At Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, we relish the opportunity to celebrate the unconventional and quirky. A Halloween wedding, in particular, is a treat for us, as it embodies the atmospheric and moody essence of the season. The combination of dark romance and vibrant autumn colors creates a unique and captivating ambiance.As we dive into the world of WWW followers Kiera and Gökhan’s October 30th, 2019 nuptials at Cooling Castle Barn in Kent, we’re transported to a whimsical realm of wonder. The barn was transformed with a mystical fairy light canopy, an abundance of pumpkins, and opulent centerpieces that added to the magical atmosphere. Kiera’s bouquet stole the show, featuring a stunning combination of feathers, eucalyptus, pin cushion, berries, protea, lilies, and amaranthus.The attire was nothing short of breathtaking, with sweet treats like a candy cart and chocolate fountain taking center stage. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – the show-stopping cake that left us in awe. We’re thrilled to feature Thyme Lane Photography, a WWW favorite and member of our Supplier Love wedding directory, as they expertly captured the beauty of this unforgettable day. The smoke bomb portraits are truly breathtaking, leaving us in wonder.
The Proposal
As we strolled through Istanbul’s enchanting streets, Gökhan led me to the iconic Kız Kulesi, The Maiden’s Tower, where romance filled the air. With the city’s vibrant energy as our backdrop, he surprised me with a simple yet meaningful proposal. We had spent the day exploring the breathtaking Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia, but little did I know that Gökhan had been hiding the ring in his jacket all along, waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question. As we paused to take in the breathtaking view of the city at night, he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his forever. The proposal was free from grand gestures or elaborate surprises, instead, it was an intimate and genuine expression of our love, shared between just the two of us.
The Vision
We’re not the sentimental type, and we craved a wedding that defied convention. Our affinity for Halloween only added to our desire for something unconventional. Gone were the traditional white flowers, as well as any hints of Adele or Ed Sheeran – too cliché for our taste. Instead, we yearned for an atmosphere that was lively and vibrant, and fortunately, my husband Gökhan shared my enthusiasm for a spooky celebration. We envisioned a dark, mystical setting with succulents and leaves replacing the usual rose-and-sunflower arrangement. And, of course, a plethora of pumpkins to bring it all together.
The Planning Process
With a natural flair for organisation, the wedding planning process unfolded with ease. Within a month of getting engaged, all major details were locked in – our florist, chocolatier, and sweet cart supplier, as well as the venue, were secured by early March 2019. We aimed to tie the knot in October 2019, so time was of the essence. Fortunately, our dream venue was available on our desired date, allowing us to finalise the booking. As a laid-back couple, we didn’t stress too much about the planning process – when something didn’t work out or wasn’t within budget, we simply moved forward. I personally found the experience enjoyable and would happily embark on it again.
Budget
Given the dual wedding celebrations we had planned – one in Turkey, where we reside, and another in the UK – it was essential to exercise fiscal responsibility. While we didn’t establish a rigid budget from the onset, we knew that prudence would be necessary to ensure our financial resources were allocated effectively.
The Venue
We opted for Cooling Castle Barn in Kent as our wedding venue due to its unique barn setting, which perfectly aligned with our vision. A friend’s prior experience at the venue also influenced our decision, as they had raved about the property’s suitability for weddings. The venue’s staff were incredibly accommodating throughout the planning process and on the day itself. We took care of some decorative elements, such as the ceremony room setup and gifts table, while the staff kindly lent a hand with the setup to save us time. Cooling Castle Barn boasts stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, delectable cuisine, and an impressive list of recommended suppliers. The venue’s versatility allowed it to seamlessly incorporate our Halloween theme, and the exceptional staff were always happy to lend assistance throughout the day. One notable highlight was the clever use of spotlights during the Wedding Breakfast, which created a dramatic effect by casting individual table highlights – this added a magical touch to our centerpieces.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I commissioned three custom dresses from Berlin Moda Evi in Marmaris, Turkey, with two designed specifically for my Turkish wedding and the third for my UK celebration. The mermaid-style lace bodice of my UK dress was altered to feature a black lace corset, matching my shoes and veil perfectly. My bespoke veil was crafted with white tulle, black lace, and rhinestones adorning the edges. Initially, I had envisioned a black dress, but after some persuasion from my mum, I opted for a different hue as long as I could still incorporate black accessories. My jewellery consisted of family heirlooms and thoughtful gifts, while my hair pieces were sourced from small Turkish shops. A birthday gift from Gökhan became my stunning headpiece, and the hair jewellery that wrapped around my bun was a self-purchased treat – matching pieces in various colours adorned my bridesmaids’ hairstyles as well. In collaboration with my mum, we crafted custom black shoes by modifying stilettos with lace and adding rhinestones individually, requiring considerable time and effort but yielding a flawless result.
Beauty
Our pre-wedding preparations were made even more enjoyable by our talented team of makeup artists and hairstylists. Despite their early arrival at 8AM, they managed to get all 7 ladies ready in time for the ceremony, which was scheduled to start at 1PM. Jordan, who has worked with me before, brought her expertise as a makeup artist, taking our color preferences on board to create stunning looks for each of the bridesmaids. Jo, our hair expert, equally impressed us with her creative styling, crafting beautiful half-up/half-down dos with twisted plaits across the back. I opted for a high bun that perfectly complemented my overall aesthetic.
Groomsmen
Gökhan’s sartorial choices were noteworthy for their understated elegance. Eschewing the traditional concept of groomsmen, he instead opted to wear two distinct outfits. The first ensemble featured dark, smart chino jeans paired with a crisp white shirt and complemented by a navy blue jacket from Damat’ in Marmaris. He added a touch of sophistication with suit chains and stylish shoes crafted by a private shoemaker in the same city. Perhaps most impressively, Gökhan managed to find a tie that harmoniously matched his shoes.
The Readings & Music
I curated our UK wedding playlist with personal touches, as we opted for a symbolic blessing ceremony instead of a legal one. My uncle read out the bespoke blessing I wrote, inspired by online research. We deliberately steered clear of popular choices like Adele or Ed Sheeran and sought unique tunes to make our special moments truly unforgettable. For my walk down the aisle, I chose Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Ray, while our first dance was performed by Andrew Garcia with a captivating cover of Controlla by Drake. This song holds sentimental value for us, as it was one of our favorite jams when we first met. We were so thrilled to discover an amazing cover version just three weeks prior to the wedding that we both fell in love with – a perfect addition to our special day!
Bridesmaids
After selecting Bella Grace Event Dresses for my bridesmaid’s outfits, we faced a challenge finding the perfect dress style that everyone liked. Black was our top choice, but narrowing it down proved more difficult than expected. Ultimately, we settled on a simple off-the-shoulder chiffon dress. When sizing became an issue, I reached out to the shop and provided my bridesmaids’ measurements. They recommended the correct size to order, even going so far as to send the measurements to their supplier to ensure a custom fit. Upon arrival, we did need to make some minor adjustments (as they suggested ordering a bit larger for peace of mind). The result was dresses that exceeded expectations – great quality and surprisingly affordable. My bridesmaids looked stunning!
The Flowers
The resident florist at Cooling Castle, Danny Watchorn, took charge of our flowers. I shared some images showcasing the styles we liked, leaving the details open-ended for him to bring his creativity to the table. As a result, the flowers were a delightful surprise – a true reflection of Danny’s expertise and artistic flair. The centre-pieces at the wedding breakfast equally impressed, with an abundance of pumpkins that exceeded my expectations. Not only did he design these stunning arrangements, but he also added a touch of magic to the barn with his clever use of lighting and hung our flags on the back wall. Throughout the planning process, Danny demonstrated exceptional communication skills, embracing the uncertainty of our vision and delivering a final product that far exceeded our imagination.
The Cake
We opted for a non-traditional wedding cake, commissioning a vanilla sponge covered in black sugar paste. The matte finish looked stunning, and we entrusted the decoration to Danny, our florist, who also supplied the large wooden log that served as the cake’s base. His handiwork extended not only to the cake but also the surrounding table, creating a cohesive look. The cake itself was divine, courtesy of local baker Homemade with Love Cakes, whom I had previously worked with for birthday celebrations and whose confections never fail to impress. With their combined expertise, they ensured the cake could support Danny’s elaborate decorations, eliminating the need for me to act as intermediary – a relief, considering my limited knowledge in both cakes and flowers! The end result was breathtakingly beautiful, making it difficult to resist taking a slice.
Your Photographer
Our photographer, Noemi from Thyme Lane Photography, brought an undeniable flair to our special day. She was joined by Alex, her trusted second shooter, who worked tirelessly to capture every moment. What drew me to Noemi’s work was her distinct style – a blend of dark and moody tones that perfectly reflected the mood we aimed to convey. Unlike many photographers, she didn’t shy away from our unconventional Halloween-themed wedding. Instead, she fully immersed herself in the atmosphere, producing images that were nothing short of breathtaking. On the day itself, Noemi’s warmth and professionalism shone through, as she and Alex worked tirelessly to deliver a treasure trove of fantastic photographs. We couldn’t be more delighted with the results – Noemi truly is a master of her craft, with an eye for capturing unique moments that few others can match.
Your Filmmaker
As we exchanged our vows, we had the privilege of collaborating with Gökhan, a talented wedding filmmaker in Turkey. His passion for storytelling inspired him to create his own unique video on the day. Given that our weddings were spread across two weeks, with three distinct celebrations, it was more practical to produce a personalized video that would encompass all the special moments. While we appreciated the art of capturing weddings on film, we yearned for something that reflected our relaxed and playful personalities. So, we opted for a vlog-style short movie that showcased our special day in an unconventional yet memorable way.
The Details & Décor
We took on the task of personalizing every detail at our wedding breakfast, working closely with Danny the florist to achieve the perfect look. We added some special touches ourselves, including designing the cards and gifts table, memorial signs, social media signs, guest book, and small chocolate favours that reflected our personalities. I also created our own table plan and had it printed, while all signs were designed by me. To get inspiration for our décor, we browsed through stores like The Range, B&M, and Etsy online. We then got creative with DIY projects, such as painting wicker baskets black to fit our theme and ordering custom signs that we painted ourselves. Each table was named after one of our beloved pets, and I ordered custom MDF laser cut names from eBay. We painted them and mounted them onto small slices of wood to complete the look. To give our guests a personal connection to each table, I also had photos of our fur babies printed and framed for display.As part of our self-sufficiency, we completely decorated the ceremony room ourselves, using materials purchased from The Range, B&M, Amazon, and Etsy. We aimed to create a whimsical woodland atmosphere with an abundance of pumpkins. To achieve this, I found a local pick-your-own pumpkin farm and pre-ordered a large quantity, which we picked up just two days before the wedding. We then transformed the ceremony room into a pumpkin paradise, incorporating fake ivy, flowers, and 1000 black silk rose petals that lined the aisle. The staff at Cooling ensured our decorations were moved seamlessly to the other barn for the rest of the wedding celebration, maximizing their impact. As we had an overabundance of pumpkins post-wedding, we donated them to a local animal sanctuary to feed the animals.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
The morning of my wedding day was an unforgettable experience. As I got ready with my 8-person entourage – including me, Gökhan, three bridesmaids, my mum, dad, and nan – the atmosphere was electric. Despite the chaos, we had an absolute blast together. Gökhan and my dad stayed until 11:30 AM before departing to get ready themselves, allowing me to slip into my dress in a classic tradition. The bridal prep room at Cooling was stunningly beautiful and spacious, with delicious breakfast and elevenses served throughout. I had also arranged for a surprise performance by Ahenkli Music, a talented Turkish band that played a mesmerizing set of traditional Turkish music. Their appearance after our first dance left everyone in awe, with people spontaneously getting up to dance. But the pièce de résistance was yet to come – my auntie and uncle had been secretly rehearsing a choreographed routine and performed it after our first dances, leaving everyone stunned. It was an incredible surprise that added to the day’s unforgettable memories.
Advice For Other Couples
While the main events of a wedding day are certainly special, don’t underestimate the importance of the smaller moments too. It’s these quiet, intimate times with your partner and loved ones that can be just as memorable, if not more so. Take time to soak up the atmosphere during bridal prep, greet your guests with love and appreciation, and cherish those final moments before the night wraps up. And don’t miss out on the chance to connect with each other over a delicious breakfast or during conversations around the table. Remember, this is your day, and you should prioritize making memories together as much as possible. That might mean dancing under the stars, sharing a shot or two, or even getting ready together – whatever brings you joy! The key is to be present in each moment and savor the time spent with your partner.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
At the heart of this enchanting Cooling Castle Barn wedding was a perfect blend of traditional and modern elements, brought together by Thyme Lane Photography. The talented photographer captured every moment of Kiera and Gökhan’s special day, from the stunning venue to the delightful details that made it truly unforgettable. One of these standout features was the beautiful flowers arranged by Danny Watchorn, which added a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the sounds of Davul Zurna filled the air, providing an immersive experience for guests. The wedding party’s looks were flawless, with Jord Rogers MUA and @jf_hairstylist working their magic on Kiera and her bridesmaids, who wore exquisite B G Event Dresses. The bride’s stunning Berlin Moda Evi gown was a showstopper, while Personalised Gowns & Fans added an extra layer of romance to the proceedings. Other standout elements included the delicious homemade treats from Homemade With Love Cakes, the thoughtful name cards designed by emmaTcalligraphy, and the unique Personalised Makeup Bags created by RedLeaderUK. The wedding bands, courtesy of TheAladdinsCave, were a highlight of the evening, accompanied as they were by a whimsical Cake Topper Silhouette. As a nod to the season, PYO Pumpkins added a playful touch to the decor, while myprettyballoon’s Balloons On Gift Bags and Enola Gaye’s Smoke Bombs created an atmosphere that was truly magical. The couple’s special signs and table plan, designed by Designed by Me and printed by Printed.com, served as a beautiful reminder of their love story. It was an absolute pleasure to share Kiera and Gökhan’s unforgettable Cooling Castle Barn wedding with you.