A meeting at a summer party triggered an instant connection for Nicky and Nick. "Nick was only supposed to stay for a drink, but we got on so well from the start that he ended up cancelling his dinner plans and staying for the evening," says Nicky.
St Michael's Church at Porthilly, a beautiful church located on the beach with views of Rock and Padstow across the estuary, made a sublime setting for the nuptials. "The ceremony was by far our favourite part of the day," says Nicky. "Neither of us could stop laughing and smiling, and we loved that everyone was included. The service was wonderful and seemed to last both forever and for only about two minutes." After the service, everyone gathered on the beach for Prosecco and photographs in the glorious sunshine.
Nick's godparents offered the couple the use of their gardens for the marquee reception, with views overlooking the lake. Sage green styling was carried through the details from the bridesmaid dresses to the macaroons made by Stein's Patisserie for each guest. The flowers were a stunning combination of green hydrangea, green chrysanthemums, avalanche roses and white lilies, while two flower globes hanging from the roof made for a spectacular finish in the dinner marquee.
On arrival, guests supped on cocktails and played croquet on the lawn. "We are both passionate about food and wine and we wanted to give our guests a fabulous meal, that was, as far as possible, made from Cornish ingredients." Tink Gaskell of Tinker's Catering did just that, serving a feast of mackerel with a samphire and broad bean salad followed by local fillet and stuffed shoulder of lamb. Nick's sister, Jen, made a traditional French croquembouche for the wedding cake. `'Each wine was chosen at the same time as the dish it accompanied, and was supplied through Nick's wine consultancy business, Crabtree Wine Consultants."
Live band 'The Funk Soul Brothers' did a sterling job of keeping the dance floor grooving with their repertoire of soul classics, while the band's jazz duo provided a chilled soundtrack during the meal.
After their fabulous day, the couple spent "three glorious weeks in Italy, starting in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, and finishing with stays in the Tuscan countryside and Florence."
"Have the best photographer you can find," is their advice. "Emma was incredible and took the most beautiful photographs. Most of all though, take the time to enjoy yourselves."
The venue
St Michael's Church, Porthilly, followed by a marquee reception
The dress
Peter Langner from Browns Bride, Marylebone
020 7514 0000 www.brownsfashion.com
The flowers
Flowers From Bruallen, Delabole
01840 212555 www.bruallen.co.uk
Photography
Emma Solley
01392 848500 www.emmasolley.com
Copyright WED Magazine 2011