"I had decided it was time for a new hairdresser and chanced it at my local hairdressers," recalls Claire of her fated first meeting with Olly. "Little did I know that it was to be the first day of the rest of my life! His smile changed everything. In fact, that smile still changes everything."
Having become engaged during a holiday to Cornwall, the pair chose to get married at a stunning seaside location situated on the headland above Daymer Bay beach. "The views stretch over the Camel Estuary and I remember seeing boats sailing in he sea as we walked the across the fields to the church."
St Enodoc Church was an especially poignant choice for Claire. "I lost my Mum three years ago and her ashes are laid to rest at St Enodoc along with my Grandpa. Getting married at St Enodoc was the closest I could get to having my beautiful Mum at my wedding and I felt very close to her," she reveals.
The breathtaking backdrop was reflected by the colour scheme of choice as well as through Claire and Olly's gorgeous wedding attire. The bridesmaids wore pale blue gowns accented by gold belts, while Claire dazzled in a dress handmade by Devon-based designer, Kate Walker.
Not to be outdone by the girls, Olly selected a bespoke suit from Reiss in a smouldering dark navy blue that he stylishly teamed with a gold tweed bow tie and pocket square.
Following the tear-filled ceremony, guests were greeted at Porthilly Farm with pink fizz alongside local oysters, mini sandwiches, salmon, mini Cornish cream teas and heart shaped biscuits.
The wedding breakfast featured lamb, mackerel and halloumi with a variety of mixed salads. A series of sharing platters proved the perfect sweet finale and included the lip-smacking likes of Eton mess, chocolate brownies, lemon tarts and ice cream.
Friends of the couple, The Dunwells flew in from the States especially to perform at the wedding, providing a stellar soundtrack that kick-started the evening's entertainment.
"My favourite moment of the entire day was watching the sunset. It was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen," says Claire.
However, she's also quick to point out that her enjoyment of the day was down to some early time investments. "Plan as much as you can in advance so that you can really let your hair down on the lead up to the wedding. I honestly didn't anticipate the build up to our wedding being so enjoyable. I loved every single minute."
Photography Jess Petrie Photography
Venue St Enodoc Church followed by Porthilly Farm
Tent The Beautiful Tent Company www.thebeautifultentcompany.co.uk
Catering Fee Turner Catering www.feeturnercatering.co.uk
Dress Kate Walker Bridal www.katewalkerbridal.co.uk
Groom's outfit Reiss www.reiss.com
Bow tie and pocket square Mrs Bowtie www.mrsbowtie.com
Make-up Make-up by Jaala www.makeupbyjaala.com
Flowers Emma Weddings and Events www.emmashomeandgarden.co.uk
Transport Clive's Classic Cars in Cornwall www.weddingcarhirecornwall.com
Entertainment The Dunwells www.thedunwells.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2014