Working together in the toy department of Harrods, Ally and Amo spent a year as “definitely just friends” going on “definitely not dates” before they got together.
A romantic rainy walk on Crantock Beach was the setting for Amo’s “shock” proposal to Ally. “We stood at the top of the sand dunes looking out to sea and, for a brief moment, the rain stopped, the sun broke through the clouds and I turned to see Amo down on one knee!” says Ally.
Hiring The Headland in Newquay exclusively for 200 guests for a weekend of celebrations, the couple opted for a jewel-toned palette of ruby, emerald and amethyst, which was carried in breathtaking style by the dramatic floral displays.
The festivities started on the Friday evening with a champagne afternoon tea, barbecue feast and cocktails on the terrace with a jazz band, before moving inside to casino tables and dessert stations after sunset. And that was just night one!
The next morning Ally and Amo had breakfast and a sea swim with friends, before getting ready for their ceremony. Flanked by bridesmaids in emerald green, Alicia wore a Sassi Holford ball gown and Jimmy Choo heels embellished with pearls, while Amo donned a bespoke blue paisley suit.
“We both agree that our favourite moment was seeing each other as I walked down the aisle,” says Ally. “We were so overwhelmed by all the love we could feel from a room full of our friends and family, but the second we saw each other everything faded into the background.”
Champagne and canapés followed, with their loved ones waiting on the lawn with confetti while Ally and Amo were taken to see the dining room set-up. “We were completely blown away by the stunning displays, the beautiful light pouring in and the smell of roses,” she says. “We walked through the room completely speechless and soaked up a moment of peace.”
After photos, the newly-weds were welcomed back to the celebrations for speeches and a feast comprising antipasti platters, chicken Milanese, Cornish fillet steak, wild line-caught sea bass, chocolate brownie with meringue, and berries and pavlova.
Performed by a friend, the first dance to Simply the Best ended with a special moment for the couple. “My parents and sister surprised us with the most incredible fireworks display we’ve ever seen!” says Ally. “We were called outside to do sparklers, and that’s when the fireworks started with the backdrop of the sea and Fistral Beach. We had absolutely no idea this was about to happen and watched in complete awe. I burst into tears the second they finished – all the emotion of the day caught up with me!”
As the evening continued, and the guests danced the night away (until 5am!), they were treated to a buffet of Korean fried chicken, Cornish fish burger, barbecue ribs, loaded potato skins and honey mustard sausages – as well as the wedding cake and a huge selection of freshly baked cookies!
“We truly had the most magical day from start to finish and felt so incredibly lucky to have each other and such wonderful people in our lives. Even though it was a large wedding, it still felt intimate,” says Ally, who has some advice for those planning their own weddings. “It can get overwhelming at times with a long to-do list, but trust that you’ll get it done and just enjoy the ride,” she says.
And Amo’s advice? “Whatever your future wife wants, say yes!”
Photography & videography Pura Vida puravidacornwall.com
Venue The Headland headlandhotel.co.uk
Dresses Sassi Holford sassiholford.com ASOS asos.com
Shoes Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com
Groom’s outfit Gresham Blake greshamblake.com
Groom’s shoes Dune dunelondon.com
Bridesmaids’ dresses Coast coastfashion.com
Cicinia cicinia.co.uk
Emma Jay Boutique
Hair Ro Hair rohair.co.uk Amanda at Hair by Serendipity newquayhairandmakeup.co.uk
Make-up Georgina Yates georginayatesmakeupartist.com
By B Make Up and Beauty
Flowers Home Nansledan
Cake Ladyvale Bakery ladyvalebakery.co.uk
Stationery Alice Masters alicemastersart.com
The Cornish Print & Sign Company cornishprint.co.uk
Décor & tableware hire Home Nansledan
Alice Masters alicemastersart.com
Entertainment Ducie Jazz
Helen Nash helenclarenash.com Disco Shed discoshed.com
Disco Wed discowed.com
Casino Coleman’s Event Hire colemanseventhire.co.uk
