How they did it
CORNISH
FLING
We designed our day to have the feel of
a dinner party as Russell and I are very
low key and relaxed people. We wanted to
share our love of Cornwall (we went there
on our rst mini break as a couple) with
a small group of the 14 people closest to us.
The Retreat Lounge, where our
ceremony was held, has incredible light
and opens out on to a stunning terrace
with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Our palette was gold and cream. I
sourced the sequined table runners from
H&M, sewing four together to make the
long tablecloth. I also went charity-shop
hunting every weekend to nd di erent
vases, candle holders and doilies for the
reception – I wanted an eclectic vibe.
I loved the idea of my gown being
vintage. e minute I tried on what I call
my ‘disco dress’ I knew it was perfect – far
from traditional, twinkly and a little quirky!
I bought four pairs of shoes in total
because I was trying to resist some amazing
Christian Louboutins I had my eye on.
I folded in the end – they were just too
perfect (and I kept the other four pairs!).
The head chef created a four-course
bespoke menu for us with all our favourite
foods, including sirloin of beef and duck-egg
tart, and desserts such as banana sorbet and
dark chocolate cremeux. He even sourced
a pregnancy-friendly cheese course for my
friend, who was six months’ pregnant.
We provided baskets with pashminas
and flip-flops so that guests could stay
warm and join us on the beach for photos –
they were then free to keep them.
My top tip Work with suppliers that you
feel like you could be friends with – you
might have to spend a lot of time with them.Amy Debenham, 28, married Russell
Evans, 39, at The Scarlet Hotel in Cornwall
on 14 September 2013. She says: