Set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Surrey and the timeless charm of Goodwood House in West Sussex, Olivia Arben and Nicolas Cary’s fairytale wedding love story unfolds with grace and elegance. From a serendipitous meeting at a local pub to a dreamy proposal during the Cannes Film Festival, every moment leading to their special day is filled with romance and magic. With meticulous attention to detail, they curated an unforgettable celebration infused with personal touches, stylish fashion, delectable cuisine, and heartfelt moments, creating memories to last a lifetime.
The story so far:
Nicolas and I share a beautiful journey that began in our hometown of Surrey, where fate led us to meet at our local pub. Our love story evolved over the years, culminating in a magical proposal during the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. On May 19th, my birthday, Nicolas surprised me with a speedboat ride to the enchanting Hotel Du Cap-Eden Roc, where he proposed on the dock, surrounded by our closest friends capturing the moment. The ring he presented, a double halo princess cut, symbolized the depth of our love.
Venue:
Our dream wedding unfolded at the historic Goodwood House in West Sussex. This stunning venue, belonging to our dear friend Charlie Settrington’s family, holds a special place in our hearts. With its timeless charm and rich history, Goodwood House provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration, allowing us to embrace our English countryside roots while surrounded by loved ones.
Fashion:
For our special day, I had the privilege of choosing from an array of exquisite dresses, thanks to my designer friends. I adorned myself in creations by Nicole + Felicia Couture, Zuhair Murad, and Gyunel Couture, each dress reflecting my unique style and personality. Nicolas looked dashing in a suit by Hugo Boss, while I completed my ensemble with my favorite pair of white Louboutins. Our fashion choices exuded elegance and sophistication, complementing the grandeur of our wedding day.
Bridal party:
My sister Natasha, serving as my maid of honour, radiated beauty in a white blazer mini dress by Reformation, while my mother exuded grace in a cream mid-length dress by Escada. Thoughtful gifts from our loved ones, including a personalised veil embroidered with our names and wedding date, added a sentimental touch to the occasion.
Transportation:
Opting for a personalized touch, Nicolas and I used our own G-Wagon as our wedding car, adding a sense of familiarity and comfort to our journey. To ensure our guests arrived in style, a vintage bus provided by Goodwood transported them from the Goodwood Hotel to the picturesque venue.
Tablescape:
Our attention to detail was evident in every aspect of our wedding, including the enchanting tablescape adorned with Swarovski pineapples, a nod to Nicolas’s lucky symbol. The long table, adorned with floral displays by Spriggs Florists, created a charming and inviting ambiance for our guests.
Food & drinks:
The culinary experience at our wedding was meticulously curated by the Goodwood team, offering our guests a delightful menu featuring smoked trout, delectable chicken mains, and indulgent desserts. The classic vanilla and strawberry sponge tiered wedding cake served as a sweet finale to the culinary extravaganza.
Beauty regime & wellness:
For my bridal beauty regimen, I entrusted my sister Natasha, a talented makeup artist, to enhance my natural beauty with a soft, glamorous makeup look. A classic bouncy blow-dry by my hairstylist, Chloe Holland, completed my bridal ensemble, radiating timeless elegance and grace.
Favourite wedding gifts:
Among the many thoughtful gifts we received, Nicolas and I cherished our matching Versace robes, a giant pineapple ice bucket, and a personalised photo album from our dear friends. These heartfelt tokens of love added to the joy and memories of our special day.
Honeymoon:
Following our wedding festivities, Nicolas and I embarked on a magical honeymoon adventure to Iceland, fulfilling our dream of visiting the breathtaking landscapes and experiencing unforgettable moments together. Despite the challenges of travel restrictions, our spontaneous trip was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Advice:
Reflecting on our wedding planning experience, Nicolas and I offer three invaluable pieces of advice: cherish every moment, accept help graciously, and stay true to your vision for your special day.
Suppliers:
- Brides & Groom @oliviaarben @nicocary
- Venue: @Goodwood
- Caterer: @Goodwood
- Dress: @Gyunel, @Zuhairmuradofficial, @Nicolefeliciacouture
- Maid of Honor: @natashaarben
- Groom outfit: @Boss
- Florist: @Spriggsflorist
- Tableware: @Goodwood
- Stationery: @Goodwood
- Photographer: @maxcisottiphotographer for @davebenett @gettyimages, @eva.espresso
- Videographer: @raymcshanefilms
- Makeup: @natashaarben
- Hair: @chloehollandhair
- Gift list: @amaraliving
