“It all began at King's College Hospital. I was working as a junior doctor in the Accident and Emergency department, while Matt was a radiographer,” says Charlie of the moment they first met through a shared patient. “Little did we know that this chance encounter would be the beginning of a lifelong journey together.”
Christmas provided the perfect moment for Matt to propose, presenting Charlie with a beautiful Tiffany & Co. cufflink engraved with the words “Will you marry me?” From there, the planning began in earnest. “Stennack Farm immediately caught our attention,” says Charlie. “Caroline, the owner, went the extra mile to help us even though the venue was not yet complete – and when it was, it exceeded all of our expectations.”
Having originally planned to wed inside, the couple chose to take their vows on the balcony due to an unseasonally warm March day. “For both of us, the ceremony was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the day,” says Matt. “The feeling of having our friends and family gathered together on hay bales created an atmosphere that was both intimate and magical. The cherry trees and weeping willows held a special significance as we gave them as gifts to our friends and family at the end of the day. We also kept two for ourselves to remember the day.”
A stunning mix of floristry saw local spring blooms blending with exotic orchids for a scene awash with colour and scent. The food adopted a Thai-Cornish theme, and was chosen specifically for “our guests to enjoy a unique culinary experience that reflected our love for both places”, explains Charlie. Canapés including Cornish scotch eggs and chicken satay skewers were washed down with Cornish gin and sparkling wine ahead of the main feast. Roasted beet salad, Cornish blue cheese and ciabatta, fishcake patties and chop chop salad primed appetites for braised chuck steak and chicken panang curry, while lemongrass crème brûlée with coconut shortbread and lime fruits “provided a sweet and refreshing finish to the meal”.
“While we both loved the ceremony and the music, one moment that stood out to each of us individually was our first dance,” reveals Matt. “Prior to our wedding, we took same-sex dance classes at Jo’s Dance Emporium in London and learned a breathtaking waltz to Taylor Swift’s Lover. The stunning lifts left our friends and family in awe. Seeing the joy and surprise on their faces as we glided across the dance floor is something we'll cherish forever.”
When asked for their highlights, Charlie is glad to reminisce. “Our wedding day was a beautiful blend of shared and unique favourite moments. From the enchanting ceremony to the lively music and our dazzling first dance, these memories will stay in our hearts for a lifetime,” he says.
Looking back on those precious memories, he offers his advice for engaged couples. “Budget wisely and choose the perfect location,” he recommends. “Be clear about your expectations and have a conversation with the venue owner to ensure the location aligns with your vision. Plus, keep the little ones entertained! Provide goody bags filled with toys and snacks for children. This thoughtful gesture will keep them occupied and happy throughout the event.”
Photography Tom Frost Photography thomasfrostphotography.com
Venue Stennack Farm stennackfarm.com
Groom’s outfits Aristocracy London aristocracy.london Paul Smith paulsmith.com/uk
Flowers Home Nansledan homenansledan.co.uk
Catering Philleigh Way philleighway.co.uk
Garden games Claire’s Castles clairescastles.co.uk
Cake The Cornish Cakery thecornishcakery.co.uk
Entertainment Bryher’s Boys bryhersboys.co.uk
Something Borrowed somethingborrowedweddingband.co.uk
