Rainbow Safari Park Wedding

Something to brighten up the grey winter days today! Ben and Kirsty wed in a riot of colour on 1st July 2019 at Port Lympne Hotel & Safari Park in Kent. They were ever so clever with their rainbow theme, from the bridesmaids dressed in each colour of the rainbow, to the groomsmen’s ties, Kirsty’s beautiful dip dyed dress and excellent rainbow laced Vans! 

Not only is all the colour a feast for they eyes, this wedding took place at a safari park and included a drive to see the animals, how brilliant is that? Non-traditional and with the focus on a good time, I think you’re going to really love this one. They even chose their band via WWW Supplier Directory Members Bands For Hire.

Jonny Barratt Photography was their chosen photographer and he’s captured some super fun shots of the couple, thank you so much for sharing the laughter with us Jonny. Enjoy everyone!

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The Proposal

Kirsty originally never wanted to get married, so Ben had no intention of proposing, On the year anniversary of Kirsty and Ben living together Kirsty asked if they could spend the day together. In bed in the morning Kirsty showed ben a video on the laptop of the adventures they’d both been on with the final tag line being “now for our next adventure” Kirsty turned and had an engraved pocket watch and asked ben to marry her. With tears in his eyes Ben said yes.

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The Vision

On the day of the proposal we talked about where we would like to get married and we both agreed that our love of animals should be involved and decided on a zoo/safari park. We both agreed that a wedding should be a massive party with lots of colour and done they way we wanted rather than sticking to all traditions.

The Planning Process

We started planning from the moment we got engaged. Which gave us just over two years to get ready and save. For us the larger jobs came relatively easily. The first venue we saw was the one we choose, also on our way to view our venue while looking for bands we also picked our band. Our struggle came down the line closer to the date where we had to leave certain jobs to nearer the wedding date causing the most stress.

The Venue

Port Lympne Hotel & Safari Park, Kent

Your Outfits & Accessories

Ben’s suit matched the groomsmen and was from Moss Bros. Kirsty’s dress was from WED2BE she had it personalised by dying the ends the colours of the rainbow to match with the theme. Kirsty had a necklace with a bear on it. Ben wore his pocket watch from their engagement and Kirsty bought him a silver hip flask that was engraved.

Beauty

Hair & makeup were done by bridesmaid Farn, Kirsty had a professional do all the bridesmaids’ nails for the big day.

The Readings & Music

One of the bridesmaids, Farn, wrote a reading/speech for the ceremony and two of our talented friends Harry and Abbie played the piano and sang during the signing of the register. We had a DJ and band perform at the wedding.

The Cake

Our cake was made by a family friend. It was animal themed. Due to the heat on the day the cake looked more like the leaning tower of Pisa but most guests thought it was on purpose due to our wedding being a bit different.

The Flowers

Neither of us are a fan of flowers so we decided not to have any, the venue is beautifully decorated and was enough for us.

Your Photographer

The legendary Jonny Barrett

The Details & Décor

Ben created the centre pieces to make them look like wildlife walking through a park. We had lolipops instead of flowers as the bouquets. The buttonholes were marvel themed using comic book pages.

Groomsmen

Ben had seven groomsmen. Two were his Ben men;  Adam his brother & Tom his best mate. The ushers were; James, Harry, Joe, Ryan & Wayne. The suits were from Moss Bros. They were from the French connection range.

Bridesmaids

Kirsty had seven bridesmaids, Jenni, Farn, Abbie, Laura, Becky, April and Emma. The dresses were hand made by a friend of Kirsty’s who dyed each ones to create the colours of the rainbow.

The Honeymoon

We mini mooned in Devon where we go each year for our anniversary. But we are planning our proper honeymoon to start in Miami then fly down to the Bahamas where there is a beach where you can swim with pigs on. Then onto the Galapagos islands to see all the animals there.

Memorable Moments

Taking time out from the day to walk with wallabies just the two of us and our photographer.

Advice For Other Couples

Our advice would be that once you decide to start planning your wedding, take your time and allow for changes as sometimes there are hiccups along the way that change your original idea. Obviously a wedding day is important but it is not worth stressing to much about. What is important is that you are both there with all your closest, the rest is an added bonus.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

What a beautiful colourful day! Thank you so much Kirsty and Ben for sharing you wonderful wedding with us. Rachel x