After meeting through school friends at the age of 16, romance blossomed for Abby and James, leading to a proposal on Abby's 20th birthday. 'He had planned to take me to Looe for the day and propose on the seafront, as Looe has always been a special place for me during my childhood,' explains Abby. 'However, I didn't want to drive all the way to Looe in the rain, so instead we took the dog out for a walk, and James got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. In all honesty it was perfect ' just the two of us on our own and the biggest birthday surprise.'
The Green was the perfect choice for their wedding venue with its rustic barns, beautiful views, open spaces as well as accommodation for friends and family.
When it came to choosing a colour scheme, Abby's hours spent poring over wedding magazines and Pinterest came to fruition when she settled on blush pink and burgundy, hiring a stylist to help bring her vision to life.
'I loved the idea of long banquet-style tables with candles and runners as it is very different and I think more sociable for guests,' says Abby. 'We also had a sweetheart table with just the two of us as it felt more special having our first dinner as husband and wife.'
Abby walked down the aisle in an elegant dress by Made With Love with tulle wings ' 'It was an alternative to a veil ' I was adamant that I did not want a veil but had to please my mum somehow... it was the perfect compromise!' ' before one of her favourite moments from the day.
'We decided to write our own unique vows. Everyone was balling their eyes out and it was just such a beautiful moment!' she says.
The guests were then treated to a culinary extravaganza, with dishes including duck breast with port and blackberry sauce, supreme of chicken, and roasted cauliflower on smashed pesto with cannellini beans. Dessert was an 'amazing' chocolate raspberry torte, St Clements posset with orange basil shortbread, and gooey chocolatey vegan brownie, as well as a stunning cake and Krispy Kreme doughnut tower!
As the celebrations ran into the evening and the dance floor filled, Abby and James had the chance to take in the décor they had so meticulously planned.
'I researched lots of different ways we could decorate the venue and make it really stand out. We decorated it and made all the decorations ourselves, deciding to fill the room with hanging balloon hoops as it was very unique,' says Abby. 'I think that the little details made it all come together and look beautiful.'
When she looks back at her favourite memories from the day, Abby is torn. 'There were far too many!' she says. 'The little moments with just the two of us were perfect but having all of our closest friends and family together was a blessing, it made the day so much more special being able to share it with all of our beautiful loved ones. We just couldn't have asked for a more beautiful wedding day!'
And as for Abby's top tips for others in the throes of wedding planning? 'Don't stress about the little things,' she says. 'I am the biggest stress head, but actually looking back I would cherish planning it with James and not focus on making everything perfect by stressing about the little things that didn't matter. It will work out perfectly in the end.'
Photography Liberty Pearl Photography libertypearlphotography.com
Venue The Green Cornwall thegreencornwall.co.uk
Videography Harrison Abbot of Vine Weddings facebook.com/vineweddings
Styling Laura Louise Hall lauralouisehall.co.uk
Dress Made with Love, Love Bridal Boutique lovebridalboutique.co.uk
Cake Edible Essence edibleessencecakeart.com
Bridesmaids' dresses Nasty Gal nastygal.com
Groom's outfit Marc Darcy marcdarcy.co.uk
Hair The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com
Make-up Nicole Dawn Hair & Makeup instagram.com/nicoledawnmua
Flowers Sharon Mesher Flowers sharonmesherweddingflowers.com
Entertainment DJ in Cornwall djincornwall.co.uk
