese salad for starter, kiln-baked steak and monkfish for the main course and panna cotta with Cornish strawberries for dessert.”

After dinner, guests relocated to the courtyard while the Stable Barn was transformed into the evening reception space, allowing them to appreciate the golden hour in all its glory. “We even got a rainbow!” reminisces Alice. Dancing, pasties and cake ensued – along with Alice’s dress change into a showstopping sequin gown.

When asked to reveal her favourite moment, Alice doesn’t hesitate. “Being surrounded by all the people that we love and are so special to us,” she says. “And walking into the chapel and seeing everyone smiling (some crying!) and Dave at the end of the aisle was probably my absolute favourite part.”

She’s also reflective when it comes to dispensing advice to other couples on the planning path. “It’s really easy to get swept up in all the planning but spend some time thinking about how you both want to feel on the day and keep that in your mind,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s all about marrying the person you love the most!”

Alice and Dave chose a palette of pink and burgundy to create their romantic English country garden aesthetic.

Venue

Planning/styling

Celebrant

Groom’s

Hair

Flowers

Décor

Tableware

Catering

Transport

Williams

Entertainment

Brother From Another brotherfromanother.co.uk

Videography

The Great Outdoors

“Jack and I met in A & E when we were trainee doctors,” reveals Mel of their serendipitous first encounter. “Through the chaos we found each other!” she laughs.

The couple bought their first home together six years later after returning from Australia. They had just moved in when Jack seized the moment to pop the question. “He proposed to me completely out of the blue in our new living room surrounded by cardboard boxes and no furniture!” recalls Mel.

Having made many happy memories while visiting her grandparents in Cornwall as a child, Polhawn Fort - with its sweeping ocean views - was the natural choice for the couple’s wedding venue. “The inspiration came from my love of the sea and particularly the natural beauty of Cornwall,” Mel explains. “As a couple we’d always enjoyed friends’ garden parties and barbecues in the summer and wanted to recreate that relaxed friendly atmosphere at our own wedding – almost like a festival or summer fete where a community comes together in celebration.”

Making the most of the outside space by hiring a tipi and decorating it with vintage props and furniture, Mel and Jack created a series of bar areas, which included a champagne cart and metal bathtubs stocked with beers. “We created a gin parlour where guests could try different gin within the fort and displayed our cake there on a vintage dresser,” adds Mel.

The flowers added rich texture and colour to the festivities – and proved to be one of Mel’s favourite aspects of the day. “They were so colourful with loads of different textures like feathers, thistles and pampas grass,” she says.

“We were blessed with amazing sunny weather and started by offering our guests arrival cocktails on the lawn overlooking the sea,” says Mel. The couple took their vows beneath a spectacular prism bedecked with blooms before heading to the beach for photos while their guests’ enjoyed drinks and lawn games. Relocating to the tipi, guests dined on a special sharing menu, which included antipasti of cured meats and roasted vegetables, slow-roasted lamb, oven cod, baked squash with coconut red lentil dhal and passion fruit cheesecake.

The evening party featured a live band and late-night whisky den complete with chesterfield sofas and an open firepit as guests roamed between the atmospheric climes of the fort and tipi.

“My favourite moment was just after the ceremony when we were enjoying our first drink as a married couple,” recalls Mel. “I also vividly remember being on the beach with Jack as husband and wife, and never being so happy. That snippet of private time together to take it all in was so special.”

Reflecting on their beautiful wedding, Mel recommends booking your main suppliers as early as possible. “If you can, meet these people to see if they click with you and your ideas,” she advises. “It took a lot of the pressure off knowing the key people were in place and were as enthusiastic as I was in making the ideas all come to life.”

“It really does fall into place in the end so don’t get yourself stressed about the tiny details,” she adds. “You and your guests will have a fabulous time and the things you worried about won’t matter at all.”

Photography Alan Law Photography alanlawphotography.co.uk

Venue Polhawn Fort polhawnfort.com

Tipi Wild Tipi wildtipi.co.uk

Planning Two Be Wed twobewed.co.uk

Dress Pronovias pronovias.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses Rewritten wearerewritten.com

Hair April Wagner aprilwagnerhair.co.uk

Make-up Gem Ryder gemryder.com

Décor hire Keeping It Vintage keepingitvintage.co.uk

Vintage furniture hire Virginia’s Vintage Hire virginiasvintagehire.co.uk

The Prop Factory propfactory.co.uk

Flowers Twigs and Greens twigsandgreens.co.uk

Catering Cornwall Chef cornwallchef.com

Evening food CornishPod cornishpod.co.uk

Cake Edible Essence edibleessencecakeart.com

Entertainment Folk Junkies folkjunkiesband.com

Cornwall’s natural beauty shone at Mel and Jack’s romantic wedding at Polhawn Fort

“We allowed our guests to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible”

Mel and Jack embraced the beautiful natural setting of Polhawn Fort on a perfect summer’s day.

The Nature of Love

Natural history documentary filmmakers Briony and Jack were both working for a TV company in Plymouth when they met on a night out. “I was away on shoots so frequently after the first meeting that it took six months before we managed to go on a date,” laughs Briony.

The couple were on the way back from a snorkelling trip on the Sardinian coast when they became engaged. “Jack stopped the boat in front of a cliff with a waterfall flowing into the sea and proposed,” she recalls.

Trevenna was a fitting setting for their summer wedding, the key themes of wildlife and sustainability being inspired by their mutual passion for nature. The country bolthole was bedecked in a sage green and blue colour scheme that was carried in everything from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the groomsmen’s ties. “The cake had edible wildflowers growing up it and the bouquet was like a burst of summer wildflowers that had been picked from a hedgerow,” says Briony of the petal-pretty décor.

“We didn’t want to add a big carbon footprint by going for flowers that wouldn’t grow in the UK,” explains Jack. Opting for homegrown florals from Dartmoor Flowers, the couple requested that orange geums be added to the bouquet. “We wanted it to have that feeling of a summer wildflower meadow, with delicate, colourful flower heads that would blow in the wind,” he says. “I couldn’t have asked for better and I even had bees hitching a ride with me on the day, landing on my bouquet!” laughs Briony.

Flowers also adorned the arbour where the couple took their vows and cascaded from the beam in the Threshing Barn where they hosted their wedding breakfast. A friend, who is a tree surgeon, cut sustainable wood slices for the centrepieces, while the favours were little glass bottles filled with wildflower seeds made by Briony.

After the speeches in the gardens, guests savoured a feast of chicken, herb-crusted cod loin and butternut squash and feta filo parcel rounded off by triple chocolate brownie and lemon posset. Briony and Jack enjoyed golden hour photos with their dog, Lando, and then, as night fell, guests gathered around the firepit for s’mores before hitting the dance floor and capturing the revelry in a Polaroid photo booth.

“I absolutely loved that our real first dance was on the grass outside Trevenna as the steel drum band played Akon!” reveals Briony of one of her highlights, which also included the ceremony itself. “Both of us agree that our vows were our favourite moment,” says Jack. “We wrote our own and whilst it was quite a daunting prospect to bare our souls in front of everyone it was so great to have such personal words.”

“This is the one day where you can do what you want to do – the day is yours and you want it to feel like yours – so book the steel drum band!” urges Briony to other couples keen to put their stamp on proceedings.

“We did a lot of the crafting well in advance so that it wasn’t too overwhelming,” she adds. “We wanted to enjoy the weeks leading up to the wedding, so forward planning was key. People want to help and contribute, so don’t be afraid to ask.”

Photography Laura Buffery laurabufferyphotography.co.uk

Venue Trevenna trevenna.co.uk

Dress Mikaella Bridal mikaellabridal.com

Flower girl dresses Cath Kidston cathkidston.com

Hair Brigitte Fisher brigittefisher.co.uk

Make-up Gemma Campbell MUA gemmacampbellmua.com

Jewellery Alex Monroe alexmonroe.com

Flowers Dartmoor Flowers dartmoorflowers.co.uk

Cake One Market Street Café onemarketstreetcafe.com

Entertainment Real Steel realsteel.org.uk

SoundONE Disco soundone.co.uk

Dog care Wedding Day Dog Nanny wddognanny.co.uk

From sustainable styling to steel drums, Briony and Jack filled their wedding at Trevenna with many of their passions

BRIONY

JACK

Plan a so-you celebration with these top tips from the wedding gurus. This issue, we look at ideas for throwing an unforgettable party

NOTES ON A WEDDING

Get the party started.

Surprise your guests with a fun element that instantly gets them in the party mood: it might be an alternative form of entertainment, a fire performance, saxophonist and club DJ set, mariachi band or a choreographed first dance. Hazel

Style it up.

Add some additional party pieces – such as glitter balls or coloured tasselled garlands – to transform your space for the evening. Rebecca

Let there be light.

Lighting is key to creating a party atmosphere: it might be lots of festoon and fairy lights, candles, uplighters or gobos, which add a cool vibe and can even be personalised. I love a neon light but choose something that reflects you as a couple rather than anything too clichéd. Rebecca

Let’s go crazy!

Originating from Latin culture and translating as ‘crazy hour’, La Hora Loca is a surefire way to lift the atmosphere of your party. Usually timed around mid to late evening when guests might be flagging, a carnival of professional dancers arrives, together with fun props like glasses and feather boas for guests, to get everyone fired up for more fun and dancing. Jessica

High spirits.

Serve some cool cocktails to get the party started – the more colourful and dramatic the better! You could opt for dry ice, signature cocktails or guests could even make their own, under the guidance of a mixologist of course! Rebecca

Here comes the fun.

Plan pop-up activity areas throughout your venue from a creative photo booth and flowing drink stations to glitter stations and grazing tables. Hazel

Snack attack.

Provide coolly styled snack areas such as hanging crisp walls, oversized doughnut walls and popcorn and sweet bars that can be grabbed and enjoyed whilst dancing the night away. Rebecca

Happy people.

Consider your guests needs so they can relax and enjoy the party. If you have lots of young children attending, consider hiring a childcare service. If your guests love to dance, ensure you have a sizeable area for dancing. Create chill-out lounges as well as outside seating and areas for guests to mingle. Hazel

Light up the night.

Bring your venue to life at night with projection mapping, where a pattern or video is projected onto the side of the venue and other surrounding areas, to create an amazing feature for your guests. Jessica

Late night munchies.

Your guests will be ready for food again in the evening so serve rounds of delicious, crowd-pleasing food that can be hand-held around 8.30pm or 9pm. Hazel

Sax to the max.

If you don’t want a band, consider hiring a DJ with a live element such as a saxophonist or live percussionist, which is great for creating an Ibiza vibe. Jessica

Snap happy.

Capture those memorable moments with a photo booth. Opt for a 360-degree booth that takes a photo and mini gif video as it spins around you, creating an animated shot that can be uploaded straight to Instagram or instantly emailed to you guests. Place it near the bar or dancefloor for maximum fun! Jessica

Go out with a bang.

Surprise your guests with a showstopping fireworks display. You could really push the boat out and hire a string quartet to perform in time to the fireworks. Jessica

saxophonist

Jessica

Fuel the late night festivities with a doughnut wall

Book a photo booth to capture the revelry

the party started with colourful cocktails from The Buffalo

Book roaming performers, such as a mariachi band

the carnival to your party with professional dancers

snack stations with bright colours and tasty flavours

Toby Lowe

Photography

Emma Solley

Photography

Noah Werth Photography

DKS Studios

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod

Verity Westcott Photography

The Buffalo Clare Kinchin Photography

The 2 Lisas

Tropicalia

Stennack

Among the historic buildings, backed by the amazing views over the hills, we can offer a location with ample space for large weddings up to 200 people 07791 930160 hello@stennackfarm.com www.stennackfarm.com

Photography from: Clare Kinchin, Albion Row & Nick Walker