It didn't take long for the couple to decide on Boconnoc as their venue. "We loved the freedom that Boconnoc gave us, the proximity of the church to the house and, of course, the amazing grounds," says Louise.
With Mark's blue RAF uniform forming the basis of the colour scheme, muted, vintage shades inspired their details. The bridesmaids wore smoky grey, while the non-military groomsmen wore dark suits with pink paisley ties.
"I wanted classic, pretty and textured flowers", explains Louise and, teamed with her gorgeous Stewart Parvin gown, her stunning bouquet of tulips, roses and peonies was the very picture of elegance.
The ceremony in Boconnoc Church featured a special performance from a barbershop quartet. "We had arranged for further members of the barbershop chorus to sit anonymously in the church," explains Louise. "When we signed the register, the quartet sang two numbers, before starting with a rendition of 'Zip-a-dee-doo-dah', at which point the rest of the chorus stood up one by one to join in. It was amazing!"
After the ceremony, guests were greeted with Prosecco and canapes at the house and more barbershop singing ensued - but this time, Mark joined in. Guests tucked into an antipasti selection, which included buffalo mozzarella, olives, sun dried tomatoes and Parma ham. A feast of tomato and basil pasta, butternut squash and pancetta risotto, Italian sausages and Cornish lamb was rounded off with a stack of homemade profiteroles.
Live funk band Four Tons of Funk ensured the dance floor was grooving all evening, while a photo booth containing props and a Polaroid camera provided further entertainment. The party mood continued into the night: "We moved to the accommodation upstairs for an after party which rocked until about 6am!"
After their dreamy day, the pair jetted off to Costa Rica for an exotic honeymoon. Their favourite moments? "We loved the ceremony. We also loved the food, band, photo booth and barbershop - the whole lot," Louise adds, "Walking into the church, knowing that everyone was there for us was so surreal and so wonderful."
And their top tips? "Do it your way! There are so many external pressures and you have to be quite strong but understanding at the same time - you have to make it yours."
The venue
Boconnoc House, Lostwithiel
01208 872507 www.boconnocenterprises.co.uk
The dress
Stewart Parvin from Brides of Berkhamsted
01442 874006 www.bridesofberkhamsted.com
The flowers
Designer Wedding Flowers
01872 520150 www.designerweddingflowers.co.uk
Photography
Green Photographic
07966 613086 www.greenphotographic.com
Copyright WED Magazine 2011
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