We walked with our guests up the hill to the Memorial Hall with much hilarity.Simon from the Hidden Hut sprang into action to light the fire bowls on our arrival and we made our way down the (usually very plain) steps to the hall past the beautiful lanterns and floral decorations.
Although we’d spent much of Friday setting up the hall, Elle had left special touches as a surprise for us. As we entered, the final result was breath taking. We had foliage hoops hanging from the celling, moss with colourful flowers growing out, my grand father's old medicine bottles containing little delicate ones, rustic chairs in pastel shades (by Stargaizey wedding hire) and flamingos popping our from all corners. Elle had even put a bull’s skull over the door as a nod to Nik’s tattoos…But best of all was THE CAKE TABLE! My Friend Emily Hankins had hand painted the most beautiful design, inspired by Nik’s tattoos, our seaside village and my favorite flowers, dahlias. This we knew about (but had not seen in reality), but what we didn’t know about was the marshmallow pink dresser with moss and plants spilling out of it (with a token flamingo). The Cake was surrounded by multi coloured meringue ‘kisses’ or ‘unicorn poo’ as I like to call it… it was a real spectacle and was quickly surrounded by 4 year olds and adults alike.
As we soaked up the rest of the scene we ambled towards un-allocated tables and continued catching up with family & old friends. Once seated it was time for the speeches. Thankfully, Dad didn’t embarrass me too much, although reminded me about when I got locked in a Theatre at night when I worked as a dresser in London, not an experience I’d like to repeat! Nik fleshed his out by giving gifts and he handed out two golden feathers (made by me) to the furthest traveled (lightweight to carry home). The best men’s speeches had us in tears with their joint efforts, which was then rounded off with a group hug.
After much laughing it was safe to say that all nerves of speeches had evaporated and more fizzy pop was consumed!
Before we knew it, it was time for food round 2. With many of my family vegetarian, Dan the chef had created a menu inspired by Moroccan dishes. We had a chicken and a veg tagine, cuscus with pomegranate seeds and feta, harissa sauce, spicy cauliflower salad & home made hummus, served in feast style take away boxes. The food was DELICIOUS. As the bride, people had told me to make sure I ate, as it’s so easy to be busy talking to everyone…luckily people were so busy eating I had time to enjoy it myself! Charlotte and her team were helping everything run smoothly so that non of my family had to lift a finger, what luxuary!
The day was running away with us and before I knew it evening guests were arriving and a few day guests were calling it a night. We quickly cut the cake to ensure the most people saw it. What you can’t tell by the pictures is that Emily had made the inside of it chequered. Half vanilla sponge and half chocolate. This was a request by Nik as he didn’t want the cake ‘too girly’ and wanted to express his love of Ska punk music (two tone) and anything with an engine (racing flags). The result was a best of both cake with two gorgeous flavors, a real crowd pleaser!
Emily had to take over as it was too big for me to portion out in my state of excitement.
…The bar (Barfly) started mixing cocktails and the band (Beire De Luxe) made their entrance…The night was young and I was no longer (a Young) I was Mrs Prisk! (Young is now one of my middle names and always will be my business name)....
A HUGE thank you all our friends and family and everybody who made our dream day happen!
Credits:
Photography: Daniel Kingdom Gradwell
Venue: Portsactho & Gerrans Memorial Hall
Floral arrangements and décor: Elle Inspire Hire
Chairs: Stargazy Wedding Hire
Cake & kisses: Emily Hankins Cakes
Food: The Hidden Hut
On the day co-ordination: Eve wedding design
Photo booth Props: Box and Cox vintage hire
Accessories – Holly Young
Hair- Gold Bird Hair Design
Make up – Natasha Flower
Bar: Barfly, St Mawes
Band: Beire De Luxe,
