Destiny had a hand in bringing Emma and Andy together when they were paired up during their first clinical placement at medical school. "Andy realised that I had a car and liked surfing, and he clicked that this could be a good option to get some surfing in! It all progressed from there," she says.
Their mutual love of surfing also played a key role in their engagement during a surf camp in Portugal. "We sat on a clifftop watching the sunset and drinking wine, and he suddenly went rummaging in his bag," recalls Emma. "Out came a gorgeous, hand-designed platinum diamond ring in the shape of a breaking wave around the central diamond!"
The pair took inspiration from their exotic adventures for their fun and relaxed Devon country wedding, painting their day with a palette of bright reds and gold. "We wanted to reflect an amazing adventure in Morocco during the early part of our relationship, when we had loved all the incredible rich colours," explains Emma. Their novel mode of transport - a tuk tuk - was also chosen to evoke memories of their adventures across India and Sri Lanka.
Dressed in a gorgeous Linea Raffaelli gown, Emma was flanked by her bridesmaids in flame red dresses carrying bouquets of red, orange and white blooms. Continuing the theme, Andy accessorised his grey suit with pops of red.
St Andrew's Church was a vision of colour thanks to an abundance of blooms, making for a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony. After the vows, the tuk tuk whisked the newly-weds to the reception - and a moment that was to prove their favourite of the day. "We stood together, having just got married, and looked at all our family and friends mingling in the sunshine, chatting and playing games while music played," says Emma. "It was a really special moment, and we felt so honoured that everyone we cared about were there to share our special day!"
Scones, cocktails and champagne were served in the sunshine, while a coconut shy, crazy golf and a strong man provided the entertainment. Settling into a trapeze marquee adorned with their vibrant colour scheme, guests tucked into pie and mash washed down with champagne.
In the evening, revellers relaxed around a firepit equipped with all the necessary ingredients to make S'mores. Classic Soul Dogs provided the dance floor-filling soundtrack, and also accompanied Andy for his debut performance of 'Brown Eyed Girl' to the amazement of guests.
"Try and keep the day about the two of you," Emma asserts to other couples. "Although there will be lots of pressure to keep to set wedding protocols, ultimately it is about you as a couple, and you need to be comfortable and enjoy the day!" She adds: "Also, make some time to be together!"
Photography Maxi Photography www.maxiphotography.com
Venue St Andrew's Church followed by Compton Pool Farm www.comptonpool.co.uk
Marquee Devon Party Marquees www.devonpartymarquees.co.uk
Catering Castle Barton Catering 01803 873314
The Little Green Van Company www.littlegreenvancompany.co.uk
Dress Linea Raffaelli from The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood www.bridalrooms.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Dessy www.dessy.com
Hair The Cutting Room 01803 316792
Groom's outfit Jeff Banks www.jeffbanks.co.uk
Flowers Make It Special www.makeitspecialdevon.co.uk
Transport Take a Tuk Tuk www.takeatuktuk.co.uk
Games The Very Vintage Hire Company www.veryvintagehire.co.uk
Entertainment Classic Soul Dogs www.classicsouldogs.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2015