Every wedding is a celebration. Some weddings are spectacles. And then there are those rare, beautiful days that are something altogether deeper, merging worlds, families and histories. Sophie and Sunil’s wedding at the magnificent Old Palace at Hatfield House was precisely that. A Christian-Hindu wedding blended with laughter, bright colours, and love. Their day was one that spoke as much to the couple’s heritage as it did to the future they’re building together.
With two full ceremonies – a church service followed by a traditional Hindu ceremony – complete with outfit changes, a baraat with dhol drummers, champagne, Indian canapes, and a congregation of 230 guests, this was an Indian fusion wedding that demanded artistry in every detail. For the team here at Izabella Bordignon, it was an absolute privilege to be part of it – and as our first feature celebrating a British-Indian dual ceremony wedding, we were thrilled to share every moment!
The First Date
Sophie and Sunil’s love story began within a shared circle of friends, though their paths didn’t truly cross until a party a few years ago. In a charmingly transparent move, Sunil invited Sophie to what he claimed was a “dinner party with friends”.
“It transpired the day before that the ‘dinner party’ was very much a two-person date at a romantic restaurant!” laughs Sophie.
A Proposal to Remember
The proposal came two years later, back in Wiltshire, where Sunil had booked a countryside cottage to mark the anniversary of their meeting. Sophie arrived to find an Ocado delivery van already there, unloading what she describes as “quite a lot of champagne”.
Suspicions heightened, Sophie recalls that Sunil had asked his best friend, a chef, to plan a special celebratory lunch, where he intended to propose.
“He didn’t manage to wait”, says Sophie. “The proposal came one evening in the hot tub after a country walk and dinner. The hot tub proposal was unexpected and hilarious!”
The Vision: A Day built on Both Worlds
From the very beginning, Sophie and Sunil’s vision was singular – a wedding that honoured both of their cultures in equal measure.
“Sunil is British-Indian, and it was really important that the day was a celebration of both our cultures,” explains Sophie.
What unfolded was a day of extraordinary complexity and beauty – a Christian ceremony in the morning, followed by a vibrant Hindu ceremony in the afternoon. The Old Palace at Hatfield House provided a breathtaking backdrop, perfectly complementing the bright colours of the day. Bright Indian tablecloths and elephant tea lights sat beautifully within the historic oak-panelled halls of the Old Palace.
The personal, handcrafted details ran throughout their day. Sophie’s mother baked the wedding cake, and a family friend hand made the flower garlands used in the Hindu ceremony which family members exchanged as a gesture of welcome and acceptance. And, in a detail that speaks volumes about Sophie’s character, she brewed the pale ale herself, and created custom-labelled bottles for guests.
The Look: English-Indian Fusion Wedding
Sophie’s beauty brief was clear- she wanted to look like the best, most elevated version of her everyday self. This required a high level of technical skill, as the look needed to be durable enough to survive a cathedral-length veil in the morning and a traditional tikka and dupatta in the afternoon.
Working with Sophie’s natural beauty, Silvia and Izabella crafted a radiant, timeless makeup look that remained flawless throughout the heat of the July sun and the emotions of the day. For her hair, Izabella recommended a smooth, half-up, half-down style. This ensured the necessary structure to anchor her heavy Hindu headpieces while maintaining a soft, romantic feel for her church gown by The Own Studio.
To ensure Sophie felt confident throughout the day, and her six outfit changes, we provided a bespoke bridal survival kit. As Sophie was almost four months pregnant and had been experiencing some minor breakouts, she was naturally concerned about longevity. We put together a personalised bag of necessities, including concealer and her specific bridal lipstick for easy touch-ups. The kit also featured blotting papers to manage any summer shine, and an applicator sponge to keep her base looking airbrushed through to late night dancing.
“It was so useful,” Sophie noted, “my skin looked completely clear all day thanks to Silvia, and I felt so much more confident knowing I had that kit by my side.”
The Izabella Bordignon Experience
Every wedding we work on demands something different of us. Sophie and Sunil’s Christian-Hindu dual ceremony presented one of the most beautiful and considered briefs we’ve encountered. At Izabella Bordignon, we pride ourselves on our expertise in multicultural celebrations. While this ceremony was our first Christian-Hindu one, it perfectly highlights how we can adapt our signature style to the specific needs of every bride.
Sophie shared how the trial settled her nerves. “I don’t usually wear a lot of makeup and had never had makeup done by a professional that I’d liked before. As soon as I had my trial, I was no longer nervous.”
It was an absolute pleasure to look after Sophie. Being four months pregnant, she wanted her skin to look clear and calm. Through our bespoke application, we ensured she felt confident and cared for.
The Moments That Made the Day
With two ceremonies, over 230 guests, and a day that moved through the cultures, there was no shortage of moments to treasure. But some stood out.
In the church, as the vicar announced they were moments away from being legally wed, Sunil broke into a “happy dance” at the altar, much to the delight of the congregation.
During the Hindu ceremony, one traditional moment stood out. “There was a moment where the bride and groom were invited by the priest to sit on a count of three, and whoever sits first will ‘rule the household’. Sunil turned to me and said ‘shall we sit together?’ and we made sure to be seated at the same time! It was a lovely moment which reflected our discussions of how we wanted our marriage and life to be,” shares Sophie.
Two Weeks in Mexico
After a wedding of such scale and celebration, the honeymoon needed to match. Sophie and Sunil headed to the Yucatan Peninsula for two unforgettable weeks, travelling between three very different destinations. From the bohemian magic of Tulum to the hidden turquoise waters of Bacalar’s lake of seven colours, and finally to the carefree paradise of Isla Holbox, it was a honeymoon built for exploration, rest, and luxury.
Advice for Future Izabella Brides
For those planning a large-scale wedding, Sophie suggests a strategic approach to socialising.
“Carving out some time during dinner to visit the tables works well,” she advises. “Prepare a set phrase ready to extract yourself and move to the next guest so you can make sure you speak to everyone.” Her biggest takeaway, however, was simple. “Just enjoy it! Getting ready with my sister and best friend was one of my favourite parts.”
Supplier Spotlight
- Hair & Makeup: Izabella Bordignon
- Photographer: Gail Secker Photography
- Venue: The Old Palace at Hatfield House
- Dress: The Own Studio
- Lehenga Tailoring: Orhan London Tailoring
- Flowers: Anomis Flowers
- Planning: Revelry Events
- Shoes: Badgley Mischka
- Accessories: Cornelia James
- Evening Dress: Self-Portrait
- String Quartet: Northern String Quartet
- Crèche: Little Wedding Crèche
- Caterer: Heritage Dulwich
- Cocktails: Black Lines
- Staff: Greycoat Lumleys
- Champagne & Wine: Lea & Sandeman
- Hotel: Batty Langley’s
- Henna: Divya Mendi
Why Choose Izabella Bordignon?
Brides like Sophie choose us because we bridge the gap between elegance and traditional requirements. We understand that a multicultural wedding demands a beauty look that is versatile, long-lasting, and respectful of diverse customs. Our team is dedicated to understanding how every element impacts your beauty needs, ensuring a stress-free experience from the first trail to the first dance.
Planning Your Indian English Wedding at the Old Palace at Hatfield House
The Old Palace at Hatfield House is one of the UK’s most versatile luxury venues, offering a sense of history that few places can match. A historic estate featuring a Grade I listed Tudor banqueting hall from the 15th century; this venue holds centuries of history and welcomes the full spectrum of modern love stories within its walls.
Ready to Bring your Wedding Vision to Life?
Whether you’re navigating the complexities of a multicultural celebration or dreaming of a classic English garden wedding, we are here to ensure you feel flawless and empowered. Get in touch today!
