Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - November/December 2019 (Issue 22)

BEER IS THE NEW GIN Meet the expert: Skinners Brewery based in Cornwall produces award-winning Cornish beers and ales. It’s a family-run business that offers tours and group visits led by experienced guides (turn to page 61 to read more). Elaine says: There’s been an upsurge of late in the number of couples wanting beer at their weddings. Not only is it a cost-effective solution that will make their bar tab stretch further, and a well-stocked bar is a must, there are so many wonderful ales available that can be enjoyed as a long drink. From refreshing and fruity golden pale ales and award-winning bitters to deep, dark, smooth-drinking stouts, they can be supplied in bottles, casks and kegs. A few best-selling favourites are Porthleven, a straw-coloured zesty ale with strong citrus aromas, incorporating a dash of lemon, lime and passion fruit that’s best teamed with spicy foods and smoked meats. Lushingtons is bursting with fruit, including lime, mango and lychee. Its creamy texture incorporates a hint of strawberry that’s best teamed with white meat or fish. Hops ‘n’ honey is a golden honey beer and is a great introduction to fine ale as it balances both bitter and sweet flavours. A spicy tangerine scent hints at a touch of toffee. Its bittersweet finish is best with game, pork and creamy rich desserts. Sennen is ideal for spring weddings, with the limited edition variety available in April and May. It’s a clear, light and crisp beer featuring hints of tropical fruit including mango and grapefruit. Whatever you choose, make sure that serving the first drink on your special day is as important as cutting the cake! Skinners Brewery | 01872 271 885 | skinnersbrewery.com skinnersbrewery CHRISTMAS IN BLOOM Can you give us some flower inspiration for our winter wedding? Meet the expert: Vintage & Bloom is a local bespoke florist located in Penryn, Cornwall, with more than ten years experience styling flowers for weddings. Angela says: When looking for inspiration for winter wedding flowers, consider the beauty of these seasonal months. It’s all about the textures and scents. For example, think of the unmistakable aroma of pines or the ashy blue shade of eucalyptus leaves and use luxurious satin and velvet ribbons to finish bouquets. Winter weddings are incredibly romantic so when planning your flowers, try to capture that wintery feel. Move away from traditional red, gold and green shades and be inspired by nature. Think of the frosty mornings and opt for crisp white and grey tones mixed with soft pink for a touch of colour. Add thistle, pine cones and berries to a hand-tied bouquet. Other seasonal varieties to pick from are amaryllis, anemone, rosemary and jasmine. For floral arrangements in the venue and church, suspended foliage hoops and branches with wintery leaves bring the outdoors in. Pine cones and berries styled on tables with candles, and fairylights strung from the ceiling entwined with blooms, will create a cosy atmosphere. Vintage & Bloom | 07411 868 390 | facebook.com/Vintageandbloom Photography of flowers courtesy of gettyimages.co.uk 68