Meet Our Couples
The Duke of Cornwall Hotel has been privileged in hosting wedding celebrations over several decades. Each of the couples who have chosen this as their wedding venue have become part of the hotel’s beautiful history. We’re proud to share a few of their stories here.
Emma and Joshua Williams
Emma and Joshua Williams celebrated their wedding at the Duke on Saturday 7th July 2018. Emma’s Mum Debbie helped the couple create their dream day, ensuring that their little boy Stanley was the star of the show. The couple met on holiday in Greece, with Josh from Rotherham and Emma from Plymouth. Emma moved to be with Josh, but they decided they wanted to celebrate their special day in Plymouth. After visiting lots of venues, Emma decided the Duke has captured her heart. She explained ‘nothing compared to the beautiful Duke of Cornwall, The hotel is stunning, inside and out. As soon as we stepped foot in the Ballroom our mind was made up and it just simply felt right’. 7th July was a special day for another reason too – England played Sweden in the World Cup 2018 semi-finals! Due to demand, Emma requested a screen so her guests could enjoy the match. Emma said her day was ‘simply breathtaking’ and that she would recommend the hotel in a heartbeat.
Kirsty and Martin Eastman
“We got engaged on Father’s Day 2016 at home and I started planning straight away. We picked the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth. I love this hotel and how regal it looks. My Mum and Dad, Susan and Kevin, helped a lot with the organising and sorting everything out down to the last details.
Waking up on the morning of the wedding I didn’t feel nervous at all, just really excited. I did start to feel nervous as I was walking towards the ceremony room when the pianist began to play – it all seemed very real at that point. Following the ceremony we had photos on the hotel’s grand staircase and in the unique Tower Suite (our honeymoon room for the night). We also had confetti shots on the red carpet outside the hotel.
Entering the Ballroom for the evening reception was surreal; I had no idea how it would look. My dad had made all of the centrepieces, cake stand and welcome board. He also arranged some surprises for the day including LOVE letter lights and a glittery backdrop. Our song for the first dance was selected by my husband – Lucky Man by The Verve. As we were dancing, my parents popped a large ceiling balloon above our heads and the dancefloor filled with smaller ivory and blue balloons, which the children loved. We danced away with the DJ playing until the end of the night.”
Photograph: Jay Stone
Michaela and James Lacey
Another couple who wed in 2016 are Michaela and James Lacey. The couple’s marriage service took place on Saturday 4th June 2016 in the intimate setting of St Gabriel’s, a beautiful old church at Postbridge, Dartmoor. The couple, who chose a neutral vanilla colour theme with a multicolour bouquet for the bride, were then transported to the Duke of Cornwall for the remainder of their wedding festivities. The reception, hosted in the grand restaurant, was a memorable affair, not least because of the Best Man’s unorthodox speech – a barrister by profession, he used this opportunity to give the unsuspecting James a courtroom-style interrogation, to the amusement of the couple’s 100-plus guests! Michaela is delighted with the couple’s choice of wedding venue: “It was absolutely fantastic. The staff were attentive, helpful and jolly. They’re very slick and just know what they’re doing so if we were stuck on what to do next, they’d always be there with a helpful suggestion.” After a night in the luxury of the Duke’s four-poster bridal suite, Michaela and James went on to their honeymoon in Ireland.
Siobhan and Niall Richards
“The Duke of Cornwall Hotel was the second venue we looked at. As soon as we walked through the door I knew it was where I wanted to get married. From the first moment we inquired to the day after the wedding the staff could not have been more helpful or lovelier. Our reception was in the same place as our ceremony and I liked the ease of having everything together. After a few group photos at the hotel, Niall and I went for some photos on the Hoe as the weather was so beautiful. The whole day was amazing and we would love to do it again”.
Image – Tailored Photography
Anthony and Marion Banbury
On Saturday 6th February 1965, after a traditional wedding service (conducted by the groom’s own grandfather) at St Michael’s Church in Devonport, newlyweds Anthony and Marion arrived by Rolls Royce at the Duke of Cornwall’s door for an unforgettable celebration. Marion wore a beautiful white wild silk dress with a guipure lace bodice and carried a bouquet of white freesias and red carnations, picking up on the bridesmaid’s red velvet dresses. Three-piece dark grey lounge suits were the order of the day for Anthony and the wedding party’s men. A meal of roast pork was enjoyed by 78 of the couple’s family and friends, with a live band providing the entertainment. After the reception, Anthony and Marion left for their honeymoon in London, with fond memories of their time at Duke that they still recall today. “We were lucky to have been able to come to the Duke, which was considered to be one of THE venues in Plymouth,” says Anthony. “It didn’t disappoint!” And what was most special about the day? “Marrying the most wonderful girl in the world with whom I was, and still am, very much in love.”
Teresa and Alan Lynch
Over 50 years later, the Duke of Cornwall’s appeal as a wedding day venue continues. On Saturday 28th May 2016, Teresa and Alan Lynch opted to spend their whole wedding experience at the Duke, from the night before the wedding, through to the ceremony and celebration, followed by their wedding night. Having the entire event in one location that offers everything a couple needs is a great way to take transport out of the equation and to ensure plenty of leisure time. As Teresa says, “The whole day was filled with happiness and laughter – a really relaxed occasion and a thoroughly relaxed day.” The couple chose a burgundy and ivory colour palette for the day and invited 25 guests to the service, increasing to 45 in the evening. Teresa adds: “Every aspect complemented each other to provide a truly memorable day for both of us and our guests.”