The wedding celebration of Kate and Kaz felt like a house party, but not just any house – one that everyone wished they could live in. The couple gathered their closest friends and family, including many who had traveled from Australia, at a charming converted barn in picturesque Cornwall for an unforgettable day filled with laughter, love, and adventure. The atmosphere was relaxed yet vibrant, with a dash of whimsy.
Imagine bridesmaids dressed in stunning jewel-toned hues, a world-class harmonica performance by Kaz’s mom, origami swans gliding across the dinner table, and even knitted cake toppers – all adding to the unique charm of their special day. The pièce de résistance was Kate, radiant in her wellies, surrounded by joy and love. The photos, courtesy of Brett Symes Photography, capture the warmth and happiness of this unforgettable celebration.
Wedding Style & Vibe
Kaz and I had a clear vision for our intimate wedding – a relaxed celebration with only our closest friends and family. Given our busy lives in Australia, we knew this was an opportunity to bring everyone together. Additionally, Cornwall held special significance for both of us, so it was essential that the venue we chose resonated with that connection.
With a headcount of 30 guests, including our families and the bridal party, we began searching for a suitable location that could accommodate our needs for a few nights. Since we had already planned to get legally married in Perth before returning home for an informal ceremony, we weren’t restricted to licensed venues. Our approach was simple: we aimed for a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere, infusing the day with a mix of my beloved colors.
The Venue
Nestled in a picturesque Cornish valley on the outskirts of Bodmin, Tregulland proved to be an idyllic setting for our special day. The property’s lush surroundings and tranquil atmosphere were perfectly conducive to relaxation, complete with its own swimming pool and hot tub. What’s more, Tregulland’s recommendations for a caterer and photographer helped streamline the planning process once these essential details were taken care of.
Initially, we didn’t have a specific theme in mind, simply aiming for a vibrant and joyful celebration. Fortunately, Tregulland’s eclectic style proved to be the perfect match for our unique wedding.
The Attire
As part of the wedding’s visual narrative, I entrusted my bridesmaids with the task of selecting their own dresses in three distinct colors. Meanwhile, the groomsmen opted for their own grey suits, creating a stylish contrast to the colorful bridesmaid attire. To further enhance this eclectic ensemble, we incorporated a vibrant mix of flowers in shades that harmoniously complemented the bridesmaid dresses and my signature green accessories.
Although I was uncertain about the overall aesthetic from afar, planning the wedding from Australia, I’m thrilled to report that the end result exceeded my expectations.
Decor & Details
We embellished the already stunning venue with minimal touches. Our florist crafted beautiful table arrangements using glass and china vases, while we added origami cranes, a handmade paper doily table runner, and a whimsical touch with fairy lights and LED candles nestled in paper lantern bags; all sourced from Amazon. To create our unique table plan, we used funny photos of each guest, and I designed a custom crocheted Totoro bride and groom to adorn the simple wedding cake.
Kaz’s creative genius shone through as he crafted our invitations and orders of the day from scratch, even incorporating a charming tree diagram that told the story of how we met each of our guests. And because why not, we also incorporated a horse’s head mask into the celebration. In hindsight, it was truly the best day of our lives, and I wouldn’t rule out hosting a wedding reunion at Tregulland in a few years’ time.
The Flowers
Flower Scene’s Alison crafted stunning bouquets and arrangements that perfectly matched my vision. She skillfully combined an assortment of flowers, including Ranunculus, Spray roses, Phlox, Craspedia, Tanacetum, Dahlia, and Chrysanthemum, to create truly breathtaking pieces.
The Refreshments
As the evening unfolded, our gathering was accompanied by a delightful array of drinks, including Pimms, an abundance of rich and creamy Cornish real ale, and wine.
The culinary delights didn’t lag behind, with dinner featuring a tantalizing trio of options: risotto, avocado and crab cocktail, and steak or sea bass for those with a sweet tooth, the evening’s dessert offerings were just as impressive, with Chocolate Mousse Cake and Fresh Fruit Pavlova serving as the perfect conclusion to the meal. And as the night wore on, we indulged in comforting classics: crispy bacon sandwiches and savory Cornish pasties.
The Photography
We owe a great debt of gratitude to Tregulland for introducing us to Brett, our exceptional photographer who captured the essence of our special day with his remarkable talent. Despite only connecting via Skype prior to the wedding, Brett’s professionalism and charm made him an absolute pleasure to work with. His familiarity with Tregulland allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the shoot, resulting in breathtakingly beautiful photos that we feel truly fortunate to have.
Tips and Advice for Other Couples
As you prepare to exchange vows, it’s essential to keep things in perspective. At its core, your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment to one another. When surrounded by the people who matter most, good food, and great company, it’s challenging not to have an incredible time. The key is to focus on what truly matters – the union of you two – rather than getting bogged down in minor details.
So, take a cue from Kate’s wise words: surround yourself with loved ones, indulge in delicious eats and drinks, and allow yourselves to simply enjoy each other’s company. And to Kate and Kaz, thank you for sharing your special day with us; I hope the newlywed life has been treating you wonderfully.