When Beth and Bobby first crossed paths while working at a Falmouth hotel back in 2010 – Beth on reception, Bobby in the kitchen – they had no idea they’d one day say “I do” so close to where it all began. “We both grew up locally but hadn’t met before!” says Beth.
The proposal came some years later, in one of Beth’s most beloved places: the Isles of Scilly. “I’ve been going since I was little on family holidays, so it's always been a very special place to me,” she shares. “I took Bobby there for our first holiday together and we have continued to go each year, so it's now become a special place to us both.” On an after-dinner stroll, Bobby dropped to one knee. “I was completely shocked – I didn't suspect a thing!”
Despite the sentimental pull of the Scillies, the couple chose Falmouth as the perfect backdrop for their wedding – a nod to their story’s beginning. The quay at The Greenbank Hotel provided an unforgettable setting, with a marquee perched right on the water’s edge. “With panoramic harbour views on three sides, we decided to keep the décor simple and elegant to showcase the view and show off the sea,” says Beth.
A subtle sea theme flowed through the day, with a rich palette of dark blues and greens accented with gold. Hand-painted mussel shells, foraged from the Helford, doubled as place names, while a wave-inspired welcome sign and table plan – painted by the couple – added a bespoke touch. Lush foliage trailed along the tables to create a natural look; a foliage arch framed the couple as they took their vows, and the bridal party carried bouquets dotted with delicate white blooms and sea thistles.
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Beth’s ethereal dress, dotted with pearls to match her engagement ring, brought a shimmer to the harbourside ceremony. “I was fine – until I heard the music,” recalls Bobby. “Then I saw Beth and started crying like a baby. She looked stunning. It was so beautiful on the quay – it was the perfect setting.”
Naturally, food played a starring role. As a chef, Bobby curated a dream team of culinary talent, with chefs from The Cornwall Hotel Collection, The Rising Sun and even Bake Off: The Professionals creating a menu that wowed guests. Lobster and scallop canapés were prepared live on the terrace during the champagne reception, with acoustic music from Viva Valentine setting the mood. Dinner was a four-course affair, each dish paired with wines and beers. “It was a celebration of our favourite foods,” explains Bobby. “Beth loves trifle, so that was dessert. I love beef, so that was a must. People still say it was the best wedding food they’d ever had – which, as a chef, is always a good thing!”
As dusk fell over the estuary waters, the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance to I’m With You by Vance Joy. “We had a moment just to ourselves, then everyone piled in – it was amazing,” says Bobby. A high-energy playlist kept the dance floor was packed all night, the perfect end to their waterside wedding.Their advice to other couples? “Be organised!" says Beth. "If you’re dressing your own venue, start collecting everything early in advance – those little details add up fast.”
Photography Nick Bailey photobailey.com
Venue The Greenbank greenbank-hotel.co.uk
Dress Willowby by Watters from Kiva & Zen Bridal kivaandzenbridalcornwall.co.uk
Suit Zebel Bespoke zebel.co.uk
Hair The Big Day Stylist instagram.com/thebigdaystylist
Make-up Orchard Makeup orchardmakeup.com
Flowers Green Rabbit Flowers greenrabbitflowers.co.uk
Cake Sam Cakes instagram.com/samcakesuk
Stationery Elle Bee Design ellebeedesign.co.uk
Chairs Abbotts Event Hire abbottseventhire.co.uk
Entertainment Viva Valentine instagram.com/missvivavalentine
Perfect Party Cornwall perfectpartycornwall.co.uk
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