Photography: Alan Law Venue: Polhawn Fort
Kezia and James first crossed paths while studying at university in Belfast – but it wasn’t until they moved in together as friends that sparks began to fly. “I accidentally fell in love with my flatmate!” she laughs.
The couple got engaged in the Lake District, setting the scene for their wedding at the picturesque Polhawn Fort – an idyllic coastal venue that felt like home for Kezia, who has long-standing family ties to the Rame area. “Since I was little, we’ve visited Whitsand Bay regularly, and now, every year, we stay in Cawsand and James has come to love it just as much,” she explains.
Aiming to host a sustainable celebration, Kezia and James approached wedding planning with creativity and consciousness. “I bought decorations, confetti, the guest book – anything I could – secondhand on Vinted,” says Kezia. “I found a dress made of a more sustainable fabric and was so pleased that our caterer sourced their food locally. I wore sea glass jewellery that was handmade nearby. I think we saved a lot of money by going secondhand, and everything turned out great!”
The day was awash with colour: a palette of light blue, warm pink, cream, purple and yellow created a fun, eclectic atmosphere, with the bridal party channelling a dreamy, bohemian flair. As a budding stationery illustrator, Kezia brought her signature artistry to every detail – hand-drawing their invitations, complete with a custom map of the local area, and designing all the signage, menus, table plan, table name signs and orders of service.
Much of the décor was handmade, too. Pompom garlands, aisle decorations, flower bud vases sourced from markets and family cupboards and giant seashells from home made their way into the styling. The result was a celebration woven with heart, creativity and beautifully personal touches.
The ceremony took place beneath bright blue skies – “and some good old Cornish wind!” says Kezia. “Coming down the aisle and suddenly seeing all our family and friends for the first time was amazing.” Proceedings began with a heartfelt address from their friend Robyn, who shared stories of how the couple met and the love they’ve built. Kezia and James exchanged their own vows, followed by readings from close friends.
Wrapped in a lace shawl made by her aunt, Kezia and James enjoyed a few quiet moments on the beach, soaking in the first moments of married life. A tapas-style feast followed, paired with speeches. Kezia’s dad kicked things off with a heartfelt tribute to her creativity – complete with handcrafted signs made during what he proudly dubbed a “crafternoon”. “Then came an unforgettable ‘Royal Variety Performance’ courtesy of some family friends,” says Kezia. “And to top it all off, the best man’s speech had our faces aching from laughter as James and his family were given a lovingly mischievous roasting.”
Their first dance, to The Chicks’ Cowboy Take Me Away, was one of their favourite moments. “We could feel how much love was in the room – it really felt like we’d had such a wonderful day,” says Kezia. As the sun set, the couple joined their guests for cocktails on the cliffs. “It was such a special moment,” the couple recall. “The weather, the view – it was unbelievable. I think everyone felt how lucky we were to be there.”
For those planning their own day, Kezia and James offer this advice: “Don’t get too caught up in things that don’t really matter. Listen to each other and compromise. The day really is just about your close people being around you and celebrating the love you have as a couple.”
Photography Alan Law Photography alanlawphotography.co.uk
Venue Polhawn Fort polhawnfort.com
On-the-day coordinator Two Be Wed twobewed.co.uk
Dress The Roofer’s Granddaughter theroofersgranddaughter.com
Shawl Ren Jackaman instagram.com/tamarvalleywomble
Hair Adele Hack weddinghairdevon.co.uk
Make-up Sarah Severn Makeup sarahsevernmakeup.co.uk
Jewellery Rosie and Flo rosieandflo.co.uk
Suit Hawes & Curtis hawesandcurtis.co.uk
Catering Apt Catering aptcatering.com
Flowers St Mellion Flowers stmellionflowers.co.uk
Stationery Kezia May instagram.com/createbykezia
Entertainment Duncsy dg-events.co.uk
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