Homemade: Lara and Darren deliver a rustic seaside wedding

Lara Gibbs and Darren Carwardine travelled to the other side of the world to meet.

The Bath couple, both aged 30, met while visiting New Zealand for study. “My friend recognised him from Bristol where we were at university and I went with her to say hi because he was clearly a hottie,” laughs Lara. “We had never met in Bristol despite being there for four years.”

Five years later they were engaged on a cold day in Pembrokeshire, on a clifftop with a sapphire ring. “We don’t really like to overdo romance but that day was pretty perfect,” smiles Lara. There began their rustic seaside wedding planning for June 19, 2015.

They married at the bride’s parents home in Dinas Cross on the coast with their beautiful garden and a marquee. “Our rustic, homemade wedding was all about our favourite people being in our favourite place,” explains Lara. “It was certainly not the most lavish wedding but there were 125 wonderful people by the sea, in the sun, drinking great wine – so what’s not to love?”

Photos courtesy of Kevin Belson Photography.

Lara’s gorgeous Naomi Neoh gown featured a dramatic circular train.

The decor helped create the rustic atmosphere in the bride’s parent’s garden.

Platters provided a help-yourself option for guests to nibble on.