Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 21)

Island life Meet the expert: Lesley Thomas is the superintendent registrar at The Register Office in St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. We’re considering marrying in the Isles of Scilly. Can you help us with some knowledge of venues in the area and what they have to offer? Lesley says: We have several stunning locations for you to choose from, from our small register office on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly for a simple ceremony with just your witnesses, to one of our licensed venues for a larger occasion. Many couples make the trip to the islands to tie the knot and experience a Scillonian wedding. On St Mary’s, there’s the Star Castle Hotel offering a romantic medieval setting, and Juliet’s Garden Restaurant with stunning panoramic vistas across the harbour. If you prefer a remote island setting, Karma St Martin’s, could be for you. The luxury hotel can offer celebrations overlooking the silky white sands of the beach in front of their gardens, with views stretching across to the other islands. It’s always an option to have a simple civil ceremony in the register office, followed by an affirmation of vows, exchanging rings on your favourite beach, in a picturesque garden, or even onboard a boat, the possibilities are endless. We can offer the Porthcressa Beachside Room that opens on to the beach for superb photo opportunities, or just a quick paddle! The Register Office | 01720 424 501 | scilly.gov.uk | facebook.com/celebrateonscilly AN AERIAL VIEW Meet the expert: Sarah Turpitt is the general manager of Polhawn Fort, a romantic coastal wedding venue perched on a cliff top overlooking Polhawn Cove in South East Cornwall. We are considering hiring a drone for our wedding photography and videography. Can you advise us? Sarah says: There’s no denying that drone photography and videography is an incredible way to document the grand perspective of the chosen wedding venue. As with any service you’re hiring for your wedding day, it’s important that it’s a worthwhile investment. You must also feel comfortable that your chosen drone photographer is operating within the law before any money is paid. It’s illegal for a drone operator to take payment for their services unless they hold a Civil Aviation Authority permission to fly a drone. It’s also a legal requirement that they hold Commercial Drone Insurance or Public Liability Insurance. So before you confirm your booking, make sure you have received evidence of both in writing. If you have seen some aerial photography that you like the style of, get in touch with the photographer to request to see their portfolio, and check their reviews. Most wedding venues will have drone operator contacts that they can share with you. Once you have taken these necessary steps, check that they have availability on your preferred date. Discuss what shots you wish to achieve, including static images and video ones. Make sure that you read their terms and conditions and are happy with them. Don’t forget to contact your venue and ask if they have any other restrictions on permitting drone photography, for example, restricted fly zones etc. Polhawn Fort | 01752 822 864 | polhawnfort.com | polhawnfort Image (left) courtesy of kitevision.co.uk and images (right) courtesy of charlottedart.co.uk 64