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Milly and Devon’s Whimsical Disney Princess Wedding at Orchardleigh Estate in Somerset
As soon as we laid eyes on the photos from Milly and Devon’s whimsical Disney Princess wedding at Orchardleigh Estate in Somerset, we knew it was destined for a feature on Bespoke Bride. We caught up with the couple to hear all about the magic behind the pictures… and don’t miss our team’s top tips at the end for planning your own Disney Princess wedding – and making the most of an Orchardleigh celebration.
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
“It was very special. I am quite OTT, so it was always going to be a bit different, but all my fairytale dreams came true. Devon listened to me talk about it and then made it all come true. He organised a horse-drawn pumping carriage, a surprise helicopter ride, fireworks, and an afternoon tea wedding breakfast.
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
A lot of our friends were getting married, and we wanted something different, and I ideally wanted a castle venue. When we drove up the driveway at Orchardleig,h I was like ‘of course, our guests will arrive and just get it’. Then we went to the Castle where you can stay the night before, and it was giving a vision.
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
I never wanted to wear white, so I had the dress I fell in love with customised so that it was pink. Our dress code was quite out there for some people, black and white dresses, but the idea was that the wedding party would really stand out. I handmade all of our place cards, and we also had a glitter bar because I always wear glitter. My top tip for couples would be don’t let anyone tell you something can’t be done, it’s your special day, make the most of it, and do exactly what you want. Or just tell your husband to plan it.”
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
Creating Diamonds Wedding Photography
The SUPPLIERS
Venue: Orchardleigh House, Orchardleigh Estate
Contact name: Heather Vincent
Location: Somerset, near Frome
Photographer: Creating Diamonds
Contact name: Matt Law
Telephone: 07771 817 544
Web or social media: www.creatingdiamonds.co.uk
Instagram: @creatingdiamonds_mattlaw
Facebook: @creatingdiamonds.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Videographer: Emmanuel Films Ltd
Contact name: Emmanuel
Telephone: 020 3239 6888
Email: [email protected]
Web or social media: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuelfilms.co/
Partner 1’s attire (boutique/store): Amore Brides – dress designed by Pronovias
Contact name: Amy
Web or social media: https://www.amorebrides.co.uk/home
Location: Canterbury, kent
Alterations and colour change: Kathy sargent (milly family friend)
Partner 2’s attire (boutique/store): Hugo
Web or social media: https://www.hugoboss.com/uk/hugo/
Accessories (boutique/store): Bremont (watch as Devon’s ring and matching one gifted to Milly)
Contact name: Elliot
Email: [email protected]
Web or social media: https://www.bremont.com/
Location: Bremont Bluewater Boutique
Milly Wedding ring: Ovadia – custom-designed platinum ring with diamonds and pink sapphire
Telephone: +44 20 7405 1063
Web or social media: https://www.ovadiajewellery.com/
Location: Hatton Garden
Hair stylist
Contact name: Johannah Notcutt (Millys family friend)
Make-up artist – Milly wanted to do her own
Cake: Rachelle’s
Contact name: Rachel
Telephone: 07958 714672
Web or social media: www.rachelles.co.uk
Location: Dorchester
Flowers: Branch and Bloom
Contact name: Becky
Telephone: 01749 939543
Web or social media: https://www.instagram.com/branchandbloomsomerset/
Email: [email protected]
Transport: Bramble farm carriages
Contact name: Jeff Marshall
Telephone: 01225 767139
Web or social media: https://carriagesformarriages.com/index.html
Entertainment: Platinum Music events
Contact name: Tom Monteith
Telephone: 07881295257
Web or social media: https://www.platinummusicevents.co.uk/
Venue decorations: Melt Productions
Contact name: Thea Wise
Telephone: 07752610810
Web or social media: https://www.meltproductions.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Catering: Orchardleigh provided
Bridesmaids’ dresses (boutique): Designed by Milly, made by Kathy
Groomsmen’s attire (store): Twisted Tailor
Our Tips for Planning Your Own Whimsical Disney Princess Wedding
Alright, let’s have a real chat. You, me, and a cuppa. For the last ten years, I’ve been twirling through the UK’s most stunning wedding venues for Bespoke Bride, and I’ve seen it all. From rustic barn dos to city-chic celebrations, I’ve witnessed every trend come and go. But there’s one theme that keeps reappearing, sparkling brighter each time: the Disney Princess wedding.
Now, before you either roll your eyes or start humming ‘A Whole New World’, let’s get one thing straight. We’re not talking about a kid’s birthday party. A modern Disney Princess wedding is all about capturing the feeling – the romance, the magic, the sheer, unadulterated joy of a fairytale ending, but with a grown-up, sophisticated twist. It’s less about literal interpretations and more about subtle, elegant nods to your favourite royal. Think of it like this: it’s the difference between wearing a full-on Cinderella costume and rocking a pair of exquisite, glass-like Jimmy Choos with a stunning ballgown. One is fancy dress; the other is high fashion.
What Should I Know Before Planning a Fairytale Wedding?
The biggest hurdle I’ve seen couples face is toeing that fine line between chic and cheesy. It’s a real tightrope walk! I once attended a wedding inspired by The Little Mermaid. The couple, bless them, went all out. There were blue and green streamers everywhere, plastic starfish glued to the centrepieces, and a DJ who played ‘Under the Sea’ four… separate… times. It was… a lot. The intention was pure gold, but the execution felt a bit like a school disco.
Contrast that with another Ariel-inspired affair I covered last summer in Cornwall. The bride wore a breathtaking gown with a subtle fishtail silhouette that shimmered with iridescent sequins, reminiscent of a mermaid’s tail catching the light. The colour palette was a sophisticated blend of seafoam green, coral, and pearl. The stationery featured delicate, watercolour illustrations of seashells. It was an ethereal, immersive experience that whispered ‘Ariel’ rather than shouting it from the rooftops. That, my friends, is the secret. It’s all in the nuance.
The key is to deconstruct the elements of your chosen princess’s story and translate them into sophisticated wedding details. For a Beauty and the Beast theme, instead of placing a single red rose under a cloche on every table (a tad predictable, no?), consider a rich colour palette of burgundy, gold, and royal blue. Think candelabras dripping with crystals, a library-themed photo booth with vintage books, and perhaps a first dance to a string quartet arrangement of ‘Tale as Old as Time’. It’s about creating an atmosphere, an ambience that evokes the story’s soul. As the experts at Rock My Wedding often advise, focusing on a feeling rather than a literal theme is paramount. You can find more on this at https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/.
How Do I Choose the Right Princess Vibe for My Day?
This is where you need to do a bit of soul-searching. Don’t just pick a princess because you like her dress. Think about what her story represents to you and your partner.
Are you a Tiana? Hardworking, ambitious, and your love story is about achieving a shared dream. Your wedding could be a chic, 1920s-inspired celebration with a jazz band, incredible food (obviously!), and a sophisticated green and gold art deco theme. It’s about celebrating your joint hustle.
Or maybe you’re more of a Rapunzel. Your love story has been a journey of discovery and freedom. A whimsical, bohemian festival-style wedding in a forest clearing could be perfect. Think lanterns hanging from trees, wildflower crowns, and a relaxed, barefoot vibe. The symbolism here is about your love lighting the way.
I once spoke to a bride who chose Mulan as her inspiration. Her reasoning was beautiful. She told me that Mulan’s story, for her, wasn’t just about saving China, but about being true to herself, even when it was difficult. Her wedding was a stunning fusion of traditional Chinese elements and modern, minimalist design. It was a powerful and deeply personal statement. Your Disney Princess wedding should feel just as authentic to you. For dress inspiration that aligns with these vibes, the collections at https://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/ often feature gowns that capture the essence of different fairytale aesthetics without being costume-y.
The most magical weddings I’ve attended are the ones where the couple’s personality shines through every detail. The theme becomes a supporting character, not the main star. You and your love story are always the headline act.
People Also Ask
Can I have a Disney Princess wedding on a budget? Absolutely! Focus on one or two key elements that will make the biggest impact. For instance, you could have a stunning, princess-inspired cake and DIY your centrepieces with subtle fairytale touches. It’s about being clever with your spending.
How do I convince my partner to have a Disney-themed wedding? Frame it as a sophisticated, romantic theme rather than a “Disney” theme. Use mood boards with elegant, subtle examples to show them your vision. Focus on the elements you both love, like a grand ballroom setting or a particular colour scheme that has a fairytale feel.
What are some unique Disney Princess wedding ideas?
- Sleeping Beauty: A beautiful brunch wedding with a pancake or waffle bar (‘make it pink, make it blue!’).
- Pocahontas: An eco-conscious wedding with natural, earthy elements and a focus on sustainability.
- Frozen: A winter wedding with an ice bar, faux fur stoles for the wedding party, and a cool blue and silver colour palette.
Ultimately, planning your Disney Princess wedding is your chance to write your own fairytale. So, grab your metaphorical glass slippers, trust your instincts, and get ready for your happily ever after. You’ve got this.
How Do You Actually Make the Most of an Orchardleigh Wedding?
Right, let’s talk about this stunning venue that makes my blogger heart beat a little faster: Orchardleigh Estate. As you can see above in Milly and Devon’s breathtaking day, it’s one of those rare gems that genuinely feels like you’ve been handed the keys to your very own slice of Somerset paradise. But having the keys and knowing which doors to open are two different things.
So, how do you unlock its full potential? First, you need to embrace the sheer scale of the place. An Orchardleigh wedding isn’t a one-room affair; it’s an entire 500-acre adventure. The most memorable weddings I’ve seen here use the whole estate as a canvas. I once saw a couple arrange for a fleet of vintage cars to transport guests from the grand main house down the winding drive to the utterly magical St. Mary’s Church. It’s on its own little island, and for an evening ceremony lit entirely by candles (it has no electricity!), the atmosphere is pure, unadulterated romance. It was a logistical puzzle, sure, but the payoff was an experience the guests are still talking about. Don’t just stick to the ballroom; make the journey part of the story.
Another thing to consider is the light. The house itself is magnificent, but the grounds are where the photographic gold lies. The south terrace, with its sweeping views over the lake, is a non-negotiable for golden hour portraits. I’ve seen photographers work miracles there as the sun dips below the horizon. My advice? Plan your drinks reception to coincide with this. Let your guests soak in that view with a glass of fizz while you and your photographer sneak off. You get breathtaking photos without feeling like you’ve been gone for ages.
Finally, a truly spectacular Orchardleigh wedding feels like a weekend-long house party, not just a ten-hour event. The estate offers multi-day packages and has plenty of accommodation. The couples who really nail it encourage guests to arrive the day before, maybe arrange some clay pigeon shooting or a round of golf. I attended one where the night before the wedding, there was an informal BBQ in the courtyard of one of the estate’s lodges. It broke the ice beautifully and set a relaxed, celebratory tone for the main event. It transforms the whole experience from a formal occasion into a shared memory. As highlighted by planning experts like those at https://www.hitched.co.uk/, extending the celebration can create a much deeper, more connected experience for everyone involved. Making the most of your Orchardleigh wedding is about seeing it as more than just a venue – it’s a destination.
