There are weddings, and then there are weddings. Sasha and Randolf’s spectacular Sezincote House Wedding in the Cotswolds was, without question, one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve had the honour to be part of.
The Beginning of Forever
Every love story has its spark, and Sasha and Randolf’s is one for the rom-com books. Sasha was a young dentist working in Oxford when Randolf was enrolled on the MBA program there. He had spotted her on several nights out but – as many a smitten man will tell you – needed to work up the courage to approach her. Rather than approach her in person, he took the modern route and found her profile online.
Their first date was at a famous wine bar in Jericho, Oxford. And, as Sasha puts it beautifully, “the rest is history!”
A Sunset Secret – The Cliffside Proposal in Cornwall
Like a scene straight out of a movie, Randolf whisked Sasha down to Cornwall, and, as the sun began to set, he got down on one knee. What makes this moment even more special is that he had arranged for a photographer to hide discreetly in the bushes nearby to capture the unfiltered and true reactions!
Two Days, Three Cultures, One Heart
Sasha is Indian by heritage and Randolf is German. Sasha has spent most of her life in the UK, making her, as she wonderfully puts it, “very anglified”. With two days of celebrations to plan for, the brief was clear: honour all these cultures simultaneously.
“Immersion in all the cultures was super important,” Sasha notes. “At the same time, we wanted to celebrate the stunning venue and not overembellish it with too many accessories.”
Sezincote House is a venue unlike anywhere else in England. With its Indo-Mughal architecture, it provided the couple with the perfect canvas for a wedding that spoke beautifully to both their cultures.
For the décor, Sasha drew inspiration from the talented Portuguese florist Ohmariaflores, based in Lisbon, whose signature fusion of fruit and florals became the blueprint for the table setting.
“Our aim was to create a family style, personal atmosphere for our guests, so a single long table was a must. This was embellished with a stunning yet simple lemon and tulip arrangement to celebrate everything yellow. This simple design, juxtaposed against the build of the orangery where dinner was held, was magical.”
The bridal party bouquets and corsages followed the same simple elegance – tulip presentations in the yellow theme, which looked incredible against the autumnal burnt orange of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
For the dinner, Sasha opted for a sharing-style dinner menu. She worked with an illustrator and hand-wrote the menu cards herself – a touch that guests simply loved, and one that turned dinner into a moment of connection and conversation exactly as she had hoped.
Effortless Elegance: Sasha’s Natural Bridal Look
With olive-toned skin, dark eyes, and rich dark hair, Sasha’s direction for her bridal look was clear from the very beginning: amplify the natural, not alter it.
“My inspiration was to amplify my natural features, rather than alter them. I love dancing, and want to feel as fluid as possible.”
Her philosophy of wanting her features celebrated rather than disguised guided every decision she and our team made together. We kept her palette neutral and warm, letting her natural colouring do the work. For her hair, we opted for a blow-out worn down to create the softness and freedom she desired.
For her Indian ceremony, Sasha needed a second look, and thanks to careful preparation, and the thorough work our team carried out on her hair in the morning, the transition proved seamless. When she returned for the switch, her hair was still immaculate and only required a few refinements and final accessories.
The Izabella Bordignon Experience
The Izabella Bordignon experience begins long before the wedding morning itself and Sasha’s experience was an absolute joy!
“My experience with the whole team was flawless. From the moment I made an online enquiry, the team were super communicative and willing to respond to all my questions accurately and professionally. I loved the fact that I was able to meet Izabella via Zoom before committing to anything.”
“The team took such good care of me months before the wedding – providing an in-depth pre-wedding beauty and hair prep guide, asking for lots of photos for references, and being at my disposal via WhatsApp for any concerns. I loved the hair and makeup trial with Johanna and Izabella. The studio is an oasis of peace in London. You feel like you’ve stepped into another world – it’s exciting, refreshing, and reassuring. They are so calm and well composed – exactly the type of personalities you need on your wedding day!”
For us here at Izabella Bordignon, Sasha was an absolute joy to work with. She had a clear vision of her bridal look, which made the entire process feel seamless and truly collaborative. It was easy to bring her ideas to life, because she knew exactly how she wanted to feel on her day.
Preparation was key – both for the skin and the hair. Sasha had been very careful with her skincare in the lead-up to the wedding, which ensured her skin looked naturally radiant and flawless on the day. The same level of care was given to her hair, which we treated in the studio ahead of time to ensure it was in its best condition – healthy, strong, and beautifully shiny.
I’m truly grateful that Sasha chose us to be part of such a meaningful moment in her life. It was an honour to be a part of her beautiful day!
The Moments That Mattered
Ask Sasha for her most memorable moment and she will take you straight to the white wedding ceremony at the Surya temple and pond at Sezincote.
“The sun was shining with its reflection skimming a beautiful dappled light across the moss green pond. I felt overwhelmed having my best friends by my side and all my loved ones present – it was a deeply meaningful and emotional moment seeing my husband for the first time that day.”
And the biggest surprise? The band. Sasha and Randolf decided against a traditional stage act and instead booked the roaming band Roameo who absolutely stole the show. Without a fixed stage, the band moved through the crowd, making the atmosphere electric and utterly personal. Multiple guests have since messaged the couple to say it was the best wedding band they have ever seen!
The Honeymoon
For their mini-moon, Sasha and Randolf went on a gorgeous Italian adventure, beginning in Sicily, followed by Puglia, before finishing in Florence.
And the main honeymoon? Japan – planned for cherry blossom season. They are already dreaming of the photographs!
Words of Wisdom for Future Izabella Brides
For brides-to-be, Sasha offers some practical advice: “Don’t spend a lot of money on designer shoes – it’s the dress that’s the main masterpiece – no one is looking at your shoes, especially if you opt for a long wedding dress. Choose shoes that are comfortable and cushioned- ideally not stiletto heeled, so that you can still dance the night away!”
She also stresses the importance of resting before the celebrations begin: “If you are having a pre-wedding event like we did, be strict with yourself and be in bed to allow for at least 7-8h hours sleep. I also avoided drinking much alcohol the night before.”
Reflecting on the logistics, Sasha highlights a major lifesaver for their planning process: “We planned our own wedding, which was stressful to say the least. If you are going down the same avenue, I would strongly recommend hiring an events planner for the day who knows the venue and the suppliers well. This was a huge plus point for us as it meant after discussing the itinerary with the planners, my husband and I could both relax on the day and let them take the lead, knowing that they were experienced with the venue.”
On the day itself, her advice is practical “Try to enjoy every single second. Soak it all in. The day moves faster than you can possibly imagine and before you know it, it’s sadly over. Be present for all of it.”
Supplier Spotlight
- Hair and Makeup – Izabella Bordignon
- Photography & Videography – Kim Raaf Photo
- Venue – Sezincote House
- Flowers – SS Cotswolds Luxury Florist
- Catering – Quince & Clover Events
- White Wedding Dress – Made with Love Bridal
- Indian Bridal Outfit –Aashni & Co
- Shoes – Charlotte Mills bridal shoes
- Accessories – Lily and Roo & Astrid and Miyu
- Band: Roameo
Why Choose Izabella Bordignon
Choosing your bridal beauty team is about finding the balance between artistry and support, and that’s exactly what Sasha found with us. From the initial Zoom consultation through to her second bridal look, we provide a personal, professional experience that begins months before you walk down the aisle.
What sets us apart is our expertise in multicultural weddings; we understand the nuances of different skin tones and hair textures, ensuring each bride looks elegantly and effortlessly herself. With a commitment to detailed prep and communication, we don’t just apply make-up, we create a bespoke beauty journey tailored to your vision.
Sasha noted how much she loved our social media presence, especially on Instagram, sharing that “a post/ picture literally speaks for itself, especially within the cosmetic/ beauty industry. I loved how elegant and effortlessly beautiful all the brides looked- all with their unique looks and preferences.”
How Sasha Prepared for Her Big Day
Sasha approached her wedding prep with the same care and professionalism she brings to her work as a dentist. She started early – around 10 months before the big day – and covered all avenues from the inside out. Her approach is one of the most thorough and considered we’ve ever come across, and we wanted to share how she prepped here in full.
Fitness & Movement
As an avid fitness fanatic, Sasha continued with her regular routine of working out 4-5 times per week, focusing on core workouts like pilates, functional strength training and barrecore classes to achieve a more toned, lean look for her special day.
Daily Supplements
Sasha regularly takes these supplements, citing that consistency with them is key to getting the desired results:
- Type 1 and Type 3 collagen with Vitamin C
- A daily multivitamin
- Omega fish oil
- Iron and Zinc
Skincare: The Isotretinoin Secret
When we asked Sasha about her bridal radiance, she pointed to a very specific skincare ally: Isotretinoin. Often referred to as a “wonder topical”, this Vitamin A derivative is a powerhouse for those seeking a smoother skin texture.
As a dental professional with a keen eye for aesthetics, Sasha notes that while it’s highly effective for reducing fine lines and creating an even tone, it’s a potent treatment that requires professional guidance.
“Consultation with a pharmacist or dermatologist is key to see whether you are eligible,” she advises. For those just starting on their skincare journey, Sasha recommends exploring weaker derivatives or seeking expert advice through services like Skin and Me or Dermatica.
To achieve that flawless and dewy finish on her wedding day, Sasha followed a consistent and disciplined skincare routine:
- Application of Isotretinoin every evening before moisturiser to promote skin cell turnover.
- Daily protection with a mineral-based SPF 50 which is vital when using isotretinoin as it can increase sun sensitivity.
- Integration of Vitamin C serum every morning to combat oxidative stress and enhance natural glow.
Injectables
For brides considering aesthetic treatments, Sasha emphasises that timing is just as important as the treatments themselves. As an expert in her field, her golden rule is to start at least 10 months before your wedding day to allow for multiple rounds of treatment spaced carefully apart.
Sasha opted for a “less is more” approach, focusing on skin quality and subtle enhancements rather than drastic changes, including:
- 3 rounds of Polynucleotides – derived from fish DNA fragments, polynucleotides work at a cellular level to repair skin, boost collagen and improve elasticity. “It definitely works,” says Sasha. “It reduced my dark eye bags, gave me more elasticity, and everyone commented on the clarity of my skin!”
- Lip Flip – choosing to avoid traditional fillers, Sasha opted for a Lip Flip instead. This involves having small amounts of Botox injected around the upper lip to relax the muscles, allowing the lip to “flip” slightly outward for a naturally more plump appearance.
- 2 rounds of Botox – to ensure she looked refreshed in every photo, Sasha had two rounds of Botox targeting the forehead, crows’ feet and brow lift.
Hydration
Sasha aimed for at least 2 litres of water daily and made sure she had reached this amount before the ceremony. Skin properly hydrated from within simply glows -and hers absolutely did!
Planning your Wedding at Sezincote House
Sezincote House is one of the most extraordinary and distinctive wedding venues in England. Nestled within a sweeping 400-acre estate of rolling Gloucestershire countryside, this striking landmark breaks away from traditional English country estates by offering a captivating blend of local heritage and exotic Eastern design.
Its Mughal-inspired architecture – copper-green onion dome, Indian-style stonework, and sweeping Cotswold gardens – makes it the perfect canvas for multicultural celebrations, intimate gatherings, and utterly unforgettable days.
An Architectural Masterpiece
Surrounded by the green Cotswold hills, Sezincote stands as the only authentically Mughal Palace in northern Europe. Built in 1805 in the Indian style of Rajasthan, the house features a majestic copper-green onion dome, minarets, peacock-tail windows, and intricate jali-work railings. Its design so thoroughly dazzled the British elite that when the Prince Regent visited in 1807, he was inspired to alter his architectural plans for the iconic Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
While the striking exterior mirrors a grand Eastern palace, the interior flips the aesthetic completely, remaining faithful to traditional, neo-classical Greek Revival symmetry and order—providing an unforgettable, dual-natured backdrop for multicultural celebrations and luxury events.
The Perfect Canvas for Your Ceremony and Reception
Sezincote offers distinct, licensed spaces for civil ceremonies and celebrations, tailored to accommodate both grand affairs and intimate milestones:
- The Curved Orangery: For a breathtaking ceremony setting, the spectacular, glass-curved Orangery can accommodate up to 220 guests. Enclosing a Persian Garden of Paradise, its series of French windows can be completely opened to seamlessly merge the indoor celebration with the surrounding lawns.
- The Dining Room: For more intimate vows, the estate offers a 70-capacity dining room featuring elegant, hand-painted walls decorated with delicate views of India that look out across the gardens.
- The Water Gardens & Surya Temple: Perfect for photography and deeply meaningful moments, the surrounding water gardens feature a stepping-stone pond, a serpent grotto, a traditional Indian bridge, and the sacred shrine to the Hindu Sun God, Surya.
- The Persian Garden Lawns: Wedding drinks and receptions are traditionally hosted directly on the lawns. For the main wedding breakfast and evening party, couples erect a clear-sided marquee on the grounds, creating a spectacular setting as the main house is illuminated against the night sky.
Ready to Bring your 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 a dewy glow like Sasha, or a special look tailored to your unique vision, the Izabella Bordignon team is here to make sure you look and feel your best from day to night.
