Introducing
Alanna & Alex
On a blossom-filled May day in 2025, Alanna and Alex celebrated their love at our award-winning Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in the heart of Kent. Beneath the soft spring sunshine, they exchanged vows among the blooming terraces of the garden pergola before moving on to a joyous reception in the light-filled glass orangery.
We caught up with the newlyweds to hear all about their special day and to share a little inspiration for couples dreaming of their own spring wedding at one of the UK’s most extraordinary venues.
The Venue
Q: How did you choose your venue?
A: 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.
Q: Did you see many venues before deciding?
A: We visited several parks offering similar vibes, but Port Lympne stood out. It had a touch of class, was beautifully curated, and just felt right for the kind of day we wanted to create. Everything about it worked. It captured the magic, the heart, and the wild spirit we were dreaming of.
Q: Why was it the perfect venue for your Kentish ceremony?
A: Port Lympne was the perfect wedding venue for us - not just because of its stunning scenery, but because it offered something truly unique. We originally chose the Moroccan Courtyard for a more intimate day, but as weddings do, our numbers grew… and so did our vision.
What made Port Lympne so special was how effortlessly it brought everyone together: family, friends, and children. It gave us the space, the atmosphere, and the magic we didn’t even know we were searching for. Where else do you get to go on a safari on your actual wedding day? It was everything I dreamed of and more, wild, wonderful, and completely unforgettable.
The Outfits
Q: Tell us about your wedding dress, bridesmaids and groomsmen's outfits?
A: I chose my dress from Amelia’s bridal in Clitheroe, knowing instantly it was the one. It felt like it belonged at Port Lympne. It was 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 in 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.
The Ceremony
Q: What was your favourite moment of the ceremony?
A: My favourite moment of the ceremony was, without question, walking down the aisle with my dad. Just weeks before, he’d been diagnosed with cancer and undergone major surgery. Right up until the day before the wedding, we didn’t know if he’d be able to come. But a miracle happened, and I truly felt like the luckiest daughter on earth that day.
Seeing all our children walk arm in arm ahead of me, and then standing beside the person I love, ready to become husband and wife… it was more emotional than words can say. There wasn’t a dry eye in the pergola. It was perfect in every way, full of meaning, love, and unforgettable moments.
The Reception
Q: What food did you have, and how was it?
A: 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, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. From canapés to the wedding breakfast, every bite lived up to the day itself: unforgettable.
Q: Tell us about your wedding cake. Who made and designed it for you?
A: 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 matched our floral theme perfectly. 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.
Q: What were your speeches like? Any standout moments
A: The speeches were unforgettable. My dad’s speech was, of course, the most emotional. After everything he had been through to be there, hearing his words meant the world to me. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Alex’s speech was just incredible. He spoke from the heart about each of our children and paid a beautiful tribute to his late dad, who sadly passed away several years ago. But the moment that truly gave everyone goosebumps was when, as Alex spoke about him, a door suddenly blew wide open, completely out of nowhere. We’re not exactly spiritual, but it was hard to ignore. It felt like someone very special had come to join us, even just for a moment.
And then, of course, there was the best man’s speech, which had everyone in stitches! He didn’t hold back, sharing hilarious stories from Alex’s younger years and some of his more questionable antics. It was the perfect balance to the emotion of the day and left the room laughing through their tears.
The Décor
Q: What was your décor/colour scheme, and how did you decide on it?
A: I wanted to make sure the décor we went with complimented the surroundings and the Orangery so we went with a simple white and green floral theme but warmed it up and made it more autumnal with hints of gold and cream.
Q: Who did your wedding flowers?
A: Rosie Obeney Flowers, a florist I have worked with before and loved so had to have her as part of my supplier team!
Q: How did you add personal touches to the look and feel of your day?
A: We included personal menus for each guest along with a handwritten place card that was displayed in a little gold animal as a nod to Port Lympne. We also had bar napkins with a picture of our dog Peppa as a way to include her in the day. Our guestbook was also really personal as we decided to do something different by asking our guests to leave us a note or piece of advice for our 5th, 10th and 15th anniversaries in a wine box with a bottle of wine we will open on those anniversaries and read the messages.
Q: Did you use any local suppliers for things like lighting, accessories and props?
A: We used Blacksaucers for the candle holder and chimneys. Based in Maidstone.
The Entertainment
Q: Did you have a DJ or a band? How did you choose them?
A: We had a band called Uptown Showdown from Boujee Music. We picked them as they ticked all the boxes for what we were looking for in a wedding band.
Q: What was your first dance, and why was it special to you?
A: Our first dance song was ‘Baby I’m Yours’ by Artic Monkeys. This song was special as it’s a song we have loved for a long time and its what I walked down the aisle to in our legal wedding the year before so has kind of become ‘our wedding song’.
The Photography
Q: Who was your wedding photographer, and how did you choose them?
A: D&A Studio was our photographer, and we chose them because they are amazing! Dan absolutely nailed our photos, and I couldn’t be happier! I was worried what they would come out like due to the bad weather, but you wouldn’t even know it was raining. I have worked with Dan a couple of times before and knew he would do an incredible job but he also makes you feel so relaxed in front of the camera, he really captured the day so well. Highly recommend!
Q: Do you have a favourite photo from the day?
A: I have so many I cant just choose one!
Q: Did you have a videographer?
A: We did, we had Carl from Six Eight Video. Another supplier I have worked with before who creates amazing work. We haven’t got our full video yet but the trailer made me cry and I can't wait to sit down and rewatch the day and relive it all!
And Finally...
Q: What was your absolute highlight of the day?
A: My highlight of the day was having all of our friends and family in one room, we have family all over the world and some we haven’t seen for years and it was so special to have everyone there it meant the world to us.
Q: Do you have any tips or advice for other couples having a Kentish Ceremony?
A: BOOK IT! Can't recommend it enough, the planning team were amazing! Ceyda was a superstar, and I loved working with her. I can't wait to come back!
Suppliers
Coordinator: Louise Perry Weddings
Photographer: D&A Studio
Videographer: Six Eight Video
Flowers: Rosie Obeney Flowers
Dress and Veil: Made With Love / Perla Nova
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Suits: Dapper Chaps
Bridesmaid dresses: Pretty Lavish Bridal
Rings: COO Jewelers
Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Taylor
Stationery: Leigh Calligraphy
Band: Boujee Music
Live Singer: Dale Ali
Celebrant: Kim Talyforth
Décor Accessories: Blacksaucers
Linen and Napkins: Northfields Linen
Ready to start planning your big day?
Our dedicated wedding coordination team would be happy to help you with any questions you may have about our wedding venues and packages at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve. Simply fill out out an enquiry form and someone will be in touch shortly.
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