Izzy & Seb: A Wedding in Wonderland

In 2021, with lockdown restrictions lifted, Seb and I were eager to get away—just the two of us, no city distractions. We wanted somewhere immersed in nature but with the comfort and luxury of a UK holiday. That search led us to Wonderland, where we booked “The Dome” by the lake—private, spacious, and free.

Once settled, we wandered the grounds, discovering a collection of eclectic accommodations—quirky houses, cosy huts, and a three-story treehouse. It reminded us of the festivals we had called home for many summers. With free rein of the site, including a communal fire pit where we cooked dinner, it felt like an escape from reality. That’s when I told Seb: “This is where I want to get married.” We weren’t even engaged yet, but he listened—and we never considered another venue.

As festival lovers, we infused our wedding with elements of music, spirituality, and style—my dress, inspired by my mandala tattoo, featured lace detailing and a sleek silhouette. Diane Brimble, a dressmaker from my hometown, tailored it to perfection, even adding removable sleeves for evening shenanigans.

Seb wore a three-piece oatmeal linen suit in a light hue to contrast the groomsmen’s dark brown. For a man who makes his living in streetwear, you’d be surprised at how easily he slips into a suit and tie – life is all about balance, after all. The bridesmaids wore a mix of forest green, sage, and olive, choosing their own dresses to feel comfortable and confident.

We embraced a bold, vibrant, and festival-inspired aesthetic. A mix of thrifted treasures, rich colours, and saturated florals set the scene. Moving away from traditional white, we filled the space with colourful wildflowers, mismatched bottles, and South American coffee sacks repurposed as an aisle runner.

Friends Charley and Josh built our wedding arch by hand, having made one for their own wedding months earlier. Under a festival-style stretch tent, we set up long tables of 20, encouraging conversation and connection.

The showstopper? The ‘Party Barn.’ A converted barn with eclectic-themed rooms, it felt like stepping into a festival dreamscape, reminding us of Glastonbury and Boomtown. Guests couldn’t stop talking about it!

Angela Seare of Ginger Lily, Brighton, brought our vision to life. My bouquet was a wild, colourful burst of energy, while the bridal party’s flowers complemented their outfits. Angela tied everything together with matching ribbons, from my bouquet to the treehouse and ceremony chairs. The table arrangements—an eclectic mix of flowers in mismatched bottles—perfectly embodied the vibrant chaos we loved.

We couldn’t recommend Earth Catering enough. As big foodies, sharing a meal with our guests was a key moment of the day. Elevated canapés—coconut prawns with mango chilli salsa, pizza arancini, and satay duck spring rolls—kept everyone happy before the main feast. We went for a communal dining experience with sharing boards of summer antipasti, fire-roasted sea bass, and chimichurri steak.

For dessert, we had a savoury-sweet duo: a wedding ‘cake’ made of five artisan cheese wheels and two smaller cakes by our bridesmaid Lauryn—a Biscoff tower and a lemon drizzle with fresh strawberry coulis.

Chris Armstrong Photography, who shot my sister’s wedding, captured the day perfectly. He has a way of blending in, catching candid moments without staging them. Jade from Hushabye Films brought energy and direction, making us feel at ease in front of the camera. Despite not knowing each other, they worked seamlessly together—a dream team.

Our ceremony was a highlight. We wrote our own vows, and despite my nerves, I was proud to share my promises to Seb in front of everyone. The speeches struck the perfect balance—fun, heartfelt, and just cheeky enough. We’ve all been to weddings where speeches drag on or get awkward—know your audience!

Looking back, our wedding was everything we dreamed of—an unforgettable celebration filled with love, music, and a touch of festival magic.