A technology oversight led to Jen and Vikki’s first date, with Wales-based Vikki waiting for a flight at Birmingham Airport and forgetting to change her location settings on Tinder. She connected with Jen, who lived nearby, and thus began “18 months of us driving up and down the country to see each other” until Jen moved to South Wales.
The proposal made just as good a story. Jen had chosen the perfect spot on top of a mountain during a snowboarding trip in Italy. However, Vikki encountered problems with her boots and kept sinking in the snow. “I didn’t quite make it to the top and Jen proposed to me when I was mid-strop, waist-deep in snow,” says Vikki. “What a keeper.”
Choosing a wedding venue was an easy decision. “Early in our relationship, we walked past Lusty Glaze when visiting Newquay. There was a wedding happening down on the beach and we were blown away by the beauty of the cove,” says Vikki.
Jen’s design for her custom Vans was the starting point for the look and feel of the day. “The whole theme was centred around Jen’s trainers: green tropical leaf print and surfer vibes,” says Vikki, who adds that Jen’s mum designed the succulent favours in bespoke painted pots as well as the table decorations inspired by the couple’s favourite beaches.
In classic Cornish style, the wedding day began with Jen and some of their guests having a morning surf. Then, amidst a carnival of fairy lights and gorgeous clusters of cream and sea-blue blooms, the couple met each other at the beachside venue for their ceremony. “My favourite moment was walking down the aisle with my dad and shaking at the altar until Vikki held my hands to reassure me,” reminisces Jen.
“We had Colleen from Cornish Celebrants lead us through the ceremony, which included all our guests singing Happy Together by The Turtles,” adds Vikki. “She made it so personal to us and we are really grateful for everything she did.”
After the vows, everyone made the most of the coastal location, spilling onto the sand for mojitos and canapés before a 'surf and turf' beach barbecue with steak and grilled prawns. An “amazing” cake made by Jen’s mum and auntie was complemented by cupcakes that featured their dog, surfboards and “Kev, our trusty camper”, which were enjoyed before photos on the beach – and in the sea!
“We loved dancing on the beach for wedding photos and looking back to see all our guests cheering us from the deck,” says Vikki, who reveals that one of the couple’s favourite wedding memories was all the dancing at various points throughout the day. “The band, The Strutts, were awesome and had everyone up dancing even to the sound check,” she laughs. And when it came to the couple’s first dance, all their friends joined them for a flashmob! “Later on, The Strutts played our first dance again just to see the flashmob once more.”
And the festivities didn’t end when the evening drew to a close, with the couple celebrating the next morning with a post-wedding surf with their photographer – featuring Vikki in her wedding dress! When it comes to advice, Jen and Vikki have a top research tip " Use Instagram to look at photographers and florists' work to get a feel for who is right for you and share ideas of what you like," says Jen.
Photography Sofie Michelle Photography sofiemichellephotography.co.uk
Venue Lusty Glaze lustyglaze.co.uk
Dress Willow in White Bridal Co willowinwhite.com
Hair Mojito Hair Lounge mojitohairlounge.co.uk
Filip at Bluntts Barbershop blunttsbarbershop.gettimely.com
Trainers Vans vans.co.uk
Braces & bow tie Etsy etsy.com/uk
Stationery Greenvelope greenvelope.com
Flowers Twigs & Greens twigsandgreens.co.uk
Celebrant Cornish Celebrants cornishcelebrants.co.uk
Entertainment The Strutts thestruttsband.co.uk
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