The pair became best friends for over a decade before romance blossomed and, with it, a very special proposal. "He arranged a surprise dinner at the restaurant in London where we had our first date and booked us theatre tickets to see a one-man show with Kevin Spacey afterwards," says Funmi. "I absolutely love desserts so he'd asked the restaurant to write 'will you marry me?' in chocolate sauce over my dessert. I spent the next ten minutes crying before I finally remembered to say yes!"
Boconnoc House was the only venue they visited and "it was love at first sight for both of us. We loved the gardens, church, house and Fortescue family who made us feel at home from the start," says Funmi.
A simple and pared-back look was achieved through a soft pastel palette and minimalist decor comprising candles and flowers. "We thought the venue was too beautiful to interfere with," explains Funmi. The food took a similar theme, treating guests to a classic, crowd-pleasing gastronomy of warm asparagus, pea and prawn salad followed by short rack of lamb with redcurrant and port red wine reduction served with dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables, along with vegetarian options.
Selecting music to mirror the various sections of the day ensured a seamlessly blended soundtrack throughout. Kick-started by the "amazing" East Cornwall Bach Choir's performance during the church ceremony, Kaj Skjervik's acoustic guitar set and Cello Cornwall entertained during the drinks reception, with DJ Stu later providing the party tunes into the small hours.
"Folahan's speech made me laugh, tear up and fall in love with him all over again," says Funmi, reminiscing over her favourite moment of the day, while Folahan cites his as "when I first saw Funmi walking towards me in church."
"There are no rules and no rights or wrongs - do what makes you both happy," advises Funmi to other couples currently in the throes of planning. "And make sure your guests are comfortable throughout - we ordered breakfast hampers for those staying in self-catering cottages at Boconnoc."
"Spend time at the end of the night soaking up the fact that you're married and the day you've just had," adds Funmi. "It'll make the memories last longer."
Photography Simon Burt www.simonburtphotography.com
Venue Boconnoc Estate www.boconnoc.com
Catering Beetham Food www.beethamfood.co.uk
Dress Pronovias at Teokath www.teokath.couk
Bridesmaids' dresses Coast www.coast-stores.com
Hair Lathaniel's Couture in London www.lathanielscouture.com
Flowers Phillip Taylor Corps www.taylorcorps.com
Entertainment East Cornwall Bach Choir www.ecbc.co.uk
Kaj Music www.kajmusic.co.uk
Cello Cornwall www.cellocornwall.co.uk
DJ Stu from R2 Events www.r2events.co.uk
Creche Karla's Parties www.karlasparties.co.uk
