Enchanting Harry Potter Themed Wedding
Written by Helen-Louise Dudney
Photography by Teddy Pig Photo + Film
You know you’re living your best life together when you can’t even remember your first date - just ask Mark and Peter!
These two are so wrapped up in living their love story, that the details of their first date have blurred into the background. Mark and Peter are proof that when you’re with the right person, it’s not about where it all started but how incredible the journey is!
The Proposal
Ah, I love a good plan! And when it comes to something as important as a proposal, why stop at one when you can have TWO awesome plans?
You might think it’d be impossible to top Mark’s “back up plan” of a romantic meal at home with their black lab, Thor, sporting a “will you marry me” bandana - but Mark managed to pull it off! He had an even more swoon-worthy surprise up his sleeve as he upped the ante with a sweet surprise at Butlers restaurant in Arundel. When Peter’s dessert arrived, there it was: “will you marry me” piped in chocolate on the plate. And just like that, Mark got down on one knee and proposed to Peter. Talk about nailing the perfect proposal!
The Theme
Inspired by their love of going to Orlando, Peter and Mark’s "Harry Potter - but not trashy" theme was executed with incredible finesse. The elegance of their chosen venue perfectly captured the magical essence of their vision. Their venue was the perfect backdrop, complete with enchanting details that would make even Hogwarts swoon!
The venue looks like it's jumped out of the pages of J.K Rowlings Harry Potter books.
The Planning
Everything Peter and Mark planned centered around what mattered most to them.
Breaking the norm.
Making it uniquely theirs.
Turning their wedding into a true celebration of love.
Mark and Peter got ready together and enjoyed every moment of their big day from the start.
The Outfits
Mark and Peter absolutely nailed their outfits! From their perfectly tailored, customised suits, to the stunning, bespoke accessories from Francis + Louise, every detail was on point. Their individual style shone through in every element, with Mark and Peter each choosing their own colourway and pattern for their tie, pocket square and even their socks. It wasn’t just about looking sharp; it was about making a statement that was uniquely them, both individually and as a couple. They took classic wedding attire and made it entirely their own.
The stunning, bespoke Francis + Louise pocket squares and ties.
Make New traditions
Peter and Mark didn’t let tradition dictate their day, but took it as inspiration and used it to their advantage, ensuring they had the day they wanted and loved. And the traditions they chose to have, they definitely put their own stamp on! They got ready - together. Walked down the aisle - together. Classical music to walk down the aisle to - but played by a string quartet. And had a ring bearer - their dog Thor, who walked down the aisle to his namesake badass entrance music, of course! Oh and they cut their cake - Harry Potter themed, of course. And capped it all off with a first dance AND fireworks!
Mark and Peter chose handfasting as part of their celebrant led ceremony.
Definitely not trashy - the incredible Harry Potter themed wedding cake.
The Details
Every detail of Mark and Peter’s wedding day was pure magic, from Thor’s adorable dog outfit to the extra Harry Potter touches that Mark meticulously sourced over 18 months, including the epic sorting hat he crafted himself - nothing was overlooked!
Impeccable attention to detail - even down to the personalised wedding ring pouch with Mark and Peter's initials on for Thor to carry their rings in.
Touches of magic in every detail!
Favourite Part Of The Day
Along with their unforgettable first dance and the epic fireworks display, Mark and Peter agreed that one of their absolute favourite moments of the day was when their beloved dog, Thor, made his grand entrance as the ring bearer.
Thor - an integral part of the wedding ceremony.
Advice
“Just be you. Invite who you want to, not who you feel obliged to. Make it a celebration of what you love and are.”
Taking a moment together and enjoying the incredible firework display.
Peter and Mark’s wedding was a bold, unapologetic celebration of their personalities. Their day was a fierce blend of personal flair and tradition, turned into an epic celebration that was all about them and their love, proving that traditions are best when they’re reimagined in your own way, that work for YOU.
So if you’re thinking about breaking the mould and making your wedding entirely personal, and let’s be honest why wouldn’t you be doing that? Take notes from Peter and Mark’s rule-breaking, joy-packed day!
Suppliers
Venue - Cowdray House
Photographer - Teddy Photo + Film
Celebrant - Bex the Celebrant
Catering - Jacaranda Catering
Florist - This Floral Life
Cake - Cakes in Bloom
Bespoke wedding suits - Gresham Blake
Ties, pocket squares and socks - Francis & Louise
Hair stylist - Phil Gilbert of Simon Websters in Brighton
Rings - B&R Jewellers of Brighton
Ice cream cart - Ice Queens
Band - Queen Beats
Venue set up / lighting / AV and dance floor / Magic mirror / Fireworks etc - Firebird Events
Harry Potter sweet trolley and luggage set up - To Have & To Hire
Honeymoon - Out of Office