Some people say there’s nothing traditional about meeting online, but for Emma and Henry, it felt exactly right. After three weeks of non-stop messaging, they finally met in person and have been inseparable ever since.
A couple of years later, Henry chose one of their favourite coastal escapes, the Woolacombe Beach Hotel, to pop the question. With sea views, fresh air and a place full of happy memories, it was the perfect setting to start the next chapter.
Wedding planning followed quickly, with one clear vision: somewhere grand, quirky, and full of character for their 60 guests. They found exactly that at the iconic Burgh Island Hotel in Bigbury-on-Sea. Known for its art deco glamour and tidal access, it was love at first sight (they only visited the one venue!).
With a black-tie dress code set, Emma and Henry decided they wanted to share the spotlight equally. They had already made the decision to walk down the aisle together, so why shouldn’t they both wear ivory?
Through word of mouth, Henry was recommended to Sharif Tailoring and commissioned a fully bespoke Gatsby-style dinner suit. The design felt perfectly at home with the hotel’s 1930s art deco elegance. Emma found her dramatic cathedral-length Sassi Holford gown online, and brought it to Sharif to be expertly tailored to her frame, along with the addition of a bespoke belt that tied the whole look together.
After a stormy morning on the 31st August 2025 which made early guest arrivals via the iconic sea tractor very ‘touch-and-go’ (the hotel saved the day with laundering and drying guests soaked dinner suits) the skies cleared in time for the ceremony and champagne reception.
The ceremony took place in the hotel’s Nettlefold Restaurant at 4:30pm, a time dictated entirely by the island’s tides. Access to the island is only possible at low tide, meaning guests (and any hypothetical objectors!) needed a clear path during the ceremony. It added a wonderfully unique sense of theatre to the day.
Flowers were kept simple and elegant in ivory and white, with natural foliage throughout. The couple were mindful not to over-decorate; the art deco splendour of the hotel provided more than enough atmosphere and detail on its own.
