Opting for a striking colour scheme of white and blue with accents of red, DIY bride Rachael made many of the day's gorgeous details herself, from the vintage bunting, button heart garlands and nautical sweetie bag favours to the bouquets, buttonholes and corsages, which were cleverly crafted from vintage buttons.
The celebrations took in some of Plymouth's most distinctive locations on the hottest day of the year. Rachael and Tom were the last couple to get married at Plymouth Gin Distillery - "a magical and unique venue" complete with vintage distillery equipment which provided a fitting backdrop for their retro theme. Rachael looked every inch the part in a 1950s' inspired gown and birdcage veil, admitting, "I really did feel like a princess!"
The newly-weds enjoyed a ride in a 1950s' VW campervan along the seafront, stopping for photos at Smeaton's Tower on the Hoe before arriving at Duttons Restaurant. There, guests tucked into a laidback gourmet barbecue while basking in the sun and drinking Pimm's. "We were so glad we had opted for a gourmet barbecue as this meant we were outside all day soaking up the lovely view of Plymouth Sound," reflects Rachael. "Our wedding really felt like a party rather than a stuffy formal occasion, which is what I wanted to achieve."
In the evening, guests boarded The Spirit of Plymouth, which set off on a cruise to Cornwall and back. After Rachael and Tom's first dance to Thin Lizzy's 'Dancing in the Moonlight', rockabilly band The Rocker Covers kicked off their eclectic set list of rock 'n' roll numbers, making a multitude of happy memories for Rachael and Tom in the process.
"Dancing to awesome rock 'n' roll songs played by a brilliant band with views of the sea, the setting sun and the happy faces and awesome dance moves of all our friends and family was brilliant!" recalls Rachael. "Splashing out on a really great band was one of the best things we did - they really made our evening reception."
Music provided a medley of other magical moments that stand out as highlights. "My mum gave me away and we walked in to The Ramones', 'Baby I Love You' - a song I love," she says. "We also played Jonny Cash's 'Ring of Fire' and Shinedown's 'Simple Man' - songs that mean a lot to us." She continues: "When it came to saying our vows, Tom was so nervous he accidentally said 'Yep!' rather than 'I do' and everyone laughed and cheered."
When it comes to advising other couples in the midst of planning, Rachael states simply: "Forget about what other people expect you to do and do exactly what you want."
Photography Lisa Jane Photography www.lisajane-photography.com
Venue Plymouth Gin Distillery www.plymouthdistillery.com
Duttons Restaurant www.duttonsplymouth.co.uk
The Spirit of Plymouth www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk
Dress Maggie Sottero from Pirouette www.pirouettethecollection.com
Bridesmaid dresses Phase Eight www.phase-eight.co.uk
Groom's outfit Volcom www.volcom.com
Hair and make-up Jo Barker, Envy www.envymyhair.co.uk
Entertainment The Rocker Covers www.therockercovers.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
