To celebrate their union, the couple threw a quintessentially English afternoon tea party in the beautiful setting of Rosteague on the Roseland Peninsula. Dressed in dapper Ted Baker suits and Grenson brogues, the couple arrived in Chris's grandfather's vintage Singer Gazelle car, ready to enjoy their sun-drenched ceremony in The Knott Garden. "The ceremony was held under the thatched building in the garden with all the guests standing inside of the maze garden - truly beautiful," says Matt.
Guests moved to the croquet lawn for the drinks reception, during which saxophonist Tray Singh appeared from one of the windows playing 'A Million Love Songs' by Take That, before mingling with the guests while they sipped drinks in the sunshine.
The reception was held in a beautifully styled marquee with mesmerising ocean views. Their close friend Emily Hankins created a delightful array of details to evoke the tea party theme, from the handmade bunting and exquisite stationery to the place settings and table plan, for which she individually printed every name with a Letter Press onto wooden hearts and luggage labels. A medley of blooms, including pale pink roses, Cornish peonies, Cornish sweet peas and ivory freesias further enhanced the vintage vibe.
But the pièce de resistance was Emily's spectacular wedding cake: a tower of beautifully decorated, edible teacups. "It was truly out of this world and blew everyone away," Matt comments. The reaction to this spectacle was particularly memorable for the couple: "Seeing people's reactions when they saw our wedding cake for the first time... and when they were individually given one to eat or take home. The looks of surprise and happiness will stay with us forever!"
Guests tucked into a sumptuous high tea courtesy of About Taste, while the dulcet tones of the saxophone created a chilled ambience. Served on vintage crockery, the foodie treats included Cornish crab with lemon sandwiches, pork and chicken pie, asparagus tart, Victoria sandwich cake and scones oozing with clotted cream and jam.
Abba tribute band, Abba Arrival, performed a crowd-pleasing set during the evening, and Matt and Chris hired children's entertainment, Circus School to keep small (and big!) kids happy.
Matt fondly recalls one of his stand out moments. "One of my closest friends could not make it back from Thailand for our wedding. During the ceremony I spotted her smiling at me from the side of the garden! Chris had flown her back to the UK as my wedding present!"
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Reflecting on their beautiful ceremony, the couple advise the importance of involving others in the planning and styling of the day: "Surround yourself with supportive (and creative) people who will help the day run smoothly and make your dreams and ideas come true."
The venue
Rosteague, Portscatho
01872 580346 www.rosteague.co.uk
The suits
Ted Baker
www.tedbaker.com
The flowers
Wedding Flowers in Cornwall
01872 553080 www.weddingflowersincornwall.co.uk
Photography
Marcus Tate
020 7720 0448
Copyright WED Magazine 2012
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