Christmas trees, candles and beautiful crisp blues set the scene for this winter wonderland wedding in Sussex…

Nicole and Kyle started talking at the beginning of lockdown. “We spent the first few months video calling for hours and playing online games against each other,” says Nicole. “Then our first actual date was a socially distanced walk! Looking back, it was such a surreal time but it gave us that opportunity to build a friendship first.”

The couple had been together for about two years when they visited Arundel Castle for the tulip festival in early May. “It was a warm spring day and the gardens all looked beautiful,” says Nicole. “We were in the Rose Garden (my favourite flowers), where I was taking a photo of the castle. Then I turned around to find Kyle on one knee! Although I’d had my suspicions it still came as a wonderful surprise.”

Shopping for the dress

“I had a lovely experience at wed2b,” says Nicole. “It was the first and only bridal store that I ended up going to. I visited with my mum and sister. We thought we would start here as it looked like it would be a nice and relaxed environment and we didn’t need to make an appointment. At the Brighton store we received a very warm welcome. We arrived first thing on a Friday and were the only ones there. The staff were amazing and looked after us so well. They were very experienced and were able to give me tips and advice on what they thought would look good.”

A luxury wedding dress

Nicole chose Valera, a richly embellished A-line from Anna Sorrano’s Platinum range. “Valera was on a mannequin right by us as I was trying on other dresses,” she says. “It kept catching my eye and, after the third dress, my mum and sister also mentioned they’d been looking at it. The member of staff said it was the only one in the store, so she would have to check the size. Luckily, it was my size, as if it was meant to be! As soon as I tried it on I knew. I loved the glittery under layer, the lace sleeves, the sweetheart neckline, the beading and all the detail throughout. It was perfect! I wore it with a Petal headband and Solstice belt.”

A winter wonderland wedding

“One of the most important things to us was that the venue was local, so that most of our family and friends would be able to share our special day,” says Nicole. “We chose Field Place because it was near to us, with stunning gardens and barns, and exclusive hire. Our special day was on Saturday 26th November 2022, a winter wonderland wedding. We were also lucky enough to have sunshine during the afternoon, which was perfect for our photos!”

The big day

“On the day of our wedding, I had my bridesmaids, flower girls and my mum get ready with me at Field Place,” says Nicole. “Kyle got ready with his best men and family. My dad walked me down the aisle and our ceremony entrance song was an instrumental version of the Beatles’ ‘Here Comes the Sun’. My daughter read a poem during the ceremony, The Art of Marriage, which was perfect. It was the most incredible day filled with so much love and happiness. I wish we could do it all over again!”

Winter sun and afternoon tea

“Straight after the ceremony we headed outside to the gardens, where the sun was shining, although it was still cold,” says Nicole. “We had group photos and a confetti throw with petals we’d been drying out in the months leading up to the wedding. We then had an afternoon tea, with lots of delicious sandwiches and cakes, followed by speeches and sparklers. Our first dance song was ‘One Life’ by James Bay, one of our favourite artists. After seeing him perform the song live in Brighton earlier in the year, we knew it was the right choice.”

Beautiful cool blues

“Our theme was a winter wonderland wedding, with silvers and blues as the main colours,” says Nicole. “We decorated with lanterns, pine cones, scented tea lights and snow-covered trees. As it got dark early evening, the candles gave it such a cosy winter feel.”

The best bits…

“The most memorable moment of the whole day was walking down the aisle and seeing Kyle waiting for me, with all our family and friends there with us,” says Nicole. “Also my daughter had a Polaroid camera and she captured so many great photos on it throughout the day. They’re a lovely keepsake. Lastly, creating a sparkler tunnel was such good fun and resulted in some amazing photos, too.”

My top tips…

“Ask guests to take lots of photos and videos throughout the day,” says Nicole. “These are perfect to look back on and capture different moments to the photographer/videographer. Try to take in as many moments of the day as possible, as it goes by so fast. Lastly, enjoy your special day with your new spouse!”

Nicole and Kyle’s Dream Team 

Photographer: Becky at OliveJoy Photography 

Venue: Field Place Manor House & Barns

Wedding dresses Brighton: wed2b

Caterer: Hardings Catering

Hair Stylist: That Glam Bar and Styled by Holly

Venue Styling: Hire Your Day

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this winter wonderland wedding, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.

[JUST IN CASE YOU STILL NEED IT FOR PICS A link to our full gallery: https://galleries.olivejoyphotography.co.uk/-nicolekylewedding/gallery#7 ]