“We met in our 20s and travelled together on Sam’s motorbike to Italy, seeing each other for a couple of years before we parted ways,” says Abbie of her and Sam’s initial romance. Five years later the pair began dating again, embarking upon a trip to New Zealand together a year later.
“Sam and I had gone bouldering near Christchurch at a spot called Cave Stream. I was having a bad climb so he told me to come sit with him on the bouldering mat and gave me some coffee, then pulled out a small vintage ring box and handed it to me. It was such a lovely moment, full of chalk and tearful words and complete and utter contentedness,” reveals Abbie.
Cornish Tipi Weddings provided the beautiful backdrop for their wild weekend wedding that embraced the outdoors in all its natural glory. “A camping wedding and a big party was our dream!” says Abbie, whose vision featured wildflowers, moss, origami hearts, “flowing booze and a summer barbecue spread!”
Much of the décor was handmade, with friends and family pitching in for further personalisation. Abbie painted the welcome sign and created the invitations and banner, while her parents made a postbox for the wedding gifts. “My friend Rich made an amazing old school vintage phone to leave messages on and one of my best and oldest friends made my wedding dress from scratch,” adds Abbie.
One of her favourite aspects was the entertainment provided by jazz swing band, The Chaser Quartet. “They played some amazing tunes and Sam and I had our first dance to Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. We completely lost ourselves and I ended up jumping into Sam’s arms!” She recalls. “The mistakes were well hidden by some confetti cannons and everyone joined us on the dancefloor.”
Another impromptu performance captured the newly-weds’ hearts when Sam’s gran, Jo, sang Can’t Help Falling in Love in the marquee. “It had everyone in tears and the staff held down their transmitter button on their radios so that everyone could hear it over the campsite’s intercom,” says Abbie.
“It was the hottest weekend that summer and we were so lucky to have all our guests!” Abbie gratefully acknowledges. “Restrictions were lifting and all our family and friends came. It was heaven. People were swimming in the beautiful lake, playing lawn games and making the most of the friendly atmosphere at Cornish Tipis.”
“My top tip is be a team!” she shares as indispensable planning (and marital) advice. “Sam and I would share tasks and support each other. Also, use your skills and get crafty!”
Photography Thomas Frost Photography thomasfrostphotography.com
Venue Cornish Tipi Weddings cornishtipiweddings.co.uk
Dress Eva Kiss-Torma instagram.com/aklu.mode
Catering Kerra's Cornish Catering kerrascatering.co.uk
Hair Kings and Queens kingsandqueensbristol.com
Flowers Ivory Flowers ivoryflowers.co.uk
Flower crown Stems Rebellion Floral stemsrebellion.net
Dried flower bouquet HBotanicsWeddings etsy.com/uk/shop/HBotanicsWeddings
Cake The Garden Baker thegardenbaker.com
Entertainment The Chaser Quartet facebook.com/chaserquartetjazz
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