Jak and Ellie’s Wedding

Jak and Ellie’s wedding was a golden September day, celebrated at the Ferryboat Inn in the little Cornish village of Helford Passage.  We rented one of the old Coastguard Cottages.It looked straight out onto the Helford River. And just up the road was the Ferryboat Inn.Such beautiful weather for late September!  We enjoyed sitting out on the terrace with family as they arrived.  Photographers everywhere.It was a good place for the bride to put her bouquet together, with a little help from her sister.  Intense concentration – after all, it’s not everyday you make a bridal bouquet.It’s beginning to come together now.And Dad’s very proud of his girls.More of Stephen’s daughters arrived, laden with food, drink and posh frocks!It was a happy and very special occasion to have Ellie and her three sisters all staying with us in the cottage before her wedding day.Lots of talk and fun and chatter and wine.Just a little bit of knitting too ….Bride Ellie was up early the next day.   A beautiful day dawning on the Helford River.  A penny for your thoughts, Ellie, as you look out on the day ahead!The hairdresser arrived.  The result was beautiful – you’ll see later.Getting the posh frocks ready with a bit of ironing.Checking the day was indeed going to be as beautiful at Helford Passage as it had first promised.The stress lines show (yes, those are cigarette stubs!)Adding the finishing touches to the bouquet.You now get a glimpse of how beautiful the bride’s hair is.Some people are now in their posh frocks … others aren’t.A last quick look in the mirror for the bride.  A very proud dad with his beautiful daughter, Ellie.A bit of helpful Dutch courage … And finally we are all ready to leave the cottage!It was a bit of a hectic drive to the Registry Office in Helston and we only just got there in time.But the wedding all went OK .  The bride and the groom signed the register. Their mums also signed the register as witnesses to the marriage.I give you the new Mr and Mrs Garraway!And it was back to the Ferryboat Inn for a happy and golden day, sitting in the warm September sun.During the long, golden day, Jak and Ellie walked around the harbour, mingling with the ordinary tourists and visitors.Their dedicated photographers were in tow – and, most importantly, Bailey (their cockapoo spaniel) had joined the party now.There was an old war bunker above the harbour which was thought to be a good place for the photoshoot (you can just see them at the top right of the picture, amid all the leafery).Following the lunch, Stephen gave a speech.And Jak responded.Earning a big hug!Ellie had made a beautiful wedding display of cupcakes, tiffin and roses.  And you can see the bunting which Stephen and I made hanging all over the pub!  (More on the bunting factory here.) Such a happy day – and evening too.  Lots of good talk and food and banter – and even cards!Happy, happy days together, Jak and Ellie!  We’ll all remember sharing the very first day of your marriage with you! Thanks to Cathy Ricketts for the great photos at the beginning and end of this blog.