Ben popped the question on the same day two years later while the pair were holidaying in Biarritz. "He got me up early one morning and suggested we go for a swim in the sea before breakfast," she explains. "We had been swimming for a couple of minutes and were both treading water when he got the ring out of his board shorts and proposed! Needless to say, I was a bit nervous putting the ring on and swimming back to the shore!"
Scheduling their wedding date, rather fittingly, for the August bank holiday the following year, the couple set about planning a chilled-out beachside day on the coast of North Devon. "Ben and I have been going to Croyde together ever since we met," says Katie. "It is such a relaxing place and we always feel a great sense of switching off from London whenever we come." Located within touching distance of Croyde beach, Down End Field couldn't have been more perfect for their easy breezy celebration.
A wonderful away-from-it-all vibe was carried by the pared-back decor - "we wanted the view and location to do most of the talking" - with flowers in a palette of soft shades, glittery table runners and plants as place settings. In keeping with the relaxed ambience, Katie teamed her floaty, high-low hemmed gown with a floral crown and bouquet of soft peach, pink and cream blooms.
Guests congregated in deckchairs before an archway adorned with flowers to watch Katie and Ben exchange their vows before an ocean backdrop. Having legally tied the knot the week before in Islington, a friend conducted their ceremony. "It was so lovely and personal," says Katie. "We wrote our own vows and hadn't heard them until the day so that was a really special moment."
An al fresco gin and tonic reception allowed the newly-weds to mingle with their guests in the sunshine before a sit-down meal of mixed mezze and roast lamb fuelled everyone for the entertainment-filled evening ahead. A DJ set and fireworks made for an atmospheric party, after which a silent disco allowed the celebrations to continue in individual style into the early hours.
Looking back on their shoreline shindig, Katie dispenses some simple advice to other couples. "Don't fret about all the small details; on the day you want to be as relaxed as possible!" She also encourages couples to take some time away from proceedings to mindfully enjoy a moment or two together. "Take time when you have photos taken to share memories with your partner," she suggests.
Photography Freckle Photography frecklephotography.co.uk
Venue Down End Field, Croyde parkingcroyde.com/events
Marquee Blue Fizz Events bluefizztentsandevents.co.uk
Dress Stephanie Wolff from The Mews themewsnottinghill.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Needle and Thread needleandthread.com
Hair and make-up Maddie Pearce southwestmakeupartist.co.uk
Groom's outfit Ted Baker tedbaker.com
Flowers Laura Hingston laurahingstonflowers.com
Entertainment Inspired Party inspiredparty.co.uk
Copyright Wed magazine 2017
