“We met when I was a student and Danny had been working locally,” says Rebecca, reflecting on their chance encounter. “Danny got on the wrong train in Portsmouth and ended up getting off in Guildford as he was on the last train of the day so wasn’t going to get home that night. He checked into a hotel, went to a nearby pub for a drink and I was in that pub with friends!”
The proposal, however, was a perfectly planned event. “We got engaged at Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe, on the water’s edge of Lake Kariba at sunset with a herd of elephants in the background. It was simply magical,” says Rebecca. The couple had quite a wait for their wedding due to the pandemic; but when their May wedding date finally arrived, it couldn't have been more perfect.
Trevenna was the idyllic rural setting for their classic and elegant English countryside wedding. “We wanted a soft colour palette that complimented the beautiful abundant greenery at the venue,” explains Rebecca. Sage green carried from the bridesmaids' dresses to the stationery and foliage-heavy floral arrangements, which were filled with blooms chosen to reflect Rebecca and Danny's heritage. “I carried both roses (an English flower) and proteas (an African flower) in my bouquet to represent my English heritage and Danny's Zimbabwean heritage,” explains Rebecca.
Although rain meant that the planned outdoor ceremony was moved indoors, the light-filled space overlooking the gardens, framed by a carnival of blooms, made a stunning setting to exchange vows. The ceremony featured poems read by the couple’s friends along with some Cornish sayings, “which made it very personal,” notes Rebecca.
After celebratory drinks and an acoustic set by Ezmay Grace, guests settled at romantically styled tables for speeches wedding breakfast, which featured delicious sharing boards, oven-roasted chicken breast, pan-fried sea bass fillet, triple chocolate brownie and lemon tart.
An upbeat first dance to Dela by Johnny Clegg, a song full of happy memories for the couple, set the mood for a lively evening reception. “Everyone was keen for a party and we danced the night away!” says Rebecca. “Even after the band finished, we set up our own speaker and kept going until 2am. It was just amazing.”
Looking back, the day was full of golden moments. “We loved it start to finish as everywhere we looked the people we loved most in the world were having fun and making memories, she reflects. "You always get told your wedding day is the best day of your life and trust us, it truly is.”
-Rebecca’s advice is all about prolonging the feeling of joy. “Brides – get in your dress early. The last hour before the ceremony will go by in a flash so enjoy being in your dress with your bridesmaids and parents around you!” she implores. “And save your bouquet to press the flowers,” They can then be put in frames and hung around your house as a lovely reminder of your day.”
Photography Nick Walker nickwphotography.com
Venue Trevenna Barns trevenna.co.uk
Dress Rosa Clara from Champagne and Charlotte champagneandcharlotte.co.uk
Bridesmaids’ dresses David’s Bridal davidsbridal.co.uk
Suit Next next.co.uk Charles Tyrwhitt charlestyrwhitt.com T M Lewin tmlewin.co.uk John Lewis johnlewis.com
Hair The Updo Girl theupdogirl.com
Make-up Sally Orchard orchardmakeup.com
Flowers Escential Blooms escentialblooms.co.uk
-Decor Do Me a Favour domeafavouruk.co.uk
Cake Trevenna trevenna.co.uk
Entertainment Ezmay Grace ezmaygracemusic.co.uk
Go Go Gold entertainment-nation.co.uk
Videography Sam + Megan Wedding Films samandmegan.co.uk
