Inspiration

Kirsty and Sam's rustic luxe wedding, complete with a horse decked in florals and the sweetest flower girls you'll ever see, is such a treat to share this Sunday morning. The pair met while Kirsty was working behind the bar at the rugby club Sam plays for and it was love at first sight. They chose the beautiful Tredudwell Manor to host their wedding day. This venue has so many lovely spaces to utilise for your big day, Kirsty and Sam made the most of the stunning new pavilion for their reception - the light in there is just perfect. There's some gorgeous fashion too, with Kirsty in her dream dress from The Bridal House Of Cornwall and Sam looking sharp in a lovely checked suit.

Our Story

Kirsty The Bride: Cornwall is home for both of us. I met Samuel while working behind the bar at Redruth Rugby Club who Samuel plays for. Samuel proposed on my birthday, he took me kayaking up the river Fowey for the day and then back to Polkerris which is a very special place to us (where we spent time together when we first met), the sun was setting and on the harbour wall he proposed!  

The Bride

I bought my dress from the Bridal House of Cornwall in Truro. It took me ages as I am the most indecisive person and I thought I had found the one I wanted to wear 3 times! I had an image in my head of what I wanted it to be like and the one I finally went for was pretty much it! It's quite overwhelming trying on dresses as they are all so beautiful, everyone I tried on was stunning it was just the look I went for! I also had a custom veil made in cathedral length in the most amazing material it looked stunning.  

The Planning

The most important things to us when planning were the venue, photographer and church. We loved planning, at times it was a little stressful but no fall outs! We were organised and got all the important bits booked straight away, it's strange you don't really do much for months then all of a sudden it goes a bit crazy but all fun!  

The Venue

Samuel grew up in the beautiful village of Golant, one of our favourite places in Cornwall. We wanted a venue in close proximity and in a beautiful setting. When we viewed Tredudwell Manor the pavilion wasn’t built, so it was a gamble but we knew straight away from the plans it would be perfect for us. We liked the rustic look which went amazing with the venue as it has oak framework throughout the Pavilion. We felt that the venue was so beautiful that it didn't require lots of jazzing up and has enough character in itself hence why we stayed fairly simple with colours and lighting. We had hessian and lace table runners with glass martini glasses decorated with whites, ivorys and green flowers. Simple candles for the evening and some LOVE light letters for the dance floor - had to be done! 

The Styling

Our original plan was to have fresh flowers throughout the venue/table centre pieces and bouquets however it seemed pretty costly for the fullness look we were looking for so decided to go down the silk flower route! We were worried it would look artificial but after meeting with Flourish who showed us some examples of what we could have we were reassured! We could get the full, natural look with lots of whites, ivory’s and greens plus have them set in place on the Friday! We kept along the same theme with my bouquet and bridesmaids (fresh flowers) which were done by a good friend of Samuel's Mum!

The Photographer

We chose Nick Bailey as he had already worked at two weddings we had attended and thoroughly recommended by both couples. We really liked his style and the fact that you hardly noticed he was there at the weddings we had been to plus his photos are amazing! We met with Nick at a local pub to chat and answer questions we had and found him easy to get on with which is also an important factor when deciding!  

The Food

Our food was very important, we were undecided at first what style to go for 3 courses or platter style but so pleased we went with the three course! Richard was recommended by Tredudwell and lives locally to the area which was a bonus! It really helped that he had already done a few weddings by the time it was ours as he gave us suggestions on table plans etc and what worked well! When we went for our food sampling he suggested food that was relevant to the time of year - May! Lamb and scallops on the menu! I am not fond of lamb so a fish dish was added. The food was stunning along with Richard's efforts in setting up and staff on the day, our guests loved the food and said it's the best wedding food they have had!

Special Moments

One of my bridesmaids organised for my horse Tigger to be waiting once we had married! It was something that I never thought would happen but secretly wanted it to! Such a special moment which we will cherish forever. When we arrived back from the church we went to our room to freshen up and take a moment. We both looked out onto the venue watching all of our loved ones laughing in the sun. Obviously saying our vows, and seeing each other from each end of the aisle! Nothing can replace the adrenaline and excitement you feel!
Fern Godfrey

Written by Fern Godfrey

Inspirational articles you may also find useful