On a sunny day in May 2012, the couple were exploring the west of the county on Leroy's family's classic motorbike, when he proposed overlooking the ocean at Cape Cornwall. "He got down on one knee and said 'you made my summer when we first started seeing each other; now will you make my life and marry me?'"
Hosting a wedding of two parts, a ceremony and wedding breakfast took place at Rose in Vale Country House Hotel, followed by an evening reception at Gwel an Mor.
The rustic and natural theme featured a pretty palette of corals, greys and hessian that seamlessly tied together the details, including the floral arrangements featuring astible, large headed tulips and grey foliage. A personal table plan comprising a wooden frame painted in grey was scuffed to create a vintage look and backed with chicken wire. "We then pegged old and funny photos of each of the guests to the wire. This created such fun and there were lots of laughs as people found their seats," comments Lauren.
Transport was equally head-turning, as Lauren hired a classic black 1966 Mustang. "Muscle cars aren't just for the boys!" she laughs. "Our guests travelled in Hughy and Dumpy, two vintage coaches from King Harry Coaches."
Flanked by bridesmaids in floaty coral frocks, Lauren opted for a vintage glamour look, while Leroy wore a sharp navy suit. A wedding breakfast comprising mackerel pâte, pork with all the trimmings and wedding cake followed the 'I dos' before the party relocated to Gwel an Mor. Providing a double dose of entertainment, Nite Flite Mobile Disco and a live set from Kaj ensured an eclectic and uptempo party that featured all the newly-weds' favourite songs.
Looking back, it's arriving at the evening reception that stands out most. "When the doors to the barn opened, Leroy and I were greeted by all of our guests who had formed an arch," reminisces Lauren. "We slowly walked through, met by the smiling faces of everyone we cared about with my favourite piece of classical music playing in the background, Yiruma's 'River Flows In You', confetti falling from their hands. The moment felt like slow motion and is something we both will never forget."
Lauren's leading advice is to follow your own hearts when planning your event. "Do things differently! Plan your day the way you want, not the way you think you should," she affirms. "Personalise, personalise, personalise. Add as many touches as possible to the day that personifies you, your fiancee and guests. It will set your day apart and will be what everyone remembers. It's all in the details!"
Photography Tyron Craig Mackenzie www.tcmphotography.co.uk
Venue Rose in Vale Country House Hotel www.rose-in-vale-hotel.co.uk
Gwel an Mor www.gwelanmor.com
Dress Jasmine from Bliss Bridal Gowns www.bliss-bridal-gowns.co.uk
Bridesmaid dresses Dressfan, Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/Dressfan
Groom's outfit Next www.next.co.uk
Hair and make-up Victoria Penrose www.victoriapenrosemakeup.co.uk
Flowers Cornish Cutting Garden www.thecuttinggardencompany.co.uk
Entertainment Nite Flite Mobile Disco www.niteflitemobiledisco.co.uk
Kaj www.kajmusic.co.uk
Transport Cornwall VW Wedding Hire www.cornwallvwweddinghire.co.uk
King Harry Coaches www.kingharrycoaches.com
Planning Jenny Wren Weddings and Events www.jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
