Elliott Mariess | Photography

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A Look Back: Ami & Maxwell’s Bohemian Brighton Wedding at The Secret Barn

elliott mariess

Every so often, I take a trip down memory lane (a.k.a. my hard drive) and come across a wedding that makes me grin like an idiot all over again. Ami and Maxwell’s 2018 wedding is one of those. Wind, wildflowers, and a whole lot of love—this day was bursting with personality, creativity, and a bohemian spirit that still sticks with me years later.

It had everything: a windswept ceremony by the sea, a barn transformed into a festival-style dream, and a newlywed drive in a beloved Citroën named Kermit. If ever there was a wedding that deserved a rewind, this is it.

The Windiest "I Do" on the Brighton Bandstand

The Brighton Bandstand is an icon of seaside romance. It’s also, on this particular day, where the weather gods decided to show off their full range of wind speeds. Veils? Horizontal. Hair? Doing its best impression of a rock concert. But honestly, it just added to the magic.

“We had the perfect view of the waves while saying our vows,” Ami said later. “Also, a very real chance of losing a wedding guest to the breeze.”

After sealing the deal in a ceremony filled with love (and some serious hair wrangling), the wedding party jumped onto a vintage bus bound for The Secret Barn, while Ami and Maxwell took the scenic route in Kermit, their lovingly restored Citroën 2CV. A moment of calm before the party kicked off.

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The Secret Barn: A Bohemian Wonderland

Rustic beams, Moroccan lanterns, and macramé pot hangers—The Secret Barn was transformed into a festival-inspired paradise. Ami and Maxwell poured their hearts (and probably a fair bit of glue and string) into the details. Vintage brass animals graced every table, fairy lights twinkled from above, and mismatched glassware gave everything that effortlessly cool look that Pinterest boards dream of.

“We fell in love with Petal & Feast, the barn—just everything—straight away,” Ami recalled. “The flowers, the food, the atmosphere—it was all exactly what we wanted.”

This DIY passion didn’t stop at their own wedding. Ami and Maxwell loved the styling process so much that they launched Lo & Behold Bespoke afterward—a design and hire company specializing in bohemian weddings. Proof that sometimes, wedding planning doesn’t just end with the big day—it sparks a whole new adventure.

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Handmade Dress, Borrowed Veil, and a Waistcoat with a Story

Ami’s wedding dress wasn’t found in a boutique—it was made by her incredibly talented mum. Floaty lace, bell sleeves, and a fringed trim made it a true boho dream, and as if that wasn’t enough, she topped it off with a cathedral-length veil borrowed from her best friend.

Maxwell, ever the vintage aficionado, rocked a thrifted jacket, a sage green waistcoat with a paisley back (because details matter), and a pocket watch engraved with “It’s time for a new adventure.” I mean, come on. That’s wedding outfit goals.

Food, Music, and a Cake Table to Die For

With Petal & Feast in charge of the menu, guests were treated to an absolute feast of vegetarian delights. Think flaky tarts, fresh-baked breads, and salads so good they’d make even the most dedicated carnivore rethink their choices. The evening wrapped up with a dessert table piled high with homemade cakes—including a raw vegan lemon tart that apparently changed lives.

The music? Flawless. Good Company Band had everyone dancing, and for their first dance, they performed All I Want Is You by Barry Louis Polisar. No awkward swaying—just pure, uninhibited, barefoot joy.

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The Wedding Video That Almost Didn’t Happen

Maxwell wasn’t entirely convinced they needed a videographer (it’s okay, I’ve forgiven him), but after watching one of my films, he came around. And I’m so glad he did.

“He never once directed us,” Ami later said about my filming approach. “He just hung back and captured everything naturally. The result had us in tears—it was one of the best decisions we made.”

Honestly? I still love watching their film. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do—preserving those tiny, unscripted moments that tell a love story better than any posed shot ever could.

Looking Back: Timeless Wedding Advice from Ami & Maxwell

In my notes from their wedding, I found this little gem of wisdom from Ami:

“Stick to your guns and do what feels right for you. If you want to break tradition, break it! It’s your day, and the details that feel most ‘you’ will make it memorable. Also, steal away with your partner for a few private moments—it flies by, so relish every second!”

Seven years later, that advice still holds up.

Thanks for the Memories

Ami and Maxwell’s wedding wasn’t just about aesthetics or trends—it was about them. Their creativity, their love, their absolute commitment to making the day an extension of who they are. Looking back, I still get all kinds of warm fuzzies thinking about it.

So here’s to nostalgia, boho magic, and the kind of love that weathers all the winds Brighton can throw at it.

📽️ Film by Elliot Mariess (a.k.a. me, your friendly neighborhood wedding filmmaker)

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