Wedding at The Smugglers Den Inn

Lara had the surprise of her life during a holiday in Spain where she was spending Christmas and New Year with her parents. "Unfortunately Tom couldn't make it due to work commitments - or so I believed!" she reveals of what was to become one of the most memorable holidays of her life. "On 28th December I went for lunch with my mum in a beautiful hillside restaurant and, just before we ordered, who should arrive but Tom! He got down on one knee and presented me with a beautiful solitaire diamond that he had had designed himself."



From the hills of Spain to the coast of Cornwall, the couple opted for an autumnal wedding at the church of St Columb Minor, followed by The Smugglers Den Inn. "We chose the venue due to the breathtaking views from the patio down across the common and towards the sea," explains Lara.



The setting perfectly complemented their seaside theme and candy colour palette of ivory, blush pinks and duck-egg blues. "Our tables were named after beaches that meant something to us and our table centrepieces were candles, shells, starfish and local sand collected from Crantock by my bridesmaid Jemima," says Lara.

Flanked by bridesmaids in soft blue frocks, Lara donned an asymmetric gown and carried a waterfall bouquet of white orchids, avalanche roses, spray roses and foliage.



Their wedding ceremony was followed by another momentous occasion - the christening of their ten-month-old son, Albie. "Combining our wedding with our child's christening made the day very special to us. It was wonderful to arrive at the church as individuals and leave as a family," says Lara.

Moving onto The Smugglers Den Inn, guests enjoyed drinks and sea views before tucking into a Cornish coastal inspired feast of Cornish ale-battered fish and chips with homemade tartare sauce and mushy peas served with Harbour Ale. Joe Hurworth and Mike Fox kept guests entertained throughout the evening, performing a spectacular rendition of Paul Weller's 'You Do Something To Me' for the newly-weds' first dance.



A day replete with personal touches, it was the smaller details that Lara recalls as most meaningful when looking back. "My wedding ring was also very special. I wore my nan's ring that she had worn during her marriage to my granddad. They were married for 60 years so I hope it brings Tom and I the same longevity."



"The whole day was wonderful," she continues. "Leaving the church as a family of three stands out, as does the first dance. Overall the best thing was being able to share the day with the people that meant so much to us."



She also has some words of wisdom for other couples. "Don't get too stressed out about the things you can't affect like the weather or things you can't afford," sagely advises Lara. "Also, take in every moment for what it is rather than worrying about what is to come next."

Photography Brian Robinson www.brianrobinsonphotography.com
Venue St Columb Minor Church followed by The Smugglers Den Inn www.thesmugglersden.co.uk
Dress Jasmine Bridal from Bliss Bridal Gowns www.bliss-bridal-gowns.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Jacques Vert www.jacques-vert.co.uk
Groom's outfit Moss Bros www.mossbroshire.co.uk
Flowers Kelly Ann's Flowers www.kellyannsflowers.co.uk
Transport The Cornwall Camper Company www.thecornwallcampercompany.co.uk
Make-up Alyshea McKenzie
Hair Jane Sebire from Frankie's Gun www.frankiesgun.co.uk

Copyright Wed magazine 2015