Real Wedding Inspiration: A Coastal Wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel - Hannah and Sean
Real Wedding Inspiration: A Coastal Wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel - Hannah and Sean
By Lulu’s Primrose Bakery | Luxury Wedding Cakes in Devon & Cornwall
As the year draws to a close, the quieter moments of November offer the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the highlights of a truly unforgettable wedding season. As a luxury wedding cake designer in Devon, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the final results, captured beautifully in images sent by my couples after their big day.
After months of collaboration and careful attention to every detail, there’s something so special about seeing the wedding cake styled within the setting it was lovingly designed for. It’s where all the inspiration, conversations, and creativity come to life.
Today, I’m so excited to share a stunning real wedding from earlier this year: Hannah and Sean’s elegant celebration at The Venue, Sandy Cove Hotel—a breathtaking coastal wedding venue in North Devon. Their day was beautifully documented by Yeti Photography, and every detail—from the ocean backdrop to the tablescape styling—was a dream to work with.
If you're planning a Devon or Cornwall wedding and searching for ideas that blend effortless luxury with coastal charm, this real wedding is packed with inspiration. From the bespoke wedding cake design to the thoughtful finishing touches, it’s all about the details.
Let’s take a closer look at this unforgettable day…
Wedding Inspiration – The Venue
It was easy to see why Hannah and Sean fell in love with the Sandy Cove Hotel—a hidden gem perched high on a clifftop in Ilfracombe, North Devon. Surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this modern coastal venue offers some of the most breathtaking views in the South West, making it a dream location for couples seeking a romantic and scenic wedding backdrop.
The hotel boasts uninterrupted panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastline, and the rolling hills of Exmoor, creating a dramatic and unforgettable setting for ceremonies and receptions alike. With its sleek, contemporary architecture and glass-fronted ceremony space, Sandy Cove blends modern luxury with the wild beauty of the Devon coast.
For Hannah and Sean, it wasn’t just the view that made this venue special—it was the sense of peace and seclusion. The location allowed them to celebrate with loved ones in a space that felt both intimate and open, surrounded by nature and kissed by the sea breeze. It’s no wonder they chose Sandy Cove Hotel as the place to say “I do”—a venue that offered not only luxury and style but also a deep connection to the natural beauty of North Devon.
Wedding Inspiration – The Wedding Style
Hannah and Sean’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of romance, elegance, and natural charm, perfectly set against the dramatic coastal backdrop of the Sandy Cove Hotel in North Devon. With panoramic sea views and a secluded clifftop setting, the venue provided an unforgettable canvas for their intimate and stylish celebration.
Their chosen colour palette featured a dreamy combination of blush pinks, fresh natural greens, crisp whites, and touches of rose gold, creating a soft yet luxurious feel that flowed effortlessly throughout the day. These tones were reflected in every detail, from the elegant menus and refined table linens to the overall styling of the ceremony and reception spaces.
Florals by Floral Art Devon added the perfect finishing touch—romantic, garden-inspired arrangements that looked freshly picked and full of natural texture. Soft, seasonal blooms in muted tones brought warmth and charm to the space, enhancing the clifftop venue’s serene atmosphere without overwhelming its natural beauty.
Every detail of the day was carefully considered to reflect Hannah and Sean’s personal style—modern, romantic, and understatedly luxurious. Their wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel was a stunning example of how thoughtful design and a breathtaking location can come together to create a celebration that’s both intimate and unforgettable.
Wedding Inspiration – Cake Details
Hannah was an absolute delight to work with—full of warmth, creativity, and a clear vision for the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere she wanted to create for her special day. When it came to the wedding cake, she knew exactly the look she was after: something that felt both timeless and contemporary, with just the right amount of rustic charm to suit the coastal elegance of Sandy Cove Hotel.
We decided on a three-tier semi-naked cake, a classic choice that allowed the natural textures of the sponge and fillings to shine through while maintaining a polished and refined appearance. The semi-naked finish was the perfect complement to the wedding’s romantic, modern style—simple, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful.
The flavours were chosen with great care to reflect both Hannah and Sean’s personal tastes and to offer their guests a variety of indulgent experiences. The bottom tier featured my signature White Chocolate and Raspberry—a soft, delicate sponge layered with smooth white chocolate buttercream and a vibrant, tangy handmade raspberry jam. The middle tier was a rich and comforting Toffee and Salted Caramel sponge, filled with decadent salted caramel sauce and silky caramel buttercream—a definite crowd-pleaser. For the top tier, Hannah opted for something a little more floral and romantic: Raspberry and Rose—a fragrant, subtly sweet combination that felt light, fresh, and perfect for the spring season.
The cake was decorated simply with a few delicate fresh flowers and seasonal berries, tying in beautifully with the couple’s colour palette of soft pinks, greens, and rose gold. Placed against the stunning backdrop of Sandy Cove’s sea views, the cake became a true focal point—a symbol of love, celebration, and shared joy.
This bespoke design not only looked beautiful but truly reflected the couple’s personality and the relaxed luxury of their North Devon wedding day.
Personalised Wedding Favour Biscuits – A Sweet Touch of Thoughtfulness
ust as a wedding cake can be beautifully tailored to reflect a couple’s style and theme, I absolutely love how edible wedding favours can bring that same sense of charm and personalisation to each guest’s place setting. For Hannah and Sean, creating a cohesive, thoughtful guest experience was clearly important, and their wedding favour biscuits were the perfect way to add an extra layer of sweetness to their celebration.
They chose to treat each of their 124 guests to one of our signature white chocolate and vanilla snap biscuits, which not only taste divine but are also designed to be a feast for the eyes. Each biscuit was carefully hand-crafted and topped with pale blush pink fondant, perfectly matching their romantic colour palette of pinks, greens, and rose gold. The biscuits were then personalised with the couple’s initials and wedding date, elegantly stamped into the fondant and accented with delicate sugar pearls for a subtle hint of sparkle.
Displayed next to their charming table menus, the biscuits made a beautiful visual impact and served as a lovely, memorable keepsake for guests to take home—or enjoy on the day! It’s thoughtful details like these that elevate the overall wedding design, showing how even the smallest elements can make a big impression.
These custom wedding favour biscuits tied in effortlessly with Hannah and Sean’s elegant aesthetic and were a true reflection of the love and care they put into every part of their North Devon wedding at Sandy Cove Hotel.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Hannah and Sean
Hannah and Sean’s wedding day was the perfect blend of romance, elegance, and coastal charm, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sandy Cove Hotel in North Devon. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that every detail had been lovingly thought through—from the soft, romantic colour palette to the personalised touches that made the celebration feel so uniquely “them.”
Their vision came to life in the most beautiful way. The styling was timeless yet fresh, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and pairing perfectly with the venue’s dramatic sea views and natural beauty. It was an absolute honour to contribute to such a special day, creating not only their bespoke luxury wedding cake but also their custom white chocolate and vanilla snap biscuits as elegant edible favours for their 124 guests.
I am incredibly grateful to Hannah and Sean for entrusting me with such meaningful elements of their wedding and for sharing the gorgeous professional images that so beautifully capture the atmosphere, joy, and aesthetic of their celebration at The Venue at Sandy Cove.
To Hannah and Sean—thank you for letting me play a small part in your love story. It was a joy to be involved, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and sweet memories as husband and wife.
Testimonial
“We just wanted to say thanks so much for our beautiful wedding cake and favour biscuits! They both looked absolutely beautiful and tasted amazing too! We couldn’t have been happier with them xxx”
-Hannah & Sean
If you're planning a romantic wedding in Devon or Cornwall, and looking for inspiration, be sure to browse more real weddings on our blog. Each post features beautiful styling, real couple stories, and ideas for your own unforgettable day.