The enchanting wedding of Hannah and Matt at Chypraze Wedding Barn by the sea in Cornwall was nothing short of a fairytale! As we dive into this bohemian celebration, get ready to be swept away by the romantic vibes. On June 8th, 2019, the couple exchanged vows amidst stunning barns adorned with statement macramé hangings, creating an effortlessly cool atmosphere. The celebration continued in the rustic barn, transformed with lush greenery runners, donuts galore, and vibrant multicolored ribbons on the chairs. Not to be missed were the rainbow-hued ribbons suspended from a show-stopping bouquet of artificial flowers in bold hues. Pure magic! Hannah stunned in her mermaid lace gown, paired with a dazzling crystal crown and personalized leather jacket, while Matt opted for a sleek cream blazer, navy trousers, and an open collar – the epitome of smart casual chic. Together, they exuded effortless style in their romantic beach portraits. With Clara Cooper Photography capturing every precious moment on film and through stunning photos, I’m thrilled to share these breathtaking images with you.
The Proposal
Our anniversary, commemorating the day we first fell in love, was a masterfully planned surprise by Matt. With only a hint that we were going for a hike, I had no idea what the day had in store. As we explored the breathtaking Pystyll Rhaedr waterfall, Matt expertly set up his camera to capture our special moment. Unbeknownst to me, he was secretly preparing to pop the question! The surprise proposal caught me off guard, leaving me overwhelmed with emotion – tears of joy streaming down my face. And to make it even more unforgettable, every precious moment was captured on video, a treasured keepsake for years to come.
The Vision
Imagine exchanging vows on a picturesque beachside setting, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean and an atmosphere that exudes effortless elegance. A simple yet stunning bohemian-inspired wedding, where the beauty of nature takes center stage.
The Planning Process
Taking a meticulous approach, I brought my Pinterest boards to life. A key aspect of this process was finding a photographer on Instagram whose aesthetic aligned with mine. Her online presence not only showcased her style but also gave me confidence that she could capture the essence of my vision. Our shared appreciation for the sea and Cornwall created an instant connection, making it easier to visualize the final product.
Budget
In reality, my creative endeavors didn’t require a substantial budget to get off the ground. In fact, I was content with allocating minimal resources as long as my initial concepts were brought to fruition.
The Venue
In the picturesque county of Cornwall, lies Chypraze Wedding Barn, a truly idyllic setting that embodies the essence of perfection. The warm and welcoming nature of its inhabitants only adds to the allure. This charming little barn perched atop a cliff, with the crystal-clear waters of the sea lapping at the shore below, is a dream come true for any couple. For our special day, we chose to infuse the space with a bohemian flair, complete with a scrumptious BBQ-style breakfast and delectable Cornish pasties as our late-night snack – a nod to our surroundings that couldn’t be more fitting. The resulting atmosphere was nothing short of magical.
The Readings & Music
Our wedding vows were concise and heartfelt, with each of us reciting the same promise to one another. This intimate gesture held deep sentimental value for us.
As a devoted Beyoncé fan, I was determined to incorporate her music into our special day. The result was a memorable walk down the aisle to ‘You Are My Rock’. To further commemorate the occasion, the song title was tastefully incorporated onto my custom wedding leather jacket.
The song that played as we exited together as newlyweds was Ashlee & Evan’s ‘Home’, a beautiful ode to the unifying power of family. Given our blended family dynamics, this choice resonated deeply with us.
Our first dance, set to Ashlee & Evan’s ‘I Do’, featured lyrics that perfectly captured the essence of our love and commitment to one another.
The Flowers
We had a collection of artificial flowers that I curated myself at Inspirations in Bromborough. Our vision was clear: we wanted a vibrant arrangement featuring sunflowers and an explosion of colour, including yellows, coral, blue, and plenty of greenery. I sent the helpful lady pictures of my desired bouquet size – quite large, actually – and she did an amazing job bringing it to life. To add a personal touch, I incorporated colourful ribbons that would flow down from the arrangement. Before the big day, I discreetly added Matt’s Nan’s rosary beads to the ribbons as a meaningful tribute to her memory, knowing that he wanted her to be an integral part of our celebration. The table flowers were carefully coordinated with my bouquet, featuring similar hues of blue, coral, and sunflowers, all tied together with lush foliage that created a stunning ‘table runner’ effect.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I prepared to walk down the aisle, I found myself torn between my initial desire for a simple, high-street wedding dress and the pressure to create a special moment for my dad. The presence of three big brothers in my life meant that this wedding needed to be a celebration not just for me, but also for my family. Ultimately, I opted for a dreamy white lacy mermaid dress that felt perfect for the beach setting. And, as it turned out, it was an even more stunning choice when we exchanged vows by the sea.In addition to my wedding dress, I chose to wear a crystal hair crown from Etsy’s The Jewel Cavern (@thejewelcavern), which served as my something blue. For our special day, I also had a painted leather jacket designed by Natasha (@mama_inc_studio) that featured the title of the song we walked down the aisle to, as well as vibrant flowers and other meaningful details. It was truly an unforgettable piece.As for footwear, I decided to go barefoot, but made sure to have some comfortable taupe grey Dr Martens from the iconic brand (@drmartens) on hand for when we needed to take a stroll up and down the cliff to the beach – what a great idea!In terms of jewelry, I kept things simple yet meaningful with an infinity necklace featuring our four kids’ names, gifted by my loving parents. I also wore a beautiful Mulberry gold bangle that allowed my tattoos to shine through, embracing my unique style as a tattooed bride.Meanwhile, Matt looked dashing in his outfit from Hammond & Co., complete with Church’s shoes. My parents surprised him with a thoughtful pocket watch featuring our initials on the front and our kids’ initials on the back – a lovely gesture that made the day even more special.
Beauty
As I got ready for our special day, I opted to take matters into my own hands and do my own hair and makeup. It was a liberating experience, and I actually enjoyed the process of styling myself. Meanwhile, my eldest daughter’s locks were perfectly coiffed in a stunning halo braid, while my youngest daughter’s naturally curly tresses were left flowing freely down her back. The unpredictable beach weather proved to be a minor hiccup when my own hair got caught in a sudden rain shower, but I was able to salvage the situation with a quick braiding trick. In the grand scheme of things, my hair woes were inconsequential, as I was completely swept up in the joy and romance of our special day.
Groomsmen
In a heartwarming display of family bonding, Matt’s groomsmen consisted of his two sons, Lincoln and Dexter. Their stylish ensembles, sourced from popular retailer H&M, added a touch of youthful energy to the proceedings. Meanwhile, Matt’s best man and father-of-the-bride donned suits from Marks & Spencer, exuding a sense of sophistication and tradition.
Bridesmaids
Our bridal party consisted of my two lovely daughters, Nola and Alabama. They wore matching Monsoon dresses that exquisitely combined cream-colored crochet lace and tulle, paired perfectly with their golden sandals.
Your Photographer
I’m thrilled to sing the praises of Lucy, a talented photographer behind @claracooperphoto. To me, she’s not just a skilled lens-wielder, but also a valuable creative partner who helped bring my artistic vision to life.
Your Filmmaker
We’re thrilled to share that Lucy, the talented photographer behind @claracooperphoto, has exceeded all our expectations with her exceptional work. Her video has become a cherished keepsake for us, one that we’ve replayed countless times and can’t get enough of. The ability to relive our special day in such vivid detail has only added to its allure, making it an integral part of our wedding memories. Lucy’s dedication to capturing every moment has resulted in a truly flawless record of our celebration.
The Details & Décor
As I envisioned, my space was transformed with a unique blend of textures and styles. The combination of macramé, jute rugs, and Persian rugs created the desired ambiance, which was further enhanced by the vibrant presence of sunflowers. My quest for the perfect macramé alter led me to eBay, where I found a stunning piece that exceeded my expectations. With Matt’s help, we spent an entire day before the wedding setting up the venue ourselves, meticulously attending to every detail. The end result was a space that perfectly reflected our personal taste and vision. This DIY approach not only saved us money but also added a layer of intimacy and emotional fulfillment to our special day. It truly felt like a dream come true, with every element carefully crafted by us.
The Cake
In lieu of a traditional celebratory cake, we opted for a more modest and practical approach, given our relatively small guest list of around 25 individuals. The decision to forego a cake in favor of an abundance of donuts proved to be a wise one, as it allowed us to focus on the enjoyment of the gathering rather than worrying about elaborate dessert preparations.
The Honeymoon
Our wedding weekend in Cornwall provided an opportunity for my parents to take care of the kids, allowing us to enjoy some quality time together. We essentially got a mini-moon, which was lovely. A few months later, we embarked on our actual honeymoon to Croatia, a destination we had long coveted. The experience did not disappoint – it was truly breathtaking!
Memorable Moments
As I reflect on some of my most treasured memories, my mind is filled with warm recollections of my father walking me down the aisle, his pride and love shining through in that moment. Similarly, there’s nothing quite like dancing with our children at night, watching them spin and twirl to the music as we sway together. The tender moments are just as precious – hugging my mother before I exchanged vows, feeling her love and support radiate back to me. And then, of course, there are the newlywed moments that never fail to bring a smile to my face: strolling down the aisle hand in hand with my partner, our love growing stronger with each step. But one of the most breathtaking experiences was standing on the beach, the waves crashing against the shore as we gazed out at the endless blue horizon, our hands clasped together as husband and wife – pure bliss!
Advice For Other Couples
As you plan out your day, remember that capturing memories through video can be just as important as getting things done. Consider hiring a professional videographer to help preserve the moment, even if it’s just for personal enjoyment. The end result will likely bring back fond memories and alleviate any stress or anxiety associated with the planning process.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The creative forces behind Clara Cooper Photography, Mama Inc. Studio, and Crystal Crown came together to capture the essence of Hannah and Matt’s enchanting beach wedding at Chypraze Wedding Barn. Amidst the picturesque setting, a stunning painted leather jacket served as a unique centerpiece, surrounded by vibrant flowers from Inspirations Wholesale. As our eyes wandered through The Jewel Cavern, we were struck by the radiant beauty of this special day.