Destination weddings in the UK are definitely a thing. We’re head over heels in love with Malissa & Max’s wedding in Cornwall – the vibe is relaxed seaside, the look is fresh and modern, and our couple are clearly so hugely in love it’s making us all smiley here at English Wedding HQ! This gorgeous pair are quite possibly the luckiest couple to have booked their wedding just before Covid… and we’re SO happy to be sharing their stunning day with you! Don’t miss their Cornwall wedding supplier recommendations – there are a few names here we’ve heard from our couples MANY times!

We booked our wedding in January 2020 just before covid hit, and we booked it for July 2021, just as covid restrictions lifted. We were extremely lucky and cannot believe how lucky we actually were. Unfortunately, a few days before our wedding our cake baker caught covid and cancelled and our violinist that we booked for the ceremony caught covid 3 days before our wedding. We luckily had a harpist duo, therefore, the harpist could still attend after changing a couple of songs. Overall, we were VERY lucky!

Wedding photographer’s website

https://www.traceywarbeyweddingphotography.com/

How did you choose your photographer?

We looked at multiple photographers and shortlisted to two. When speaking with them, Tracey was warm but professional which instilled confidence in us. She had an extensive portfolio which provoked an emotive response for us as her photos were alive, natural and bright.

Were you pleased with your wedding photographer? Do tell… we love a brilliant review!

We honestly could not be happier. From our initial contact via Instagram, subsequent video call and then meeting on the wedding day, Tracey went above and beyond. Tracey arrived whilst I was getting ready with my Maid of Honour and she calmed my nerves and helped me plan for the day with her experience and wisdom. Tracey was like a wedding fairy god mother, not just a photographer.

Videographer details if applicable – and any thoughts for other couples about having a wedding video?

We did not have a videographer, however, I wish that we did. I would advise any couples contemplating it, to try and budget for this.

Tell us about your venue – what made this place special for you?

We got married in the pavilion at Tregenna Castle in St. Ives, Cornwall and held our BBQ reception on the lawn. We are from the Midlands, however, holiday in Cornwall every year and hope to live there one day. Cornwall is beautiful, but the selling point for us was how relaxed the atmosphere is. We were adamant on having a chilled, laid back day and Tregenna did everything to accommodate our wishes.

We decided to have our reception at She Sells in Mevagissey as it was closer to all of our accommodation. She Sells are brilliant! We bought all our own cocktails and we had the whole sea front cafe to ourself until late. We had indulgent crepes and ice cream each. They decorated the cafe with all of our own homemade decorations, played our wedding play list and decorated it with candles for us. It was everything we dreamt of and more.

Did you love wearing your outfits? How was your shopping experience, was it fun to find your wedding gear?

I bought a very detailed wedding dress the same month we got engaged, but after a year of having it I realised I wanted something simpler, so I sold my first one and bought my dress. I felt comfortable but beautiful, it is the best feeling in the world. My husband ordered LOTS of suits (covid, so online shopping only) and fell in love with a deep navy suit from French Connection. Finding a suitable coloured tie was difficult, but we eventually found the perfect match.

Did you hire a florist? Tell us about any floral amazingness

We had all artificial flowers from Dunelm and The Range which my mom arranged for us (with no prior floristry experience). They looked real and were stunning. We saved a fortune and have them on display in our house, we also gifted a bouquet to other family members and friends as memorabilia.

As cake lovers here at English Wedding we’d LOVE to know who made your cake, and how delicious it was?

Our original baker caught covid a few days before our wedding so had to cancel. She helped us find Little House of Cake which made the exact same cake with fresh flowers. The cake was exactly what we asked for and was light and fresh. We had lots of compliments on this!

Tell us about any special personal touches, or creative projects you made yourselves

Where do I start? We made our own artificial flowers for centre pieces, bride bouquet, maid of honour bouquet and corsages. We made boho style dream catchers, sweet cones and our own cocktails for the evening. We had ideas on how we wanted the wedding to look and made lots of decorations ourself. However, we did hire some items from Stargazey Decor Hire (garden games, chairs, cake table, table runners, centre pieces, signage etc). They arrived very prompt and helped me decorate the area outside with their items and even helped me with my own. I would highly recommend this small but reputable business.

Did you have any wedding readings? What were they?

My (bride) mom, grooms mom and our best friend did a reading. The One, Once in a Lifetime

What was your first dance song? Why did you choose it?

We originally did not plan to have a first dance, as we were worried about feeling pressured and just wanted to feel as relaxed as possible. However, a first dance naturally happened to a Harp and Violinist version of Ed Sheeran – Perfect. We are very happy this happened and in hindsight, I think we would have been gutted if it didn’t.

Favourite wedding suppliers

https://www.traceywarbeyweddingphotography.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LittleHouseofCakeCornwall/
https://www.stargazeyweddingdecorhire.co.uk/
https://www.orchardmakeup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/shesellsmeva/