Pitching a stretch tent from her cousin's marquee company on her mum's land at Crackington Haven ensured their wedding had a local and personal feel, which were two of Erica's prerequisites. "My friend made a pallet bar that worked really well in the marquee. We had big open fires for the evening with straw bales to sit on and tipis for the children to play in, along with beer barrels for guests to help themselves," she adds.
Professional florist Erica - who runs Bleujen Florist - made her stamp with a stunning selection of blooms. "I wanted a classic, clean look: the white background of the marquee and bold bright colours everywhere," she explains. "I am very much into mixing old and new interiors together. I wanted to create this vibe by combining the old looking tables, crates, pallet bar and large cotton electric reels with the modern Perspex chairs and clear glass." Erica's love of gold and beads was echoed in the table runners, the bridesmaids' dresses and her gorgeous gown - made by her sister - which she accessorised with a stole and striking headdress.
A local flavour was infused via the menu, where a sumptuous sit-down wedding breakfast provided a particular talking point. Centred on the Red Ruby Devon beef reared by Erica's mother, the banquet included gourmet beef burgers with melting Cornish cheddar and crispy bacon; tender roast beef with an orange, red wine and rosemary sauce; and roasted Mediterranean vegetable and grilled halloumi towers - rounded off with a delightful trio of summer fruit desserts. In the evening, nine-piece band Funkty Dumpty's infectious grooves filled the dance floor and even prompted Erica to enjoy a spot of crowd-surfing in her wedding dress!
Armed with plenty of advice, Erica meditates on everything from the planning to the day itself. "If you're getting married in a marquee or barn, it is important to have the week off before as there are so many jobs to do. Make sure you book and plan things early on rather than later," she says. "And if you are having children at your wedding consider how they are going to be entertained for the day."
Photography Kristian Grant www.kristiangrant.co.uk assisted by
Emily Crocker
Dress Brooke Tippett, Brave the Label www.facebook.com/bravethelabel
Bridesmaids' dresses Virgos Lounge www.virgoslounge.com
Hair Emilie's Professional Hairdressing www.facebook.com/emiliesprohair
Make-up Be Delicious Bridal www.bedeliciousbridal.com
Groom's outfit Moss Bros www.mossbros.co.uk
Flowers Bleujen Florist www.bleujenflorist.com
Marquee Marquee Masters www.marqueemaster.co.uk
Cake Hannah's Cornish Cakes 07826 843870
Entertainment Funky Dumpty www.funktydumpty.com
Copyright Wed magazine 2016
