Wedding at Carbis Bay Hotel, Cornwall

New Zealand provided the spectacular backdrop for Neil's proposal to Abi. The intrepid couple were traversing the South Island by bike when, one evening, Neil persuaded a reluctant Abi to get back onto her bike and cycle to a small village for a beer. "We cycled back in the dusk; he stopped by a beautiful swing bridge, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him," recalls Abi. "I said yes and we sat by the side of the road looking at the two stars in the sky, with not one car in sight."



Their October wedding date dawned like a summer's day; it was the perfect weather to set off the glamorous theme and dazzling coral and navy colour scheme that ran throughout the day, from Neil's three-piece suit to the flowers and floaty bridesmaid dresses. For her own look, Abi chose a Mori Lee gown with a full skirt, long train and elegant ruffles.



The ceremony was held at St Mary's Church in Portreath. "The church service was lovely, the vicar was so laidback he made everyone feel at ease and have a laugh," comments Abi.

After the ceremony, the newly-weds were swept away to Basset's Cove for cliff-top photos in the sunshine, while guests gathered at Carbis Bay Hotel and Spa where they were greeted with drinks and crêpes from La Creperie De Sophia and glorious views across the sandy beach.



The speeches preceded the meal in the elegantly decorated function room. "My Dad toasted to a Prosecco, but Neil and his best man toasted to a shot of sours which everyone was served in personalised shot glasses!" recalls Abi.



A wedding breakfast of handmade Newlyn crab fritters, flat field mushrooms, salmon en croute, chicken breasts with olives and Cornish feta, lemon meringue pie and Belgian chocolate fondant was washed down, rather fittingly, with specially chosen New Zealand wine.



"The day then merged into night and, when there is normally a lull, everyone continued to get merry and a photo studio entertained the guests," says Abi.



Their first dance was an eclectic mash-up of Wheatus's 'Teenage Dirtbag,' Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' and LMFAO's 'Sexy and I Know It', which was performed live by Kaj, kicking off an evening full of partying, drinking and dancing. A surprise fireworks display proved a spectacular way to draw the celebrations to a close for the pair, who shortly set off for the exotic climes of Thailand on honeymoon.



Abi's top tip for brides is simple but worth heeding: "Be selfish and enjoy your day!"



Photography LightBOX www.lightboxphotographic.com
Venue St Mary's Church, Portreath followed by Carbis Bay Hotel
www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk
Dress Mori Lee from Bride! www.brideincornwall.com
Hair Alexa Williams, InkFish www.inkfishhairandbeauty.co.uk
Make-up Ady Dallyn, Aqua www.aquaskincare.co.uk
Groom's outfit Next www.next.co.uk
Florist Wheal Sara Flowers www.whealsaraflowers.co.uk
Transport Cornwall VW Wedding Hire www.cornwallvwweddinghire.co.uk
Entertainment Kaj www.kajmusic.co.uk
Food La Creperie De Sophia www.thewelshcreperie.co.uk

Copyright Wed magazine 2014