With a cupcake tower wedding cake, the sea meets sky horizon as their backdrop and the grace of the sun, this English beach wedding was the epitome of laid-back style. We take a closer look at their big day.

Photography by M D Harrison Photography

It was beautiful summer’s day in September 2014 when occupational therapist Helen Porter and tailor Jack Stammers were married at St Andrews Church in Essex, with a reception at Ocean Beach in Thorpe Bay. “We wanted to get married in our hometown with a relaxed 'beside the seaside' feel,” Helen tells Bride. “An intimate church service followed by a beachside reception reflected our love of the sea.”

Was this a DIY wedding?
Friends and family helped with many elements of the wedding from designing the invitations to making the bridesmaids’ dresses. I had designed my own dress and as Jack is a bespoke tailor, he had no problem in making the perfect suit, using sunflowers for the buttonholes.

What did you seek in your hair and makeup?
My makeup was really important to me as I didn't want to look overdone - Katie understood what I wanted perfectly and my bridesmaids and I were delighted with the natural and fresh look that lasted all day.

What did you have as entertainment?
We drank and danced to singer Black Elvis as the sun went down on the water, followed by a spectacular fireworks display (which was slightly overshadowed by a friend running into the sea in just his underpants!). 

Were you happy with the photographs?
The photographer captured the day perfectly; we were amazed at how thorough and creative he was in finding the perfect shots to reflect the whole feel of the day.

Where did you honeymoon?
In Barbados!

Steal their style:

Photography: M D Harrison Photography, www.mdharrison.co.uk
Venue: Ocean Beach, www.ocean-beach.co.uk
Dressmaker: Jane Smith, www.janesmithfabrics.co.uk
Bridesmaids dresses: Sarah Barlow, www.wealdhandmade.co.uk
Make-up artist: Katie Poole, www.katiepoole.com
Suits: by Jack Stammers at Thom Sweeney www.thomsweeney.co.uk
Invitations: Poppy Stammers
Flowers: Sophie Wilson, www.flowers-by-sophie-wilson.co.uk