Wedding at Bussow Farm, Cornwall

"We met by chance really, one Friday night outside The Sloop Inn in St Ives," says Elise of her serendipitous first encounter with James. "I was meant to be working and was told I wasn't needed so met my parents and some friends for a drink in the sun, spotted James and the rest - as they say - is history!" 

The couple were holidaying in Iceland and had just returned from seeing the Northern Lights when James asked Elise to marry him. "I threw my glove off and I think he immediately knew the answer was yes!" she recalls.





Opting for an intimate ceremony in front of close family and friends, Elise and James tied the knot at St Ives Guildhall before hosting a massive Mexican-style fiesta at a family friend's farm.

"We had pretty much every colour imaginable and all the decorations, including the pi�atas, were made by myself, my family and friends. It was a colour feast for the eyes!" says Elise.

From the dress that was handmade by Elise's mum to the tropical flower scheme arranged by a family friend, the entire event was a creative and collaborative effort.

Even the transport comprised Elise's dad's own private classic car collection, with Elise and her dad being whisked around in his blue Jensen Interceptor SP and the bridesmaids taking a memorable trip in his Daimler Sovereign.

The farm delivered a dazzling reception space dotted with fun details such as fake moustaches and rocket balloons along with a tasty Mexican-style feast including nachos, tacos, pulled pork and vegetarian chilli, along with an array of local tipples from Driftwood Spars Brewery, Tintagel Brewery and St Ives Cider.

"We also created a 'slammer station' for tequila slammers throughout the evening - salt, tequila, lime... It really got people in the mood!" adds Elise.





Atmospheric band Mariachi Kings completed the fiesta mood, with a local DJ keeping the party vibe in full swing throughout the rest of the evening.

"There are so many!" says Elise when asked to highlight one of her standout moments from the day. "One of my favourite parts was our first dance. We weren't meant to have one as it's not our thing but it was impromptu, meaningful and something we will remember forever!"

And as for her advice? "Enjoy the process!" she says upon greater reflection. "I spent ages making pretty much every detail we had on the day and can honestly say I loved every minute - even though some things were ridiculous to attempt, like handcrafting a pi�ata for all seven tables! I can proudly say I didn't have any 'bridezilla' moments as I was too busy enjoying it!"

Photography Verity Westcott Photography veritywestcottphotography.com
Venue St Ives Guildhall stivesguildhall.co.uk Bussow Farm
Bridesmaids' dresses ASOS asos.com
Make-up Make Up by Verity makeupbyverity.co.uk
Groom's outfit suits Next next.co.uk ties Moss Bros moss.co.uk shoes Clarks clarks.co.uk
Flowers Kate Skipper
Transport St Ives Bus Company stivesbuses.co.uk
Catering Hubbox hubbox.co.uk
Entertainment Mariachi Kings
Jamie from DJ in Cornwall djincornwall.co.uk

Copyright Wed magazine 2017