"We met in Newquay and Cornwall is a very special place for us and our family," explains Laura. Her path crossed Matt's back in 2008 while she was on holiday in the seaside town and Matt was based there for part of his Royal Marine training.
The couple envisioned a relaxing family holiday with camping, plenty of time by the seaside - and a wedding thrown in for good measure! "We chose Glendorgal Hotel in Porth. The views were breathtaking!" she adds.
Taking a '1950s' vintage afternoon tea' theme as their creative cue, Laura spent two years collecting teacups, teapots, doilies and sweetie jars to adorn the venue. A sweet sense of nostalgia carried from the tabletops - dressed with pretty clusters of roses and gypsophila spilling from colourful vintage china - to the vintage suitcase table plan and typewriter where guests left messages.
Flanked by bridesmaids donning navy and pink tea-length dresses and vintage hairstyles, Laura dazzled in an elegant strapless gown while Matt wore his Royal Marines blue dress uniform.
Following the ceremony, guests posed for fun snaps in the homemade photo booth and tucked into bubbly, canapes and various treats from the vintage sweetie table. A feast of traditional fish and chips and a trio of decadent desserts was followed by surprise post-dinner entertainment in the form of The Bombshell Belles.
"Our guests' faces were hilarious when the air raid sirens sounded before The Bombshell Belles made their appearance!" comments Laura. "They were fantastic and we were both glad we had kept them a surprise. Everybody loved them!"
The Belles also performed their version of Robbie Williams' 'She's the One' for the newly-weds' first dance before a foot-stomping set by DJ Ronnie, who kept the party in full swing throughout the evening.
Reflecting on one of her standout memories, Laura recounts the precious moments when she and Matt slipped out for a sunset shoot. "The sunset was magical. It gave us time to reflect on the day and catch a moment just for us," she reflects.
She recommends absorbing every moment of the festivities. "Take time to stand back and take it all in because, before you know it, the day is over!" she says. "Remember that you have planned as much as you can plan and, when it comes to the day, just relax - what will be will be."
Photography Paul Keppel www.paulkeppel.co.uk
Venue Glendorgal Hotel www.glendorgal.co.uk
Dress Suzanne Neville www.suzanneneville.com
Bridesmaid dresses Vivien of Holloway www.vivienofholloway.com
Hair and make-up Madame Tashy's Beauty Boutique www.facebook.com/MadameTashysBeautyBoutique
Flowers Kelly Ann's Flowers www.kellyannsflowers.co.uk
Entertainment The Bombshell Belles www.facebook.com/TheBombshellBelles
DJ Ronnie
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
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