“Around 10 years ago I worked in a shop in Bristol; Ryan used to come in a lot and he eventually asked me out on a date. A few countries and ciders later, here we are!” says Lizzie of her and Ryan’s romantic beginnings.
The proposal was a “mutual agreement,” she reveals. “I asked Ryan if we should get married and he said, ‘let’s go for it!’ We booked the venue and then broke the news to friends and family. A few months later, Ryan gave me an engagement ring for my birthday, which I wasn’t expecting, and I just burst into tears of joy. We wanted the wedding to be about us and our love – no fuss – just lovely and relaxed.”
The Driftwood Spars in St Agnes was the couple’s venue of choice, taking the location as inspiration for their coastal cool, laidback day. “The beach is where we both feel most happy. The venue has an incredible view of the beach and I wanted to bring that into each room,” explains Lizzie.
She planned much of the event herself, from the dried flower arrangements to the tableware, making the entire scene a highly personalised affair that wowed guests.
“We wrote our own vows and had one of our best friends Nick curate the service,” says Lizzie. “We both spoke from the heart, had a sand ceremony and hand-fasting. It was all so personal and all I could hear was blubbering from our family and friends.”
Following the emotional ceremony, the wedding breakfast served up a lip-smacking feast including catch of the day with salsa verde, corn-fed chicken with vegetables, and Lizzie’s favourite dessert of Eton mess. “My lovely sister-in law-made the cake. We went for a naked cake with lavender,” she adds.
When asked to recall her fondest memories of the day, she says: “The speeches were all hilarious. My dad decided to start singing Motorhead into the microphone before essentially roasting me and Ryan for the entire speech; however, there were some heartfelt moments.”
“My favourite moment was when my dad collected me,” she reflects. “We walked into the waiting area and a cardboard cut-out of Dolly Parton was waiting for me, smiling away. Then hearing the aisle music, walking into the room seeing everyone I loved and – most importantly – Ryan at the end of the aisle.”
So how did she pretty much singlehandedly achieve such a day? “Excel spreadsheets!” she laughs.
And when it comes to words of advice, her pointers to others are a mix of practical advice and personal approach. “Set your budget to what you can afford and don’t push yourself: the day is about you not how much money you can spend. Reach out for help when you feel overwhelmed and have fun: it’s the best day of your life – so chill!”
Photography Grace Elizabeth grace-elizabeth.co.uk
Venue The Driftwood Spars driftwoodspars.co.uk
Dress Zavana Couture from Evolved Bridal evolvedbridal.co.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses ASOS asos.com
Hair Charlene Dalton instagram.com/bridalhairbychar
Make-up Makeup by Hannah Symons instagram.com/makeupbyhannahsymons
Bouquet Wedding Flowers in Cornwall weddingflowersincornwall.co.uk
Entertainment DJ Services Cornwall djservicescornwall.co.uk
Dog sitting service Wedding Day Dog Nanny wddognanny.co.uk
