Photography: Hannah-Wilde Venue: Deer Park
Phoebe and George first crossed paths at drama school while studying at the London College of Music. Some years later, George proposed in theatrical style. “He asked me to marry him at Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa in a secret room which could only be entered by pulling a book within a bookcase,” recalls Phoebe.
For their wedding, the couple chose Deer Park Country House, setting the tone for a vibrant celebration. Inspired by ’70s style and retro glamour, their day was a riot of colour: bouquets, tablescapes and aisle décor bloomed with vivid reds, pinks, yellows and blues. Playful retro fonts adorned the stationery, while a tiered cake decorated with pressed flowers completed the look.
Phoebe matched the mood perfectly in her dramatic tulle-ruffled gown and vibrant bouquet as she walked down an al fresco aisle lined with flowers. “We wanted to get married outside, but in the morning, it started to rain!” she says. “Luckily, it passed quickly, and we were able to get married at the Summerhouse. It was incredible.”
The ceremony reflected their story and shared passions, with sunshine as a thread running throughout. “George and I both called each other ‘my sunshine’ in our vows, and I walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” shares Phoebe. “We asked our friends to perform a comedy sketch of how we met, which was followed by a reading of Like a River by Whitney Hanson, and a performance of Stevie Wonder’s I Love Everything About You. Our friends and family also took part in a ring-warming, and we wrote our own beautiful vows. It was such a personal and unique ceremony.”
After celebratory drinks, guests sat down to a seasonal feast: compressed watermelon with feta, avocado and toasted seeds; roast chicken with pancetta crumb, creamed potato, braised peas and little gem; and a decadent chocolate delice with honeycomb ice cream.
Lawn games and People Bingo filled the afternoon before the evening celebrations began. The couple’s first dance to Bill Withers’ Lovely Day gave way to a ceilidh and disco, with wood-fired pizza fuelling the dance floor into the night.
"The whole day was everything we could have dreamed of and more," says Phoebe, reflecting on their joyful celebration. George finds it impossible to choose a single highlight. “It’s so hard to pick just one moment, but the fact that we were able to stay present meant the day didn’t go too quickly and we could enjoy every second,” he says.
Phoebe's advice for other couples? “Do what you need to do the day before and morning of your wedding to ensure you feel present and relaxed – whether that's turning off your phone or having a long bath. It will mean you can really enjoy your day amongst all the busyness!”
George also champions leaning on your circle. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends," he says. "It can get stressful, but remember that everyone is there for you. Don’t worry if things don't go to plan – enjoy the day for what it is: a truly magical one.”
Photography Hannah Wilde hannah-wilde.com
Venue Deer Park Country House deerpark.co.uk
Dress Morilee from Brides at Waterfields bridesatwaterfields.co.uk
Alterations Alterations by Alicia instagram.com/alterationsbyalicia
Suit Moss moss.co.uk
Hair & make-up Debbie Wright Bridal Hair & Make Up instagram.com/debbiewrightbridalhair
Flowers Emma Hewlett Floral Design emmahewlett.co.uk
Celebrant The Urban Celebrant theurbancelebrant.com
Lighting Social Lights socialights.co.uk
Printing Cornwall Signs cornwallsigns.com
Garden games Cornwall Hire cornwallhire.co.uk
Entertainment Lady Butterfly Music ladybutterflymusic.com
Videography Philip Dyer youtube.com/3kliksphilip
