Wedding at St Agnes Church

Ruth and Dan's family and friends were at the heart of their wedding day, starting with the celebratory post-proposal lunch with their parents, organised by the groom-to-be shortly after popping the question by dropping a message in a bottle into a rock pool on the beach.

"Dan and I were introduced by our mutual friend at our local, the St Agnes Hotel," explains Ruth. "After he proposed on my favourite beach, we decided to have the ceremony at St Agnes Church, before a reception at my mum's house," she says. "She has space for a marquee and we spent a year clearing the field of brambles with the help of our friends and family." And all that hard work paid off. "That particular field had such a beautiful light, and the weather was perfect on the day," says Ruth.

The importance of family ran throughout every element of the celebration, with the wedding party getting ready at the respective bride and groom's houses. "We made use of family with nice cars, so two of my uncles drove us all to the church," says Ruth. Walking in to the ceremony with her brother was one of Ruth's favourite moments, before she saw her husband-to-be at the end of the aisle.

The bride wowed her guests in a Justin Alexander gown, while the navy and coral colour scheme was reflected through the groomsmen's suits, ties and buttonholes, bridesmaids' dresses and bouquets. "Coral peonies came in to season just in time and were the main flower in the bouquets along with Miss Piggy roses, eucalyptus and rosemary," says Ruth. "I had white freesias in my bouquet, too, in memory of my nan," she says. The striking colour scheme continued throughout the reception, where the marquee was decorated with pom-poms, paper lanterns and bunting, setting the tone for a relaxed reception.

"Canapes and fizz were served on arrival," explains Ruth, "while Dan and I had photos in the grounds." The wedding breakfast was then served with "nearly every guest saying how amazing the food was," of the menu of warm Cornish cheese and red onion marmalade tart, summer salad sharing platters, and a trio of puddings. "We did the speeches at the start, so everyone could enjoy their food without the nerves. It was such a relaxed atmosphere," explains Ruth. "And in the evening we had a big firepit so those not dancing could simply enjoy dusk in the field."

Reflecting on their dreamy day, Ruth's advice is simple: "Delegate! Try and think of all the tiny jobs that will need doing and don't be afraid to get people involved to help," she recommends. "Just focus on each other and enjoying the day itself." 

Photography Stewart Girvan www.stewartgirvan.co.uk

Venue St Agnes Church

Dress Justin Alexander at Vu's Bridal www.vusbridal.co.uk

Bridesmaids' dresses House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.com

Hair and make-up Hair Design by Holly Luisa no4hair_beauty@mail.com

Catering Beetham Food www.beethamfood.co.uk

Flowers Wedding Flowers in Cornwall www.weddingflowersincornwall.co.uk

Entertainment The Strutts www.thestruttsband.co.uk

DJ Nathan Buscombe