Tags: South West Devon Colourful weddings

A Garden Themed Coral Wedding: Fiona & Rian

31 Mar 2015

A Plymouth Cathedral Wedding with a Magical Garden Theme

The tables were turned as wedding photographer Fiona Walsh, got married – she tells us her story behind her garden themed, coral wedding at Plymouth Cathedral

Photography by Liam Crawley

Image gallery

Having photographed weddings for ten years I found myself in a peculiar position in becoming the bride myself. I had always dreamt of what it must feel like whilst being part of so many bridal preparations and ceremonies. I had witnessed so much over the years and so had high expectations of the experience. It was everything and more that I hoped for; thrilling, sensational, emotional, and most of all meaningful.

The difficult bit was finding someone to do the job that I do. I searched for a long time and then came across Liam Crawley who was amazing and just as passionate as I was. I thoroughly enjoyed the photo session part, it made my husband, Rian, and I feel extra special with cameras on us in our stunning outfits.

The lace wedding dress and cathedral-length train

I always knew the kind of dress I wanted; tulle and lace, delicate, with a massive train. I was so lucky to find the perfect dress made in Aphrodite Brides by Benjamin Roberts. It has incredible lacing on the bust, and lace panels going around the dress. I wore two hoops underneath to give it more shape, finished with a stunning veil 144” long.

The big day

Waking up on the morning of the wedding was wonderful. I opened my eyes to see my stunning wedding dress hanging up. Those getting ready moments with my mum and two amazing bridesmaids will be ones I will cherish forever. It was exciting, special, and full of love and delight. I presented my mum with a personalised hanky, and the girls with necklaces.

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Fiona's most memorable moments

There are two moments during the whole day that hold a special place in my heart and bring tears to my eyes: two good friends opening Plymouth Cathedral doors as ‘Pachelbel’s Canon in D’ resonated the building. I had my veil over my face, my dad took my hand, and I walked down the aisle with so many loving faces looking at me. The second is having friends cheer and throw confetti on us.

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A garden-themed wedding with ferns and ivy

Rian and I both adore nature so we made a garden-type theme with ferns and ivy on the tables with fairy lights. The place names had uplifting quotes on them and slotted into pieces of wood that Rian cut up. It was magical.

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Fiona's Top Tips:

Make the wedding personal to you, rather than thinking you need to stick with tradition. We had our cake sculptured into the film Back to the Future, made by Mr Buns.
Take some time out away from the venue to gaze upon the party and take in your day etc. The time will fly by.
For that reason, invest in a good photographer as that aspect of it represents all that planning and cost, and more importantly captures those special moments in a way that you can reconnect to.
Wear a long veil, they’re great for photos

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