Real Wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel

Summer of Love

Rachael first met Grant when he was best man at her best friend’s wedding. A month later, he was contracted as a supply teacher at the school where Rachael worked. “It took another three months before either of us would ask the other out and, on Boxing Day 2003, Grant turned up on my parents’ doorstep with a Christmas present,” she comments. On Christmas morning four years later, Grant popped the question and the wedding planning began.


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

Despite envisaging a simple wedding dress, it was love at first sight when Rachael clapped eyes on a dress with a jewel-encrusted bodice and heavy satin skirt in the window of Vu’s Bridal Boutique. There was a dress drama on the morning of the wedding, however, when Rachael discovered make-up on the skirt. Cue a mad dash to the shop for a loaf of white bread – a trick suggested by photographer Kate – and, after much dabbing, the stain disappeared and Rachael was ready for her grand entrance. 


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

The season and Rachael’s love of naturally subtle shades inspired the colour scheme. The flowers were a fresh medley of eucalyptus leaves, white avalanche roses, freesias and rosemary, complimented by the thyme hue of the bridesmaid’s dress, table decorations and wedding favours from Jo Down's Glass. As a nod to his Scottish heritage, Grant wore his family tartan.


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

The idyllic setting of St Mawgan Church was an apt setting for the ceremony: Grant's parents live in St Mawgan and Rachael’s mother's family were originally from the village. As Grant has played cricket for the village for many years, the couple thought it would be fun to throw a cricket tea on the village green after the ceremony. Unfortunately, rain called a halt to their al fresco plans so guests tucked into strawberries and raspberry gin cocktails in the church instead!


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

Rachael and Grant had photographs taken at The Scarlet Hotel before a reception at Bedruthan Steps Hotel. The delectable wedding breakfast included satay chicken skewers, roast sirloin of beef and raspberry and lemon cheesecake.


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

“We wanted to add a touch of romance to the day, so we opted for some classic jazz music for the evening.” Tom Quirke and Ross Williams performed a set of jazz classics and a disco followed, making for a fabulous finale.


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

“Select your photographer carefully,” is Rachael’s top tip. “For me, it was really important to have somebody with whom I felt comfortable. Kate was calm and her presence, which was completely unobtrusive, was a godsend.”  


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

“If you are well organised in advance, everything will fall into place on the day,” she reassures. “And don't scrimp on the things you really want.”


wedding at Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

The venue
St Mawgan Church followed by Bedruthan Steps Hotel
01637 860555 www.bedruthan.com

The dress
Sottero and Midgley from Vu’s Bridal Boutique, Wadebridge
01208 815440 www.vusbridal.co.uk

The flowers
Ginny's Flowers
01637 881472 www.ginnysflowers.co.uk
    
Photography
Urban Sugar Photography
07507 525747 www.urbansugarphotography.com

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