An online dating success story, Phoebe and Ollie’s love story began while she was living in Bristol and Ollie in Bath. The couple were enjoying a day of canoeing in Salcombe when Ollie popped the question in the most picturesque setting.
“It was a beautiful sunny day and we had packed a picnic,” recalls Phoebe. “Ollie saw a little desert island in the middle of the estuary and insisted we have our picnic there. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!”
From south Devon to a tucked-away beauty spot close to the north Cornwall coast, Cornish Tipi Weddings provided an idyllic setting for their wedding. “It’s just five minutes from where we live and the most perfect venue, especially now you can have the legal ceremony by the lake,” explains Phoebe.
The couple decided to tie the knot during an intimate lakeside ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends ahead of a bigger reception the following week. “I always wanted a Mediterranean theme as I just love the colours,” explains Phoebe, who opted for a gorgeous palette. “The bright pink bougainvillea flowers against the turquoise water made us feel like we were in Greece, and my gold sequin dress added a bit of sparkle!” she says of the dazzling gown she made herself.
Completing the striking scene, Ollie donned a navy suit while the maid of honour and flower girl wore pink dresses to echo the flowers. “Our little chihuahua, Bella, made the cutest little ring-bearer and stole the show trotting up with the rings attached to her bespoke gold sequin tutu dress!” smiles Phoebe.
“As we only had a small ceremony, I went all-out on the invitation with a gold embossed acrylic invitation nestled in a navy velvet box on a bed of pink rose petals finished off with a watercolour of the venue,” says Phoebe. Meanwhile, her mum and sister – who run a garden in Somerset where they grow their own flowers – created the breathtaking bouquet and floral display on the boat.
After taking their vows before the shimmering waters, the couple stole some romantic moments rowing across the lake while being serenaded by a saxophonist who played chilled Ibiza-style tunes. “We then hopped aboard a vintage campervan and went to our local beach for a swim and a surf! It was a really relaxed day that was just perfect for us,” says Phoebe.
“Standing on the pontoon in the middle of the lake after the ceremony with my new husband,” says Phoebe when asked to pinpoint her favourite moment, and as for planning advice, she asserts: “Delegate and just accept that not every single thing will get done, but no-one will notice!”
Photography apple B Images applebimages.co.uk
Venue Cornish Tipi Weddings cornishtipiweddings.co.uk
Flowers Ottilies Flowers ottiliesflowers.co.uk
Entertainment James Harris jamesharrissax.co.uk
Transport West Coast Westy westcoastweddings.co.uk
