Belle & Matt
Belle & Matt
Ceremony and reception venue: An intimate ceremony in the Bathing Hut at Pentillie Castle & Estate, followed by a reception at Bonne Santé in Plymouth,
Your names and occupations: Belle & Matt (Mrs & Mr Lauri) Nail Technician and Regional Sales Manager.
We met … Back in 2006 in Revs, Plymouth, and then 2019 on Tinder.
Your first impressions of each other:
Matt - I just wanted to know more and more about her,
Belle - I’ve found a keeper!
How did your proposal happen (when and where)?
Kynance Cove. We were joined by friends for a walk. Our friends were familiar with Kynance, however we hadn’t ever been before. It was our friends that had suggested it would be a great place to propose as they knew that I (Matt) was wanting to propose somewhere in Cornwall on that day with them present.
Length of engagement: 2 years
In three words, how did you imagine your wedding day?
Relaxed (Matt) Fun (Belle)
Enjoyable (Matt) Romantic (Belle)
Unique (Matt) Memorable (Belle)
How did you choose your venue?
We had actually said that we wouldn’t get married at Pentillie as we only knew of the castle and knew it was way beyond our budget. We however went to the wedding open day to get in the wedding vibe and to meet wedding suppliers. It was on that day that we met the amazing Chrissie who totally got what we wanted in terms of a small, intimate wedding, and recommended we looked at the bathing hut. Whilst there we also met with the talented Emma of Freckle photography and the wonderful ladies of Southwest Ceremonies. All three were to play a huge part in our big day. Then we held our party at my brother’s restaurant, Bonne Santé, Plymouth.
Often the aspect that makes a wedding original to the couple is the detail/theme – tell us about the special details of the day and how you implemented them (colours, theme decorations, centre pieces, favours, photo booths, DIY etc).
We wanted to have a mixed vibe of tradition (Tuxedos), sexy but sophisticated (Belle’s dress, cars etc), modern décor and relaxed street food dining (Bonne Santé), artistic and classy photography (Freckle), and a wedding like no other without breaking the bank!
Were you inspired by anyone on social media? Pinterest/Instagram etc?
Yes, we did take inspiration from Pinterest and various websites, but essentially, we knew what we wanted, and that we wanted to be hands on a creative.
Please give a brief account of your wedding planning story i.e., priorities, highs & lows, challenges etc…
The most challenging thing of all was balancing wedding planning, work and two young children (3 & 1). With that said, we agreed that we’d try and not let the planning be too stressful as it was equally important that we enjoyed the run up to the wedding and not just the big day. It helped that Chrissie (Pentillie), Charmian (Southwest Ceremonies) and Emma (Freckle Photography), each put us at ease from the first time we met them. We knew that with these three on board, and Luke (Bonne Santé) we were in safe hands, and we needn’t worry about anything. We also involved plenty of our friends who helped lend us cars and decorate venues.
What food did you choose for your day, wedding breakfast and evening buffet, and why?
We had street food at Bonne Santé, accompanied by a fine cheese selection from Sharon (Fruity Roots, Plympton), and the most incredible cakes by Molly (Just Like Mama’s, Plymouth).
What was your favourite part of the wedding?
Wow, that’s a really hard question to answer. We really cannot choose. From the very start of the day when Belle had her hair (Jessica Dodd) and makeup (Hannah May) done, the ceremony at the Bathing Hut, prosecco and chocolates on the lawn at the castle, photos on the magnificent grounds, partying at Bonne Santé, and the couple photo sessions by Emma.
What was the most important investment for you? For example, food, drink, clothes, honeymoon?
The photographer, hands down! There was no way we were not going to have Emma capture our day. Emma is worth absolutely every penny and more. The skill that Emma has is so unique, and we recognised the importance of remembering our special day for what it was. Emma still exceeded expectations :-)
What is your top tip for other couples?
Do not stress about it too much. It will be what it will be, and the day is far too short to go into already stressed. Enjoy the journey and not just the destination :-)
Finally, we mustn’t also forget our outstandingly beautiful flowers by Lucy (Wildflower, Plymouth) and Belle’s out-of-this-world dress (The Wedding company, Plymouth – Designer, Madi Lane). We wouldn’t have changed any one of our amazing suppliers. Thank you, all!!
Suppliers:
Photographer: Freckle Photography
Brides Dress: The Wedding Company
Bridal Hair: Jessica Dodd - @Styledbyjessicadodd
Make-Up: Hannah May
Flowers: Wildflower Floristry
Catering: Bonne Santé
Cheeses: Fruity Roots
Cake: Just Like Mumma’s - sadly no longer trading
Transport: Own
Our Weddings Manager would be delighted to show you around Pentillie! To book your private viewing, please click here, call 01579 350044 or email weddings@pentillie.co.uk.