The pair planned a seaside wedding at Lusty Glaze Beach, which was dressed with gorgeous florals arranged by Phil's mum; clusters of flowers adorned the tabletops and prettified the aisle, hanging in jam-jars from the chairs. Chinese lanterns were suspended from the ceiling, while the pair's illuminated initials made for a fabulous focal point. "We simply picked things we liked as we went along," explains Ali. "Thankfully it all came together!"
Ali customised her gown by removing the straps and adding a Jenny Packham belt, while Phil looked dapper in a three-piece navy suit. Flanked by bridesmaids in navy dresses and flower girls in white frocks, the couple wed during a personal and heartfelt ceremony on the veranda.
Guests enjoyed Woo Woo cocktails, Pimm's and cider during the drinks reception, followed by a delicious hot fork barbecue and a selection of homemade cakes provided by guests. "This meant everyone could choose what they fancied and it looked great too," comments Ali.
With appetites satisfied in style, it was also important for Ali and Phil to entertain their guests with gusto. "Adam Isaac is a friend of ours so we really wanted him to be part of our day. He kindly came and played an afternoon set, which was amazing!" says Ali. "We had also spent months compiling our own playlists for the rest of the wedding music. This suited us perfectly and meant we had our favourite music throughout the entire day."
Some rowdy dance floor antics featured in the evening celebrations and into the early hours. "We loved how much everyone got in the party spirit. We are pretty proud of the amount of hangovers the next day - the sign of a good party!" affirms Ali.
On reflection, Ali is replete with advice for other couples, highlighting the importance of scheduling quality time, both with each other and guests. "Do not go on your 'proper' honeymoon straight away. We were exhausted for a few days and it would have been a waste to go somewhere long haul. We went to the Italian Lakes for a short break to unwind and are planning a longer and more adventurous trip in autumn," explains Ali.
"Make a weekend of it," she continues. "We went to another amazing beach spot, The Breaks Restaurant at Tolcarne Beach, the next day. We reminisced about the day before whilst we drank Prosecco and played boules and giant Jenga. This made the weekend feel so much longer and we were very grateful of the extra time catching up with guests."
Photography Ethan Elliot www.ethanelliot.com
Venue Lusty Glaze www.lustyglaze.co.uk
Dress Victoria Jane from Krystle Brides www.krystlebrides.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Debenhams www.debenhams.com
Groom's outfit Reiss www.reiss.com
Make-up Lindsay Adams www.facebook.com/lindsayadamsmakeup
Entertainment Adam Isaac www.adamisaac.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
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