Although hailing from Manchester, they both love Cornwall. "We therefore decided to drag our 90 guests to Cornwall in the hope that they would fall in love with the area like we had," says Lynn. The Cornish location has further significance given the question was popped in a St Ives' restaurant on New Year's Eve 2009. Dan arranged for Lynn's meal to be served on a plate on which he had painted woodland animals, with each animal spelling out 'will you marry me?' "Halfway through the meal, I finally noticed that my plate was different to everybody else's!" says Lynn.
The couple had stumbled upon Cornish Camels the previous summer, and they booked it for the wedding the day after the proposal. "We didn't look anywhere else as the whole atmosphere of the farm was perfect for us," says Lynn. "I also love animals, so to get married amongst camels, wallabies, peacocks, ostriches and turkeys was an amazing thought!"
A multi-coloured palette complemented their rustic vintage theme. Lynn, Dan and family members got stuck into making the decorations, from vintage signs and bunting to peacock feather buttonholes. Lynn collected cake stands, glassware and crockery from charity shops and sourced other handmade details from all over the world via etsy.com.
Placed amongst peacock feathers and English country flowers, pots of ivy wrapped with old lace made for a gorgeous feature. The whole aesthetic worked beautifully with Lynn's dress - a dreamy blend of Shantung silk and vintage lace.
The ceremony took place in the sunshine at the steps to the farm's corn chamber, followed by Pimm's and canapes on the lawn. "It was a really hot day and the setting of the gardens, the peacocks and the distant gobble of the turkeys was just wonderful!" recalls Lynn. A formal introduction to the camels caused great hilarity: "Dan tried to tame his enthusiastic camel, whilst my camel took the opportunity to go to the toilet!"
The divine barbecue was a locally sourced, organic feast of sausages, freshly caught mackerel, pork steaks and salads, while the dessert table was chock full of homemade elderflower jelly, Victoria sponge, strawberries and Roskilly's ice cream.
'Proof' by Manchester band I Am Kloot was the soundtrack to the first dance, followed by ceilidh band The Newlyn Reelers who kick-started an evening of barn dancing and revelry. A wedding so full of fun and music called for a rock'n'roll honeymoon - so the newly weds celebrated their union at Glastonbury Festival.
"Don't be afraid to get stuck in and create your own decorations with friends and family. Putting that personal touch to your own wedding really makes it feel your own," Lynn advises. "And get the best photographer your budget will stretch to."
The venue
Cornish Camels, St. Martin, Helston
01326 231119 www.cornishcamels.com
The dress
Kt Jean
www.ktjean.com
Photography
Kirstin Prisk
01209 211821 www.kirstinprisk.co.uk
Copyright WED Magazine 2011
