How did you meet?
At school! We got married the day of our 10 year anniversary of getting together. We got engaged while trekking on a glacier in Iceland – it was a pretty incredible place to get engaged, and as the Glacier is constantly moving, no one will ever propose on that spot again!
Why did you choose Polhawn Fort?
It was everything we wanted and totally perfect (and the only venue we visited)
” A beautiful historical building, by the sea with stunning views.”…
A totally DIY venue and available for the whole weekend (and where the party can continue all night) Perfect for the relaxed wedding we wanted.
Did you add any DIY elements to your day?
Everything – we hired in our own chairs and tables from Virginia’s Vintage Hire who we would really recommend, we had hand dyed organic table runners and ribbons from Lancaster & Cornish, we set-up an artsy area for guests with temporary tattoos, flower headbands, magnetic poetry and a sketchbook for people to draw and leave messages. We homemade Limoncello as part of the Dessert.
We set-up a 5-a side football pitch on the lower lawn and a tee-pee with a coffee table and cushions for people to relax on, on the top lawn.
We hung our own Festoon lights all inside the fort and put brass candlesticks everywhere.
First dance/song?
We didn’t have a first dance on our own, we danced with everyone – David Bowie Heroes as well as Fleetwood Mac Everywhere were songs we finished the night with.
How did you feel before you walked down the aisle?
Incredibly excited and nervous and ridiculously happy.
Funniest thing that happened?
We can’t remember! There was laughter all day long.
What traditions did you include?
My dad walked me down the aisle, I threw the bouquet (because it was so much fun), the ceremony, cutting the cake (we tried to do it without anyone noticing!). But we also slept in the same room the night before and had speeches by the bride and bridesmaids as well as the best-men and groom!
Best tips / advice?
Make the most of the venue – it’s so beautiful that we picked decoration to complement the beauty of the surroundings (both inside and outside). All the helpers – recruit all your friends and family to help with set-up and pack-down – the stairs are pretty brutal when carrying everything in and out (and Jim! We hired Jim from the Fort to help us set-up and he was AMAZING)
Any amazing suppliers that you’d like to share?
All of our suppliers were amazing, we would recommend every single one of them. Makeup By Becky Flynn and Louise Alway Hair were both also amazing – such beautiful, modern styles – again, nailed the exact look I wanted. The Natural Cake Co was the most delicious cake we have EVER eaten (Chocolate and Guinness) and Sarah from Miss Tea Catering was incredible – from working around my numerous food allergies and creating the most delicious and amazing menu which everyone loved.
Anything you’d change or wish you knew before?
Nothing! (Tip – you can never order too much Prosecco, especially when you are there for the whole weekend with your friends and family – we ran out on the Sunday at the BBQ!)
3 words to describe your day
“So much love.”
