Wedding at Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall

A comment by Christina on Noah’s Instagram post led to the pair – who lived in Devon and Cornwall respectively – deciding to meet for a drink in Exeter. “There was an instant connection,” says Christina. After a four-year relationship, the couple celebrated buying their first home together by taking a walk to Gribbin Head Daymark with a picnic. “When we were at the top, I peered over to spot ‘marry me’ made out of shells on the ground below,” she says. “Noah got down on one knee and presented the most beautiful ring.”

Planning a summer wedding for the following year, the couple chose to marry in Fowey Church, as Noah’s parents had done. “Noah’s father even wore the same suit to our wedding!” she says. Belonging to Christina's family, Carlyon Bay Hotel made the perfect coastal setting for the weekend-long celebrations, which kicked off with a Friday golf competition, beauty treatments and barbecue at Noah’s family restaurant, Sam’s on the Beach in Polkerris.

“At the end of the evening there was the most stunning sunset and spectacular fireworks from the pier!” says Christina who recommends a pre-wedding gathering. "This enabled us to speak with all our family and friends before the big day which then meant we got to spend our wedding day stress-free and enjoying one another's company with ease,” she says.

The wedding day began with a wonderful still sunrise over Carlyon Bay. A palette of ivory and white with a touch of powder blue" shaped the décor, and an abundance of white flowers, including orchids, hydrangeas, lily-of-the-valley, roses and gypsophila filled the hotel. Beautiful hand-printed table names complemented the flowers, capturing favourite destinations Christina and Noah had visited together.

Meanwhile, as the guests filled the church, locals and visitors lined the street outside awaiting the bride, who arrived in the family Rolls-Royce. “As I walked down the aisle, my father was holding back the tears and it all felt very regal,” says Christina. “In fact, there weren’t many dry eyes in the congregation during the whole ceremony!”

Leaving the church as husband and wife to a shower of confetti, the ringing of church bells and clapping from the people along the streets was particuarly memorable. “This was my favourite moment; it was an incredible atmosphere.

The celebratory atmosphere continued at Carlyon Bay Hotel where guests enjoyed canapés, cocktails and prosecco in the sunshine to a live saxophonist. After “heartfelt, emotional and entertaining” speeches, it was time for the sumptuous four-course meal which included roulade of smoked salmon, beef Wellington, wild mushroom and port duxelles, lemon posset and Cornish Eton mess.

The evening was filled with entertainment. Beginning with a charity fundraiser game of golf, ten piece band The Motown Pirates, dancers and a DJ set the dance floor alight, while a casino and a caricature artist provided further amusement. Rounding off the celebrations with a relaxing day by the pool the next day with family and friends gave Christina and Noah the chance to reflect on their magical wedding.

"It was picture perfect from start to finish." she says. "From the moment we woke up to the minute our heads hit the pillow, it was all a complete dream come true."