Photography Kelly Tawse Photography kellytawsephotography.co.uk Venue The Cornish Place thecornishplace.com
Charlotte and Phil first met through a cycling club in Plymouth but didn't become a couple until years later when they were both working in London. They booked their wedding on impulse following a challenging period in their lives, with planning the celebration becoming an important part of their journey forward together.
"The moment we discovered The Cornish Place, we were completely sold - wedding weekend, hot tubs, total seclusion and dogs welcome!" says Charlotte. Surrounded by woodland, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate, nature-inspired celebration, woven with shades of green - Charlotte's favourite colour. Held on the Spring Equinox, the ceremony carried an extra layer of meaning.
Thoughtful details brought their vision to life, thanks in no small part to Charlotte’s mum. Having learned floristry for her other daughters' weddings, she created many of the floral arrangements and helped style the day, including painstakingly crafting place names from vintage Ordnance Survey maps of Manchester, where the couple now live.
The day began with a sea swim at Grebe Beach, followed by brunch. “Dog chaos, kids playing, lots of Nutella eaten – followed by Charlotte swimming in her dress!” recalls Phil. Guests then relaxed in the hot tub and played football while Charlotte got ready.
Escorted from her cottage by her dad, she met Phil, who was waiting with flower girl Manon. “I was incredibly excited to see him before we walked in together,” says Charlotte. The couple made their entrance into the Woodshed to Baby It's You by London Grammar.
The ceremony was warm, personal and interactive, with just 17 guests. Witnesses were chosen by drawing names from a Lancashire Cricket hat, while each guest shared a word they wished for the couple's future – from “love” to “adventure” – before writing it down as a keepsake. A ring-warming ritual and meaningful readings completed the ceremony.
Afterwards, guests toasted the newlyweds with Fowey sparkling cider before enjoying a confetti shower, followed by cheese and charcuterie in the Piggery accompanied by a playlist of songs from bands the couple had seen together over the years. As the sun began to set, Charlotte and Phil planted a tree before joinging guests around the horsebox bar and firepit. The celebrations continued in the candlelit Glasshouse where everyone dined on seasonal dishes including Moroccan lamb kofta, pan-fried Cornish wild bass, garlic-roasted cauliflower and tiramisu. “Dining beneath the stars was magical,” reflects Charlotte.
The evening ended with a silent disco before family and friends gathered the following day at the Blue Anchor in Helston - a poignant choice as Phil’s late father's family hailed from the town and it was his favourite pub.
Reflecting on their intimate wedding, it's the small moments that stand out most for Phil. “It was a series of beautiful moments and wonderful memories – even the simple things like sitting with Mum watching the guys play football, the first beer and the first sight of Charlotte in her wedding dress.”
Charlotte’s advice to other couples? “Go with your gut instinct when choosing your suppliers.” Building strong connections with the people behind the day, she says, made everything feel relaxed and effortless. She adds: “Personal touches are memorable, however you weave them in.”
Photography Kelly Tawse Photography kellytawsephotography.co.uk
Venue The Cornish Place thecornishplace.com
Registrar Laura Rundle My Cornwall Wedding cornwall.gov.uk/weddings
Dress Coast coastfashion.com
Suit M&S marksandspencer.com
Hair & make-up Cornwall Hair & MUA instagram.com/cornwall_hair_and_mua
Flowers Lowena Flowers lowenaflowers.co.uk
Trees The Little Flower Box thelittleflowerbox.co.uk
Catering Chef Sargent chefsargent.co.uk
Cake & brunch Ausel Cakes & Catering auselcakes.co.uk
Entertainment The Silent Disco Company thesilentdiscocompany.co.uk
