Wildly in Love: Alanna & Alex’s Safari Wedding at Port Lympne

We’re delighted to welcome this iconic Kent venue to the Journal with a wedding that perfectly captures its character. So, let’s hand over to Alanna to share their day in full, along with one very sound piece of advice: “Take five minutes just the two of you to stand still and look around. Because when else will you be at a safari park, surrounded by animals, love, and all your favourite people?”.

We chose our wedding venue after visiting for Alex’s mum’s 70th birthday, where we stayed one unforgettable night in Tiger Lodge and another in Rhino Lodge. It was during that visit that we completely fell in love with the reserve—the animals, the views, and the breathtaking landscapes. But most of all, it was the animals that stole our hearts.

I chose my dress knowing instantly it was the one. It felt like it belonged at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve—classy, pretty, and perfectly in tune with the natural beauty of the venue. Every detail was chosen with that same vision in mind. The suits were styled in varying shades of green to complement the surroundings, and the bridesmaid dresses followed suit—elegant greens and soft, leafy tones that echoed the foliage all around us. It was important to me that everything felt effortless, natural, and beautiful—and it truly did. My dress was from Amelia’s in Clitheroe.

We chose a palette of soft pinks, elegant greens, and classic whites to complement each of the spaces we used throughout the day. My inspiration came from one of my absolute favourite rooms at Port Lympne—the Spencer Roberts Room. The stunning hand-painted animal murals on the walls completely captured my heart and set the tone for the whole look and feel of our wedding.

Every detail was thought through and linked in some way—nothing was random. From the flowers to the stationery, and even the personalised shot glasses, everything tied into our theme. It was a perfect blend of natural beauty, elegance, and personality—and it brought our vision to life in the most magical way.

We wanted to add something fun and personal for our guests, so we created a custom wedding leaflet—designed just like the kind you’d receive on a day out at the park! It included the order of the day, a park map, and all the key info they’d need to explore and enjoy the venue. It was such a fun way to tie in the theme and helped everyone feel part of the adventure. The feedback from our guests was amazing—they absolutely loved it, and it made the day feel even more special and well-planned.

I made sure to use the same flowers throughout—from the bouquets and buttonholes to the table arrangements and décor—so everything flowed perfectly. It felt really personal, especially because I made so much of it myself. Knowing I had a hand in creating so many of the details made it all the more special.

One of the most meaningful touches was something I did just for Alex. I included a tiny picture of his dad and nan inside his buttonhole—a quiet tribute to two very important people who couldn’t be there with us. So many guests noticed and commented on it. It was such a small detail, but it meant the world to him.

Our cake was made by the incredibly talented Lyndsey at Cake It or Leave It—and it was absolutely beautiful. Not only did it taste amazing, but it also perfectly matched our floral theme. Every flower on the cake reflected the arrangements I had lovingly made myself for our wedding day, which made it feel even more personal and special. It was a real showstopper and the perfect finishing touch to our celebration.

We were spoiled for choice when it came to food—and our guests haven’t stopped raving about it since! That was another big reason we chose Port Lympne. Every time we’ve eaten here, it’s been unreal—delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. From canapés to the wedding breakfast, every bite lived up to the day itself: unforgettable.

Choosing a photographer is incredibly difficult—honestly, I’d say it’s harder than choosing your dress. With a dress, you can see it, try it on, and know how it looks. But with photography, you’re trusting someone to capture the most important day of your life… and you don’t get a second chance.

We chose Jodi Hanagan Photography, and from the moment we met her, we knew we’d made the right decision. Her creativity and versatility shone through immediately. She didn’t just take photos—she told a story. Her ability to guide the day with such calm, confidence, and warmth was unbelievable. She captured every emotion, every moment, and all the magic in between. We’re so grateful she was part of it all. We wanted our day to feel natural and fun, reflecting what mattered most: the love of family and friends.

One of our absolute favourite photos is the one of us sitting on the sun loungers. It might not be the most traditional wedding shot, but it captures us perfectly. We’re total holiday lovers and sun worshippers, so that moment felt fun, relaxed, and so true to who we are. It was a little unexpected, a bit playful, and a reflection of the life we love living together.

It’s so hard to choose just one moment—but if I had to, it would be walking down the aisle with my Dad. After everything he went through, just having him by my side felt like a miracle. That walk, seeing Alex at the end, and our children all there with us—it was everything.

But honestly, the whole day was filled with highlights… from going on safari in my wedding dress, to dancing the night away under the stars, to sneaking off for that photo on the sun loungers that felt so us. It was a day full of emotion, love, and magic—and I’d relive it a thousand times over if I could.

Firstly—trust your instincts. If you’ve fallen in love with Port Lympne, there’s a reason. It’s magical, and no matter the challenges (especially with logistics if you’re not local!), it is so worth it.

Plan early and communicate clearly with the events team—they’re fantastic and really want to help you bring your vision to life. Make the most of the unique spaces too; from the Moroccan Courtyard to the safari experience, every area has its own personality, so let your styling complement each part.

If you can, visit more than once before the big day—it helps massively with visualising timings, guest flow, and those all-important photo spots. And speaking of photos—get a content creator! You’ll never regret having those candid, real-time moments to look back on.

Finally, soak it all in. Take five minutes just the two of you to stand still and look around. Because when else will you be at a safari park, surrounded by animals, love, and all your favourite people?