About The Couple

Ben and I met by chance after work one summer evening at one of our local beaches in Cornwall. We have shared values, trust, honesty, and we are the best of friends.

Popping The Question

Ben proposed, it was a strange year due to Covid. Everything was closed and we were in a lock down up to Christmas day, however outdoor walking was permitted. Ben had planned to propose near the beach where we met, but it was so busy he couldn't find the right moment. I remember this being one of the most awkward walks we'd ever gone on; I could feel he was nervous, but I couldn't figure out why…

Ben quickly devised plan b, and proposed Christmas Day of 2020, surrounded by our family. This was a particularly special Christmas as it was the first we were allowed to meet our families during the Covid period. Ben had arranged for his sister to customise a cracker and inside was a scratch card with will you marry me on, and a cheap ring from online as he couldn't go ring shopping. I didn't expect to find my proposal in a cracker, it was unexpected however a really emotional moment. 

Choosing The Venue

We visited Berwick for our first little break away in four years after having our babies, and we just fell in love with the place, it's just beautiful and the staff were just so lovely. We looked at numerous places in Cornwall, but none of them felt right, so we planned to travel abroad. We stayed at Berwick for a few nights and truly loved it, so we asked whether they allowed weddings, which they did, and booked it there and then.

Berwick Lodge is magical, surrounded by the spectacular English countryside. As we drove up the driveway, we were met by wild deer grazing in the field, and as we approached the grounds, the house looked so grand. The gardens are stunning, and we really liked the allotment, as we are both avid gardeners. It's like stepping back in time, but with a twist that's both fun and whimsical, giving it a distinct personality. It's the small things that make this place stand out, such as the music that plays when you enter your room! I absolutely love that! The gardens bloom with the most beautiful flowers, and the staff are wonderful.

Wedding Day Q&A

• What did you wear?

My dress was designed by Mark Lesley. I was looking for a simple classic satin dress, but when I saw this one, I loved the lace on the top, which added just the right amount of detail. I was actually supposed to have a cathedral length lace veil however the night before I realised I had left it at the dress alteration shop. I was gutted but then I realised that it was just a veil and it really didn't matter, I always believe that everything happens for a reason.

• What outfit did the groom wear?

Ben wore a navy suit, grey waistcoat and an olive colour tie from Martin & Budge menswear. Originally we wanted to keep the groom party the same, however it was suggested to try a sage tie. Ben felt that was an excellent match and it highlighted Berwick's beautiful natural greenery.

• Where were your wedding rings from?

I couldn't find anything I liked more than my original engagement ring. So we visited Robin Brother, a family-run jewellers, who designed me a new engagement ring based on my original one, as well as designing, personalising, and creating our wedding bands.

• Were you nervous before the ceremony?

We wouldn't say we felt nervous about getting married, but rather excited. We were really glad that we had booked to stay a few nights before the wedding, it made the wedding eve so relaxing and fun.

I received two bits of advice which were the best... One, don't be concerned if something is forgotten or not as intended; only you will know. Second, remember that you will be married in the blink of an eye, so take it ALL in. I recall the morning going at a relaxed pace, but an hour before the wedding, everything changed in what felt like a flash. Before I knew it, I was nearing the pergola covered in blooming flowers, Ben was waiting for me at the other end, and I realised that this was going to be over in a blink, so I took a deep breath in and absorbed the moment.

• What did you choose as your entrance song?

'Can’t help falling in’ sang by James Wong.

• Do you have any tips for the ceremony?

On the day the two words every bride needs to remember is ‘Lady Garden’, this will remind you to hold your flowers low. Remember to dry them too, so you don’t get water marks on your dress.

Another great tip, was to swap my engagement ring onto the other hand the night before – it means the ring mark will disappear, and the ceremony will run smoother. 

• How did you choose your flowers?

I made mine, and the bridesmaids bouquet myself the day before the wedding. I had planned to go artificial, however the day before the wedding I went to Marks & Spencer's, grabbed a few bouquets, and made them up that evening. This was the same for the centrepieces, I decided to keep the simple flower arrangements that Berwick Lodge had on the tables.  I felt they reflected the simple beauty of Berwick Lodge, and one of the reasons we decided to be married there.

• Did you have favours?

Our wedding favours were made by Bens Auntie who owns Cornish Cottage Crafts, they were personalised ceramic hearts.

• How did you decide on your table plan? 

We had an intimate wedding breakfast of four tables. I felt it wasn't inappropriate to have a big table plan, so I designed table plates, each telling a different story or our lives – where we met; the canary islands where we travelled; our first home where I fell pregnant; Berwick Lodge and Rhodes, a celebration of our wedding and honeymoon. 

• Were there any other special touches?

Every guest received a unique menu, and on the back, I wrote a personalised letter to each of them. The letters thanked them personally for attending, highlighted special memories, and a short message to them individually. 

• Did you have a wedding cake?

I made my cakes myself, as I am a keen baker, and we have a dairy allergy. I made Victoria sponge, carrot cake, and coffee chocolate . I used white buttercream to cover them, I then added dried flowers from our local Cornish farm shop as I felt it really linked in with our wedding venue.

My mother-in-law also made a wedding cake. We did a separate cake cutting during our evening celebration to honour our appreciation for her doing this.

• What was your favourite dish served on the wedding day?

The food was all absolutely spectacular, every guest commented on the quality and presentation of the food. My favourite dish was actually the duck bon bon canapes, they were just a little piece of heaven. Bens was the sticky toffee pudding; it was like a warm hug.

• How did you both feel on the day?

Aside from the births of our children, it was the happiest day of our lives, and we enjoyed every moment. If we could do it all over again, we would not change a moment. We are the best of friends, and while our lives and relationship has not altered, it feels very special to be husband and wife.

• Who made your day extra special?

Everyone involved played their part in making our day special, however Mags ensured that everything ran perfectly, if there were any issues no one was aware of them. Our photographer Alicia was amazing, were both out of our comfort zone, however, she was amazing and guided us through, making us feel at ease.

• Did you honeymoon anywhere?

The day after our wedding we spent time in our own little bubble at Berwick Lodge - sat in the gardens, sun shining, processing and revisiting the day. We then jetted off to Greece for a week and stayed at a boutique 5-star hotel and spa in Rhodes. We wanted a luxury, adult only holiday where we could really switch off and just have a natural come down from the high of being married. We went from old English luxury to Greek luxury. It was incredible! 

• Is there anything else you feel our readers should know?

Try not to get sucked into the toxic wedding culture, which is so hard with social media. I decided early on the key things I wanted for my wedding. Weddings haemorrhage money, and I knew that I didn’t want to be left with loads of wedding ‘stuff’ (due to cost, storage before the honeymoon, and the task of reselling). With every lovely idea I saw I would consider the above and it helped so much with decision making.

Supplier Shout-out

• Venue - Berwick Lodge
• Bride’s dress – Mark Lesley
• Groom's suit - Martin & Budge
• Photographer – Red Maple Photography
• DJ – Kieran Clarke Entertainment
• Rings - Robin Brothers