Photography: Lizzie Churchill Venue: Roscarrock
“The proposal came on a snowy day in December, up in the Blackdown Hills near our home,” recalls Ella of the moment Will popped the question. “We were enjoying a long walk with our two dogs when Will gave me a huge hug and asked me to marry him. After a few tears and lots of laughter, we headed to a local pub where ten of our closest friends were there to surprise us!”
Cornwall was the obvious choice for their wedding – it was where they’d shared their first holiday together, 11 years earlier. Falling for the incredible views and beautiful gardens of Roscarrock Farm, they booked the venue from Thursday to Tuesday so they could enjoy a full getaway experience with their guests. “It felt like a proper holiday – which is what we wanted!” says Ella.
A palette of yellow and pink shaped the day's aesthetic. “I wanted the whole vision to feel whimsical, yet contemporary and elegant,” explains Ella. Stripes and bows added a touch of playful pattern inside the marquee, while florals provided striking focal points throughout. “I requested lots and lots of Icelandic poppies,” she says. “I absolutely love how they droop; they feel so wild and magical.”
Crisp white linens paired with blush pink tapered candles, yellow striped napkins and stoneware flowerpots created an eye-catching tablescape, all beneath oversized paper lanterns suspended above. The look flowed seamlessly outdoors, where rattan furniture, pink cushions and striped parasols invited guests to lounge in the sunshine.
Ella designed the stationery herself, with a memorable detail being the table plan – complete with drawings of family pets, from dogs and frogs to a pig. “Everyone loved the idea, especially family members who were so touched to see their much-loved late pets,” she says.
The celebration spanned an entire weekend. Ella and Will were legally married on the Friday at Truro Registry Office, followed by a private dinner at Four Boys in Rock. The next day, welcome drinks led into their main ceremony, officiated by their friend Harry. With readings from family and friends, the couple exchanged self-penned vows before exiting to a joyful burst of confetti and Best of By Love by The Emotions. “The ceremony was my favourite moment as it was so personal and special,” reflects Ella. “I love love, and the moment just felt so intimate and beautiful!”
In honour of Will’s South African heritage, they booked Afka, a calypso band, to play during the reception. “The music is just so happy and vibrant, and the sun was shining as our guests were dancing away on the lawn!” says Ella.
A Cornish-Italian feast followed: smoked chicken, smoked white fish, mushroom skewers and courgette trifoliate, ending with tiramisu. “We wanted to have a big family feast where guests could feel relaxed and try a bit of everything,” explains Ella.
With the gardens bathed in evening light, the party kicked off with a cocktail hour, of spicy margaritas and espresso martinis, soundtracked by Will’s stepdad, a soul DJ. A set from garage rock band Us and a trio of late-night DJ sets by friends came next – culminating in a giant confetti cannon blast.
Ella"s advice for others crafting their own distinctive day? “It can feel so overwhelming because there are so many options out there. Write down all the things that are most important to you at the beginning. This will help you narrow down how to spend your time and budget.”
Photography Lizzie Churchill lizziechurchill.com
Venue Roscarrock Farm roscarrock.co.uk
Wedding coordination Out of the Ordinary Weddings outoftheordinaryweddings.com
Dress Newhite from The Fall Bride thenewhite.com
Marquee & furniture The Cornish Tent Co. thecornishtentcompany.com
Suit Tiger of Sweden tigerofsweden.com
Groomsmen’s suits Percival Menswear percivalclo.com
Flowers Three Acre 3acre.co.uk
Catering Woodfired Weddings canteencornwall.com
Pizza Sourdoughlicious sourdoughlicious.com
Wine Amie Wine drinkamie.com
Hire items Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk
Entertainment Afka afka.bandcamp.com
Us usbandofficial.com
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