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Real Weddings in Cornwall and Devon

Wedding at Watergate Bay Hotel

Wedding at Watergate Bay Hotel

A Seaside Love Story



Having met at the Blue Bar in Porthtowan some 13 years ago, Clare and Richard had been friends for many years before their bond blossomed into romance. He chose a cliff-top spot on the north coast, which is close to both their hearts, to pop the question on a balmy summer's evening. After giving her a bunch of flowers and a beautifully worded card, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. "I didn't even look at the ring as I was too busy crying and hugging him," recalls Clare. "When I did see the ring I was amazed; it was his late grandmother's diamond solitaire ring - a family heirloom that had been reset in platinum."

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Given its north coast location and incredible views, Watergate Bay Hotel seemed the obvious venue for their relaxed, seaside wedding. Rejecting a theme, the couple instead opted for a sophisticated aesthetic with lots of white details, evoked most strikingly through the elegant flowers. Clare carried a bouquet of white roses and gypsophila, which perfectly complemented her form-fitting lace gown embellished with twinkling detail. Her little bridesmaid clutched a spray of gypsophila, which echoed her floral crown and pretty white dress. Meanwhile, Richard donned a dashing blue suit, brogues and a white rose and gypsophila buttonhole.

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With dreamy ocean views as their backdrop, the ceremony proved emotional, particularly for Clare. "I cried before I even entered the room; I was so nervous and excited that I couldn't contain my emotions, a feeling I've never had before...beautiful," she comments. Looking back, that moment proved the highlight of her day. "My favourite moment was entering the ceremony room and all I could see was my handsome groom standing waiting for me with a huge smile on his face. Everyone else seemed invisible apart from Richard."

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After the vows, everyone enjoyed champagne and canapes before spilling onto the sands for photos. The reception space was a vision of crisp white, from the chair covers and elegant blooms and candles on the tabletops to the naked cake adorned with white roses and pops of pink. Complete with sea views, it was a stylish space to feast on a wedding breakfast of pork and apple terrine, beef Wellington and fresh berry pavlova. DJ Nigel Pengelly set the party vibe for the evening reception.

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"Make sure you take it all in," affirms Clare, reflecting on their unforgettable day. "The day whizzes by in a blur so try to relax and enjoy it all. And also make sure you take time with your groom throughout the day, as it is your day after all."

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Photography Nick Bailey www.photobailey.com
Venue Watergate Bay Hotel www.watergatebay.co.uk
Dress Kenneth Winston from Vu's Bridal www.vusbridal.co.uk
Bridesmaid dress Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk
Groom's outfit M&S www.marksandspencer.com
Shoes The Shoe Tree www.theshoetreetruro.co.uk
Flowers George Mackay Flowers www.georgemackayflowers.com
Entertainment Nigel Pengelly

Copyright Wed magazine 2014