Wedding at St Crida Church, Cornwall

Although Su-yin and Will met at the tender ages of 12 and 13 respectively during a school ski trip, it wasn't until some years later, during their second year of university, that the pair started dating. "Will would came back to visit his mum and friends on the weekends and holidays and we would spend a lot of time surfing and exploring the Cornish coast together and eventually realised that our relationship was much more than just old school friends," Su-yin explains.



Will proposed during one of the biggest storms in February on Pentire headland. "We sat pinned back by the gale force winds when he asked me to marry him," comments Su-yin.



An intimate ceremony at Truro Registry Office took place just 20 days later to ensure Su-yin's contract for a job in Malaysia could be drawn up. The main event, however, a church blessing and ensuing celebrations, took place during the summer.



A pretty and personal affair, the blessing took place at St Crida Church, where Su-yin's grandparents are buried, and her family home in Grampound made a scenic backdrop for the reception which took place in a beautiful Mughal tent.



"There wasn't any theme or colour scheme other than being an English summer garden affair, which I wanted to feel quite relaxed and laidback with lots of seasonal flowers, greenery and open air so it was really weather dependent!" says Su-yin. Flowers were a key feature - and it was a challenge which Su-yin's gardening enthusiast mum rose to with gusto. She created a sculptural bed of wild flowers that swept down towards the pond and marquee. "We were overwhelmed at the transformation and impact it had and everyone commented on it," says Su-yin.



The menu also reflected the summer mood: a tantalising array of canapes such as goat's cheese and pear, and aubergine and wild garlic pesto was followed by Ottolenghi styled summer salads and roast lamb. Guests mingled in the glorious gardens, posing for photos in large antique frames that hung from the trees.



Live band Kabasa lent some infectious vintage Latin grooves as night fell followed by a fireworks display over the fields and pond - organised by Su-yin's brothers and sister - proved a magical surprise. "Catching a glimpse of my siblings and a couple of my cousins lighting the fireworks, with their arms around eachother and their faces lit up by the fireworks, was priceless, because it was very much about bringing families and our friends together and that moment captured it all," reflects Su-yin.



"Make the most of every moment as the time goes so quickly," Su-yin offers her wedded wisdom to other couples. "Choose your battles because they're not all worth fighting. Be sure of what you want and stick to it - don't let anyone change your mind unless it's totally unreasonable. Enjoy it and enjoy the time spent and the relationships fostered throughout."



Photography Rosie Windsor Photography www.rosiewindsor.co.uk
Venue St Crida Church followed by Su-yin's family home in Grampound
Tent The Beautiful Marquee Company www.thebeautifultentcompany.co.uk
Catering Jane Parker www.parkerscatering.co.uk
Dress Naomi Neoh www.naomineoh.com
Groom's outfit Austin Reed www.austinreed.co.uk
Entertainment Kabasa! www.kabasa.co.uk

Copyright Wed magazine 2014