Wed Cornwall

ONE FINE DAY

 

Tucked away on Cornwall's south coast, Caerhays Estate is a fresh-from-a-storybook setting: the lofty turrets of Caerhays Castle sit amidst pretty gardens that slip down to the sands of Porthluney Beach. Particularly spectacular in spring, we chose this enchanting setting for our bridal fashion story, 'Ever After': a showcase of romantic fashions for the modern fairytale bride, all light, swooshy skirts and unfeasibly dreamy detail.

 

On the day, however, our visions of blue skies and blossom-cloaked trees were dashed by the rain that trickled down our windscreen as we wound our way along the lanes of the south coast. That, and the lingering impact of the 'Beast from the East,' which meant the gardens were yet to bloom into their usual spring carnival of colour. After watching the clouds scudding across the sky and willing the sunlight to burn through, we decided to venture outside regardless, dressing our lovely model in a series of exquisite gowns in a campervan, which came in handy for sheltering from the rain showers! 

Looking at the images now - the stark trees on the tip of bursting into flower, the sea mist shrouding the castle walls, the moody cloud-strewn skies - there's a magic to the shoot that we never could have planned for. The fairytale might not have been the one we intended - but the results are entrancing, atmospheric and arguably more beautiful than if we'd arrived to blossom and blue skies.

 

And this is something to bear in mind on your wedding day. Things may not go according to your fine-tuned plans - but that, so often, is when the magic happens. Whether it's wild winds, heavy snow, torrential downpours or stubborn sea mist, take a breath, focus on what matters - and embrace whatever the elements throw at you.

 

For Ashley and Keith, whose wedding is featured on p.164, bracing the strong winter winds on Rame Head and finding themselves surrounded by wild ponies - a moment that Ashley describes as "one of the most incredible of my life. It was just so unexpected and so utterly romantic" - created the most wonderful wedding day memories. 

 

Alana and Mike's wedding, which features on p.168, took place during the dramatic week of storms back in March, which meant that only 30 of their 70 guests could attend. "Everything that could possibly go wrong probably did, but it didn't matter - I wouldn't change any of it!" she says. After all: you're marrying the love of your life. So your fairytale might run differently from the script - I say, savour every moment of your day in all its spontaneous, memorable and oh-so romantic glory!

 

Rebecca

 

Contents:

STYLE

18. UNDER THE SEA

Soft blues and mermaid jewels for a wedding inspired by the ocean

20. EVER AFTER

Channel the modern fairytale bride in light skirts and romantic embellishment

32. THE TEST OF TIME

Classic style meets modern fashion in these top-trending gowns

40. INTO THE SHADOWS

Whimsical bridal wear beautifully juxtaposed with shades of rich copper 

48. WED'S BOUDOIR

Bridal beauty tips and trends

68. WORKING THE GROOM

Style tips for the man of the moment

71. BATHED IN GOLDEN LIGHT

Warm colours and pampas grass inspire an autumnal celebration by the sea

92. SIMPLE PLEASURES

A modern, minimalist aesthetic meets rustic and romantic Cornish character

106. SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL

Vintage carnival vibes with a twist of modern-day glamour

FEATURES

46. BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

Add colour to your wedding ring for a standout symbol of your love

50. SOMETHING BLUE

How to incorporate your 'something blue' into your wedding day

55. HERE COME THE GIRLS

Enjoy top times with your besties in these heavenly hen houses

63. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

How to handle the things that might go wrong on W-day

78. PLANNED TO PERFECTION

Expert planning advice on those often overlooked W-day details

84. AND THE FEAST GOES ON

Menu ideas for the night before and morning after the main event

88. EAT. SPEAK. LOVE

Top tips on scheduling those all-important speeches

98. BLANK CANVAS

Make marquee magic in a personality-packed party space

112. THE ECO BRIDE GUIDE

How to plan a planet-friendly wedding day

118. THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Marry amidst the seclusion and scenery of these romantic rural venues

133. PHOTO FINISH

How to look your very best in your wedding photos 

141. THE GIFT OF GIVING

Gift inspiration for your spouse-to-be

REGULARS

6. BRIDAL BUZZ

What's new, what's hot, what's on

126. THE VENUE

Licensed venues for civil ceremonies in Cornwall

156. GOT WED

Newly-weds share a glimpse of their day

186. NOTES ON A WEDDING

Top tips for your planning pleasure

Editor

Rebecca Matthews

Deputy editor 

Lucy Higgins

Chief features writer

Hannah May

Contributors

Abby Driver, Tracy Edwards, Lester Gethings, Jennifer Granlund, Christoper Wasey, Elle Winsor Grime

Design

Matt Sanwell, Design UNLTD

Advertising and Management 

Brendan Sleeman

Distribution 

Jenna Matthews

Finance

Morwenna Matthews

Publisher

Wed Magazine

28 Reens Crescent

Heamoor

Penzance

Cornwall 

TR18 3HW

01736 331456

wed@wedmagazine.co.uk 

wedmagazine.co.uk 

Print

Four Way Print

Cover image

Dress

Catherine Deane, The Bridal House of Cornwall

thebridalhouseofcornwall.co.uk

Photography Kirstin Prisk

kirstinprisk.co.uk

Hair Helen Simons, Hello Gorgeous

hellogorgeoustruro.com

Make-up & styling Suzi Winter makeupartistcornwall.co.uk

Model Monika Rohanova