A Must-See 'Bridgerton' Meets Beyoncé Black-Tie Wedding Outside Of London at North Mymms Park
Like most modern fairytales, Toni and Taiwo's love story started in the digital world. First, through years of quiet Instagram admiration from Taiwo, who liked Toni's posts and shared her writing. Then, a single comment caught her attention, Toni says: "I watched a video he posted about how the bar for men’s behavior is low when it comes to dating, and I was immediately sold. I followed him straight away, and that’s how I discovered he had been mentioning me on his Instagram story for years!" That interaction sparked a DM, leading to their first phone call, before a seven-hour conversation the next day would change everything. Two weeks later, Taiwo flew from Arizona to the UK to meet her in person for the first time. Their engagement followed, just two years after that initial meeting. After a romantic dinner, Taiwo and Toni headed back to his place, but what Toni didn’t know was that while they were gone it had been completely redecorated. Upon opening the door, Toni was surprised with "I Want You Around" by Snoh Alegra playing, a rose petal walkway adorned with candles, and a large flower heart asking, "Will you marry me?"
And with the UK being home to Toni, hosting their opulent affair just outside of London made perfect sense. North Mymms Park in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, with its sprawling green lawns and a 16th-century Elizabethan Mansion, became the backdrop for their wedding weekend. Classic English elegance with an atmosphere that felt "alive, warm and unforgettable." That was the overall feel of the happy couple’s wedding day. “My vision was really simple at its core: I wanted everyone to feel cared for,” the bride shares. "A wedding isn’t just about the couple, it’s about the community that gathers around them." Since many of the groom’s family were visiting the UK for the very first time, it was also important that the experience reflected the very best of British luxury. The result? What the bride describes as “Bridgerton meets Beyoncé—imagine romantic grandeur infused with energy, music and Nigerian flair." (And as serendipity would have it, a scene in Bridgerton's first season was even filmed at North Mymms Park's nursery.)
The design leaned into timeless sophistication, with creams, whites, lush green foliage and subtle black accents layered throughout. For the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a "regal" scene illuminated by a grand chandelier and anchored by a mirrored aisle that created a dreamlike, light-filled reflection as the bride made her entrance. Arrangements of white and cream florals paired with greenery made everything "abundant yet restrained," according to Toni. She adds, "The flowers were arranged low, keeping the focus on my entrance while adding that fresh, classic garden feel indoors. The effect was 'classic English luxury': elegant, structured and understated, but with an atmosphere that carried personality." The reception included that same elegance but with some added drama. Towering centerpieces of cloud-like white roses, orchids and overflowing greenery graced each table, while soft ivory linens draped to the floor. Place settings were kept clean and crisp with white plates, clear glassware and chic black ribbon accents. "We also opted for King Louis rattan chairs to bring some elegance and warmth to the space," notes the bride. "Crystal chandeliers hung down the length of the marquee, casting a romantic glow across the room."
Flowers also played a central role in shaping the day’s aesthetic. "The bridal bouquet was a modern yet timeless arrangement by Feyi Flowers, a Black-owned floral design company known for its elegant artistry," Toni says of her arrangement of white roses and orchids. For her bridesmaids, she opted for minimalist long-stem calla lilies tied with ivory satin bows. Even the groom’s boutonnière echoed the all-white palette with calla lilies and delicate spray roses.
True to the couple’s roots, the menu showcased Nigerian cuisine alongside their favorite cocktails, like lychee martinis and classic gin and tonics. During cocktail hour, a string duo delivered unexpected classical renditions of Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop. One of the most unforgettable moments? According to Toni: " I shared a nontraditional father-daughter dance with my dad to Tupac’s 'California Love' (one of his favorite songs)." To celebrate their years as a long-distance couple, guests enjoyed a custom, step-in magazine-style photo booth titled “The Long Distance Edition.”
The couple's fashion choices was also just as thoughtfully curated. The bride wore a stunning WONÁ Concept A-line gown in Mikado silk, with an asymmetric-wrapped corset and voluminous skirt with a medium-length train. "I was never someone who had a dream dress in mind. I just knew I wanted something timeless and a-line/ball gown, as we rarely have the opportunity to wear these types of silhouettes day to day," she says. "When I walked out with this dress, my sister and mother audibly gasped and shouted, 'This is the one!'" Toni later changed into two custom Nigerian-designed looks, a pearl-adorned gown by VeeKee James and a bespoke, shimmering silver reception dress by Emagine by Bukola. The groom chose his own timeless look, a bespoke Hall Madden tuxedo with an ivory jacket cut from Huddersfield bamboo cloth and tailored wool-mohair trousers. Finished with a black bow tie, white pocket square and a single boutonnière. Toni adds: "The ensemble struck the perfect balance between modern sophistication and traditional formality." The groom also had the perfect accessory, a black-and-gold Tissot watch gifted to him by his best man.
For the couple, two moments stood out most on the wedding day itself. The first was the ten-person gospel choir, Melodees from Heaven, with a moving performance of “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. "We had to fight away tears because we were so grateful in that moment, and the song encompassed that," the newlyweds say. The second was a deeply emotional tribute, a one-minute standing clap in honor of the groom’s late father, who passed while Taiwo was in college. They add: "Everyone in the reception stood up and clapped for John Ogebule, which was so beautiful to witness, especially for Taiwo’s loved ones."