Wedding in Kenwyn, Cornwall

When Fliss was handed a little box by her grandmother on Christmas Day, she turned around to see Max – who she’d met eight years earlier at university – down on one knee. “It was the biggest surprise for me and the rest of the family, and very emotional,” she reminisces.

Deciding to marry at Kenwyn Church and hold the reception on a tipi at Fliss’ parents’ home, the couple had only one date in mind: New Year’s Eve. “The theme was black tie with elegant and classy vibes,” she says. “We knew it would be a cold time of year so we went for a winter wonderland look with lots of fairy lights, candles, sheepskin and fire.” Lots of foliage dotted with pine cones and gypsophilia added to the magical scene.

New Year’s Eve dawned and the morning of preparations “was filled with lots of drinking, music and photos”, says Fliss. “We both felt that this was one of most special parts of the day.”

Embracing a monochrome theme, the bridesmaids all donned black dresses in different styles with a faux fur shawl and black gloves, while the groomsmen were all in black tie with a maroon pocket squares that matched the bow ties. Fliss’ long-sleeved waterfall gown was complemented by an elegant updo and a bouquet of white alstroemeria. “It's my gran’s favourite flower,” she explains.

The “absolutely magical” ceremony at Kenwyn Church “couldn’t have been more lovely”, says Fliss. “It was tailored perfectly to us and everyone got involved with the songs. There was lots of laughs and many tears shed. The bells rang all morning for us; it was just incredible.”

Heading across the road to the tipi, Fliss and Max enjoyed canapés and cocktail hour – “We had created a couple of cocktails and named one after my granny” – while a saxophonist played. Sitting down for the six “emotional and funny” speeches, the newlyweds and their guests then enjoyed a hog roast and a giant cake of cheese.

The couple’s first dance – to Dancing in the Moonlight by Thin Lizzy, which is Max’s go-to karaoke song – was played by live band Resident Heroes, who continued to play until 1am. “Dancing all night to the band with all our friends and family, including the midnight countdown, is truly something we can’t imagine will ever happen again,” says Fliss. “When the band finished, a few of our friends DJed until about 4.30am when my dad turned off the generator – which was a slight shock to everyone but probably the best thing he could have done!” she laughs.

Fliss and Max’s tips for others in the midst of wedding planning comes down to choosing the right suppliers. “Get a good wedding planner!” says Fliss. “Our planner Jen was incredible; she helped us ensure we had everything we wanted and needed, with lots of suggestions and advice in the lead-up to the wedding, and then ensured the day ran absolutely perfectly. We wouldn’t have had such a perfect day without her.”