As we began planning our wedding, we drew inspiration from the vast array of unique and stunning wedding schemes on the internet. This helped us narrow down what truly represented us as a couple. One such inspiration was Ali and Ellis’s summer boho wedding, which took place on August 31st, 2019 at Colan Barton in Cornwall. The couple envisioned a relaxed summery day infused with bohemian vibes and nods to their shared love of the outdoors and surfing. The result was nothing short of breathtaking. Take, for instance, the beautifully decorated stretch tent in the grounds, adorned with long wooden tables and chairs, flowing blooms, and festoon lights. Their outdoor ceremony was a serene and intimate affair, while their first dance beneath the stars, surrounded by sparklers, was nothing short of magical. I must say that Ellis’s bridal style truly stole the show – her stunning Megan gown from Grace Loves Lace was a vision to behold, with its breathtaking train. Her peony and dahlia bouquet was equally exquisite. Meanwhile, Ali’s outfit perfectly captured the essence of smart casual, featuring a mismatched jacket and chinos, cool loafers, and an open collar. Wild Tide Weddings did an incredible job capturing their special day, particularly the shots taken in the rolling fields, which are truly unforgettable. We’re grateful to Ali and Ellis for sharing their wedding story with us.
The Vision
In a deliberate departure from traditional wedding plans, Ali and I opted for a low-key celebration that perfectly encapsulated our easy-going nature. Our shared desire was for an intimate gathering that harmonized with our fondness for the great outdoors, surfing, and a carefree atmosphere. We envisioned exchanging vows in a picturesque setting, which our exceptional wedding venue kindly made possible.
The Planning Process
Despite the challenges of working abroad and having limited time, my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the planning process for our special day. With only a month left before the wedding, we relied heavily on digital tools like Pinterest and Instagram, as well as personal recommendations from friends and family to bring our vision to life. Taking on the task of planning our own wedding proved to be a wise decision, as seeing everything come together on the big day was truly rewarding.
The Venue
Our wedding venue was truly unforgettable – the stunning Colan Barton farmhouse near Newquay, Cornwall, exceeded all our expectations. This picturesque property boasted a serene pool, acres of rolling land, a charming rustic kitchen with an Aga, and even a secret jacuzzi! Our wonderful hosts, Sarah and Ross, went above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of, making our special day truly flawless. With the ceremony and reception both taking place at the venue, we carefully planned each aspect to seamlessly flow into one another. We began with an intimate lakeside ceremony, followed by canapés and cocktails by the poolhouse, and then transitioned to a beautiful tent provided by Jabula, situated perfectly near the pool. To further enhance our relaxed atmosphere, we added a cozy fire pit, plush cushions, and soft rugs, creating a truly unforgettable celebration.
The Cake
A sweet treat that stole the show at the celebration was the semi-naked, vanilla wedding cake crafted by Debbie from Red Robin Pantry in Falmouth. This masterpiece featured layers of moist cake smothered in rich buttercream and topped with a delicate drizzle of raspberry jam. The crowning glory, however, was the beautiful David Austin roses that added a touch of elegance to this already stunning dessert. As the evening festivities came to a close and the day after’s brunch wrapped up, it was clear that this cake had been an absolute hit – every last crumb was devoured with gusto!
The Details & Décor
As we envisioned an outdoor celebration from the onset, we opted for a bespoke tent setup with a canvas design and enchanting festoon lighting courtesy of Jabula Tents. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, we chose two lengthy trestle tables, accompanied by large logs serving as food planks for guests to indulge in self-serve style. Our pièce de résistance was the ‘top table’ featuring our exquisite wedding cake and an unconventional guest book. A nod to Ali’s passion for surfing, a Custom RetroFish surfboard was crafted with Keith of Freeriders, Falmouth, allowing friends and family to leave their mark on our special day. This innovative concept added a refreshing twist to the wedding proceedings.Our colour palette remained understated, predominantly featuring soft pinks and gentle greys. We sourced our wedding decor from H&M, incorporating the plush cushions and rug that surrounded the fire pit to create a cozy ambiance.
Beauty
For my beauty and hair needs on the wedding day, I opted for a natural look that would accentuate my features without going overboard. To achieve this look, I worked closely with Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup artists during trial runs before the big day. With their guidance, my bridesmaid helped me recreate the final look. As for my hair, I chose to go with loose curls, which proved to be a great decision considering the windy conditions on our wedding day. In hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t opt for something more elaborate, as it would have been blown away by the gusts anyway!
Your Outfits & Accessories
Ali’s stylish ensemble was comprised of a bespoke suit crafted by Richard James of Saville Row. His choice of attire featured a striking blue jacket paired with white tapered trousers, completed by sleek shoes from Dune. The overall look was understated yet sophisticated, with minimal accessories including a buttonhole and subtle pink pocket square. Meanwhile, I had the pleasure of wearing Megan’s stunning gown designed by Grace Loves Lace. Having spotted this dress earlier, I was thrilled to be able to visit the London store before placing my order, ensuring a perfect fit upon arrival. The gown’s simplicity allowed for minimal accessorizing, with a pair of rose gold pearl drop earrings from an Etsy boutique and a delicate Rose quartz and gold bracelet, a thoughtful find from our Indonesian travels, adding a touch of elegance. To add a pop of contrast, I opted for Steve Madden’s Block Heels in Cornflower Blue, which were later swapped out for comfortable leather sandals when needed.
Bridesmaids
Our special day featured not one, but two lovely bridesmaids – my sister and our dear goddaughter. My sister stunned in her multi-way maxi dress from Silkfred, while our goddaughter looked adorable in her tiny white flower dress from Next. The choice of attire proved to be a masterstroke, as it beautifully complemented the overall aesthetic of my own wedding gown.
The Readings & Music
In lieu of readings, we opted to create a playlist that perfectly captured the essence of our favorite artists. The ceremony featured two standout tracks – ‘Marry Me’ by Train served as the perfect accompaniment to my bridal entrance, while ‘On Top of the World’ by Imagine Dragons kicked off the celebration in style. As the reception got underway and we transitioned from the wedding breakfast to the party atmosphere, the playlist seamlessly shifted into more upbeat tunes, reflecting our joy and excitement on this unforgettable day.
Your Photographer
The discovery of Wild Tide Weddings, led by Alan and Philly, was a stroke of luck for us. As we planned our Cornish wedding, we sought out a photographer with a distinct aesthetic and an ability to capture candid moments. Their talent in snapping relaxed photographs, combined with their professionalism, resonated with us. Prior to the big day, we had the pleasure of working with Alan on a pre-wedding shoot, which helped put us at ease. Our goal was to have photos that reflected our laid-back approach to capturing memories. Wild Tide Weddings exceeded our expectations, delivering exactly the style and atmosphere we desired.
The Flowers
We were thrilled to have secured Marissa from ‘Flowers with M’ to create the stunning arrangements for our special day. Her expertise and attention to detail truly shone through as she brought our vision to life. The pièce de résistance was the gorgeous combination of large, lush peonies and lush greenery that perfectly captured the essence of what we had envisioned.
The Honeymoon
As newlyweds, my partner and I shared a passion for discovering the world’s most breathtaking coastlines, which is why we opted for an extraordinary adventure in the Mentawai Islands, situated off the coasts of Indonesia and Western Australia.
Memorable Moments
The experience of having loved ones from diverse parts of the globe gather to commemorate our special day left us feeling deeply grateful. It was truly remarkable that people had gone to great lengths, traveling from various corners of the UK as well as distant regions like the Middle East, simply to share in our joy and celebrate with us. This collective presence alone felt like a precious gift, one that we cherished deeply.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on the exciting journey of planning your special day, remember to infuse it with joy and enthusiasm. While it’s natural for moments of stress to arise, the end result will be well worth the effort. Stand back and admire what you’ve created together – a testament to the love and dedication that goes into every detail.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As we gaze upon Ali and Ellis’ breathtakingly beautiful summer bohemian wedding, it’s undeniable that their special day was nothing short of perfection. The couple’s whimsical celebration was set against the picturesque backdrop of Colan Barton’s rolling hills, where a stunning tent by Jabula Tents served as the focal point for the festivities. Amidst the lush greenery and vibrant blooms courtesy of Flowers with M, guests indulged in an exquisite culinary experience crafted by Chef In My Home, accompanied by expertly curated cocktails from The Copper Cat’s bar. Meanwhile, Prop Hire by The Prop Factory added a touch of magic to the proceedings, as did the radiant attire worn by the happy couple – Ali in her stunning gown courtesy of Grace Loves Lace and Ellis looking dashing in his suit by Richard James. As Lou so eloquently put it, ‘Wow, the perfect summer boho wedding, am I right or am I right?’