Photography: I Do Film and Photos Venue: Barn At Pengelly
Set in Cornwall's rolling countryside, The Barn at Pengelly became the setting for a truly special celebration, as the venue hosted an entire wedding free of charge as part of its Unsung Hero Award campaign. “This is a community-driven initiative that celebrates resilience, love and strength in the face of adversity,” explains owner Wenna Hicks.
Winners Grace and Paul, who first met at school and reconnected in 2011, had long dreamed of tying the knot – but life had other plans. “Paul proposed during a dog walk on a cold December day in 2015,” shares Grace. Since then, the couple has faced unimaginable challenges. Paul suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2020, leaving him unable to work, while Grace became a full-time carer for their four children, two of whom have complex needs. In 2022, Grace endured a traumatic late-term placental abruption, losing their baby and nearly her own life.
“Their story captured the hearts of our team and our extended supplier network,” says Wenna. “Everyone came together to give Grace and Paul the wedding day they never thought possible.”
The couple embraced a romantic palette of dusky blue and gold, weaving in vintage 1920s-inspired touches throughout the styling. Dried florals, opulent gold candelabras, and elegant charger plates set the tone for a celebration that was both timeless and beautifully personal. Bathed in sunlight and framed by golden cornfields, the day unfolded beneath clear blue skies. Grace began her morning in the venue’s luxurious new Glam Room, before stepping out in a flowing, vintage-style gown for their ceremony on the terrace, overlooking sweeping views of the countryside.
After a relaxed stroll around the grounds – complete with some playful portraits, including a hammock tumble – Grace and Paul rejoined guests for a joyous reception. The feast featured Cornish braised steak, vegetable Wellington, pavlova, fudge brownies and a round of Tequila Rose via the venue’s ‘Just Married’ shot ski board. “Being only 5ft tall, I ended up with a few shots on my dress!” laughs Grace. “Thankfully a staff member found me a step up!”
As the sun set, a disco began, setting the scene for an evening of dancing, games and glitter bar fun. The couple’s first dance to Alex Warren’s Ordinary proved particularly emotional. “This song has emotional significance to us both,” says Grace. “Paul had lost his dad just ten weeks before the wedding, and we also have a little boy in Heaven, Eli, who we now affectionately call ‘Eli-in-the-sky’. The lyrics – ‘the angels up in the sky’ – often bring a tear.”
“The most special part of the day was being surrounded by the people we love,” she reflects. “Our relationship has been a rollercoaster – with so many traumatic and difficult moments – but we dig deep for each other and our kids. We’re so grateful to have won this incredible competition.”
Grace’s advice for other couples? “Get a journal, regularly update it with ideas you love and send invitations out early – then keep chasing RSVPs! Our day was made so much easier by the guidance and care of the Pengelly team. It truly was the best day ever!”
“There wasn’t a dry eye in sight!” adds Wenna. “Grace and Paul’s story will stay with us forever – they truly are the embodiment of everything this award was created to honour.”
Photography & videography I Do Film and Photos idofilmandphotos.co.uk
Venue The Barn at Pengelly pengellyweddings.com
Styling & décor Out of the Ordinary Event Hire outoftheordinaryeventhire.com
Dress La Boutique instagram.com/la_boutiquebrides
Bridesmaids’ dresses ASOS asos.com
Suits Next next.co.uk
Hair Anna Ingram Hairstylist annaingramhairstylist.com
Make-up Charlotte Albert Make-up & Beauty makeupcornwall.com
Flowers West Cornwall Flowers westcornwallflowers.co.uk
Catering Divine Dining instagram.com/divinedining21
Glitter bar Little Eden Entertainment littleedenentertainment.com
Dog care Wedding Day Dog Nanny weddingdaydognanny.co.uk
Entertainment D&M’s Disco instagram.com/dms_discos12
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