Music was the thread that first wove Holly and Hollye together when they met at a Cornish secondary school where Hollye worked as a music teacher and Holly as a trainee. “We got on like a house on fire, chatting for hours on end,” says Hollye. Soon, she was making fortnightly trips to London, where Holly was studying. “We’d go to Ronnie Scotts, walk along the Southbank and, before long, we were talking about our future together.”
Six years later, that future took shape on a romantic holiday in France. As they walked along the shoreline at sunset, Hollye proposed. “It took me by surprise in the absolute best way!” reflects Holly. “It’s a moment I will always treasure. Hollye also designed my engagement ring which made it even more special.” In 2022, the couple welcomed their daughter, Isla.
As lead singer of wedding band Stone Roots, Holly had played at many venues before her engagement. But one stood out: Polurrian on the Lizard. “The first time my band played there, I was blown away,” she says. “The interior décor is perfection and the views breathtaking.” A visit with Hollye confirmed it was the place. Their wedding vision embraced soft romance with personal touches. A blush pink and gold palette set the tone, with ivy trailing tables and floral installations making a statement, while Hollye handcrafted the signage, stationery and lighting.
The ceremony was a celebration of their love for each other – and their love of music. Hollye’s band performed Love is a Verb by John Mayer alongside Martin Skews, while the entire congregation sang Shania Twain’s Still the One. “It was a really magical moment” says Holly. “We left the ceremony to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole – a song we dance and sing to in the kitchen with our little girl.”
“For me, the ceremony was the most magical part of the day,” says Hollye. “Walking out to everyone cheering and throwing confetti to the most incredible views with steel pans playing – it was perfect.” Guests enjoyed cocktails overlooking the ocean, with music from Steel Appeal setting the mood. A feast featuring ham hock ballentine, herb-crusted hake loin and chocolate orange brownie followed, before Holly wowed guests with a Flight of the Concords-style rap instead of a speech. “It was hilarious! This moment has been talked about by our guests ever since,” says Hollye.
As golden hour arrived, everyone spilled onto the terrace as Paul Haywood performed Ibiza favourites on the saxophone, setting the mood for an evening of party favourites from Stone Roots and The Strutts. “Holly ended up being lifted on the dance floor for the climax of I’ve Had the Time of my Life!” laughs Hollye. Their first dance was another highlight. Fans of American artist Allen Stone, they reached out to him – and to their delight, he recorded a personal message and part of a song for them. Holly’s band performed it live alongside the recording. “It was a such special moment,” she reminisces.
As for advice for other couples? “Do little and often,” recommends Holly. “Spread out anything that needs to be done on the day and make sure everyone knows what they need to do.” Hollye adds, “Having a nanny was really beneficial during the ceremony because it meant all our family could enjoy it. The Nature Nanny was a total dream!”
Photography Katie Goff Photography katiegoffphotography.com
Second shooter Sofie Michelle Photography sofiemichellephotography.co.uk
Venue Polurrian on the Lizard polurrianhotel.com
Dresses Madi Lane from The Bridal Studio Helston bridal-studio-helston.co.uk
Catherine Deane from Kiva & Zen Bridal Cornwall kivaandzenbridalcornwall.co.uk
Hair Ro Hair rohair.co.uk
Make-up Ella Butler facebook.com/makeupbyellabutler
Flowers Bertie Green Florist bertiegreenflorist.co.uk
Cake Polly Webb Cakes pollywebbcakes.co.uk
Childcare Nature Nanny
Entertainment Martin Skews instagram.com/martinskewsmusic
Paul Haywood Music paulhaywoodmusic.com
Steel Appeal steelappeal.org.uk
Stone Roots stoneroots.co.uk
The Strutts thestruttsband.co.uk
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