In Weddings

Real Wedding Advice by Kelsie

THE PROPOSAL

Matt and I went to Soar Mill Cove for my 21st birthday a few years ago and fell in love with the place. So on our 3rd anniversary Matt took me back to Soar Mill Cove where we had a picnic on the beach and went for a coastal walk. On the coastal walk overlooking the sea, Matt proposed. He kept looking around which was making me nervous thinking wild cows were behind us! Turns out he was just ensuring no one was about as he knows I do not like public displays where I’m centre of attention.

THE VISION

We knew we wanted a relaxed barn wedding and began planning. We thought it would be nice to get married on our 5th anniversary and was so happy to find out the date fell on a Saturday. We searched barn weddings and were ecstatic when we came across The Green. It had all the qualities we liked, beautiful views over the moor, barns and cottages.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

As very laidback people, we did not stress over the planning process and there was no need to anyway, as all the staff at The Green were so attentive and efficient; every detail was already considered. After booking the venue 2 years prior to our wedding, we properly began planning a year before and enjoyed finding items that matched our theme of a rustic wedding.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE GREEN?

We looked at another venue close by first, it was nice however neither of us were blown away. As soon as we first arrived at The Green immediately after visiting the other venue, it felt special! Before the end of the visit, we both knew we had to get married there. Our original plan was to get married outside, however as soon as we saw the wedding barn, we both fell in love with the wooden beams and romantic lighting.

THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES

My dress was simple, living in sports gear as a personal trainer www.surpassfitness.co.uk I didn’t want a large or princess style dress. My dress was from Prudence Gowns, consisted of lace and was fitted; I was honestly gutted to take it off at the end of the day! Again, I kept accessories to a minimum as felt that my dress didn’t need over accessorising.

FINDING THE DRESS

So many prior to dress shopping said to me that I would end up picking the opposite dress to what I had in mind. Completely not the case for me, I knew exactly the style I wanted and fell in love with the dress once I found it. I knew I wanted a simple but beautiful dress.

GROOM’S ATTIRE

Matt’s suit was from McKay’s Menswear (in Prudence Gowns) and like myself, Matt knew the style he wanted. To match the theme of our wedding, Matt went for a blue tweed-effect three-piece suit and looked amazing.

THE READINGS & MUSIC

Matt is definitely the more musical one out of the pair of us and I trusted his choices fully! Matt picked mostly guitar acoustic songs for the wedding ceremony that fitted perfectly with the barn. We also had one our guests play on his guitar the acoustic of Tracey Chapman, Fast Car for my entrance. It was so lovely to have him play for us.

BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS

My bridesmaid’s looked beautiful!! In pale pastel green, their dresses fitted perfectly and they simply looked amazing. I think the four of them were more nervous than me on the wedding day but made the morning so so enjoyable and lots of fun. I was so proud to have them beside us.

THE FLOWERS

The flowers were provided from a good friend of my Mum’s who runs a business called A favour 4 U. Pat did a fantastic job and produced the most beautiful, colourful and wild flower arrangements. My knowledge of flowers is poor so I put my trust in Pat with just the request that they are colourful and contain lots of wild greenery. The end result was amazing and looked fantastic again the wooden beams and red brick background.

THE CAKE

My friend Jasmine from Sweetbuns made our cake and brownies. I am still dreaming about the brownies now, they were simply mouth wateringly good! Our cake was simple but beautiful, decorated with pastel colours and colourful fresh flowers.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Matt and I dislike having our photos taken with me feeling completely goofy as soon as a camera is put in my face! But Lucy & Jim of LucyJames Photography were so calming, funny and produced beautiful, relaxed and candid photos. They really captured the day and included all the beautiful Bodmin Moor in the background. In the morning, they scoped the venue and looked for the nicest spots to take photos and just made us giggle throughout the day.

THE DETAILS & DÉCOR

As the venue is such a beautiful, blank canvas we chose not to decorate much. We loved the big wooden beams, fairy lights and the red brick walls. We therefore kept things simple and rustic. Table decorations consisted of rustic wooden slabs with hessian-decorated jars filled with colourful and wild flowers. We had apple crates decorated with rustic steel tubs and my best friend handwritten on easels the order of our day

THE HONEYMOON

They whole day was just highlight to highlight for us and can genuinely say we loved every moment! I cried Sunday morning leaving the venue as I couldn’t believe just how amazing and magical the weekend went and was simply gutted to be leaving! We both smiled non-stop all day and was honestly so so impressed with the organisation of the day, thanks to Kate. Kate you were just amazing and made the day effortless!

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES

Do not stress!!!! Guest lists are challenging, however do only invite those who you genuinely wish to be there to witness your marriage. Enjoy the planning and the process of designing your dream wedding. Also look to see if you can make your own decorations, we have lots of fond memories making decorations and involving close friends and family.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

Firstly, Kate the Events Manager…..THANK YOU!!!!

A huge thank you to all of our suppliers, we were very lucky that all those involved were friends from school or work or recommendations of friends so it was nice to use people’s services that were local to us. It felt far more personal, for example I was so happy to have my hairdresser (Kristie’s Hair Boutique ) there to do our hair on the day. Make up by Emmie Green made me and my bridal group feel a million dollars.

 

Photos by www.lucyjamesphotography.co.uk