Wedding at Bigbury Bay Weddings, Devon

Although Murphy and Sam went to school together, they didn’t really cross paths until some years later when their mutual friends got engaged and invited them both out for a drink to celebrate. “Sam did a magic trick and I was hooked!” laughs Murphy.

It was during a trip to Polzeath, a special place for the couple where they love to spend the solstice weekend, that Sam proposed in a secluded spot watching the sun set over the sea – and they had their hearts set on another dreamy coastal location for their big day. With his work as a musician (Sam Fearon Music) taking him across the length and breadth of Devon, Sam had performed at Mount Folly Farm – the home of Bigbury Bay Weddings – and, with its sweeping views across their favourite place, Bantham Beach, the couple couldn’t imagine a more perfect location for their wedding.

A palette of green, white and gold carried through the details of the day. Their clifftop marquee was decorated with stunning arrangements of cream blooms and foliage suspended above the trestle tables, while Murphy, who wore a stylishly minimalist gown, was flanked by bridesmaids in various shades of green carrying bouquets of dried flowers.

“I walked out with my dad and bridal party and looked out at the sea, everyone I love and Sam standing there all teary. I felt so overwhelmed, excited and nervous,” recalls Murphy. Setting the tone for their entertainment-filled day, the memorable ceremony saw singalongs and an acoustic guitar soundtrack alongside personal vows and a hand tying, while the couple’s dog, Potato, was the ring bearer.

The acoustic guitar continued as guests basked in the sunshine and coastal panoramas, enjoying canapés and drinks, while a live sketch artist captured the scene. A Spanish guitarist took over as everyone settled into the marquee and tucked into paella followed by chocolate brownies and a tower of cheese.

The entertainment didn’t stop there, with a saxophonist and magician keeping cocktail hour flowing, before the couple organised a conga line to get their guests back into the marquee ready for the first dance. “We danced to Grow As We Go by Ben Platt," says Murphy. The first dance was followed by a ceilidh, which was a highlight for everyone. “Seeing everyone mixed up, joining in and laughing was an absolute high point!” she reminisces.

Every one to two hours, the couple introduced a new element, such as a new drink or a different band, to keep the party in full swing. "We took five minutes each chunk to stand back from it all and take it in. It helped me remember so much," she says. The evening continued with a live band until the early hours. “We danced so much, I had three pairs of shoes and wore none for most of the day!”

 When it comes to top tips for busily planning couples, Murphy’s advice is to plan the day you want, and not to focus on the small things. “People want to dance, eat and drink so don't stress the detail!” she says.

“Take the time to take it all in and make sure you like your suppliers and how they treat their employees – we used all local small businesses and they were all fantastic!”