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Lisa and Darren’s alternative wedding was a celebration of their lives and loves

Images courtesy of Lotus Photography

Lisa and Darren’s wedding was no ordinary affair and their first meeting was pretty unusual too. “We met several years ago when Darren took part in a naked charity calendar I was photographing for Cancer Research,” recalls Lisa. “We gradually got to know each other over our love for motorbikes and as our friendship grew, so did our feelings.” As the relationship blossomed, thoughts turned to marriage and Darren popped the question at the Dabbling Duck Pub in Great Massingham, Norfolk on Christmas Eve 2019. “We’d already discussed the idea, so it wasn’t really a surprise as such, but that didn’t make it any less magical,” recalls Lisa. They tied the knot on 21st August, 2021 at Radipole Manor in Dorset and opted for a striking black and gold theme. Read on for Lisa’s account of their big day…

We chose Radipole Manor as it’s such a hidden gem and it was local for family living in Weymouth. The beautiful old manor house has been lovingly restored to its former glory and it suited the look we were going for perfectly.

A local friend and petrolhead Jonny Munden lent us his beautiful black hot rod called Frankendiesel for our wedding transport.

As most of the planning and organising was done throughout lockdown, I ordered a beautifully embroidered, champagne coloured dress by Kenneth Winston from America. With the help of my mother I customised it with a corset back and added crystal epaulettes, which changed the look dramatically!

My gorgeous teardrop bouquet included gold foliage and rare black orchids as my florist Jay knows I’m an avid houseplant collector! I’d bought some Ruby Shoo shoes to wear, but opted for Doc Martens instead as I haven’t worn heels for years!

“It was an extremely emotional day, as my grandmother had been looking forward to it since we announced we were getting married, but sadly she passed away just weeks before.”

Darren chose his own outfit and he didn’t disappoint! He picked a black morning coat with gold embroidery and a black shirt and gold cravat to complete the look. His groomsman Halo had a matching jacket and cravat.

I was very close to my grandmother so I dried the petals from her funeral flowers to use as confetti. It made me feel close to her on the day, like being showered with love.

“I wore a beautiful peach coloured pendant necklace containing some of my grandmother’s ashes.”

My five-year-old son Harry was our ring bearer, complete with tuxedo, security pass, sunglasses and briefcase with the rings in! I think he stole the show somewhat! My grandfather walked me down the aisle, which was really moving as ever since I was a little girl I’d always said it would be him giving me away because I have always been his princess and I certainly felt like one on the day.

My cousin Sorrell was chief bridesmaid and my two-year-old daughter Betsy was a flowergirl.

We had a gold sequin photo booth, a sweet cart, gin bar and outdoor games for our guests to enjoy.

“Local musician Matt Lock played live during the afternoon, which was lovely and chilled.”

The evening disco included a mix of pop with some heavier music for all our biker friends later on!

The black and gold feather centrepieces provided by Perfect Day Wedding Services were a real showstopper. The white bouncy castle went down a storm with the kids and grown-ups too.

“For the evening I changed into a crystal-embellished ivory fishtail dress and tulle cape, which was much easier to dance in! I also wore my comfy old slippers, as nobody could see them under the dress.”

We had a hog roast and an ice cream cart, which were both from local businesses well known in Weymouth, so everyone was excited about the food which was nice! Our beautiful four-tier cake had a heart-shape cut out in the middle and was scrumptious. The different flavours included gin and tonic, carrot cake, salted caramel and plain sponge. We managed to get our hands on a black embroidered jacket worn by Jimmi Hendrix, courtesy of Halo, which had to be showcased during the first dance!

LISA AND DARREN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Photography, Lotus Photography, www.lotusphotographyuk.com | Second shooter, Von C Photography www.vonc-photography.com | Venue, Radipole Manor, www.radipolemanorweddings.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Stillwhite, www.stillwhite.com | Necklace, Heartfelt Urns, www.etsy.com/shop/Heartfelturns | Make-up, Model Makeovers, www.modelmakeovers.co.uk | Cake, Mon Bel Amour Cake Craft, www.monbelamourcakecraft.co.uk | Flowers, Floral Couture by Jay, www.floralcouturebyjay.co.uk | Hog roast, The Fantastic Sausage Factory, www.thefantasticsausagefactory.co.uk | Ice cream cart, Rossi’s Ice Cream, Weymouth, www.facebook.com/rossisicecreamweymouth | Bouncy castle, Seashells Soft Play, www.seashellssoftplay.co.uk | Musician, Matt Lock Music, www.facebook.com/MattLockSolo