Photography: I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk Venue: Burncoose House burncooseestate.co.uk
Sophie and Dominic had been together for five and a half years when Dominic made a surprise declaration. During a family holiday in Sophie’s favourite place – Pollensa, Mallorca – he confided that he planned to propose at the top of the Calvari Steps, if the spot happened to be quiet.
“This was unlikely, as in August it’s such a popular location,” laughs Sophie. But as fate would have it, when they reached the summit, the viewing point overlooking Pollensa and the dramatic Tramuntana Mountains was completely empty. “My dad was taking a photo of us when I turned around to see Dominic on one knee,” she recalls. “It was such a beautiful moment, and I feel so grateful that my family were there to witness such an important milestone in our lives – something we’ll never forget.”
The couple chose the enchanting woodland estate of Burncoose House for their wedding – a timeless country retreat that perfectly framed their classic ivory-and-white celebration, styled with lush arrangements of creamy blooms and fresh green foliage.
A stirring performance by Nankersey Male Choir drew guests into Gwennap Church as Sophie prepared for her aisle walk to A Thousand Years. “Our ceremony was a beautiful one, especially as the church is filled with so many fond memories for my family – it’s where my grandparents were married,” she says. Her sister Olivia and Dominic’s brother Marcus delivered heartfelt readings that “brought many tears to the room,” before the service concluded with one of the couple’s favourite songs, Cornwall My Home.
Back at Burncoose House, guests enjoyed canapés and bubbly while the newlyweds lingered in the church grounds for photos. A wedding breakfast followed in the elegantly styled marquee – Cornish crab to start, fillet of beef with spiced carrots, potato terrine and pickled walnut ketchup for the main, and a showstopping lemon and raspberry cake with macerated berries for dessert.
Later, a quiet moment by the lake gave Sophie and Dominic the chance to take it all in before the evening celebrations began. “After revealing my evening outfit by removing the overskirt, we walked into the marquee to find all our guests gathered around the dance floor as Josh Curnow began singing Nice To Meet you by Myles Smith,” says Sophie. “The dance between the two of us only lasted a matter of seconds before we invited my parents to join us – it was perfect.”
An evening of dancing and late-night curry followed, with festivities spilling into the next day as the couple and their families made the most of their extended weekend stay. “Every minute we got to spend with both of our families was so special,” shares Sophie. “Waking up on Sunday morning with our close friends and family gave us an opportunity to relive the day all over again.”
Looking back, some of Sophie’s most treasured memories are the quiet moments she shared with her dad. “Walking down the staircase to meet him is a moment I’ll never forget,” she says. “Sharing a car to the church together meant we could share memories and stories before everything began – it was so special.”
Her parting wisdom? “Don’t let the weather get you down!” she laughs. “We prayed for sunshine but the rain that morning made the atmosphere even more magical – it didn’t ruin a thing!”
Photography I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk
Venue Burncoose House burncooseestate.co.uk
Marquee Absolute Canvas absolutecanvas.co.uk
Dresses Kiva and Zen Bridal kivaandzenbridalcornwall.co.uk
Love and Liberty Bridal loveandlibertybridal.com
Suits Moss Bros moss.co.uk
Hair Megan Nicholls instagram.com/megannichollshair
Grace Morbey instagram.com/gracemorbeyhair
Flowers With a Flourish withaflourish.co.uk
Cornish Cut Flowers flowersfromthefarm.co.uk
Catering Oliver Thompson oliver-thompson.co.uk
Cake Ausel Cakes & Catering auselcakes.co.uk
Stationery Tavern Creative taverncreative.co.uk
Décor With a Flourish withaflourish.co.uk
Transport West Country Wedding Cars westweddingcars.co.uk
Entertainment Nankersey Male Choir nankerseychoir.org
Josh Curnow joshcurnowmusic.com
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