Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - July/August 2024 (Issue 105)

These two lovebirds instantly hit it off when they first crossed paths at the pub where Emma worked! Lewis, a somewhat shy guy, would frequently drop by with his buddies, and they couldn’t help but notice his fondness for Emma. Eventually, Lewis gathered the courage to ask her out on a date. Time flew by, and in August 2021, Lewis proposed at Godrevy in Cornwall. It’s worth mentioning that Lewis hails from Cornwall, and throughout their 10-year relationship, they had made it a tradition to visit every year. Their absolute favourite spot was St Ives, and Godrevy offers a breathtaking view of the sea overlooking the iconic destination. Lewis put together a charming breakfast picnic for Emma and their threemonth-old son. As they savoured their meal, Lewis seized the moment and popped the question. With the sun shining down on St Ives, it was an incredibly special and perfect moment – a complete surprise for Emma! SETTING THE SCENE The couple had a clear vision for their wedding! They wanted it to be relaxed and vibrant, exactly how they had imagined without focusing on guest expectations. Emma, who tends to get stressed when planning things, was worried about being too anxious on the actual day. So, they hired Tiana from Wildwood Weddings & Events as their on-theday planner and coordinator. Tiana took care of all the logistics and suppliers, allowing the couple to fully immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy their special day. Both Lewis and Emma had a connection to Upham where they grew up, and the bride’s parents had recently moved to the village. The local church held a special place in their hearts with its beautiful brick and flint building. They had always envisioned getting married there, even before they got engaged, so it was an easy decision. When choosing a reception venue, the couple explored various local options. However, after attending a friend’s wedding in January 2022, held in tipis from Coastal Tents, they fell in love with the idea of a tipi wedding. Coincidentally, Emma’s parents had just purchased a field behind their house, which was the perfect size for an al fresco event. They were thrilled to be able to host the reception there. Emma expresses her joy saying, “It was amazing to have our wedding in a place that was so familiar and comfortable. Somewhere, we could truly relax and be happy!” Since the reception was close to the church, everyone walked between the two venues. The weather was sunny and hot, just as they had hoped. Emma had ordered umbrellas, but luckily, they weren’t needed. Five tables were set up for the wedding breakfast, each named after a special place in Cornwall that meant something to the newlyweds. The main table was called Godrevy, of course! The other tables were St Ives, Falmouth, Redruth and Liskeard. The centrepieces included bud vases, tea lights, citrus fruits and gin bottle with neon candles to add a vibrant touch. The favours included mini bottles of Limoncello shots for everyone or bottles of jellybeans for those who didn’t drink alcohol. Each bottle had the phrase, ‘We’ve tied the knot, so take a shot,’ along with the names of the newlyweds and the wedding date. The couple’s florist did an amazing job and sourced most of the flowers locally. Emma shared her love for citrus colours, particularly grapefruits and limes, and gave her Pinterest board as inspiration. Sarah from Sarah Guild Floral Design had the freedom to translate that into beautiful arrangements, amazing the bride. A stunning flower arch above the church door created a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The lovebirds wanted to ensure they could use as many flowers as possible throughout the day, so the ushers moved the small meadows and arrangements from the church to the reception area. A hanging flower halo stole the show in the relaxed tipi, especially when paired with the large neon sign! It became a focal point that received many compliments. The pair ensured guests were well-fed by hiring the Hampshire 46

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