Beside the sea

With the groom in the Royal Navy, there was a nautical theme to Matt and Emily’s wedding

Matt Wilson and Emily Griffiths

Where: Ceremony at St Peter’s Church, Poole, followed by reception at Smedmore House, Kimmeridge, Dorset

Photography: Bang Wallop

We have grown up by the sea and love spending time at the beach, so a nautical, beach-themed wedding was a natural choice, especially with Matt being in the Royal Navy.Nowhere seemed quite right until we came across Smedmore House, a stunning 18th century house on the Jurassic coast.

On visiting Sassi Holford’s Taunton boutique, I discovered the elegant gown ‘Lulu’. I immediately fell for its sweetheart neckline, multiple layers of delicate tulle and the intricate buttons running down the back. When I put the dress on I felt amazing

On the day of the wedding I felt incredibly excited. The morning was really relaxed but flew by and before long the photographer had arrived and was snapping away while I was helped into my dress.

Our ceremony was everything we hoped it could be. A particularly special moment was walking through the guard of honour outside the church, formed by our friends currently serving in either the Royal Navy or the Royal Marines.

After some group shots, we made our way to the marquee which was set against the backdrop of Smedmore House. Before joining our guests at Smedmore House we stopped off at Kimmeridge Bay Beach to have some photos taken. This provided a few special moments alone together.

Our caterers transformed our marquee, creating a beautiful sea theme with white and sky blue tablecloths. Large silver lanterns served as our table centrepieces, each containing a large church candle, and an array of shells and flowers. We named our tables after beaches we have spent time at throughout our relationship.

We decided we wanted an interactive menu, but for us the most exciting part was our dessert which doubled up as our wedding cake. It was inspired by one of our favourite desserts – banoffee pie.

As we had four speeches, we decided to separate them, having one after each course. Immediately after the best man, Simon Lambert’s speech, we had our first dance that was promptly followed by our band The Fandangos, who were brilliant.

They quickly had our guests of all ages up on the dancefloor dancing the night away.

WHO DID WHAT

Photography: Bang Wallop, Salcombe, Devon, 01548 843100, www.bangwallop.co.uk

Venue: Smedmore House, Kimmeridge, Dorset, 01929 480719, www.smedmorehouse.com

Dress: Sassi Holford, Taunton, Devon, 01823 256308, www.sassiholford.com

Accessories: Harriet Wilde, London, 0207 263 4147, www.harrietwilde.com;

Hermione Harbutt, Bristol, 07919 387780, www.hermioneharbutt.com

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Coast, www.coast-stores.com

hair: Thairapy, www.thairapy-freelance.co.uk

Make-up: Amy Elizabeth, Wellington, Somerset, 07947 132252,

www.amy-elizabeth.com

Groom’s outfit: Military uniform

Flowers: Nomad Food, Flowers & Functions, Wareham, Dorset, 01929 551978,

www.nomadfood.co.uk

Cake & catering: Nomad Food, Flowers & Functions, as above

Transport: Just Rolls Wedding Car Hire, Hampshire, 07713 070223,

www.justrollsweddingcars.co.uk

Marquee & lighting: DP Marquees, Dorset, 01258 452539,

www.dorsetpartymarquees.co.uk

Entertainment: Guitarist, Austin Hood, 07920 855911, www.tailored-entertainment.com; band, Fandangos, Function Central, 0333 242 0560, www.functioncentral.co.uk