A clifftop celebration overlooking the Cornish sea, where sunset shades, sentimental details and Catherine Deane bridal separates came together for a wedding that felt completely their own.

Lydia and Toby’s story began with the kind of university meet-cute that feels almost scripted. After Toby helped Lydia with her bags from the train, they went their separate ways, only to find themselves standing at the same halls of residence fifteen minutes later.

They kept bumping into each other, a first date followed, and nearly ten years later Toby proposed on a crisp winter morning at Ashton Court Estate. With Bristol stretching out below them and the sun shining overhead, he got down on one knee on the day of Lydia’s 30th birthday celebrations.

That evening, they surprised their closest friends and family with the news.

Finding Her Catherine Deane Look

After trying on countless wedding dresses where something never felt quite right, Lydia discovered Catherine Deane’s bridal separates.

It changed everything.

At the Catherine Deane London Boutique, she created her bridal look with the Alea Bodice, Anya Topper and Zuri Skirt. The separates gave her the freedom to mix and match pieces that felt entirely her own, while also allowing her to adapt her look throughout the day.

“I loved the freedom to mix and match pieces to create something that truly felt like me.”

From the beautiful setting of the London Boutique to the team who helped her discover her look, the experience felt different from everything she had tried before.

“It felt personal, effortless and unlike anything else I’d tried.”

Her accessories were chosen with just as much thought. Delicate pearl hair grips, a surprise from her mum, beautifully complemented the Anya Topper, while beaded earrings added another subtle detail.

Later in the day, Lydia changed into a particularly meaningful necklace that had previously been worn by her grandma, mum, aunty and cousin on their own wedding days. Her Penhaligon’s Solaris fragrance also held a special connection to her late aunty, while its warm, sun-soaked scent captured Lydia and Toby’s shared love of sunshine and the sea.

A vintage-inspired shell-shaped beaded bag with a hint of blue completed the look, a playful nod to the Cornish setting.

Sea, Sunset and Something Blue

Cornwall had always held a special place in Lydia and Toby’s story. They met while studying in Devon and had both spent time in Cornwall growing up, so a wedding by the coast felt natural.

Their venue came about almost by chance. During an anniversary stay at the St Moritz Hotel in Polzeath, they heard about a clifftop field behind the hotel that was occasionally used for weddings.

With uninterrupted sea views and the most beautiful sunset spot, they knew immediately they had found it.

Their blue and orange palette took inspiration from the sea at sunset, while Lydia’s bridal party became her “something blue”. Each person was encouraged to choose a blue outfit that made them feel comfortable and completely themselves, resulting in an effortless mix of shades, patterns, dresses and two-pieces.

The ceremony took place at St Michael’s Church in Rock, overlooking the estuary towards Padstow, before guests continued to the marquee high above the Cornish coastline.

Barefoot at Sunset

Among all the celebrations, Lydia’s favourite memories came from the moments that allowed them to simply enjoy being together.

During cocktail hour, she and Toby slipped away to the local beach with their photographer. For half an hour, it was just the two of them, giving them a chance to soak up the excitement and happiness of finally being married.

Later, a few drinks in, they found themselves dancing barefoot on hay bales outside the marquee. Their friends surrounded them, the band played in the background and the sun slowly set over the sea.

It was everything they had wanted the day to feel like.

Lydia’s advice for future brides reflects that same approach:

“Don’t get caught up in what’s trending with weddings or dresses. Focus on what feels most authentically you and don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Because in the end, it isn’t the colour of the napkins that stays with you. It’s the memories, the people you love and the feeling of being completely present in it all.

Vendor Love

Photographer & Videographer: @adamandanna
Florist: @sophieflowers.studio
Marquee: @absolutecanvasmarquees
Catering: @adhoccatering
Wedding Planner: @tidetheknotweddingplanning
Groom’s Suit: Thom Sweeney
Wedding Rings: @cmsjewellers
Hair: @hairfromtheheart_
Makeup: @gracesimkins_mua
Hotel: @stmoritzhotel.cornwall