Photography Thomas Hare Photography thomasharephotography.com Venue The Alverton thealverton.co.uk
“Nick asked for my mum and dad’s blessing,” says Claire, who was whisked away on a mystery trip to the Isle of Skye, where Nick had secretly rented a crofting cottage. “After a long day exploring, we returned to the cottage and he proposed in front of the open fire.”
Newly engaged, the couple set about planning an autumnal wedding at Probus Church followed by a reception at The Alverton in the heart of Truro. "We chose Probus church because we can see it from our house,” explains Claire of their ceremony venue. “It’s a lovely reminder of our wedding every time we look out of the window.”
Inspired by the rich colours of autumn, Claire, her mum and sisters embraced a hands-on approach to the design of the day, creating everything from the cake and stationery to many of the decorative details. The result was a beautifully personal celebration that perfectly complemented both the season and the venue’s elegant surroundings.
A tiered cake adorned with dried flowers and gold leaf took centre stage, while bouquets of rich orange, crimson, yellow and cream blooms echoed the fallen leaves carpeting The Alverton’s grounds. Bridesmaids wore striking burnt-orange dresses, and tables were dressed with glass jars woven with glowing fairy lights, dried flowers and scattered blooms, while packets of wildflower seeds provided thoughtful favours for guests.
Led by her three flower girl nieces and accompanied by her sisters as bridesmaids, Claire was walked down the aisle by her dad, creating what Nick describes as “a moment I will cherish forever.” With the couple’s nephews serving as ring bearer and usher, every member of the family played a meaningful role in the traditional ceremony.
Wearing her mum’s veil as her ‘something borrowed’, Claire treasues standing “hand in hand with Nick making our vows to each other, surrounded by our wonderful family and friends.”
After a joyful confetti throw, guests enjoyed photographs before sitting down to a delicious wedding breakfast of sweet potato and coconut soup, prawn cocktail, roast chicken and beef, asparagus squash tart, chocolate brownie and lemon tart.
“Sitting at the top table next to my now-wife and taking a moment to look around at our family and friends talking, laughing, eating and drinking was another of my favourite memories,” says Nick.
The celebrations continued into the evening with Claire and Nick’s first dance to The Rest of Our Lives by The Light The Heat. “Neither of us felt particularly confident despite lots of practice in our kitchen,” laughs Claire. “We both relaxed once our families joined us on the dance floor.”
Looking back on the planning process, Claire’s advice is simple: “Lists are essential,” she says. “Start early if you’re making your own stationery and decorations.”
“Dried flowers are wonderful because they can be arranged well in advance, and they’re a lovely keepsake of the day,” she continues. “If you’re creative, making your wedding decorations is a lovely way to spend time together.”
Photography Thomas Hare Photography thomasharephotography.com
Venue The Alverton thealverton.co.uk
Dress Colins Bridal & Menswear colinsbridal.co.uk
Suits M&S marksandspencer.com
Hair Hazel’s Hair Artistry hazelshairartistry.co.uk
Flowers Gwen’s Garden Florist gwensgardenflorist.com
Transport Wedding and Executive Car Hire weddingandexecutivecarhire.co.uk
Entertainment SoundONE Disco soundone.co.uk
