IONA AND ALEX: Real Elizabeth Kate Bride Wearing Serene Ameena Wedding Dress

It’s funny how life works out, one minute you’re sharing snacks at the cinema “just as friends,” and the next you’re saying I do surrounded by everyone you love. For Iona and Alex, their love story grew naturally from those teenage years into something truly lifelong. Their Heaton House Farm wedding was full of heartfelt touches, countryside charm, and a lace gown from Elizabeth Kate Bridal that couldn’t have suited Iona more perfectly.

How did you meet?

Alex and I met at secondary school. We were in the same friendship group in year 10 and I remember Alex admitting he had a crush on me but I wasn't interested at the time... it wasn't until year 11 when we went to the cinema 'as friends,' then I realised - oh I do have feelings for him.

In November 2015 Alex asked me to be his girlfriend at the school gate when school was over. I remember the butterfly feeling I had at that time and thought - omg I have a boyfriend now! 

Since then we've been inseparable. We've been through college, university together & I even moved in with him and his family during Covid!

Tell us about your proposal

Alex proposed in Amsterdam in November 2023. I do remember his behaviour being strange when we was in Amsterdam... When we were at the park, Alex wanted to keep taking selfies and wanted to ask strangers to take a picture of us. I remember thinking this was odd, as he doesn't really take pictures, it's always me suggesting it! I didn't feel photogenic that day and refused to carry on taking selfies... little did I know, he wanted to capture the moment of him proposing to me.

When did you get married?

Alex and I got married on the 16th June 2025

Where did your wedding take place?

Heaton House farm. As soon as we saw the venue in January 2024, we knew instantly it was the one. It was luxury, boho, barn venue and it was the perfect venue to celebrate our wedding with our family and friends. 

Tell us a little about the vibe or theme of your day (modern, romantic, boho, classic...)?

We got married outside facing onto the Peak District. I just remember feeling so excited to see Alex at the end of isle. It was a very emotional day, as Alex's twin sisters read a reading to us during the wedding ceremony & we also had a special performance from our friends who sang for us. It was all perfect. 

Even though we had a beautiful wedding day. I was so indecisive on the colour scheme/theme leading up to our wedding. I only decided I wanted a navy & gold theme 3 months until the wedding. I just love themes and colours, which can be a good thing, but for a wedding it was a nightmare to decide, especially with the pressure from everyone. But I do have traits of last minute thinking, so I'm actually not surprised I chose the colour scheme 3 months before.

Tell us about the dress!

Speaking of being indecisive , the decision of a wedding dress... now that's a different story... like I said, I'm very indecisive and love all styles of dresses. I originally went to 3 bridal stores and when I thought I finally said yes to the dress, it seemed there was an financial error within the bridal store and it turned out it wasn't the one for me. Throughout this panic stage, I had a break from wedding dress shopping and when I was ready to go back, I went to Elizabeth Kate Bridal. 

As soon as I stepped into Elizabeth Kate I felt a different presence then I hadn't done with any other store. Kim and Holly were so welcoming and listened to every idea I had. They made sure the dress I chose, was a part of me and who I am as a person. Each dress I tried on, I felt beautiful and they made me feel like a bride. 

How did you know it was ‘the one’?

The dress I chose, the Serene Ameena wedding dress, was everything I could have dreamed of - the classic white, Lacey, fitting bridal look, with a matching veil to go with it & what was even better, during the fittings they suggested about making a Lacey halter neck to match the dress. I remember Olivia Atwood ( influencer) wearing a halter neck on her wedding day and I thought I'm in with the trend lol ! 

 What advice would you give to brides planning now?

My advice is for future EK brides is... 

• Take in everyone moment. Yes it might feel stressful at times but you'll look back on this day and think - why was I stressing? It's an exciting part in your life and just need to soak it all in. 

• Always remember to make a to do list.

• And make sure you choose a dress that is a bit of YOU. Kim and holly will be there to support with that decision - you're in good hands future brides. 

Alex and Iona's wedding day at Heaton House Farm perfectly reflected their journey together, relaxed, emotional, and full of personality. After years together since school, the couple tied the knot surrounded by family, friends, and breathtaking countryside views. Despite some last-minute indecision over colours and themes, everything came together beautifully with a navy and gold palette and a classic lace gown from Elizabeth Kate Bridal. With a touch of boho romance and a halter neck detail inspired by Olivia Attwood, Iona’s bridal look was timeless, personal, and effortlessly elegant, a true reflection of her style.

Your Questions, Answered

Where did Iona get her wedding dress?

Iona found her dream gown at Elizabeth Kate Bridal, a warm, family-run bridal boutique known for helping brides find a dress that feels completely them.

What wedding dress did Iona wear?

She wore the beautiful ‘Ameena’ gown by Serene by Madi Lane, a classic silhouette with a bespoke choker detail inspired by Olivia Attwood.

Where did Iona and Alex get married?

The couple tied the knot at Heaton House Farm, a stunning luxury boho barn venue overlooking the Peak District countryside.

Can I book an appointment at Elizabeth Kate Bridal?

Feeling inspired by Iona’s story? Book your bridal appointment at Elizabeth Kate Bridal and let our team help you find the dress that feels perfectly, unmistakably you.