There are weddings that are beautiful, and then there are weddings that are experienced. Maeri and Oliver’s Addington Palace wedding was very much the latter – a beautifully considered day that carried the effortless grandeur of a royal occasion, but without a single crown in sight. Set within the magnificent grounds of Addington Palace, this summer celebration was a day defined by classic chic aesthetics, heartfelt family traditions, and a look of beauty that brought old-school Hollywood glamour firmly into the modern era.
Unexpected Beginnings
Not every love story begins where you might expect it to. In a twist of fate that Maeri still laughs about to this day, the couple met at a gay bar. It didn’t take long for the spark to fly, and after realising Oliver “didn’t quite swing that way,” the pair shared their first kiss.
A Movie Script Proposal
Oliver’s proposal was nothing short of cinematic. He had arranged a hotel room under the guise of a planned activity, instructing Maeri to get ready in the bathroom and stay put until he gave the green light. When she finally emerged with her eyes closed, tealight candles had been arranged to spell out “Will you marry me?” amidst a scatter of rose petals. When she turned around, Oliver was on one knee.
Classic Chic meets Old Hollywood
For her hair and makeup, Maeri’s brief was clear – old school Hollywood glam in a modern era. At Izabella Bordignon, we understood immediately that for a summer wedding, with a full day of celebrations ahead, the priority was equal parts beauty and durability. The result needed to look as flawless at midnight as it would the moment Maeri walked down the aisle.
To achieve the perfect structure and ensure the waves held throughout the day, we recommended hair extensions – not only to add the volume required to achieve a truly cinematic silhouette, but to provide the foundation that allows natural curls to resist the inevitable drop that summer heat and hours of celebration tend to cause.
The result was a flawless, structured wave that complemented her gown perfectly. We designed her makeup to be high-impact yet breathable, lasting all day. “I didn’t even need the touch-up kit,” Maeri noted. “The makeup stayed flawless into the early hours!”
The Izabella Bordignon Experience
The Izabella Bordignon experience begins long before the wedding morning itself. From the very first call, our team gathers every detail about your day, dress, venue and vision, so by the time we sit down with you, we already understand what we’re working towards.
“I felt very cared for and the team was remarkable – I knew I was in trusted hands,” Maeri says.
Special Moments
Ask Maeri to name her most treasured moment from the day, and her answer comes without hesitation. As she walked down the aisle, she looked ahead to find Oliver quietly wiping away a tear.
Their whole day was punctuated by emotions and unexpected comedy, including Maeri’s mother-in-law using her walking stick as a makeshift bag stand after a few celebratory drinks!
The biggest laugh, however, came from the guest book phone. The couple had rented a dedicated phone for guests to record voice messages on. It was returned with a note explaining that it appeared to be faulty. “No one could work out how to get it to work,” Maeri laughs. “It turns out no one thought to switch the power switch on at the bottom!”
Island Hopping Through Greece
The honeymoon was, by Maeri’s own account, nothing short of wonderful. Their guests had been extremely generous – contributing towards their honeymoon in lieu of traditional gifts and funding what became a sun-soaked island-hopping adventure through Greece. Cerulean waters, whitewashed villages, late evenings over wine – the perfect start to married life together.
Maeri’s Advice for Future Izabella Brides
Maeri’s advice for future brides is a blend of practical logistics and emotional perspective. She advocates for an open bar (“Stories will be made!”) and strongly advises against the “DIY everything” trap. Her mantra? “Write a list, be organised, and divvy up responsibilities.”
Speaking about the day itself, she reminds brides that things may not always go to plan. “Don’t sweat over what you can’t change! Feel great and focus on what’s important: sharing a one-off amazing day with your partner. It’s for you two – not your guests!”
Supplier Spotlight
- Hair & Makeup: Izabella Bordignon London
- Photographer: Ryan Hunter
- Venue: Addington Palace – Grade II listed country mansion
- Flowers: Shilpa Reddy
- Accessories: My mum gave me her pearls on the day, very special.
Why Choose Izabella Bordignon?
Maeri chose Izabella Bordignon after seeing photographs of previous brides – and noticing that while every one of them looked flawless, each also looked entirely herself. That distinction is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t force a look; we listen, we collaborate, and we create something that feels uniquely you.
Our process begins from the very first conversation, so by the time you sit down with us for your consultation, we already understand where we’re headed. The trial at our Central London boutique is a genuine event in itself – a moment to see your wedding look take shape, to adjust, and to fall in love with what you see.
We work with extensions when structure and longevity require it, and we choose products with precision that have been tested and trusted through years of experience and wedding.
And we follow you through to the end of the evening – because a look that holds until the last dance is not a luxury. It is a promise.
Planning Your Addington Palace Wedding
Addington Palace remains one of the UK’s most versatile luxury venues, offering a sense of history that few places can match. A historic estate, Grade II-listed Palladian from the 18th-century mansion, this venue offers a versatile range of spaces to suit any vision; from the ornate majesty of the Great Hall to the more delicate silk-lined rooms, it has something to suit a range of brides.
The beauty of a wedding reception at Addington Palace is the flexibility it affords. As a dry-hire venue, it’s an institution for couples who value creative freedom, allowing you to bring in your own personality – and your own alcohol – without the constraint of corkage fees.
Ready to bring your Wedding Vision to life?
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that deserves a beauty experience to match. Whether you’re dreaming of modern Hollywood waves like Maeri, or a bespoke look tailored to your unique style, the Izabella Bordignon team is here to ensure you feel flawless from day to night.
