SOMEWHERE OVER the rainbow

Kaela and Ross were looking for a wedding venue with a difference and fell in love with The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux Images courtesy of Fizzy Robot

Kaela and Ross met in a typically modern way, on a dating app, so it was love at first swipe for this pair! Fast forward to the proposal on Butts Brow on the Sussex Downs, looking out over Eastbourne. “It’s a place we’ve had some lovely walks and is very special for us,” shares Kaela.

The big date was set, 23rd July, 2022, with The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux providing the perfect backdrop.

Something Different

Looking for something unusual, Kaela and Ross were ecstatic to find out that a magical place for them, The Observatory Science Centre, was licensed for nuptials. “We couldn’t believe they did weddings!” shares Kaela. “But as soon as we saw it was possible, we had to book it. It’s just such a magical place and a really unique venue for a wedding.”

Wanting a relaxed vibe on their big day, the couple decided against a table plan and allowed people to sit wherever they wished. The tables were decorated with runners, flowers in vases, and lanterns reflecting their rainbow colour palette. Similarly, the marquee was adorned with multicoloured crepe paper streamers emanating from the centre, interlaced with fairylights. “We also had a grazing table centrepiece that was decorated in a black tablecloth with a gold star tulle overlay,” shares Kaela. “We had some festoon lights outside the marquee, and also had a circular backdrop decorated with eucalyptus and ferns for the ceremony room.”

A Dress From Afar

Kaela’s wedding dress was by BHLDN from Anthropologie. “I saw it online and fell in love with it, but it was only available in America. I kept trying on other dresses but they just weren’t it, so when my mum was on holiday in LA, I got her to go to the bridal store and buy it to bring home, without me having tried it on or anything. Luckily it was perfect!” Kaela accessorised with some homemade pink sparkly shoes and a floral wreath tiara. Meawhile, Ross looked dapper in a powder-blue suit teamed with a white shirt, navy braces and a velvet blue bow-tie. The groomsmen were Kaela’s two sons and Ross’ nephew, they all wore navy chino shorts, green spotted shirts, navy velvet bow ties and navy velvet jackets. The bridesmaid wore a rainbow dress, sparkly shoes, matching bouquet and matching tiara –completely in keeping with the theme of the day!

LET’S GO TO SPACE, MAN!

The Observatory Science Centre provided much of the entertainment on the day, as there’s so much for people to see and do. “We also had a brilliant DJ, Sam, who kept the dancefloor filled, mainly with parents and kids singing Encanto songs!” Guests were treated to prosecco, alongside the grazing station, as well as an ice cream van in the afternoon, and delicious Thai food for dinner. “Our grazing platter was also a massive highlight, there was so much gorgeous food, it looked incredible and all the guests commented on how amazing it was.”

Up Amongst The Stars

“We were very excited to be getting married, and a little nervous. We’d put so much into planning the day I wanted it all to run smoothly. We really just couldn’t wait to be married though,” shares Kaela. “The ceremony venue, in one of the observatory domes was amazing, everyone was so excited when they opened the roof before the ceremony. We also got the chance to have the observatory floor raised up so we could look out over East Sussex in the perfect sunshine we had on the day. I’d also say the chance to have a night sky session with the astronomer was really special.”

STAND-OUT MOMENTS

“During a speech from two of the best men, I demonstrated a complete inability to play the kazoo, whereas the boys did an amazing solo each and put me to shame,” laughs Kaela. “Barnaby handing over the rings was also incredibly cute and special, he’d been looking after the rings for weeks and took the responsibility very seriously.”

Kaela’s parents were amazing, they helped with so much and were there until 10pm the night before making the venue look perfect – “We couldn’t have done it without them,” adds the bride. “The entire staff at the observatory, with a special mention to Natasha, were all amazing and helped the day run perfectly, as well as keeping us calm and sane during the planning. I would also say our photographers, Fizzy Robot, were just so lovely and captured the day perfectly.”

Honeymoon Highlight

“We went to Center Parcs with the kids at Christmas, it was absolutely magical and we had an incredible time. We wanted to do something special that we could all do as a family and it didn’t disappoint,” shares Kaela.

ROLL CREDITS

Venue, The Observatory Science Centre, www.the-observatory.org | Photographer, Fizzy Robot, www.fizzyrobot.co.uk | Bride’s, Anthropolgie Hair stylist, Vintique Hair, www.facebook.com/vintique2017 | Hair by Beth Speltz, www.instagram.com/hairby_bethspeltz | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros | Cake, Cakes By Andrew, www.cakesbyandrew.co.uk | Flowers, The Bexhill Florist, www.thebexhillflorist.co.uk | Entertainment, Eclipse Disco, www.eclipse-ent.com | Catering, Thaiangle, www.thaiangle.co.uk | Ice cream van, Indulgent Ice Creams, www.indulgenticecreams.co.uk Bar, FTB parties, www.ftbparties.co.uk | Horse box bar, Bottoms Up Bar, www.bottomsupbar.co.uk | Furniture hire, P&W Events, https://pweventhire.co.uk