How did you meet?
Chris and I met on a hockey pitch almost 15 years ago but it took ten years and me leaving to study in Prague for 5 months before we finally admitted any feelings for each other! After I returned, it took only a year before Chris took me on a weekend away to the Cornish coast for a posh meal and weekend away – the perfect time to propose! However, we were interrupted by an unsuspecting couple out for an afternoon walk. Chris being so impatient, he proposed at home the next day, and it took all of about 10 seconds for me to agree!
After I returned, it took only a year before..
Chris took me to the Cornish coast for a posh meal and weekend away – the perfect time to propose!
However, we were interrupted by an unsuspecting couple out for an afternoon walk!
Chris knew I wore very little jewellery and would only wear something extremely understated, so he bought a massive, tacky, £7 plastic ring from Sainsbury’s to propose with, and unfortunately I was stuck with it for 4 weeks while my hand-designed ring was made.. luckily it didn’t take any longer as my finger was slowly turning more and more green!
Why did you choose Polhawn Fort?
We both love the coast, so it was an obvious choice. We were determined that despite it being the first venue we looked at, we were going to visit at least two others before making any decisions. However, we fell in love with Polhawn immediately upon arrival – and booked a date before we left!
Did you add any DIY elements to your day?
We tried to do as much of the decorating ourselves as possible, partly to keep down costs but also to make the day a lot more personal to us!
My maid of honour, Chloe, made some amazing bunting for the main room, our sister in law Clare made our candles for the tables, we made our own favours (messages in a bottle) and we also managed to design and create our own invitations and guestbook. Our table plan was a large canvas of us, covered with printed polaroid photos of each guest along with their table numbers so that they could ‘find their face and take their place’.
First dance/song?
‘The One’ (Originally by Kodaline, we had the cover by Beth).
How did you feel before you walked down the aisle?
Quite relaxed! Everyone kept commenting on how I was the most relaxed bride they’d worked with – I only had one teary moment talking to the registrar beforehand but that was more impatience to get everything started!
Funniest thing that happened?
Tough question! I think I laughed more during this weekend than any other time in my life! My bridesmaid Abi tripping over whilst starting her walk down the aisle, spacehoppers on the dancefloor and the best man proposing when he handed over the rings all made us laugh a lot, and playing Mr and Mrs was a highlight, although I think my little brother getting rather tipsy and showing off his best dance moves was the real crowd pleaser of the evening!
What traditions did you include?
We stayed in separate rooms the night before, and didn’t see each other at all in the lead up to the ceremony (despite the bridal party risking an adventure downstairs in search of Prosecco!). We also managed a bouquet toss (although I’m not sure throwing it out the window of the fort was necessarily traditional) and the groom and best man both made speeches.
Best tips / advice?
Don’t over complicate plans – it will be an incredible experience whatever happens! Printed copies of your table plans/ seating plans/ bedroom layouts are an absolute godsend. James Buss is a legend in organisation of furniture, chairs, and changeovers, he made our day run so smoothly! Enjoy the time around the wedding day too – make the most of having your favourite people around you! We went for a play in the sea with all our guests on Sunday morning– we took blow up boats so that the children could join in too and they loved it!
Suppliers that you’d like to share?
David Glover (photographer) was out of this world incredible – we can’t recommend him highly enough. Everyone I’ve spoken to, both guests and friends on facebook who didn’t make it for the wedding have raved about our amazing photos! Our bespoke cake from Bay Tree cakes was fantastic and got people talking, and our catering was spot on too, big thanks to Richard for catering for all our numerous dietary requirements! Also, Posh Nosh did the best fish and chips for our guests on the Friday night!
Anything you’d change or wish you knew before?
The only part of the weekend that stressed me slightly was getting things ready on the Friday evening – everyone wanted to help which was amazing, but I couldn’t think offhand of what needed to be done!
Our advice would be to have a list of the jobs which need doing – then let people put their name next to a job when they’re doing it.
3 words to describe your day
“Idyllic, Unsurpassable, Momentous”
Instagram – oh yes !
