Having met through mutual friends, it was a pandemic proposal that led to Kate and Tom tying the knot. “It was actually plan version three!” says Kate. “What started as a beach proposal in Mauritius eventually turned into a clifftop proposal in Cornwall. It was a pretty windy day but Tom demanded we go for a walk at Watergate Bay, one of our favourite places. I said it was too windy but Tom forced me to carry on and got down on one knee right there on the cliff.”
When it came to choosing their venue, there was one thing on their minds. “Having drinks overlooking the sea in Cornwall was a non-negotiable for us,” says Kate of their decision to celebrate at Caerhays’ Beach Meadow, an idyllic south coast setting, after a ceremony in St Goran Church. Blending a “beachy coastal vibe with an English garden party”, the stunning styling saw a palette of pinks, reds and oranges carried in the flowers and bridesmaids’ dresses, while signage on white-washed driftwood nodded to the coastal setting.
“In the church, we replaced a hymn with one of our friends leading a sing-a-long of Elton John’s Your Song,” says Kate of one of her favourite moments in the ceremony. “Everyone got so into the moment and we were so glad we did it.”
Guests were welcomed at their marquee reception with fizz, canapés and a mariachi band. “They were hilarious and had everyone dancing and singing along,” laughs Kate. The speeches were interspersed throughout a wedding breakfast comprising a picnic-style sharing starter of ham hock terrine, mackerel pâté, rarebit and local breads followed by slow-cooked lamb and “Cornish mess”: an Eton mess made with local Cornish cream and strawberries.
As well as a cake made by Kate's mum cloaked in edible blooms, guests were treated to Mauritian rum in a nod to Kate’s heritage. “It really got the party started and made for quite a rowdy dinner, with everyone drinking rum at the tables!” she says. “We love skiing, so had shots of toffee vodka at the bar in homage to après-ski too!”
While live band, Ride the Fire, were filling the dance floor, Kate and Tom headed to the beach for photos. “It was just such a special time for us to soak it all in and look up at the marquee and hear everyone having fun,” she reflects. “We also practised our first dance, which felt so romantic!”
And what is her number-one piece of advice for those planning a wedding? “Prioritise! Get the big stuff booked in early and the rest sorts itself out. Make sure you have contingency budget and, if you can afford to, pay money for peace of mind and good service,” she says.
“Finally, a good band is absolutely vital and makes the party. Ride the Fire were phenomenal and the dance floor was packed all night. Booking them actually made our day!”
Photography & videography Noah Werth Film & Photography noahwerth.co.uk
Venue St Goran Church stgoranandstmichael.org.uk
Caerhays caerhays.co.uk
Planning Rebel & Anchor rebelandanchor.co.uk
Marquee The Cornish Tent Co. thecornishtentcompany.com
Dress Prea James from Lovely Bride lovelybride.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses The Own Studio theownstudio.com
Groom’s outfit Neal & Palmer nealandpalmer.com trousers Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
Hair & make-up Grace at Lips & Locks lipsandlocks.co.uk
Flowers Tide Flowers tideflowers.co.uk
Catering Avo Catering Co avo.catering
Transport Perranwell Garage perranwell.co.uk
Stationery Papier papier.com
Scallop shell place names Brush and Pen etsy.com/uk/shop/BrushandPenUKShop
Linen Just4Linen just4linen.co.uk
Props & décor The Natural Hire Company thenaturalhirecompany.co.uk
Entertainment Mariachi King Alive Network alivenetwork.com
Ride the Fire Alive Network alivenetwork.com
