On the third anniversary of this fortuitous encounter, it was Kate's turn to arrange their annual anniversary weekend away, so she organised a romantic trip to the South Hams. She was taken aback, however, by Ben's secret addition to the loved-up break. "As soon as we arrived, Ben was keen to hit the beach and walk our dog, Dreckly. It was a perfect blue sky day; we walked along the beach and that's when Ben got down on one knee and popped the question!" Kate reveals.
The pair drew on the unique character of their venue, The Green, to inspire the look and feel of their day. "As The Green is an old dairy farm, we decided on a very simple, country themed wedding with grey and navy blue as the colour theme for the bridal party," says Kate. Flanked by bridesmaids in mismatched gowns, Kate accessorised her lace gown with a gorgeous bouquet of bright pink and yellow blooms, which echoed the arrangements spilling from jam-jars along the aisle. The tables were dressed with jam-jars of sweets, which doubled as place names and favours, potted herbs and toadstool details.
Kate and Ben were wed during a beautiful, sun-filled ceremony beneath the arbour, which stood out as one of her favourite moments. "The ceremony was lovely," she says. "As well as our vows, some friends and family also stood to speak. A wonderful poem was written just for us, our nephews entertained us with a written story and we had a live puppet show from our friend Jo and Mr Jingles! It was madness, but pure brilliance at the same time!"
After canapes and drinks in the sunshine, guests tucked into a Ploughman's followed by smoked lamb, Caribbean chicken and fresh cod. The evening party featured dancing, fish and chips and plenty of giggles in the homemade photo booth.
"The venue felt like a mini village, which relaxed everyone as there was so much space and different things to do. Kids were playing in the woods, by the lake and on the green; it was great watching everyone enjoying their time in Cornwall," Kate says, reflecting on her wedding experience. "We had such a fantastic group of people around us," she continues. "And the weather was out of this world - we couldn't believe our luck."
As for advice for other couples, she says: "Relax and enjoy every minute! We wish we could do it all again!"
Photography Alexa Poppe www.alexapoppeweddingphotography.com
Venue The Green www.thegreencornwall.co.uk
Catering The Gourmet BBQ Co. www.thegb.co.uk
The Cornish Fish and Chips Van www.cornishfishandchips.co.uk
Flowers Just Peachy Flowers www.facebook.com/JustPeachyFlowers
Hair and make-up Gem Ryder www.gemryder.com
Groom's outfit River Island www.riverisland.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
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