WEDDINGS
Payton And Dom Tied The Knot In A Tudor Palace And Had An Owl Deliver Their Rings
BY PAYTON GARRITY-STERN
November 12, 2025
Dom & Payton like to say they met the old fashioned way, on Hinge. Payton had just moved to London in September to attend Le Cordon Bleu, while Dom was a lifelong Londoner, just starting to date again after lockdown. They had a polaroid taken of them within ten minutes of meeting for their first date in December, 2021; “If we break up, it will be funny, if we stay together, it will be cute” Dom insisted. Ultimately, they did break up, however after some intervention from friends and family, and a brief friendship, got back together at their friend Nolie’s Renaissance-themed birthday party in October the next year. In an ode to their reconciliation, Dom proposed to Payton in a costumed handfasting ceremony at the Loxwood Joust in August, 2024.“As someone who’s impossible to surprise, I never saw it coming,” says Payton. “I was positive he was proposing in Norway a few weeks later.” How wrong she was, Dom worked in secret with several co-conspirators to hijack an outing Payton herself had planned, avoiding any suspicion along the way. After a resounding “Yes!” and a day of celebratory mead, the wedding planning began almost immediately. Very quickly, after acknowledging a through-line in their relationship, the couple decided on a September 20th, 2025 ceremony to take place at Hatfield House, a Grade I listed country house just outside of London, and the previous home to the likes of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.The couple opted to plan the entire extravaganza themselves. With a large network of friends who daylight as creative professionals, the next steps were calls and proposals to employ their nearest and dearest. “We wanted the most personal day possible, and figured if someone is going to be paid for our wedding, it may as well be our friends.” This led to an all-star list of vendors from all facets of life. Namely, catering by Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous, florals by up and coming Brooklyn-based florist Grace Hildreth, centrepiece curation by prop-master Hayley Pither, chocolate bon-bons by The French Laundry’s Hazel Arden, menus and stationary suites by illustrator Shama Johns, and a cake by pâtissier Adam Jeffery.Payton and Dom love a dress code, so this was their next component to tackle. The couple quickly coined the term “Baroque Camp” to sum up expected guest attire. “We wanted jewel tones, and rich fabrics. Not costume, but a chance to extravagantly celebrate love and life”, said Dom. “Our dream was to host a massive party out of time. What time that was, was a bit harder to pin down.” added Payton. Influences from many different eras dotted their moodboards and proposal decks, namely Baroque, Renaissance, and Tudor styles, which all eventually found their way into the wedding itself.They then looked inward to their own wedding wardrobes. “Our festivities started with an upscale casual evening at my wine bar in Mayfair, The White Horse” says the Bride, who opted for an abstract linen Farm Rio dress, to match the interior design motif of their sister restaurant, HIDE, just down the street. “[HIDE] is the reason I stayed in London, and ultimately how Dom and I ended up together, so I wanted to give a nod somewhere in the wedding, even if I was the only one who knew about it.” They would then host an intimate rehearsal dinner at The Red Lion pub, with all the traditional English fare. Think fish ‘n’ chips, sticky toffee pudding, gin and tonics, and the like.For the wedding day, the bride opted for a semi-custom Dany Tabet ballgown and mantilla veil, found on a trip to Las Vegas with her mom and brother. “We weren’t even engaged yet, but I knew it was coming, and wanted to share the wedding dress experience with them.” says Payton, “it was done almost as a joke, I was never expecting to find ‘the dress’, but there it was.” However, it wasn’t “the dress” right away. “I went on several other dress shopping trips, because I feared the dress didn’t fit our theme. I let people ask yes or no questions about it in the leadup, and most people’s first question was if it was white! However, I grew to love the idea of subverting expectations by wearing a timeless and elegant piece as opposed to leaning into the ‘camp’ of it all.” She paired the outfit with Cornelia James gloves and borrowed a pair of simple Tiffany studs from her mother. For the reception, she opted for a breezy outfit change, donning Shona Joy trousers, a custom corset by Italian Opera Attellier La Villa Clementine, and a custom “S” necklace as a nod to the wives who had come before her at Hatfield, namely Anne Boleyn, “although I am hoping for a much more pleasant end to our love story.”The groom kept his outfit a surprise from the bride as well, opting for a custom sage green number from TuxLux London, which was anchored by a soft pink cravate and an ornate vintage brooch, accompanied by vintage abalone cufflinks, and a matching pocket square of pink, emerald and sapphire patterns.The couple opted to get ready separately, with no first look – “I wanted the first time I saw her to be when she walked down the aisle, for our genuine reactions to be in front of everybody.”. Close friends of the couple were invited to trickle in throughout the morning to get ready alongside them, and toast the day ahead. “I had such a calm morning, until I realised I needed to be walking down the aisle in an hour, wasn’t dressed, and hadn’t finished my vows.” laughs Payton. Although she describes this as par for the course for her. “I was in such a flurry at the end, I actually forgot my bouquet! I made it all the way to the aisle before I realized, and my poor cousin had to sprint back and get it for me.” Guests arrived in their Baroque Camp finery, and were greeted to a mimosa bar by bartenders Kingdom Cocktails, and given a chance to meander around the historic Knot Garden in the Old Palace. They then made their way to the ceremony green for the main event.After a grey, windy, and rainy English morning, the couple were blessed with the perfect twenty minutes of sunlight to exchange vows and say “I do”, although they don’t thank their lucky stars for the change in weather; “Etsy witches” says the Bride, “I hired three of them…”The ceremony was officiated by friend of the couple, Nolie Wagner, the same of birthday party fame, and cousin to the Groom, Dan Stern, who together delivered a beautiful balance of mixed cultures, faiths, and families. The couple delivered hand written vows, before completing another handfasting ceremony, an homage to their engagement.The highlight of the ceremony came when a surprise guest appeared, teased on the wedding website as simply “The Ring Bearer”. Buddy, a barn owl delivered the rings to the Bride’s brother, referred to as “Assistant to the Ring Bearer”. All this just as the wind returned to sweep the couple off their feet for their first kiss as man and wife.The couple joined their guests for a cocktail hour and then moved inside The Old Palace for a banquet style dinner courtesy of Ollie Dabbous, featuring beetroot roses, roast chicken, pepper-glazed monkfish, warm fresh focaccia, and more. The tables were adorned with abstract florals by Grace Hildreth, fresh produce, and antiques some of which dated back to the 1700’s. Interactive, personal touches were woven into the centrepieces by prop-master Hayley, such as lockets with the couple's faces, messages in bottles, old family photos, and other bits and bobs, all ready to be opened, read, and interacted with. Dessert consisted of a custom bonbon by Hazel Arden, and two slices of cake by Adam Jeffery to represent the couple, sticky toffee pudding cake, and a lemon and strawberry Victoria sponge. The soundtrack to the dinner? The first dance songs of couples present on the day, acting as a subtle nod to the loves that came before.The night was rounded out with as much dancing as the venue would allow, with an after-party DJ’d by the groom himself, DOM$$, spinning an eclectic mix of pop, rap, house, dubstep, and his own cover of Get’cha Head in the Game. As the lights came on, guests were urged to take a tote bag, and treat the tables like a garage sale. “We didn’t want anything to go to waste!” says Payton, “There was plenty of fruit and veg, and more strands of pearls than any one person could want.” Some guests later shared cooking their centrepiece for dinner the following week.The couple reflects: “It was an absolutely perfect, magical evening. We wouldn’t change a thing if given the chance.”
Listen while you scroll?
Photo: Eva Slusarek1/117Friends and family of the Bride and Groom meet and mingle for the first time at The White Horse wine bar in Mayfair
Photo: Eva Slusarek2/117The Bride and Groom opt for coordinating linen looks, with the Bride in Farm Rio and Vivienne Westwood
Photo: Eva Slusarek3/117Cheese toasties and wine, yes please!
Photo: Scarlett Cook4/117A gloomy English morning at Hatfield House Park & Gardens
Photo: Scarlett Cook5/117Setting the scene in the Knot Garden, with steps up to the ceremony green
Photo: Scarlett Cook6/117Invite suite by Artcadia, with pears that hint at what is to come in the banquet hall. Jewelry features "borrowed" Tiffany studs, the Bride and Groom's grandmother's rings, and an "S" necklace to pay homage to Anne Boleyn
Photo: Scarlett Cook7/117Getting ready! Makeup done by Nicola Sacks, with a few final touches by the Bride herself
Photo: Scarlett Cook8/117Something Blue: The Bride carried a handkerchief from her Uncle Keith's funeral along with the names of passed relatives embroidered by Nonnas Napkins
Photo: Scarlett Cook9/117All hands on deck in the Bridal Suite
Photo: Scarlett Cook10/117Chocolatier Hazel Arden
Photo: Scarlett Cook11/117Finishing touches from the Mother of the Bride
Photo: Scarlett Cook12/117Finishing touches from the Mother of the Bride
Photo: Scarlett Cook13/117Officiant Nolie Wagner with the handfasting cord
Photo: Scarlett Cook14/117Silhouette
Photo: Scarlett Cook15/117Grandmothers' rings side by side, and nails by Harmless Beauty
Photo: Scarlett Cook16/117Mother & Sister of the Groom arrive
Photo: Scarlett Cook17/117"It has pockets!"
Photo: Scarlett Cook18/117The Bride hides away before guests arrive
Photo: Scarlett Cook19/117Special delivery from Grace Hildreth
Photo: Scarlett Cook20/117Facetime with Grandpa Kurt
Photo: Scarlett Cook21/117First look for the Father of the Bride
Photo: Scarlett Cook22/117Finishing touches
Photo: Scarlett Cook23/117Nicola Sacks puts the final pins in place
Photo: Scarlett Cook24/117
Photo: Sophie Jane25/117The Groom gets ready
Photo: Sophie Jane26/117The Groom with the wives of King Henry VIII looking over his shoulder
Photo: Sophie Jane27/117Handfasting practice in the Groom's Suite
Photo: Sophie Jane28/117Boutonnières for the gents
Photo: Sophie Jane29/117King for a day, and the Father of the Groom
Photo: Sophie Jane30/117Ready to toast the Groom
Photo: Sophie Jane31/117Cheers to Dom
Photo: Scarlett Cook32/117Guests begin to arrive, bellinis in hand from Kingdom Cocktails
Photo: Scarlett Cook33/117The Knot Garden is in bloom for guests to peruse
Photo: Scarlett Cook34/117Jewel tones, rich fabrics, and florals
Photo: Scarlett Cook35/117Patissier Adam Jeffery
Photo: Scarlett Cook36/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook37/117Time to take your seats
Photo: Scarlett Cook38/117Lady in Waiting Frances Archer
Photo: Scarlett Cook39/117Ready to process
Photo: Scarlett Cook40/117The Bride wears a semi-custom Dany Tabet gown and mantilla veil
Photo: Scarlett Cook1/117The Groom is escorted to the ceremony by his parents
Photo: Scarlett Cook41/117The sun comes out, thanks Etsy witches!
Photo: Scarlett Cook42/117The Bride, escorted by her parents, realises she has forgotten her bouquet
Photo: Scarlett Cook43/117Bridal attendant Faith to the rescue
Photo: Scarlett Cook44/117The first look
Photo: Scarlett Cook45/117The first look
Photo: Scarlett Cook46/117Guests in their finery under blue skies
Photo: Scarlett Cook47/117A successful handfasting
Photo: Scarlett Cook48/117The Mother of the Bride wears Huishan Zhang and a vintage handkerchief
Photo: Scarlett Cook49/117Buddy, the ring bearer, arrives
Photo: Scarlett Cook50/117They do!
Photo: Scarlett Cook51/117Windswept first kiss
Photo: Scarlett Cook52/117Man & Wife
Photo: Scarlett Cook53/117Bespoke rings by Heulwen Lewis
Photo: Scarlett Cook54/117Off to take their portraits
Photo: Scarlett Cook55/117Wedded bliss
Photo: Scarlett Cook56/117The wind returns
Photo: Scarlett Cook57/117Details
Photo: Scarlett Cook58/117The wind intensifies
Photo: Scarlett Cook59/117On the way to cocktail hour
Photo: Scarlett Cook60/117Cocktail hour begins
Photo: Scarlett Cook61/117Pimms and Basil Margaritas as custom cocktails
Photo: Scarlett Cook62/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook63/117A beautiful backdrop
Photo: Scarlett Cook64/117Baroque camp
Photo: Scarlett Cook65/117Gizmo the owl has joined the party
Photo: Scarlett Cook66/117And stolen the show
Photo: Scarlett Cook67/117A moment for the bouquet
Photo: Scarlett Cook68/117Oops, more Gizmo
Photo: Scarlett Cook69/117And we can't forget about Buddy
Photo: Scarlett Cook70/117The Groom looking at, you guessed it, Gizmo
Photo: Scarlett Cook80/117Owl time is over, time to limber up and party
Photo: Scarlett Cook81/117The first dance
Photo: Scarlett Cook82/117You raise me up
Photo: Scarlett Cook83/117Surrounded by love
Photo: Scarlett Cook84/117All join in
Photo: Scarlett Cook85/117All join in
Photo: Scarlett Cook86/117Gowns galore
Photo: Scarlett Cook87/117Don't step on the dress!
Photo: Scarlett Cook88/117You raise me up II
Photo: Scarlett Cook89/117You raise me up III
Photo: Scarlett Cook90/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook91/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook92/117The scene is set for dinner
Photo: Scarlett Cook93/117Centrepieces inspired by still life paintings
Photo: Scarlett Cook94/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook95/117Best Man Mitch Jerrard
Photo: Scarlett Cook96/117Grapes from Hayley Pither's garden adorned the tables
Photo: Scarlett Cook97/117Speeches took place throughout the meal
Photo: Scarlett Cook98/117Speeches took place throughout the meal
Photo: Scarlett Cook99/117Custom, personalised menus by Shama Johns
Photo: Scarlett Cook100/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook101/117Peronal, interactive touches lined the tables
Photo: Scarlett Cook102/117Future album cover
Photo: Scarlett Cook103/117Time to cut the cake
Photo: Scarlett Cook104/117Time to cut the cake
Photo: Scarlett Cook105/117An outfit change is in order
Photo: Scarlett Cook106/117Father daughter dance with an ode to "About Time"
Photo: Scarlett Cook107/117Father daughter dance with an ode to "About Time"
Photo: Scarlett Cook108/117Time to party
Photo: Scarlett Cook109/117The Grooms dancing digs
Photo: Scarlett Cook110/117
Photo: Scarlett Cook111/117"We only have pretty friends"
Photo: Scarlett Cook112/117A forgotten shoe change, "The Boots"
Photo: Scarlett Cook113/117Florist Grace Hildreth cutting loose
Photo: Scarlett Cook114/117Into the 21st night of September
Photo: Anon115/118Wrapping up the evening with a DOM$$ after party. Find the set below
Photo: Anon116/117Until the lights came on
Photo: The Cambridge Photobooth117/117A night to remember
Thank you so much to all who celebrated with us, either on the day or from a distance. This is a very small, curated selection of the photos from the weekend, view the entire gallery:
And head to our Google Drive in the banner for welcome drink & photobooth images. There are over 1,500 total, so you're bound to have a photo of you in the mix.
Thank you most of all to our families, and all of our vendors:
Caterer: Ollie Dabbous
Prop-master: Hayley Pither
Chocolatier: Hazel Arden