Having lured Kirsten to Cornwall for the weekend on the pretence of running a 10km race, Michael took her for a walk to Rame Head where the pair had previously camped. He popped the question, and they promptly celebrated with fireworks before retreating to a clifftop cabin overlooking the sea for the rest of the weekend to celebrate their newly engaged status.
Pentillie Castle was a natural choice for their "relaxed, summery and smiley" wedding, as Kirsten explains. "It was stunning, had incredible views of the river, had sufficient on-site accommodation for the wedding party, and were happy to manage our number of guests."
Determined to host a grand-scale wedding without stress or fuss, Kirsten and Michael remained mindful throughout the planning process of their ultimate aim. "The idea was simple - choose a great place, become husband and wife, and celebrate our happiness with all of our friends and family," says Kirsten.
"It made no difference to us how the napkins were laid out, or how the coffees were served - we just wanted everyone to have a good time and make the most of the beautiful setting. Our biggest priority was being able to invite everyone we wanted, even if that meant compromising on some other aspects like favours or menu choices."
Personal details featured throughout the celebrations: in a nod to Michael's occupation as an RAF officer, there were military touches such as a guard of honour and sabring of a champagne bottle, while, in homage to Kirsten's roots, a Scottish element was infused with a ceilidh band. "The place settings were photos of the guests with us and these doubled as favours and an excellent conversation piece for the guests who didn't know each other," adds Kirsten.
Picking local suppliers, they worked with Psychopomp Distillery to create a unique 'wedding gin' incorporating botanicals including Scottish heather and south-west blackberry that doubled up as wedding favours.
Extending the relaxed vibe of their day, sharing platters made for an interactive eating experience. Guests mingled while tucking into the delicious likes of deli meats, pickles and Asian pulled pork with accompaniments that were placed on the tables.
"We chose to have locally sourced Cornish ice cream served in small tubs of varying flavours - this was fun, easy for the kitchen to organise, and fairly economical," says Kirsten of their dessert choice.
In retrospect, the couple remain happy with their choices and simple approach to designing their day. "People say organising a wedding is really stressful. We came at it with a relaxed approach and didn't get hung-up on the details," says Kirsten. "Remember what it's all about and enjoy the process - don't make it an arduous task! And don't forget you can always delegate!"
Photography U Got The Love ugotthelove.com
Venue Pentillie Castle & Estate pentillie.co.uk
Dress Clifton Brides cliftonbrides.co.uk
Groom's outfit Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com
Hair Arena Hair Salon arenacreativehair.co.uk
Make-up Victoria from The Greenhouse Spa Retreat thegreenhousespa.co.uk
Flowers The Velvet Daisy thevelvetdaisy.co.uk
Gin Psychopomp Microdistillery microdistillery.co.uk
Entertainment Bowreed bowreed.co.uk
Copyright Wed magazine 2019
