Real Wedding: Olivia & Joe’s Romantic Coastal Wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel, Devon
Real Wedding: Olivia & Joe’s Romantic Coastal Wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel, Devon
Perched high on the cliffs of the North Devon coastline, Sandy Cove Hotel set the scene for Olivia and Joe’s beautifully personal wedding day—an elegant and joyful celebration filled with heartfelt details and one extra-special guest: their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who proudly took on the role of ring bearer.
Among the many highlights of this seaside wedding was the couple’s semi-naked wedding cake, adorned with fresh berries and topped with a custom figure of their four-legged friend—an edible showstopper that captured their personality and love story perfectly. It was an honour to create their bespoke wedding cake, which tied seamlessly into the natural, relaxed elegance of the day.
A huge thank you to Laura at Freeform Images for kindly sharing her stunning photography, which beautifully captured each thoughtful detail, from the sea views and ceremony moments to the cake and finishing touches.
A Breathtaking North Devon Wedding Venue
Sandy Cove Hotel, located near Ilfracombe in North Devon, is one of the South West’s most sought-after coastal wedding venues. With panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffside scenery, and serene surroundings, it’s easy to see why Olivia and Joe chose this special place to say “I do.”
The couple made the most of the outdoor ceremony space, exchanging vows under blue skies with the sea shimmering behind them. Guests were seated on the sun-soaked terrace, surrounded by soft greenery and floral details that matched the laid-back yet luxurious feel of the day.
The Bride, the Groom & a Star Pup
Olivia looked radiant in her long-sleeved lace wedding dress with a flowing train and delicate veil. Her bouquet featured a loose, romantic arrangement of ivory roses, peonies, and seasonal greenery, adding a fresh and natural feel to her look. Joe opted for a soft green tailored suit, bringing an earthy, elegant tone that complemented the landscape and spring season beautifully.
But it was their Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Roxy, who stole hearts throughout the day. Dressed in a smart doggy bowtie and proudly carrying the rings, he had his very own moment in the spotlight as ring bearer. His face even graced the welcome signage, which read:
“Sit & Stay – My Pawrents Are Getting Married Today!”
—a playful and personal touch that guests absolutely adored.
The Wedding Cake: A Semi-Naked, Berry-Adorned Beauty
I was honoured to design and create Olivia and Joe’s bespoke wedding cake, which took centre stage at their reception. The couple chose a two-tier semi-naked cake, a timeless and stylish choice that paired perfectly with the relaxed coastal vibe of their day.
To enhance the natural look, the cake was decorated with a generous scattering of fresh seasonal fruits and berries—think juicy strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and figs. This not only added vibrant colour and texture but also gave the cake a fresh, summery feel that worked beautifully with the outdoor setting.
At the top, a bespoke bride and groom cake topper featuring their Staffy added the perfect finishing touch—a fun and meaningful detail that made the cake truly theirs.
Positioned near the panoramic windows of the reception space, the cake stood out against the dramatic coastal backdrop, glowing in the afternoon sun and drawing admiring glances (and hungry guests!) throughout the celebration.
Heartfelt Moments & Unforgettable Details
Every part of Olivia and Joe’s wedding was filled with thoughtful, personal touches, from the floral arrangements and stationery to the relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Their dog Roxy wasn’t just part of the theme; she was part of the day, making it feel even more personal and love-filled.
There was such a joyful energy in the air, with laughter, happy tears, and heartfelt speeches echoing through the venue as the sun set over the water. As a supplier, it’s always a privilege to witness these moments and know that the cake I created played a small but meaningful role in a couple’s most important day.
A Personal Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to Olivia and Joe for choosing me to create their bespoke wedding cake for their beautiful celebration at Sandy Cove Hotel in Devon. It was an absolute pleasure to bring your cake vision to life and to be part of such a meaningful, joy-filled day. Your attention to detail, the inclusion of your beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and your warm energy made it truly unforgettable. Wishing you both (and your lovely pup!) a lifetime of love, laughter, and sweet memories.
Looking for a Wedding Cake Designer in Devon or Cornwall?
If you’re planning a wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel, or celebrating anywhere across Devon and Cornwall, and you're searching for a luxury wedding cake that’s as unforgettable in flavour as it is in design, I’d be delighted to help bring your vision to life. Whether you're dreaming of a rustic semi-naked cake with fresh berries or a timeless fondant design, every cake I create is bespoke, personal, and crafted with care.
Take a moment to explore my wedding cake gallery, browse more real weddings on the blog, or get in touch to begin planning your perfect centrepiece.
You can view more of Lauras incredible work on her website: www.freeformimages.co.uk – she’s an absolute joy to work with and her photographs truly speak for themselves.