Will moved to Singapore in 2012 and, on meeting in Sri Lanka in 2013, the pair discovered there was still a spark between them. Later that year, they met briefly in Singapore. "A couple of days later, Will emailed me to ask me to move in with him, which I did four weeks later!" A proposal followed during a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. "We had supper while watching the sunset over the Pacific. At some point as the sun was setting, Will produced the ring," recalls Amy.
The couple, who currently live in New York, set about planning their Plymouth wedding. "We chose the chapel and grounds of The Millfields, where my parents have lived for the last 17 years," says Amy.
A palette of blush pink, ivory and navy was woven through the features of the day, most beautifully in Amy's custom-made bridal gown, which was a vision of blush pink tulle with a silk bodice and hand sewn embroidery flowers. Her bridesmaids wore midnight navy silk dresses, echoing the sharp morning suits of the groom's party.
The natural floral arrangements - featuring David Austin Juliet and Keira roses, hydrangea, astilbe and asthenia - spilled from jars at the pew ends and the tables of their reception venue: a big top tent with a midnight blue interior. Giant helium balloons added a playful touch to the decor.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed Pimm's and afternoon tea while playing a series of games on the lawn, including croquet, a coconut shy and strongman striker game, to the smooth tunes of a jazz ensemble.
The wedding breakfast saw guests dining on barbecued favourites Devon lamb, pork, mackerel fillets and vegetable kebabs followed by wedding cake and local cheeses. "I'm in the wine industry in the US, so I put a big emphasis on pairing wines with the food, but also choosing those which had personal meaning to us," explains Amy. "We also hired a bar with our own custom cocktails, such as Singapore Sling, London G&T and Brooklyn Mule." Live band Jessica and the Rabbits ensured the dance floor was packed into the early hours.
Looking back, Amy reflects on her favourite moment: "Seeing my husband at the end of the aisle looking stunned/happy/scared..." As for words of wisdom, she advises: "Relax, step back and think about why you are organising a wedding in the first place. It will put all the little things that are stressful into proportion. On the day, you won't notice how the napkins are folded."
Photography Clare Kinchin www.clarekinchinphotography.co.uk
Venue The Millfields
Tent Carlinden Events www.carlinden.co.uk
Catering Claire's Kitchen www.claires-kitchen.co.uk
Dress Kathryn Conover Couture www.kathrynconover.com
Bridesmaid dresses Alfred Sung from Weddington Way www.weddingtonway.com
Hair Envy www.envymyhair.co.uk
Make-up Amy McDonnell www.amymcdonnell.co.uk
Groom's outfit Moss Bros www.mossbroshire.co.uk
Flowers Flowers by Amanda www.flowersbyamanda.co.uk
Games The Very Vintage Hire Company www.veryvintagehire.co.uk
Entertainment Jessica and the Rabbits www.jessicaandtherabbits.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
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