Gabby and Iain’s love story began in true 21st century style – with a swipe right. Short messages turned into long conversations, and soon they were meeting in person for a competitive round of bowling. “It doesn’t matter who won, Iain wouldn’t agree,” laughs Gabby. “But what we could both agree on was that we connected instantly with each other.”
Fast-forward two years, and Iain recreated their first date by taking Gabby bowling followed by a meal at her favourite Italian restaurant – before proposing in the most romantic way. “When we arrived home, I walked in to rose petals leading up the stairs and one of my favourite songs – Lover by Taylor Swift – playing,” Gabby remembers. “When I found my way into our bedroom, he was on one knee. I was so surprised and excited I just screamed when he popped the question!”
The couple envisioned a small and deeply personal wedding. They chose The Cornish Place, a tucked-away countryside venue where their closest loved ones could stay for a long weekend of relaxed celebrations. Their April wedding took on a joyful springtime aesthetic, styled with vibrant florals, playful stationery and a colourful cake that echoed the energy of the season.
Gabby made a stunning style statement in a tailored white suit with feathery hems, finished with a sleek ponytail tied in a ribbon embroidered with their initials. Iain completed the look in a bespoke pale blue suit.
Their ceremony took place in the flower-filled Woodshed, where Gabby walked in to Can’t Help Falling in Love by Tatiana Manaois. “The song captures exactly how we both felt those first few months of meeting,” she says. The couple exchanged their own vows in a ceremony filled with laughter, tears and deeply personal moments. “We felt every single emotion. We shared our memories spent together, memories with our guests and our loved ones that are deeply missed. I am so happy we decided to make our ceremony as personal to us as possible.”
After the ceremony, guests gathered in the courtyard for canapés and drinks while Gabby and Iain headed to the bluebell-strewn woods for photographs. On their return, the celebrations continued with a feast of pan-fried scallops, individual baked Cornish Truffler brie and Devon lamb loin, perfectly paired with wines and punctuated by heartfelt speeches. “We both agree that in that moment we both just felt so happy and so whole,” says Gabby. “Everyone was in the highest of spirits, laughing, joking and singing.”
One standout moment was Iain’s tribute to Gabby’s late father. “To honour his memory, Iain added little glass bottles of my dad’s favourite drink to our tables so we could all toast to him,” she says. “It was a touching and beautiful gesture that made the day even more special, and it meant the world to me.”
As night fell, the courtyard became the focal point for the festivities, beginning with a spontaneous first dance to Taylor Swift’s Lover. “It was the definition of a beautiful mess,” says Gabby. “It was perfect to us, as we just spun around together and enjoyed the moment!”
Although they planned the entire celebration in just 81 days, the experience was anything but rushed. “It was completely stress-free,” says Gabby. “I could actually enjoy planning our wedding with the suppliers involved and look forward to our big day. If you are even contemplating a small, intimate wedding – go for it! You will not regret it.”
Photography & videography Lyra & Moth lyraandmoth.co.uk
Venue The Cornish Place thecornishplace.com
Blazer & trousers Lavish Alice lavishalice.com
Suit Moss moss.co.uk
Hair & make-up Ione Makeup & Hair Artist makeupbyione.com
Catering Chef Sargent chefsargent.co.uk
Celebrant Beverley Balin-Bull
Flowers Three Acre 3acre.co.uk
Cake & breakfast Ausel Cakes & Catering auselcakes.co.uk
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