After 11 years together, Andy's proposal took Amy completely by surprise. 'Andy never wanted to get married which was always a huge problem for me,' she explains. 'Out of the blue in May 2017 he proposed while we were out on a walk. He made me sit in the long grass and when I looked up he told me how much he loved me and was holding out the most beautiful ring. I was absolutely gobsmacked and sat and cried.'
Originally planning an October wedding, the couple had to bring the date forward to March due to Andy's father's ill health, prompting them to plan much more decisively. 'We lost six months of planning time and jumped straight into action!' says Amy, unfazed by the challenge.
'Growing up surfing, and travelling to surf and be by the beach, all I had ever imagined for my wedding was the beach,' she says. Located within touching distance of the Atlantic Ocean, Tunnels Beaches perfectly set the scene for their coastal celebration. A palette of watercolours was selected to fit the oceanic theme, with pared-back décor comprising lots of fairy lights and white candles and foliage for centrepieces. 'I was going for chic and natural so the main focus was the ocean outside,' explains Amy.
Graphic designer Amy created the stationery herself in order to accentuate the bespoke look of the day. 'This was my favourite part of planning my wedding. I wanted to create something that nobody else had that suited our relaxed day. I love what I created; I can keep those designs forever knowing it was perfect for us,' she says.
The vows involved 'a few giggles with each other ' and I could see how happy he was, which was the most amazing moment', she says of their al fresco ceremony. As the champagne flowed and guests mingled, Amy and Andy headed off for photos on the beach, culminating in one of Amy's standout memories: a sea dip with her bridesmaids. 'It was freezing cold but the laughing and screaming is one of the best memories I have. After this we went up to eat… The sun was streaming in from over the sea, the food was gorgeous and I couldn't believe I had finally got married, after 13 years!'
A gourmet vegetarian barbecue of burgers, spinach and blue cheese en croute, halloumi and sweet chilli skewers, baked polenta with spinach and goat's cheese, and asparagus and parmesan pastries was finished in style with hazelnut meringue roulade.
'The sparkler tunnel in the evening was so much fun, everyone was laughing and it was freezing but just made us realise how many people had come all the way to join us to celebrate our day,' remembers Amy.
'My top tip would be to take a step back a few times throughout the day and watch what you have created,' says Amy. 'It's so lovely to see people enjoying themselves and taking in what is going on around you.'
Photography Toby Lowe Photography tobylowephotography.co.uk
Venue Tunnels Beaches
Dress Rookery Bridal rookerybridal.co.uk
Bridesmaids' dresses Debenhams debenhams.com
Groom and groomsmen's outfits Dyfed Menswear dyfedmenswear.co.uk
Hair Sarah Peacey facebook.com/SarahPcHairdressing
Make-up Anna RJ annarj.com
Flowers Sweet Williams sweetwilliamsflowers.com
Entertainment Echo Town facebook.com/echotown
Videography Chris Spice chrisspicefilms.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2019
