Having met at college and been together ever since, Albin popped the question to Manasa at Heathrow Airport on her return from India. Saying yes sparked their search for a wedding venue, which led them to Arches Beach Weddings in Combe Martin.
The super organised couple planned their wedding in less than three months, choosing a glorious summer’s day with the coast of North Devon providing a dream canvas of blue seas and skies.
While Manasa wore a dazzling sari and Albin donned a pale blue suit, the bridesmaids carried the day’s pastel palette in soft shades of pink, which echoed the dainty blooms of the bridal bouquet. “We asked our parents to wear traditional wear in vibrant colours to bring a little bit of home with us on our day,” explains Manasa.
With the seascape beyond and the sunlight streaming into the room, the couple took their vows. “We had a beautiful ceremony. Everyone was so happy around us, we were ecstatic,” says Manasa of the ceremonials that included a personal hand-fasting and a unity sand ceremony. “We all walked along the beach after the ceremony, just dancing and taking pictures.” Colourful smoke bombs carried the palette of the celebrations and created some beautiful photo opportunities, before their guests sat down for a veritable feast.
The couple opted for an Italian-inspired menu, with starters of smoked salmon and lime mascarpone, brie and red onion confit, and heirloom tomato bruschetta, followed by linguini pasta pescatore, chicken saltimbocca, majare con pepperoni, and aubergine parmigiana, served with an assortment of salads. Dessert was a real delight, comprising affogato, panna cotta, tiramisu and cheesecake – washed down with glasses of prosecco of course!
After dinner, as their guests danced, the newly-weds had some time away from the celebrations to give them a chance to take it all in. “Our favourite moment was when just the two of us walked along the beach during sunset,” remembers Manasa fondly. "We looked around and saw our friends and family laughing and talking around us. Both of us looked at each other and Albin smiled and said: ‘We made it.’”
After such a relaxed and love-filled day, what are Manasa’s top tips for other busily planning couples? “Make a checklist of your priorities and shop local with your suppliers if you can,” she says. “Always do last-minute checks on dresses, accessories and travel, and talk to your photographer, videographer and make-up artist at least two days before the event if you are planning a destination wedding as we were.”
And her number one tip? “Most important of all, don't forget to sit back, relax and enjoy your beautiful day.”
Photography Freeformimages Photography freeformimages.co.uk
Venue Arches Beach Weddings archesbeachweddings.com
Sari Milan Design Kochi instagram.com/milandesignkochi
Groom’s outfit Frencheye frencheye.com
Hair & make-up Iconic Hair and Makeup iconic-hairandmakeup.co.uk
Celebrant & speakers Aurora Ceremonies auroraceremonies.co.uk
Videography Coastal Imaging coastalimaging.co.uk
