Real Wedding in St Ives, Cornwall

A sandbank in the Maldives was the paradisical backdrop for Liz's proposal: "There we were - just us, an umbrella, an ice box on a tiny white sand bank, surrounded by beautiful turquoise water and coral reefs," reminisces Gemma. "We went into the water for a swim and Liz produced the ring and asked me to marry her."

Tucked away in a tranquil setting on the outskirts of St Ives, Liz's family home played host to the couple's bohemian style wedding. Lovingly created by Gemma, who runs Kalamari London (kalamarilondon.com), handpainted images of the cottage, the nearby signpost and the beautiful surrounding landscape were the key features of the invitations - and the starting point for the design of the wedding, for which Gemma crafted all the details.



A colour scheme of cornflower blue and white stylishly signified a seaside vibe, which had personal resonance for both Gemma and Liz. "We were both brought up by the sea - Liz in St Ives and me on the Isle of Wight - and it has made a lasting and lovely impression on both of us," says Gemma.



In homage to Gemma's family background - her mother was brought up in Sri Lanka - a colonial India influence found form in the print inside the reception tent from LPM Bohemia and Gemma's Grecian style Temperley dress. "It has a sari feel to it and that's why I loved it," she says. An array of wild flowers was perfectly in keeping with the relaxed summer vibe. 



The ceremony took place in balmy sunshine before miles of rolling countryside. The couple exchanged very personal rings, handmade by Gauge Gallery in St Ives, which depicted the skyline of St Ives. "Turning around after our lovely celebrant announced us for the first time and seeing all the people we know and love happily throwing rose petals over us was my favourite moment of the day," says Gemma.



Guests supped on cocktails and tucked into canapes such as golden calamari strips and chargrilled crayfish before a fabulous feast including pork and apple kebabs and barbecue chicken skewers from Gourmet BBQs. The evening entertainment came in the form of Liz's DJ sister who kept the party grooving with the perfect blend of music.



Looking back, Gemma and Liz wholeheartedly endorse involving your nearest and dearest in the preparations. "It was an amazing experience, with all our friends and family mucking in on all levels to make the day special!" Gemma has some wise words for couples in the throes of planning: "Be true to yourselves and what represents you both; do something with your day that you will look back on in 20 years and think 'no regrets'." She adds, "It's nice to mix new ideas with older tradition; tailor it to how it fits for you as a couple."



The venue
Marquee reception at Liz's family home, Towednack, St Ives

The dress
Temperley
www.temperleylondon.com

Photography
Caught The Light
www.caughtthelight.com


Copyright WED Magazine 2012