To combat the dreariness of winter’s grey skies, I’m thrilled to share a vibrant wedding celebration that will surely lift your spirits! Ben and Kirsty exchanged vows on July 1st, 2019, amidst the picturesque setting of Port Lympne Hotel & Safari Park in Kent. The couple cleverly incorporated their rainbow theme throughout the day, with bridesmaids dressed in each color of the spectrum, groomsmen sporting matching ties, and Kirsty stunning in her dip-dyed dress – all complemented by her husband’s bold rainbow-laced Vans. But what truly sets this wedding apart is its unconventional approach: a safari park adventure that included a drive to spot the park’s incredible wildlife! This couple prioritized having a blast over traditional formalities, and I think you’ll be delighted by their non-traditional celebration. They even discovered their talented band through the WWW Supplier Directory Members Bands For Hire – talk about thinking outside the box! Jonny Barratt Photography skillfully captured the joy and laughter of the day, and we’re grateful to share those moments with you, Jonny. So sit back, relax, and let this colorful celebration brighten up your winter’s day!
The Proposal
Ben and Kirsty’s relationship was built on shared experiences, not traditional milestones. When their year anniversary of cohabiting rolled around, Kirsty asked if they could spend the day together, sparking a series of events that would change their lives forever. As they woke up in bed, Kirsty pulled out her laptop to share a video montage of their adventures, carefully curated to end with the phrase ‘now for our next adventure.’ The emotional buildup was deliberate, as Kirsty turned to Ben and revealed an engraved pocket watch, asking him to marry her. With tears welling up in his eyes, Ben’s response was a heartfelt yes.
The Vision
As we planned the proposal, we naturally turned our attention to the most significant celebration in our future together: our wedding day. In discussing our vision for this special occasion, we both concluded that our shared passion for animals would be an integral part of the ceremony. With this in mind, we settled on a unique and unforgettable setting – a zoo or safari park, where love and wildlife could converge in perfect harmony. This decision reflected our desire to deviate from traditional wedding norms and instead create a vibrant, personalized celebration that truly reflects our personalities and relationship.
The Planning Process
As soon as we got engaged, we began planning meticulously, leaving us with roughly two years to prepare and save for the big day. While some tasks unfolded smoothly, others proved more challenging. We were fortunate to stumble upon our ideal venue early on, which also led us to finding the perfect band. However, as our wedding date drew near, we faced a new set of obstacles when we had to adjust certain aspects to accommodate the approaching deadline, ultimately causing the most stress.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
As they prepared for their special day, the happy couple, Ben and Kirsty, opted for attire that reflected the playful and whimsical theme. Ben’s suit, courtesy of Moss Bros., blended seamlessly with his groomsmen, while Kirsty’s dress from WED2BE was transformed into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece by dying the ends to match the vibrant hues of the rainbow. A thoughtful touch added to her overall look was a necklace featuring a bear, serving as a sweet reminder of their love story. In a tender gesture, Ben wore his treasured pocket watch from their engagement ceremony, while Kirsty surprised him with a silver hip flask engraved with a special message, making it a truly unique and meaningful token of their bond.
Beauty
For the special day, the attention to detail didn’t stop at the bride’s look, as her trusted bridesmaid Farn took charge of both hair and makeup styling. Additionally, a professional was hired by Kirsty to meticulously craft each of the bridesmaids’ nails, ensuring they looked their absolute best for the big event.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged our vows, a heartfelt reading was delivered by Farn, one of our closest bridesmaids. The ceremony was further elevated by the beautiful music provided by Harry and Abbie, who skillfully played the piano and sang during the intimate signing of the register. To get the party started, we had a talented DJ spinning tracks and a live band bringing the energy to keep our guests entertained all night long.
The Cake
The pièce de résistance was an animal-themed cake, crafted by a thoughtful family friend. As fate would have it, the sweltering heat of the day led to a rather…unconventional appearance for the cake. In fact, some of our guests initially thought the slight lean was a deliberate design choice, reflective of the unconventional nature of our special day.
The Flowers
In our case, neither my partner nor I have a penchant for flowers. We opted out of incorporating them into our celebration, reasoning that the stunning décor at the venue would more than suffice in creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Your Photographer
The Details & Décor
Ben crafted the centrepieces to resemble wildlife strolling through a serene park setting, where conventional flowers were replaced with whimsical lollipops forming vibrant bouquets. Meanwhile, the buttonholes took on a superhero theme, featuring intricate designs and details extracted from comic book pages, paying homage to Marvel’s iconic style.
Groomsmen
When it came to selecting groomsmen for the special day, Ben made a thoughtful choice by choosing seven men who held a special place in his heart. Two of these individuals were particularly close friends – Adam and Tom, who had been his companions through thick and thin. Additionally, Ben’s brother was also part of the group, lending an air of familial connection to the proceedings. The ushers, on the other hand, consisted of James, Harry, Joe, Ryan, and Wayne, a diverse bunch that brought their own unique energy to the occasion. Interestingly, the suits worn by the groomsmen were sourced from none other than Moss Bros., with the French Connection range being the specific collection chosen for its sleek and stylish aesthetic.
Bridesmaids
Kirsty’s bridal party boasted an impressive seven members: Jenni, Farn, Abbie, Laura, Becky, April, and Emma. What’s more remarkable is that her friend handcrafted the bridesmaids’ dresses, infusing each one with a unique hue inspired by the vibrant colors of the rainbow. This thoughtful touch added to the overall whimsy and romance of Kirsty’s big day.
The Honeymoon
Our annual anniversary getaway took us to Devon, a familiar destination that never fails to impress. However, we’re now setting our sights on a more extensive honeymoon adventure. The journey begins in Miami, where we’ll soak up the vibrant atmosphere before flying south to the Bahamas. One of the highlights will be swimming alongside adorable pigs at their natural habitat. Next, we’ll make our way to the Galapagos Islands, renowned for their incredible array of unique wildlife.
Memorable Moments
We carved out a special moment, stepping away from the hustle and bustle to indulge in an unforgettable experience – a leisurely stroll through the wilds, surrounded by the gentle company of wallabies, accompanied only by my partner and our trusted photographer.
Advice For Other Couples
When embarking on the journey of planning your wedding, it’s essential to adopt a flexible approach. Allow time for adjustments and adaptations as unexpected twists can arise, altering your initial vision. While your special day is undoubtedly significant, don’t let stress consume you. Instead, focus on sharing the experience with your closest loved ones – everything else falls into place once that foundation is established.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Jonny Barratt Photography’s lens captured the magic of Kirsty and Ben’s special day, where temptation towers and sweet treats at the photo booth didn’t disappoint. Definitive Sound got everyone moving on the dance floor, while Life in Stereo brought the house down with their energetic performance. Adding a touch of whimsy were chair sashes that added a little sparkle to the proceedings. Nicolas Clement’s magic tricks left guests bewildered, and the stunning wedding dress by Wed2b was a work of art. Little Black Dress’ seamstress skills ensured the bride looked radiant, and Moss Bros provided dapper suits for the groom. The bride’s shoes from KOKO Art were a stylish choice. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve proved to be the perfect setting for this vibrant celebration, where love, laughter, and joy filled every moment.