Wedding at Kingsand Village Hall, Cornwall

Things moved fast for Amber and Jesse after meeting on a Christian dating website in January 2015. "We knew early on that we wanted to get married and share our lives together," says Amber. She was stunned, however, when Jesse surprised her with a romantic proposal at Gidleigh Park on the edge of Dartmoor. "All my family were there too!" reminisces Amber. "It was so beautiful - just perfect."

"I planned my wedding in nine weeks!" reveals Amber, who runs Liberty Pearl Photography. "It was crazy! But it was worth it as it took a lot of the decisions away from us, which made things a lot easier. And it helped with the budget, because we didn't have time to save, we could only spend what we had. Lots of our friends helped out and it was so amazing, and made our day even more special."



Mirroring the scenic setting of the proposal, the pair chose Kingsand Village Hall as their venue, which was bedecked in a gorgeous palette of green and white with a splash of coral - a fabulously floral scene for their "simple, relaxed and elegant" theme. While her bridesmaids' dresses echoed the rich green of the foliage, Amber wore a sleek Suzanne Neville gown and Jesse looked dapper in a Ted Baker suit and colourful bow tie.

The DIY wedding saw a bring-and-share dessert table, while Amber's mum made the entire buffet. "She was so worried the food was going to run out, but we had so much left over at the end we gave it to the homeless shelter - they were very happy," says Amber.

The wedding was all about the people involved, and Amber and Jesse ensured they included many of the loved ones in their lives throughout the day. Amber's brother accompanied her down the aisle, a friend conducted the service and another played the guitar for their first dance. Later in the evening, Amber's brother provided the party tunes with an upbeat DJ set.



"Everyone helped us out with the planning, moving furniture, making desserts, cooking, making decorations - it really meant to so much to us," reflects Amber. Looking back, she pinpoints a few standout memories. "When my daughter surprised us all with a lovely speech she had written for me, Jesse and Thomas (Jesse's son) - it was so beautiful we all cried!" she reflects. "And Jesse and I cheered when we were announced to be married just before we walked down the aisle! It was so lovely!"

Though the day turned out just as they had hoped, Amber has one minor regret. "If I could change anything I would have an earlier ceremony time, so I could enjoy the day for longer!" she reflects.

Photography Grace Elizabeth Photography www.graceelizabethphoto.com
Liberty Pearl Photography www.libertypearlphotography.com
Venue Kingsand Village Hall
Dress Suzanne Neville at The Mews Bridal www.themewsclifton.co.uk
Groom's outfit Ted Baker www.tedbaker.com/uk
Groomsmen's outfits Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com
Flowers Bloom and Flourish www.bloomandflourish.co.uk
Cake Edible Essence Couture Cake Co. www.edibleessencecakeart.com
Jewellery Vicky Sewart www.victoriasewart.com
Make-up Oksana Beauty Salon www.oksanabeautysalon.com
Hair Regan Hair www.facebook.com/Regan-Hair-1758552124359904/
Entertainment Andy Quick Music www.andyquickmusic.com
Love letters The Prop Factory www.propfactory.co.uk
Cocktail bar Salty Rims Mobile Bar Service www.facebook.com/saltyrims

Copyright Wed magazine 2016