Real Life Weddings Bookazine_2023 by Weddings and Honeymoons

WEDDINGS

REAL LIFE

2023

Fairytale weddings from around the world

s e i r o

£9.99

LOVE

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EDITORIAL Lead Designer Charlotte Saunders Features Editor Daisy Wraight

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS MEDIA Founder and Chief Executive Officer Parry Cockwell

COMMERCIAL Commercial Director Anthony Baines Sales Coordinator Tracey Game Special Features Director Brian Horrocks Account Director (Italy) Maria F. De Tommaso Account Director (Wedding Planning Worldwide) Sonia Burton

Group Editor Eleonora Tucci Art Director Emanuela Federici Luxury Brands & Destinations Editor Emily Williams Editorial Assistant Callum Topazio Production Executive Tania Estrela Graphic Design Intern Monika Sleke

Financial Controller Omotolani Evelyn Olatunbosun

WEDDINGS

REAL LIFE

2023

Fairytale weddings from around the world

ON THE COVER GLIMPSE OF ADVENTURE CHATEAU DE LA VALOUZE VIVAAH WEDDINGS

stories

4 THE LOVE OF EVENTS KALKAN CONCIERGE THE WHITE SPARROW BARN CARA CREATIVE CO.

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YUCATAN LOVE HIDDEN TREASURES IBIZA

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Welcome As you’re flicking through these pages, we hope you feel the same bliss and excitement as we have during the ensemble of it all… There’s something special about being part of someone’s big day; as you watch the couple walk down the aisle, smile and shed a tear in the crowd, enter the reception room to a stunning layout, and finally celebrate until dawn. When it comes to weddings, a wonderful aura fills the space and there is no better moment in time to create magical memories. To give readers more of these beautiful moments, the team at Weddings & Honeymoons Media has put together a Real Life Wedding bookazine to enchant readers with the magical world of weddings. This exclusive bookazine is exactly what couples need before jumping into the unknown waters of wedding planning, with most of their wedding experience usually amounting to attending events as guests. And, what better way to get a feel of what all of this entails than with a magazine filled to the brim with ideas and inspiration coming directly from real couples and their superb wedding suppliers? Our Real Life Wedding bookazine is the perfect coffee table journal to keep nearby throughout your journey to the altar. If you’re seeking creative insight, you’ve come to the right place! For whichever destination or style of wedding you’ve been dreaming of, you’ll stumble across it here. Bringing you mesmerising events from across the globe, this magazine includes romantic love stories from every corner of the world, all brimming with a diverse range of styles and personalities. Each story is told by the couple, and at the same time, you’ll get an eye-opening account from the incredibly talented suppliers who have worked so hard to make these dream days come to life. From lavish affairs in regal European manors and villas to the most tantalising shorefront elopements in the Caribbean, there’s just about any version of tying the knot in this spectacular edition. If you are in need of ideas, we know you’ll find a few here; whether it’s a colour scheme you are seeking, a location or vendor you might be pursuing, or a bit of advice you didn't know you were searching for, there’s no better reading material to have by your side. Browsing through the couple’s experience will soothe the pressure and stress of your wedding planning, and having the words and recommendations from some of the top in the industry, could make all the difference in the choices you decide in the lead-up to your big day. So, if you desperately seek a taste of the wedding world that will warm your heart and inspire your mind, read on! We hope you love this bookazine as much as we’ve loved putting it together for you. Enjoy,

Weddings & Honeymoons Media

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Contents 9 13 17 21 25 29 33 37 41 45 49 53 57

APULIA: A CLASSY CELEBRATION A romantic Italian ceremony, planned by Apulia Wedding Planner. AUSTRIA: AN AUTUMNAL AFFAIR A beautiful Austrian wedding, planned by Stressfree Weddings by SandraM. BAHAMAS: A TIMELESS TREASURE An Old Hollywood-themed wedding, planned by 4 The Love of Events. BARBADOS: A SUNNY STORY A Tropical celebration, planned by Artathomp Events. BARCELONA: A EUROPEAN FAIRYTALE A magical wedding in a wine castle, planned by 4Seasons Weddings. CANADA: AN ENCHANTING ELOPEMENT A tranquil, natural ceremony, photographed by Glimpse of Adventure. CARIBBEAN: AN EXOTIC ADVENTURE A tropical celebration surrounded by palm trees, at East Winds. COSTA RICA: JOURNEY INTO THE JUNGLE A nature-filled wedding, planned by Blue Butterfly Events. CROATIA: AN EMOTIONAL EMBARKMENT A ceremony in a medieval village, planned by Anna Schulz Weddings. CYPRUS: A GREEK AFFAIR An ancient church wedding, planned by Weddings by Elizabeth Anne. CZECH REPUBLIC: LUXURY LOVE STORY A pastel, summer celebration, at Chateau Mcely. DENMARK: A DREAM IN DENMARK A charming church ceremony, planned by Magical Weddings. ENGLAND: MEDIEVAL MAGIC An eco-friendly, historical wedding, at Missenden Abbey.

FRANCE: FAIRYTALE IN FRANCE A celestial wedding in a majestic castle, at Chateau De la Valouze.

FRIULI VG: A GRAND GETAWAY An Italian wedding in lush gardens, photographed by Glauco Comoretto.

69 73 77 79

GUATEMALA: MULTICULTURAL MAGIC A merge of traditional ceremonies, planned by I Do, Guatemala. IBIZA: ROMANCE IN THE VILLA An intimate celebration in a Spanish villa, planned by Hidden Treasures Ibiza. LAS VEGAS: I DO FOREVERS A romantic wedding planner perfect for your big day. MALDIVES: LOVE ON THE SHORE A romantic elopement on the beach, at Reethi Beach.

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83 87 91 95 99 103 107 111 113 117

MALTA: A MEDITERRANEAN GETAWAY A grand garden ceremony, planned by Sarah Young Events. MARYLAND: BEACHSIDE BLISS A sandy wedding day, planned by Barefoot Beach Bride. MEXICO: A SEASIDE STORY A calm ceremony on the beach, photographed by Memory Box Photography. NETHERLANDS: A MAGICAL MOMENT A summer affair, planned by SANTÉ Weddings & Events. NEW HAMPSHIRE: HISTORICAL HAPPINESS A lavish celebration in a magical castle, at Searles Castle. NEW MEXICO: ROMANCE ON THE RANCH A fun wedding surrounded by woodland, at Blame Her Ranch. NEW YORK: AN AUTUMNAL ADVENTURE A floral ceremony in a dreamy castle, planned by Wedding Elegance NYC. OREGON: THE LIBERTINE EVENTS Mellisa is here for all your wedding planning needs. PARIS: A DISNEY DREAM A magical celebration in Disneyland Paris, planned by Vivaah Weddings. PORTUGAL: AN EXOTIC ADVENTURE A tropical jungle wedding, planned by Ambiance Weddings Azores.

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ROME: A GLAMOROUS GATHERING An extravagant, Italian ceremony, planned by Roberta Torresan.

125 129 133

SANTORINI: AN ANGELIC ADVENTURE A dreamy seaside ceremony, photographed by Andrea Gallucci.

137 141 145 149

SORRENTO: A SUN-KISSED CEREMONY A cliff-edge wedding hosted at sunset, at Hotel Mediterraneo.

SCOTLAND: SCOTTISH SWEETHEARTS A countryside celebration, at The Byre at Inchyra. SLOVENIA: A SLOVENIAN SOIRÉE A colourful ceremony in castle grounds, planned by CARA creative co.

SOUTH AFRICA: A BRIDGERTON-ESQUE LOVE A scenic celebration, planned by Infinite Concepts. SPAIN: A FAIRYTALE FEELING A pink blossom-filled ceremony, at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace. ST. LUCIA: A CARIBBEAN CELEBRATION A lush, natural wedding, planned by By Charlie Ltd.

Contents

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SWEDEN: A SWEDISH LOVE STORY An autumnal celebration, photographed by Mickael Tannus. SWITZERLAND: A SNOWY STORY A magical celebration in front of the Swiss Alps, at Hotel Villa Honegg.

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SWITZERLAND: SWISS SWEETHEARTS A loving ceremony surrounded by Swiss culture, planned by Wedysen Hochzeitsplanung.

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TENERIFE: A CEREMONY FOR TWO A charming elopement in front of the sea, planned by Weddings in Tenerife by Claire Lopez.

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TEXAS: A FAITHFUL CELEBRATION An intimate, religious ceremony, at The White Sparrow Barn.

173 177 181 185

TURKEY: A TURKISH TALE A Mediterranean wedding rich with views, planned by Kalkan Corcierge. TUSCANY: AN ITALIAN ESCAPE A stunning ceremony in a Tuscan villa, planned by Corsini Events. WISCONSIN: BARNYARD BLISS A vibrant wedding in a rustic farm, at The Enchanted Barn. YUCATAN: TROPICAL HIDEAWAY A sweet, lantern-lit ceremony, planned by Yucatan Love.

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Your love story starts here...

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Apulia APULIA, ITALY

A CLASSY CELEBRATION SUPPLIED BY APULIA WEDDING PLANNER

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“Everyone was so happy to be there, and we felt so lucky to have them with us!”

Roberta & Dario Held their romantic ceremony in the stunning ambiance of a traditional Italian church…

In a quaint yet elegant church nestled in the centre of Monopoli, Roberta and Dario’s religious ceremony was one of beauty and class. Surrounded by the stunning, pristine whites and golds of the church’s décor, the bride and groom radiated pure love on their wedding day, and the couple and their guests could not help but feel blown away by the beautiful atmosphere. Despite having been together for many years prior to their ceremony and having travelled continuously all over the world, for their special day the couple decided to go back to their roots and get married in their beloved Apulia. This touching reminder of their home soil for the most important day in their journey provided the bride and groom with a sense of belonging and nostalgia, and gave the perfect backdrop for them to tie the knot. Their private party in a traditional masseria following the dreamy ceremony was held beneath an atmospheric, cloudy sky. Rows of sparkling fairy lights were draped from tree to

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Apulia Wedding Planner PHOTOGRAPHER: Vanessa Serra

Apulia

“It all came out so perfectly, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

tree above long tables lined with soft pink chiffon detailing and blooming florals, and the event was lit up with endless candles and locally made chandeliers. The bride and groom left no stone unturned when it came to planning their dream wedding, and the thoughtful and specific elegance of their chosen décor proves it. Their guests were presented with exquisite Italian cuisine, which enabled them to lose themselves fully in the deliciousness of their meals and the incredible surroundings of the wedding party. “We were very thorough about the planning,” laughs the bride,” but that’s just how we are! Everything had to be impeccable, and I’m happy to say that it was. Every detail was the perfect mix between modernity and tradition.” Bride Roberta’s dainty, beautiful gown looked as though it was made just for her – floral embellishments and fitted three-quarter-length sleeves added to the regal femininity of her ensemble. Her flowing veil completed the look, and her elegant up-do looked as fit for a celebrity event as their venue did. Groom Dario looked sophisticated in his traditional, black three-piece – his white boutonniere was a subtle nod towards the expansive floral décor scattered around the villa gardens. As well as all of their perfected decorations, the bride and groom’s wedding celebration revolved around music, and they made sure that their specially curated playlists were top-notch and enjoyable for everyone involved. They hired a famed DJ to perform during their party, and he played endless tunes for the special couple and their guests until dawn, allowing everyone to party together and enjoy each other’s company until the sun came up. Every detail of their wedding day was customised and perfectly tailored to make this event stand out from the rest, and to secure a spot in everyone’s memory for a long time to come.

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APULIA WEDDING PLANNER We spoke with Apulia Wedding Planner, an events planning company based in Italy, all about their process when it comes to planning a beautiful wedding. Read our chat below to discover all about their stunning location, what they aim to achieve when taking on new clients, and some details of one of their most recent weddings. TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Apulia Wedding Planner is a wedding planning service with our main office in Bari, specialising in personal, wonderful events that will stick with our brides and grooms for the remainder of their lifetimes together. We at Apulia Wedding Planner are motivated by the desire to make couples truly happy on their wedding day, and to help them make their dream ceremony come to life. We ensure that no detail is left uncovered and try to exceed their pre-existing expectations!

Photographer: Vanessa Serra

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in a southern-Italian region, which is a truly mesmerising, beautiful place. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Apulia is welcoming, polite and friendly, blessed with ancient olive trees and crystal clear waters. The food is astounding and delicious. Overall, Apulia offers couples endless possibilities for weddings, and our company knows the best spots for the most magical events to come to life. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… For this particular wedding, I was inspired by elegance and beauty. I wanted romance and style to be the frontal theme for this ceremony and it turned out to be exactly that. Everything was smooth-sailing. We didn’t have any problems during this project, and to this day, we still hear from the happily married couple. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? What I truly loved about this day was the number of hugs and smiles between the couple - it allowed me to fully understand what it feels like to be in the presence of true love.

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Scan here Find out more: apuliaweddingplanner.com

Austria AUSTRIA

AN AUTUMNAL AFFAIR SUPPLIED BY STRESSFREE WEDDINGS BY SANDRAM

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“All of our guests being able to stay over with us was so fun!”

Charlotte & Oliver Celebrated their love surrounded by Austria’s natural beauty…

For this special couple, deciding where to get married was easy… A beautiful, Austrian wedding was just right for them. “Oliver and I both spent a lot of time there skiing with our families when we were young,” explains bride Charlotte. “As a couple, we started going back every so often, during the summer months. It just was crystal clear to both of us that this was where we wanted to get married!” Already filled with lovely memories of family holidays and nostalgic fun, the bride and groom knew that they wanted to make Austria that little bit more special. Alongside their wedding planner, the pair explored their options for the perfect venue - eventually selecting the stunning Schloss Mittersill to host their wedding day. And it was the right decision - towering, snow-tipped mountains and the cloudy, autumn ambience of Austria as their backdrop, with pictureperfect burnt orange and pristine white decor surrounding them, the couple created a truly beautiful day to remember.

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Stressfree Weddings by SandraM VENUE: Schloss Mittersill PHOTOGRAPHY: Katrin Kerschbaumer Photography DÉCOR & FLOWERS: My Dekostories HAIR & MAKEUP: Sabine Weiss Kosmetik CAKE & SWEET TABLE: Theresa Jahoda CELEBRANT/CALLIGRAPHY: Sarah Sagt STATIONERY: White Orchid Design and many more.

“We loved our venue’s breathtaking scenery…”

Austria

An all-white wedding was off the cards for the bride and groom… “It was all about colours, colours, colours!” gushes the bride. Their wedding planner suggested using Charlotte’s copper hair as inspiration, hinting at the use of an autumnal theme to harmonise seamlessly with the native charm of their venue. Bouquets of deep reds, yellows and oranges were scattered amongst the ceremony hanging from archways, nestled in baskets, threaded through headbands - the blooming flowers one of the staple, beautiful details of the breathtaking celebration. “The cake artist even used the flowers for the design of our wedding cake,” the bride smiles. Subtle hints of whites and golds highlighted the wedding, in the white silk of the wedding arch and their table settings, adding an extra layer of class and style to the day. As a lot of couples did, Charlotte and Oliver faced a major challenge when planning their initial wedding: the pandemic. “We initially had quite a big wedding planned, which we ended up cancelling in spring,” explains the bride. “But, as Europe began to open up, we were filled with hope again.” The pair limited their original guest list down to fifty people, and - although nerves crept up on the bride at the big change - they ended up having the most special, heartwarming day, regardless. The bride and groom stressed the importance and benefits of hiring a wedding planner, local to the destination of the wedding. “Yes, you can do your research on the internet, but there are always going to be tiny details you won’t find online,” the bride emphasises. Both busy with their jobs, the couple recall how much of a weight off their shoulders their fabulous wedding planner was - allowing them to relax, spend their spare time together instead of worrying about logistics, and look forward to their special day. “Hiring a wedding planner is definitely worth the investment!”

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STRESSFREE WEDDINGS BY SandraM We spoke with Stressfree Weddings by SandraM, a destination wedding planning company based in Austria. Read our conversation below to find out all about what makes Austria the perfect location, how they make every wedding that extra bit special, and one of their most recent favourites… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY ‘Stressfree Weddings by SandraM’ is a destination wedding planning company in Austria, creating oncein-a-lifetime experiences for couples from abroad. We are known for our creativity, elegance, and high standards, with perfect attention to detail. We appreciate luxury and beautiful design, but also value for money, and therefore secure the best, most suitable suppliers for you as a couple. ‘Stressfree Weddings by SandraM’ is the number one destination wedding planning company in Austria, always exceeding our clients’ expectations and gaining happy, satisfied results every time. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in both Salzburg, Austria, and London, UK. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? With choosing Austria for your destination wedding, you have already taken the first step towards an unforgettable start into a life together. Nowhere else in the world unites elegance, nature and history as much as the beautiful backdrops of our cities, the Alps, rustic castles, gorgeous wineries, and - most importantly - our impressive hospitality. We like to say that an Austrian wedding feels like listening to Mozart’s delicate sounds, wishing that you could live the magic of feeling like a princess in a fairytale... Your wish will come true when you get married in one of our castles, at the shores of our pristine lakes, or surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow. Our mountains offer picturesque scenery all year round, come summer or winter, or you could choose the special background of colourful autumn foliage… the options are endless! But, whatever you choose, your wedding pictures will stand out for sure! Austrians live by the motto: ‘The customer is king!’ This is because we cherish your appreciation, gratitude and kindness, and want you to have the best possible time with us. Throughout your whole

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Austrian wedding experience, we will make it happen with a smile on our faces as well as yours – no matter if you and your partner elope and want to experience an unforgettable day just the two of you, or if you decide to throw the party of your life with hundreds of guests attending. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Charlotte and Oliver from London have always dreamed of going against their families’ tradition of an all-white wedding, and creating a colourful masterpiece instead. To escape the British weather on their special day, and for something completely different to the English countryside surrounding them, they decided to host their luxury wedding with 50 guests in the Austrian Alps, at the beautiful castle Schloss Mittersill, full of rich history at approximately 1,000 years old… We combined Austrian services and English products to establish an international and homely vibe. Due to Covid restrictions at the time, we decided to use the garden for the ceremony, and the wedding breakfast was served in a bright and airy room. Charlotte and Oliver set their hearts on one small detail at the end of the night: they wanted to enjoy a piece of their gorgeous wedding cake in the vaults of the castle lit by candlelight. Just the two of them. What an exquisite end to a day to be remembered forever! WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… Before I start planning a wedding, I always write a little storybook with all of the information I receive from my clients. I send this to the selected suppliers during the planning process, and ask them to bring this story to life for me as much as possible. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The first look between the bride and groom! The moment Oliver stepped out and immediately put his hands to his face in awe gave me goose bumps. You could feel their love and joy for each other.

Scan here Find out more: gettingmarriedinaustria.wedding @gettingmarriedinaustria

Bahamas THE BAHAMAS

A TIMELESS TREASURE SUPPLIED BY 4 THE LOVE OF EVENTS

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“We were so excited to finally start this new chapter in our lives.”

Corrie & Torez

Celebrated their wedding with an Old Hollywood theme… Abundances of deep pink and red roses adorned the church in which Corrie and Torez held their wedding ceremony – the bright, beautiful colours contrasting perfectly with the angelic white interior. They honoured their love surrounded by romantic bouquets and floral arches, overlooked by an excited crowd of those who love them most. “Initially, we started off with over 300 guests,” laughs bride Corrie. “But we were able to cut down to around 250 people, and that was mainly because Torez has a very large family, so we wanted to be able to invite as many people as we could… As long as they could fit in the church!” From the rose petals lining the aisle, to the stunning stained-glass windows, to the pure love and respect radiating from everyone lucky enough to be involved, even the decorations of the pair’s ceremony alone was beautiful enough to be a snapshot from a Hollywood film. The bride and groom’s reception also left no

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xxxx

THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: 4 The Love of Events DÉCOR: Bahama Fantasies PHOTOGRAPHER: Stanley Babb from Stanlo Photography VENUE: Sapodilla Bahamas BRIDE & BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES: Phylicia Ellis HAIR: Apryl Weech

Bahamas

detail unattended to; a charming, Old Hollywood theme, filled with deep mahoganies, golden accents, shimmering black and glowing candles. The special couple even had a classic car parked outside the venue to add to their theme even further – a rich red to match their florals, and the perfect photo opportunity for their friends and family. All of these specially curated details led to an outstanding, seamless ceremony fit for the celebrities of classical Hollywood Cinema… All that was missing was the red carpet! The bride looked glamorous and stylish in her mermaid-cut gown; the decorative embellishments on the bodice adding a subtle yet stunning additional layer of glitz and glam to the look. With her hair styled into pristine waves, and holding a classic bouquet of red roses, bride Corrie was ready for the paparazzi! “I always knew I wanted to have my dress custom-made, and I always knew I wanted Phylicia Ellis to make it,” gushes the bride. “So I never tried on any dresses at all! I browsed online for a few weeks and finally found a dress that I fell in love with, and Phylicia was able to replicate for me. I also didn’t want to have to change into a second look, so Phylicia was able to attach a detachable train to my dress that I took off for the reception!” One of the most heartwarming touches of Corrie and Torez’s wedding was the fact that everything went full circle… The church the pair got married in happened to be the church the bride was baptised in! This was just one of the many magical elements to their special day, and – with excitement at the forefront – the newlyweds were able to let all worries go and celebrate with the people they love most right by their sides.

“I was completely ready to marry the love of my life.”

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4 THE LOVE OF EVENTS We spoke with 4 The Love of Events, a wedding planning company based in the Bahamas, all about what makes their wedding creations different from the rest. Read our conversations below to discover all about their priorities when taking on clients, their inspirations when styling an event, and the details of one of their recent weddings…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY My name is Avani Fernander, Founder & Creative Director of my wedding planning company, 4 The Love of Events. We are definitely not your average planners… We are hired when couples are looking for a proposal or event that is unique and extraordinary! With more than 18 years in the event planning industry, our clients want outof-the-box thinkers who remain calm during planning, have sharp minds when negotiating with vendors, and remain in control on the day of execution for a stress-free event. Sitting at the intersection between inspiration and creativity, 4 The Love of Events ensures that your special day is entirely beautiful and magical. If you want your wedding or event to be truly amazing, then 4TLE is the planner for you. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? 4 The Love of Events is based in Nassau, Bahamas, and provide services to all islands of the Bahamas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? The Bahamas is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We experience tropical weather year-round with temperatures averaging 70–90 degrees farenheit. So, outdoor events are big when planning a wedding on any of our beautiful islands. The Bahamas is known for its hospitality, as the people here are some of the friendliest you will ever meet. We are home to the most beautiful beaches in the world, which make for a gorgeous ceremony, and the perfect reception spots. Picture-perfect images can be captured each and every time. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Corrie and Torez have such a beautiful love story. On their first date, he took her for ice cream after church, and he said it was

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at that moment that he knew he had to marry her one day. They are two young, amazing people who completely trusted our team with their Old Hollywood glam theme from start to finish. They were very relaxed, and allowed us to be creative with everything from invitations, to the bridal car, to the seating charts. Corrie, the bride, was very easygoing, and I don’t think we have ever had a bride so trusting. She truly was a care-free and stress-free bride, which is how we want our clients to feel when they come to us. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… Corrie and Torez are a young couple, but wanted a Hollywood glam feel with deep red, burgundy and black décor. Tables were adorned with tall candelabras and heavy florals, with every detail thought out carefully. From the black acrylic invitations, to the melodious sounds of the Essence Band for cocktail hour… Corrie and Torez are very active in their church, and so Corrie designed the logo for her stationery herself, which reflected their Anglican faith. They were adamant on having an intimate wedding party with just their family. Corrie loves high fashion and dressing up, so she and her sisters wore dresses by local designer Phylicia Ellis that were very sexy and eye-catching. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? What I will never forget about this wedding was the love of family, and I kept ensuring they had a great time. Corrie and Torez share a love for God, which is evident in their serving in church, but it is their love of family that was prominent. Their wedding, while glamorous and talked about for months after, was one where you could feel the love and full support that their families had for them and their very promising future. We wish them both all the best life has to offer.

Scan here Find out more: 4theloveofevents.com @4theloveofevents

Barbados

BARBADOS

A SUNNY STORY SUPPLIED BY ARTATHOMP EVENTS

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“I truly felt so relaxed that I was just in a pure state of bliss.”

Berry & Patrick Celebrated their marriage surrounded by the gorgeous Barbadian backdrop…

Beneath the dreamy, vibrant greenery of Barbados’ stunning nature, Berry and Patrick’s unique ceremony took place. A large glass tent covered the gardens, sheltering the special couple and their guests from the tropical weather, and allowing everyone to party the night away with no worries about getting damp! The interior of the tent was decorated with huge, sweeping palm leaves hanging from the ceiling, blooming bouquets and colourful florals lining the reception tables. No decorative detail had been ignored; the bride and groom brought the surrounding jungle ambience inside for everyone to enjoy! “Holding our ceremony and reception in the Fairmont Royal Pavilion’s expansive garden space was an amazing opportunity for us,” smiles bride Berry. “The gardens were lovely, and large enough to accommodate an outdoor tent reception, which was a must for us! It also allowed us to show our guests another lovely property in Barbados.” The bride and groom planned for an intimate

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNING, DESIGN, WEDDING COORDINATION, INFRASTRUCTURE AND RENTALS: Artathomp Events VENUE: Fairmont Royal Pavilion VIOLINIST, KEYBOARDIST, TUK BAND & STILT WALKERS: Caribbean Musician Musical BAND: 2MileHill DJ: Salt and Don PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: Cossmic Cinematography CAKE: Splurge Cake Studio MUA: Janine Cooper HAIR STYLIST: Tanika Tang GUEST TRANSFERS: Prestige Tours

Barbados

ceremony – knowing that their guests would have to make the extensive trip to Barbados meant they wanted to ensure all their favourite people would be able to spend their special day with them. “Initially, it was really hard to decide on a guest count as we knew having such a small wedding meant we couldn’t invite all of our friends and there would be some tough conversations,” explains the bride. “That being said, I would tell any bride who is considering a small, intimate wedding to trust your gut and go with it! Over the course of the weekend, all of our guests got to know one another really well and it’s been fun to see our friends cross-pollinate and continue their new friendships.” The bride radiated beauty in her custom A-Line gown – the pristine and angelic feel to her look allowed her to contrast elegantly with the rich vegetation surrounding the ceremony. “I wanted to keep it classic but fun!” exclaims the bride. “I was torn between an Oscar de la Renta dress and the dress I ultimately went with, by Britt Wood in Atlanta. I worked with a great tailor who was able to create an illusion piece and combine the two dresses – it was perfect!” Groom Patrick matched Barbados' aesthetics seamlessly – a delicate yet fun combination of blues, greens and beiges tied together an overall dapper look. One of the most special parts of Berry and Patrick’s wedding day was the ability to spend carefree quality time with everyone who was lucky enough to be able to make it to their sunny ceremony. With live funky music playing all night long and a full dance floor, it was impossible for everyone involved in the celebration not to have the time of their lives!

“Wearing my dress will always be a favourite memory of mine.”

WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

ARTATHOMP EVENTS We spoke with Artathomp Events, a wedding planning company based in Barbados. Read our conversation below to find out all about what they love about their location, what they aim to achieve when planning an event, and the details of one of their recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Artathomp Events is a full time event company that specialises in creating beautiful and unique experiences with personalised details. Our wedding and event planners in Barbados will collaborate with couples to produce unforgettable events that will be tailored to their wishes, and we design and orchestrate high-end bespoke experiences at some of Barbados' most exclusive venues. Artathomp Events has an innovative team of florists founded by our lead designer Rahanna Thompson, who is globally recognised. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in the beautiful island of Barbados. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Barbados comprises numerous attractions; whether it be our beautiful beaches, unique architecture, our rich history, culture and lovely people. There are few places to tie the knot that could possibly beat the warm and idyllic island of Barbados. The island also offers the most romantic setting when considering our awardwinning beaches and turquoise waters. Plus, it is very easy to get married in Barbados! There is no minimum stay or waiting period required to get married! With all the island has to offer, you do not even have to worry about your honeymoon, because you are already in the best place to celebrate your next chapter.

a base, we wanted the location to feel even more like an immersive tropical experience. To achieve this we used long tropical leaf installations suspended from the clear tent. The lower levels of the guest tables were filled with long, floral arrangements, with exotic flowers like protea, orientals, orchids, birds of paradise, monstera, queen gingers and exotica to name a few. Attention to detail was also evident when looking at the palm tree embroidery detail on the napkins, and a tropical floral print on their menus and signage. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? Obviously, weddings are about the union of the couple getting married. But to me, it's more than that. It's about the celebration. It is about who you choose to celebrate with on such a life-changing moment in your lives. And they certainly had those people with them - family and true friends spewing with positive energy and good vibes only. My favourite memory of this wedding was the overall aura that encapsulated us all. We certainly felt it! The amazing experience continued to climb during the party, which was perfect thanks to the performances from the band Two Mile Hill. Everyone was dancing, singing, drinking (because you have to in Barbados), and just overall having a good time. It truly was a celebration, and not only to the couple and guests, but to everyone who had the honor of being present. Everyone was happy and having a good time.

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Berry and Patrick will be forever dear to our hearts. We worked with Berry closely to plan and design her tropical wedding experience, being sure to incorporate many local features to ensure guests left feeling as though they had experienced the true aura of Barbados. We accomplished this by the use of local artists, bands, musicians, cuisines and floral décor just to name a few. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… Berry and Patrick's wedding experiences were encompassed by three events: the Welcome Dinner, the Rehearsal Dinner, and the Wedding Day. Each of these days were different but cohesive to an overall theme, which I would describe as a "Tropical Punch". I was inspired by her love of colour and palm leaves. I mean, if you are getting married in paradise, why not draw inspiration from there? Even though we used the garden at The Fairmont Royal Pavilion as

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Scan here Find out more: artathompeventrentalsbarbados.com @artathomp_events

Barcelona BARCELONA, SPAIN

A EUROPEAN FAIRYTALE SUPPLIED BY CECILIE @ 4SEASONS WEDDINGS

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“Even though it was short and sweet, the ceremony was truly the moment we both were waiting for.”

Hannah &Thomas

Honoured their love in a magical wine castle beneath blooming, Spanish greenery… Whisked away beneath immense, native trees and the blazing summertime sun, the tropical ambience of a Barcelonian villa enwrapped Hannah and Thomas’ special day. 140 of their most treasured friends and family watched their dreamy ceremony beneath classy parasols, celebrating under the rich, Spanish heat as the bride and groom said “I do”. The luxury, antique aura of the Gran Villa Rosa seeped through every element of the couple’s wedding day –from regal floral arrangements to majestic outdoor lighting entwined with the trees; the bride and groom even hosting an adorable Volkswagen camper-turnedphotobooth to capture their memories. And, after multiple COVID-19-themed setbacks, this celebration was long overdue… “We had to postpone our wedding three times

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THE DREAM TEAM WEDDING PLANNER: 4Seasons Weddings AS - Cecilie Madland Lyngnes VENUE: Gran Villa Rosa DRESS: Ida Lanto Couture SHOES: Jimmy Choo BAND & DJ: XIID & Dan Bravo MASTER OF CEREMONY: Arvid Madland Lyngnes PHOTOGRAPHY: James Richardson Photography VIDEOGRAPHY: Leandro Ruiz Videography FLOWERS: Mitre Mandri Flors TABLEWARE: Nuovi Piatti JAZZ BAND: Summerlovers Barcelona STATIONERY: Ina & the Olivetree PHOTOBOOTH VAN: Kombi with Love

“My groomsmen and I had to google “how to tie a bowtie”!”

Barcelona

due to Corona,” remembers the bride. “Once it finally happened, it was a truly emotional day – not only for us, but for our friends and family as well.” The bride looked elegant in her stunning dream dress – a custom-made piece by Swedish designer Ida Lanto. “I’ve always dreamed of Ida Lanto’s couture and said to myself that one day, she’s designing my wedding dress,” smiles Hannah. “I contacted her and flew to Sweden, where we started sketching and looking for the perfect materials.” After a couple of trips back-and-forth, the dream team did it! The bride’s dress of her dreams was complete, and it was perfect. In her hair, the bride adorned a crowned jewel made of emeralds and diamonds that she inherited from her father after he passed. It was a special moment for her and her family, as she held a comforting element of him with her throughout the big day. Custom-made, Italian dark navy was the groom’s suit of choice, paired with classy, black-leather Oxford shoes and his Rolex watch. “I’m pretty sure Hannah can agree that this was my best look yet,” jokes the groom. When getting ready for their special day, another tender moment involving the bride’s late father added an additional personal layer to their magical ceremony. “It was an emotional morning because Hannah gave me a watch designed by her deceased father that was meant to be given to her future husband. I hadn’t known about it, so it was really a moment I will cherish.”

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4 SEASONS WEDDINGS

Photo Credit: Jon Sandbu - Maximilian Photography

We spoke to Cecilie Madland Lyngnes, founder of 4Seasons Weddings, and found out a lot about the personal, heartwarming story encasing the company’s beginning, and much more detailed information about the intentions behind their hard work. Read below for all of this, as well as her account of creating Hannah and Thomas’ wedding… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY 4Seasons Weddings was founded the same year that I got married to my husband, and - unfortunately - also the year I lost my Aunt to cancer. This Aunt ran a small travel agency called 4Seasons Travel, and my cousins and I inherited everything after her. 4Seasons Weddings was founded with these means and built on her company name. We started out focusing on Norwegian couples wanting to have a destination wedding in the south of Europe. Planning a destination wedding is hard if you’re not in the travel industry (or similar), because it can be difficult to find the right vendors who you can trust to deliver the best result for you. So, that was what we started out doing. Slowly but surely, more and more couples in Norway also needed a wedding planner at home. Time is money, and a wedding takes a lot of time to plan if you want it to be perfect. To know that everything is taken care of is a luxury more couples are starting to appreciate and invest in. Our weddings are all tailor-made for every couple. We try to challenge all couples to do something different, add something special - for example, use different colours and decorations. Follow a different wedding timeline, find out what makes the day perfect for you as a couple. Our photographers, videographers and musicians are super important for the atmosphere and capturing the memories of the big day - our teams are handpicked and they will give it their best at every wedding. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Oslo in Norway, but we travel to wherever our weddings take place. Coming up in 2023, we will be in Spain, several places across the west coast of Norway, Copenhagen and France. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Letting us plan your wedding will take you to venues that we are sure will fit your wishes for the big day. We hunt for locations that will fit our couples perfectly. We have some locations we use more than others, but every year we add new and unique backdrops.

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TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Hannah and Thomas hold a very special place in my heart. They are such a unique and precious couple. They are fun, relaxed, hardworking and they love to travel. When we met for the first time it was very clear to us that Gran Villa Rosa would be the perfect venue for them. We started out planning this wedding in early 2019, as the wedding was supposed to be in May 2020, but then Covid hit us hard. We were in close contact the entire time. First, we tried to postpone until September 2020, then summer 2021, before we finally ended up on late June 2022. They were worried and sad about all of the dates that went by and about Covid pausing the process of the wedding planning, but we kept calm for them, and had a venue that really tried to help us the best they could. Hannah and Thomas really went all in with details and extras. We booked an amazing jazz band - Summerlovers Barcelona - for both the welcome and cocktail party on the wedding day, and we also had this unique group from Norway - XIID - flying in to make sure the party was a complete success. For decorations and flowers, Hannah wanted classical but extra white and dusted-coloured roses. We have an amazing florist in Barcelona, so he was sure to make the classical turn into the little extra that the bride wanted. They had a round flower arch for the ceremony and classical table decorations, and they were seated in a pine forest with lights together with greenery all around them for ambience. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… The couple inspired us! It is always the couple for us. This couple in particular have a classical, classy feel but are also very relaxed and fun, so it was important to us that they had time to enjoy the day. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The hug that I got the day after the wedding from them both; the bride crying happy tears and telling me that it was their dream wedding come true and nothing could have been better.

Scan here Find out more: 4seasonsweddings.no/ @4seasonsweddings

Canada ALBERTA, CANADA

AN ENCHANTING ELOPEMENT SUPPLIED BY GLIMPSE OF ADVENTURE

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“Our dream came true on the other side of the world…”

Sara & Daniele

Commemorated their love for one another in the tranquil, ethereal beauty of Canada’s scenery … Weaving through magnificent pine trees and over rocky forest paths, Sara and Daniele wandered hand-in-hand through Banff’s finest flora and fauna on their wedding day. With their officiant, photographer and her husband as their witnesses, and the vast, pastel skies and snowtipped mountains as their guests, the bride and groom married on the edge of a scenic cliff. “It was the best place we could have done it,” gushes the bride. “We eloped in a dreamlike atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful nature, and the clouds reflected in the surreal water of Peyto Lake.” The couple felt as though an intimate, quiet ceremony was all they needed to tie the knot - looking into each other’s eyes and encased in some of the most stunning sights in the world. Bride Sara explains the special relationship the couple formed with their photographer,

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THE DREAM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER/PLANNER: Glimpse of Adventure VENUE: Banff National Park SUIT: Zara

Canada

Martina, and how this added another touching element to their day. “The best decision we made for the wedding was choosing Martina as our photographer,” she smiles. “She gave us the best suggestions for the venue, made a timeline of the elopement, and helped us step-by-step to make our magical day real and impeccable. It’s only thanks to Marina that our dream came true. Moreover, the photoshoots are the best memory we have of our special day: it was so wonderful!” The trio explored the flourishing woods, canoed over Bow Lake, and ran through flower fields - chasing the perfect photos to capture their day, and making lasting memories whilst they were at it. As they are all avid travellers, they promised to meet up again one day in another country, and continue their adventures. The emotional ceremony, far from their home in Italy, took place in front of the rising sun - the couple exchanging their vows in Italian while surrounded by the new terrain of Canada. The bride was captivating in her floral-embellished cropped top and flowing white skirt, with a dainty flower crown atop her tousled curls as the finishing touch, and the groom equally charming in his navy suit. The pair both wore trainers fit for hiking through the Rockies; a fun, personal touch to their already unique elopement. As for the honeymoon, the special couple plan to travel to Australia and New Zealand to quench their ever-growing wanderlust. Adventure and memorymaking at the core of their relationship, the pair will undoubtedly continue to travel throughout their lives together, and this dreamy, nature-filled wedding was just the beginning.

“It was the most beautiful day of our lives.”

WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

GLIMPSE OF ADVENTURE We spoke with Glimpse of Adventure, a wedding photographer company based in Canada, about her unique, fun-seeking twist on event photograhy. Read our conversation below to find out more about her adventurous ideas, individual techniques, and one of her recent wedding shoots… TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY I always loved both landscape and portrait photography, but never thought of being a wedding photographer until I realised I can help couples create a completely unique wedding experience... An experience that feels more like them. Whether my couples envision summiting a mountain by helicopter, paddling along a glittering blue lake, or sharing a picnic under the towering trees, their wedding can be a day filled with breathtaking scenery and deep, meaningful connection. At Glimpse of Adventure, I am not only the photographer - I understand how even a small wedding can involve lots of planning and days of research. So, apart from absolutely gorgeous and natural photos, a bit of planning expertise is something I happily offer to all of my couples. Helping them find perfect locations, suggesting activities, creating a customised timeline for their day, permit and licence guidance, vendor recommendations, and more. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? I am based in the small mountain town of Canmore in the Canadian Rockies - just steps from gorgeous national and provincial parks like Banff National Park, Kananaskis, Yoho National Park, and more. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? I love storytelling, and capturing both the big moments and the small ones - all of the details, the laughs, the tears, the fun, the expected, and the unexpected. I aim to be both present and invisible, photographing authentic and sincere imagery that feels like you. I don’t want the wedding photos to feel forced, and I definitely don’t want my couples to feel like their wedding was a photoshoot. I love movement, the vibrant colours of the Canadian Rockies’ blue lakes and evergreen forests, and images that provoke emotion. 32

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TELL US HOW YOU HELP COUPLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA Something I regularly hear is, "We’re awkward and don’t know how to take photos!'' I believe that everyone is photogenic. What makes or breaks an image is whether you feel comfortable or not. I try getting to know my couple before their wedding day both through questionnaires and calls - often, it already feels like we know each other before photographing even starts. On the day of, I take a very non-invasive approach when taking photos - my biggest goal is to keep the couple engaged with each other and present in the moments of their wedding. I use a combination of gentle guidance to get the couples interacting, playing, and having fun, but again, most importantly - being themselves. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING YOU PHOTOGRAPHED I loved Sara and Daniele's elopement vision from the very first moment they enquired with me, and I instantly knew I would love to be part of their day. They wanted to create something special and simple that represents who they are as a couple - they both love the outdoors, and wanted a bit of adventure. We met bright and early in Banff National Park - the sunrise was magical and everything just perfectly aligned for the ceremony. After exchanging their vows in Italian and signing paperwork to make everything legal, we had fun playing around and creating lovely portraits. As the sun turned golden, we drove 5 minutes to the nearby Bow Lake for canoeing. It was the end of the wildflower season and as soon as I saw the pink fireweed flowers, I asked them to run amongst them while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding mountains. When it was time to enjoy the canoe, Sara and Daniele paddled onto the lake, having a little bit of private time together and witnessing the mountains towering above them. When they got back to the shore, we said goodbyes and promised we will visit each other either in Canada, Italy, or anywhere else in the world - since we all are pretty avid world travellers!

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Find out more: glimpseofadventure.com @glimpseofadventure

Caribbean

ST. LUCIA, CARIBBEAN

AN EXOTIC ADVENTURE SUPPLIED BY EAST WINDS

WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

Sarah & Andrew

Renewed their vows on the tropical shore beneath thriving palm trees… An intimate ceremony brought to life with tropical bouquets, close family, and their love for each other was all Sarah and Andrew needed to make their vow-renewal just right: a celebration that created even more wonderful memories of their lives together so far. In comparison to their New York wedding, the pair decided that they wanted a ceremony of equal beauty yet opposing aesthetics – settling on the serene, magical beaches of St. Lucia. Surrounded by the lush Caribbean landscape and the vast, indulgent setting of the

“We loved the venue so much that we stayed on an extra week and had a renewal-honeymoon!”

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: East Winds PHOTOGRAPHER: Bex Photography FLORIST: Jardin Des Fleurs PASTRY CHEF: Sweet Lime Catering

Caribbean

“We both felt so special, and so excited.”

East Winds resort, the couple’s relaxed energy was infectious – laughing with their family, dancing to favourite tunes, and having the time of their lives on a gorgeous beach... “Sarah took a pair of high heels to wear on the day,” smiles Andrew, “but ended up just walking barefoot across the sand, dancing to our favourite song!” The couple dressed perfectly for the tropical occasion – Sarah glowing in her floral-embellished white dress, barefoot in the warm sand and carrying a specially-made bouquet of native, colourful flowers. Andrew paired his white grandad-collared cotton shirt with some beige linen trousers, and a buttonhole flower to match the bouquet – their light, calm outfits harmonising with the gentle waves rolling in behind the ceremony. The venue itself was one of the most impactful elements of the renewal for the couple; its expansive gardens and beaches, and endless arrays of facilities and lovely staff helping Andrew and Sarah make their lovely ceremony possible – and exactly how they imagined it to be. “It was such a beautiful day, and the walk across the beach to the wedding gazebo was such fun,” Sarah told us. “We both absolutely recommend East Winds to everyone, with no doubt!” A charming beachside renewal ceremony full of family, love, laughter and sunshine was a celebration that the couple aren’t likely to forget anytime soon. It was the perfect way to re-enhance their beautiful marriage after all this time spent together.

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EAST WINDS

e spoke with East Winds - a gorgeous, serene wedding location in St. Lucia - and found out all there is to know about their generous offerings, personal principles, and stunning, tropical locations. Read our conversation below to discover more about the magical venue’s expansive amenities, and the endless expertise available… TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION East Winds’ expansive location offers thirty cottage-style suites and a boutique, all-inclusive hotel, all surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens and a stunning natural beach. We are understatedly luxurious, with a team who want nothing more than to ensure a happy, fun, and relaxing holiday for our guests. Dining is casual during the day, and in the evening, the hotel transforms into a topclass, silver service restaurant. Our food is organic and, wherever possible, sourced from local farmers and fishermen of St Lucia, ensuring a low carbon footprint and the best quality and freshness of produce in our dishes. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? All events handled by us, such as weddings and the renewal of vows, are treated personally and individually every time. Each couple are unique and special to us - every detail, however small, is taken into account, with preparations starting early in the morning to ensure the wedding is perfect. As part of our generous all-inclusive package, the wedding is included in the price, so our couples do not need to pay any extra. We like to say that the wedding itself is our wedding gift to the bride and groom! The wedding cake, brides’ bouquet, champagne, venue decoration, and more are all included. A private dinner for the couple can be arranged for the day, in one of our romantic beach gazebos away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant, with your own private waiter and sommelier. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? With its intimate capacity perfect for personalised celebrations, East Winds offers couples with a close guest list the grandest of 36

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experiences. We specialise in personal weddings for up to 70 people. East Winds offers couples their very own wedding team to tailor your wedding ceremony site to your wishes; we are proud to showcase this expertise with the exceptional service of over 80 Caribbean staff. Every wedding at East Winds is designed to be exclusive to you and your guests, and we promise to reserve your special day for your wedding ceremony and celebration only. The all-inclusive at East Winds is based on our one simple philosophy - we never say no! WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? The bride and groom will be invited to go for a walk with our Wedding Planner around the gardens and the beach to select their favourite location for the wedding. Location options are unlimited, and our couples are encouraged to really think about their favourite spot. Most couples opt for a beach location and get married at sunset, but there are many other picture-perfect locations to choose from. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING AND HOW IT WAS ORGANISED Sarah and Andrew were with us to renew their vows. They chose our beautiful Almond Deck to hold the ceremony, decorated with their preferences of colour and style. The deck is situated beneath an Almond tree overlooking the beach and directly in front of the beautiful sunset - a very romantic location for a wedding or renewal! The team spent all day decorating the Almond Deck until it was ready for the sunset ceremony, and Sarah and Andrew were able to watch the preparations taking place while they relaxed on the beach, swam in the pool, and chatted with the team. A unique element of the day was when Sarah had saved the decoration from the original wedding cake, and brought it with her to St Lucia to decorate the top of the Renewal of Vows cake! This detail made for a lovely, sentimental centrepiece for the day. After the ceremony, the couple and their family indulged with champagne and cake on the beach, before enjoying a wonderful, private dinner specially chosen by the couple including all of their favourite dishes.

Scan here Find out more: eastwinds.com @eastwindssaintlucia

Costa Rica COSTA RICA

JOURNEY INTO THE JUNGLE SUPPLIED BY BLUE BUTTERFLY EVENTS

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“The whole thing was a fairytale.”

Aloura & Andres

Said “I Do” in the depths of Costa Rica’s blooming nature… Surrounded by the rich, tropical vegetation of the Costa Rican rainforest, Aloura and Andres celebrated their marriage in front of the vibrant foliage and the people they love the most. An arch made of palm leaves and colourful native florals stood tall behind the bride and groom as they recited their vows, and the looming jungle trees draped down from above. The magical moment could have been a scene straight from a movie… “The ceremony was incredibly emotional for us both,” recalls bride Aloura. “We both cried more than we expected. But in a super happy ‘is this really our life?!’ kind of way!” The bride and groom planned an entire week of activities for themselves and their guests to enjoy… starting with a welcome bonfire at their hotel, that ended in an impromptu concert when their chef pulled out his acoustic guitar!

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Blue Butterfly Events PHOTOGRAPHER: Toh Gouttenoire VIDEOGRAPHER: DW Stories FLORIST/RENTALS: Los Primos Designs VENUE: El Salto DJ: DJ Kika

Costa Rica

The next day, everyone went on a sloth-finding quest in the depths of the Costa Rican jungle, followed by a coffee and chocolate tour! From delicious lunches and swimming in the La Fortuna waterfall, to a cooking class and salsa dance lessons, every moment of the bride and groom’s celebration was packed with fun-filled, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for everybody involved to carry with them for a lifetime. On the special couple’s wedding morning, they took part in a Gratitude and Intention Setting Yoga Class with their officiant. The incredible grounding experience allowed them to begin the day with a calm, relaxed mindset, as well as see some of their guests who had never done yoga in their lives try out some couples poses! “True serendipity in my opinion,” smiles the bride. Stunning in her A-Line cut, off-the-shoulder gown, bride Aloura glowed beneath the jungle’s natural beauty. “I seriously felt like a princess,” gushed the bride. “I was initially worried that a big, formal gown like that might look a little weird against the Costa Rican backdrop, but it sort of made me feel more cool and dramatic on the day. The contrast seemed just right.” Groom Andres looked equally sophisticated in his black tuxedo – his forest green bow tie complementing the shades of the tropics around them. “I felt very sharp, James Bond-like. For some reason I danced all night and I never even took my jacket off. I think that shows how much I liked the look of the suit.” From the unbelievable surroundings of the jungle to the endless activities for everyone to enjoy, the bride and groom’s long celebration was a chance for the most important people in their lives to leave any worries at the door and party all week long in the lush, vibrant atmosphere of Costa Rica.

“It was truly a perfect place to make our vision a reality.” WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

BLUE BUTTERFLY EVENTS We spoke with Blue Butterfly Events, a wedding planning company based in Costa Rica. Read our conversation below to discover all about their morals and inspirations when it comes to planning an event, their beautiful location, and some memories of one of their favourite weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY We at Blue Butterfly Events believe in the butterfly effect… Every detail matters and every action has a ripple effect. We strive to create events that provide big memories, but has a small impact on the nature that surrounds us. Blue Butterfly Events is an eco-ethical wedding and event planning company, and everything we do is inspired by nature. We specialise in creating intimate jungle weddings that often take us to amazing tropical waterfalls, rainforests, and other magical and unique venues. We offer everything from exclusive and exotic elopements to memorable micro-weddings and out-of-the-box corporate events. We have more than 15 years of experience and are passionate about guiding our clients through all of details to create their one-of-a-kind event in paradise. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We live at the base of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, so the focus of our work is here and in the surrounding areas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? The iconic Arenal Volcano that dominates our landscape makes our area incredibly special. We have an epic national park full of wildlife that exemplifies what a rainforest should be. The La Fortuna area is considered one of the adventure capitals of the world, and it offers any group endless combinations of activities. We also grow chocolate and coffee locally, and have naturally-occurring hot springs fed by one of the most prolific geothermal aquifers in the world. Did we mention the abundance of tropical fruit, hummingbirds, monkeys and sloths? Our home is full of volcanoes, lakes, rainforests and waterfalls that inspire everything that we do. Costa Rica is a perfect place for green weddings. With more than 25% of our land in conservation and generating more than enough energy to fully power the country each year, we are striving to be one of the first carbon neutral countries. Our company operates

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using as little single-use plastic as possible, supporting local vendors and artisans, working to eliminate floral foam and going almost all digital by printing as little as possible. We look for venues that are open-air and follow eco-friendly policies. We also look for ways to give back to the community too, such as planting a tree for every client we work with each year. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING When Aloura and Andre contacted us, they knew what they were looking for. We helped them find the best local secret spots, and a venue and vendors to manifest their vision within their budget. They were looking for somewhere that felt private and intimate, where their guests could focus on the exciting moment at hand. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… The couple and their energy! We loved their love story and were inspired to incorporate the ideas that meant the most to them. Also, Aloura’s background in non-profit volunteering along with her commitment to making the wedding as eco-friendly as possible. We used locally sourced flowers and a florist committed to eco practices, Flores del Campo. The raw beauty of the venue was also inspirational. Nature always inspires us, in everything that we do. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The butterfly that stayed! We partner with a local butterfly conservatory to release butterflies into their natural habitats. The blue morphos are most commonly found by water, so the riverside ceremony venue was perfect for a release. After the release, the butterflies usually fly away… but not this time. There was one that made its way around from the bride, to the Maid of Honour (where it sat on her shoulder almost all night - including for her toast and throughout the dancing), before finding its way to the cake where it waited until the end of the night. It was completely magical and a few even teased that it was her late father’s spirit joining the party.

Scan here Find out more: bluebutterflycostarica.com @bluebutterflyeventscr

Croatia CROATIA

AN EMOTIONAL EMBARKMENT SUPPLIED BY ANNA SCHULZ WEDDINGS

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“The decorations made me feel like I was in a fairytale…”

Katharina & Andreas Shared an emotional celebration of love and friendship in a Croatian village…

The natural Croatian foliage acted as the backdrop for Katharina and Andreas’ magical wedding. With the deep greens of the towering trees and the flourishing leaves skirting up the villa’s rustic walls providing pops of colour on their special day, the pristine white of the venue’s reception hall seemed to glow even brighter in comparison. Decorated in endless string lights, hanging bouquets and golden detailing, their ceremony décor held an air of elegance and class that enhanced the pre-existing beauty of the villa. Bride Katharina and groom Andreas had always dreamed about a big ceremony surrounded by their loved ones, and so they decided on a destination wedding in Andreas’s home country of Croatia.

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Anna Schulz Weddings PHOTOGRAPHY: Kris & Pat from Saho Wedding DECORATION: Studio Brzak

Croatia

“The most important thing for us was spending time with our loved ones.”

Their wedding day began with the bride getting her hair and makeup done with her girlfriends, the calm pampering was a memorable moment for everyone involved! “The first little tears of joy were shed when my bridesmaids saw me for the first time in my dress,” gushes the bride. In the meantime, the groom enjoyed a very traditional Croatian breakfast with all his groomsmen and relatives, and live traditional Croatian music played to help everyone get into the wedding spirit. The bride and groom got married in the church of Grožnjan, a beautiful medieval village on the top of a mountain, which set the scene for their fairytale wedding day. Emotions were high for the bride, groom and guests alike - everyone equally excited and charmed by the tender show of love presented before them. For their reception, they wanted to create the feeling of being outside beneath the stars. So, they incorporated a glass tent over their reception tables, which merged perfectly into the natural landscape and was decorated with hundreds of fairy lights to create a magical starry sky. The whole wedding day was very heartfelt and personal for the couple and their loved ones - not only the tear-jerking first dance between bride and groom, but also many heartwarming speeches filled with joy and happiness from friends and family members. Guests could truly feel the love that Katharina and Andreas share not only with each other, but with every single person joining them at their wedding. “Everything turned out exactly as we wanted it to. What a beautiful way to start our life journey side by side."

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ANNA SCHULZ WEDDINGS We spoke with Anna Schulz Weddings, a wedding planning agency based in Germany, all about their history as a company, their special location, and their usual planning process. Read our conversation below to discover all of this, plus exclusive details on one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY My company, Anna Schulz Weddings, was founded in 2018, and is based in Munich, Germany. I have Croatian roots and am lucky enough to call the beautiful Island of Krk my second home… but now I am 38 years old, living with my husband and our dog in the south of Munich! Since successfully completing my Business Administration degree with a focus on Marketing and Event Management, I have gained more than 10 years of professional experience in the fields of event, marketing and advertising in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and New York. Today, in an incomparably friendly and unconventional manner, Anna Schulz Weddings passionately turns creative wedding concepts into a reality. My motto is to 'always be open to new things.' With my team of handpicked experts, we can make anything and everything possible. Whether it's a rustic barn wedding, a micro-wedding in a luxurious penthouse suite, or a fairytale wedding in a dreamy castle – Anna Schulz Weddings is the right specialist for the most beautiful day of your life! WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Munich, Germany. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? If you are looking for a picturesque ceremony in the heart of Europe and want to experience a magical time with your guests, then a destination wedding in Croatia will be what you’re searching for. Croatia is easy to reach, and it offers everything your heart desires. Beautiful beaches, stunning seafront locations, exclusive private villas, as well as vineyards, olive tree farms and enchanting castles. The glowing sunsets provide a romantic ambience, making the perfect backdrop to any wedding.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS The planning process itself is very similar for me with every wedding I take on. In the very beginning, I initially agree with the couple on the style of wedding they are after – modern, boho, classic or romantic, etc. With a first mood board completed, I then discover their dream location. I suggest several potential locations, which we then scout out in person. Once the location is selected, I talk to the couple about things they like and things they don’t like, and what must-haves they have in mind. I suggest ideas that go from colour schemes, to music, to lighting, to cake design, etc. Based on all the information I gather, I prepare a detailed concept paper, where the couple can see every part of their wedding day and what will be happening. We agree on timings and a schedule, monitoring the overall flow of the day as well as arranging every little decoration detail. My inspiration for Katharina and Andreas’ wedding really came from the couple themselves. Their open hearts directed me into making this wedding all about the people. With every step of the planning, I always had the couple and their guests in mind, making sure they had enough time to enjoy each other's company. I wanted the wedding to feel like a summer party, where everyone was having fun with music, drinks and no stiff timeline. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? For me, in any wedding, it’s always the moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time. It is simply magical. Something so beautiful happens in that moment, and I am proud to say that the couple got to enjoy this intimate moment, feeling so relaxed and focused on each other, because they trusted us to give them the best day of their lives.

Scan here Find out more: annaschulzweddings.de/ @anna_schulz_weddings Photography: Claudi at Lichttrunken

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING The wedding of Katharina and Andreas will forever hold a special place in my heart. Every time we met to talk about their wedding, it was like talking with old friends. The better we got to know each

other, the more trust was built, which is what I stand for. I want to be close with my clients and understand what it is they are dreaming about. Working with Katharina and Andreas was so easy and fun as they opened up to me quickly and it felt like we really made this magical wedding happen together.

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Cyprus

CYPRUS

A GREEK AFFAIR SUPPLIED BY WEDDINGS BY ELIZABETH ANNE

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Tash & Nick

Honoured their marriage surrounded by the antique ambience of an ancient church… In a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony held at an intimate 12th century church, Tash and Nick’s dreamy wedding day felt fit for the gods and goddesses. From their cocktail reception at Adonis Gardens and the twilight-lit meal at Zeus Square, to the shisha in the Aphrodite Circle, every detail of their special day was packed to the brim with elegance and class. Enveloped in endless twinkling fairy lights and the soft glow of the evening sky, the bride and groom tied the knot surrounded by the people they love most. “It was important for us both that our friends and family felt as important as we did during the wedding,” smiles bride Tash. “In total, we had around 80 guests, which to me felt enormous… but still small for a traditional Cypriot wedding!” The involvement of the bride and groom’s families and closest friends was a hugely important part of their wedding day. “Getting ready, I was surrounded by the most important and influential women in my life,” gushes the bride. “My Maid of Honour Rachel, Bridesmaids

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNING: Weddings by Elizabeth Anne VENUE: Liopetro Venue FLOWERS AND DECOR: Enchanted Flower Lounge PHOTOGRAPHER: Karina Leonenko VIDEOGRAPHER: Sotiris Charalambous CAKE: Love Island Cakes DJ: Pure Entertainment Cyprus SAXOPHONE: Giannos Moditis ENTERTAINMENT: Coral Bay Dancers MAKE-UP: Kassandra Christodoulou HAIR: Sofia Mavrodonti DRESS: Wedding Belles of Four Oaks

“I have never felt so physically present, nor my heart so full.”

Cyprus “Even Nick, an active anti-crier, shed a few tears on the day!”

Katie, Jennifer, Lauren, Charlotte and Rebecca, my Mum Josie, and my big sister Charlie, who I had asked to be my Father-of-the-Bride, as my father passed away in 2016. Each of these beautiful and inspirational women helped to shape the person I am today.” This touching, family-first aspect of their ceremony added an additional layer of love and importance to the whole day. Unfortunately, the bride’s Nannie was unable to be there due to poor health, but she remained heavily in the thoughts and conversations of all. Bride Tash glowed in her fit-flare silhouette gown from Wedding Belles of Four Oaks; a low, open back, scalloped edges and stunning lace finishes all creating an ensemble regal enough for a princess. “For the first time in years, I felt feminine and beautiful,” blushes the bride. “I honestly wish I could channel how I felt in the dress in my everyday life.” Groom Nick’s beige three-piece suit complemented the rustic stone of the church perfectly, looking dapper and clean-cut under the blazing Cypriot sun. “As for Nick, his only problem was finding a light, summer suit suitable for the Cyprus heat, whilst back in cold wintry England!” The bride and groom’s personalised, unique wedding day was one to remember for every member of the party. From their stunning venue and their carefully curated playlists, to the subtle details incorporated to bring thoughts of the bride’s late father to the forefront, every moment was the formation of a memory to be cherished. As of now, the special couple haven’t been on their honeymoon yet, despite some city breaks in Vilnius, Rome and Krakow. They plan to go travelling around South Africa and Mauritius next year for that perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

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WEDDINGS BY ELIZABETH ANNE We spoke with Weddings by Elizabeth Anne, a wedding planning company based in Cyprus, about their extravagant approach to arranging their clients’ special events! Read our conversation below to find out all about their process, their country’s natural amenities, and the details of one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY My planning company Weddings by Elizabeth Anne allows me to be creative, really connect closely with my couples, and gives me the freedom to plan beautiful weddings without limitations. I worked for many years as an in-house wedding planner for a number of fabulous venues, and, using my wealth of experience, I started my own bespoke wedding planning business for high-end couples looking for that extra bit of care and attention towards their special day.

throwback to the groom’s grandfather’s garden. We wanted to create a comfortable environment for everyone to celebrate the newlyweds, but still bring the wow factor with all of the lush florals. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The couple walking through their beautiful reception, taking everything in, kissing and giggling together in a moment alone before the guests were seated.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? I am based in Cyprus however I offer weddings all across Europe. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Cyprus has 340 days of lovely sunshine per year, a vast wealth of venues (from coastal, to rustic, to 5-star hotels…), a civil ceremony is possible with limited paperwork, and English is a national language! It’s beautiful and easy to marry here, and gives you many options - plus, worldwide vendor connections!

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING. This wedding was a beautiful blend of Cyprus and Britain. The groom’s Cypriot family connected the couple to the island, and, true to tradition, they had a Greek Orthodox ceremony in an ancient Church. Natasha craved beauty and wanted to give guests the best of Cyprus’ hospitality. They came together on the day and celebrated in a gorgeously-dressed venue with their family and friends, while never taking their eyes off each other! You knew you were in the presence of true love.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… Natasha wanted a gorgeous white wedding, with a Cypriot twist! We added dried lavender to the tables and arrangements as a nostalgic

Find out more: elizabethanne-weddings.com @weddingsbyelizabethanne

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Czech Republic

CZECH REPUBLIC

LUXURY LOVE STORY SUPPLIED BY CHATEAU MCELY

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“Spending time with everyone made it incredibly special.”

Hana & Stefan

Walked down the aisle surrounded by the crisp, pastel palette of summer gardens… Behind the wrought iron gates of a glamorous chateau, Hana and Stefan’s special ceremony took place upon rolling, vibrant gardens and glowed in the summer sun. Accompanied by their friends and family, joining the couple from all over the world, the bride and groom revelled in the opportunity to finally be around all of their favourite people again after the tough, isolating years of the pandemic. “We originally planned for about 120 guests, but ended up facing many Covid related cancellations right up to the day before our wedding,” bride Hana explains. “It was quite upsetting when some important people were unable to come. But even though it was a smaller wedding than we’d expected, it meant we were able to spend meaningful, elongated time with the guests who could make it.” Dreamy white petals strewn over the aisle led up to the altar arch of blooming flowers – pastel pinks and creams adding to the elegance of the

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Chateau Mcely DRESS: Adina Wedding Studio SUIT: Edit Suits MUSIC: Aurora Party Band DECORATIONS: Cool Flowers CAKE: Klobouckovic Dortiky PHOTOGRAPHY: Dara Rakovcik & Petra Vosecká VIDEOGRAPHY: Jagr Videography

“We had a really special moment together watching the fireworks go off…”

Czech Republic

ceremony. With flourishing bouquets decorating the venue’s expansive gardens and the warm August heat blazing, the bride and groom tied the knot in a location fit for a fairytale. “We could have imagined nothing more perfect than Chateau Mcely for our wedding day,” the bride gushes. “After our very first visit, we immediately fell in love with the place.” The beautiful outdoor ceremony was completed with an ethereal quartet, playing live music for the newlyweds and guests alike to bask in as they enjoyed the celebration. A stunning, flowing dress with delicate floral detailing was perfect for the bride – fitting in seamlessly with the thriving nature in the gardens. Her plunging illusion neckline and flowing veil added extra glamour to the look, with her blonde curls and pristine makeup creating the final, flattering outfit. “I also had a second dress for the evening party, but I didn’t get to wear it because I was too busy having fun to get changed! I really loved wearing my wedding dress, though, as it had everything I had wanted, including a bit of sparkle with the flowers.” The groom’s tan suit was clean-cut and striking – a white rose boutonnière complementing the beautiful décor enveloping the ceremony. Together, the pair matched the sophisticated and classy atmosphere of Chateau Mcely. Like a scene taken right out of a classical period film, the bride and groom’s special day had a beautiful and regal feeling in the air. Dancing for hours through the luxury hotel with their loved ones, enjoying the endless and relaxing amenities available, and honouring their marriage by simply having fun with one another was the perfect way to begin the next step of their lives together.

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CHATEAU MCELY

e spoke to Vlastimil Plch, Founding Managing Director at Chateau Mcely, a luxurious, unique wedding venue located in the Czech Republic. Read our conversation below to discover all about the glamorous amenities available to their guests, their stunning grounds, and one of their most recent weddings…

chickens at his wedding in our park in a stylish pen. He then took the chickens home as our wedding present! There is no limit to what we can do, and our wedding coordinators are happy to advise on tips and tricks for the perfect wedding day.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Chateau Mcely is the former country estate of the famous, aristocratic Thurn-Taxis family. It’s located just under an hour's drive from the capital city of Prague, and is surrounded by the St. George Forest and a five-hectare English park. The hotel is perfect for romantic weddings all year round: engagements by the light of 101 candles with a personal waiter, or relaxing retreats in the awardwinning Mcely Bouquet Spa. The chateau has 25 rooms and suites, each with a different design and name, as well as elegant salons and halls, and our Piano Nobile restaurant, which has won numerous awards. There's also the popular Bellavista Patio, a winter terrace that allows guests to connect with the surrounding nature and offers spectacular views of the countryside. The friendly Chateau Mcely team aims to provide guests with a relaxing experience that allows them to achieve a balance of body, mind, and soul. Just by opening the wrought-iron chateau gate, you’ll be transported to another world that makes you forget the worries of everyday life, and open the door to your dreams.

WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? A particularly popular wedding spot at Mcely is the beautiful south parterre of the English park, with views of the valley, and the romantic garden in the shade of century-old oak trees. In the winter months, guests prefer the Bellavista Patio, which opens directly onto the park, and the Golden Hall, with its hand-painted golden motif of birds on the walls, original tiled stove, and stylish terrace are popular. There’s also the neighboring romantic Gothic church, with a wooden bell tower, which is reachable by walking through the chateau park.

WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? Chateau Mcely is charming in every season and in every style. Here, you can experience a spring wedding with hundreds of daffodils and tulips, a summer wedding in the middle of blooming meadows, be enchanted by the autumn colors in our English park and enjoy the carpets of leaves, or enjoy a winter wedding with hot mulled wine, the Christmas atmosphere, and the chateau illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. Wedding guests can also rent the entire chateau, including the garden, exclusively for themselves and their wedding guests and enjoy their day undisturbed. We are open to all ideas and ways to enhance weddings. Once, we organised a gathering of 30 beagles as a surprise for the dog loving bride outside of her bridal suite! We also fondly remember how we delighted an international football player whose pre-match calming rituals included walking among the chickens, so we indulged him with 52

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WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? Most often, we organise exclusive weddings where the guests rent the entire chateau for the whole weekend to enjoy their wedding to the fullest. It’s also possible to rent one whole floor of the chateau, organise an intimate wedding for up to ten guests, or even one just for the wedding couple. The ceremonies are most often civil, but religious ceremonies are also common in the chateau or in a neighbouring church, and we also even offer symbolic marriage ceremonies.

TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING AND HOW IT WAS ORGANISED It was really a pleasure to work with Hana and Stefan on their dream wedding, because they planned it not just for themselves, but also for their families and friends. They had very specific ideas about their dream day, so we did everything possible to make it happen. Our wedding coordinator was by their side from the very first meeting - she introduced the chateau and the park, and guided them through the wedding meal tasting and all the necessary planning. They became close and their relationship grew into a friendship. On their big day, we witnessed their laughter, their sense of fun, so many emotions, dancing, hundreds of smiles, and their focus on each other. Everything went smoothly, and everyone was pleased.

Use code RLWMCELY22 when you inquire for a 10% discount on wedding packages!

Scan here Find out more: chateaumcely.cz/en/weddings @chateaumcely

Denmark

DENMARK

A DREAM IN DENMARK SUPPLIED BY MAGICAL WEDDINGS

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“I looked the way I always wanted to look on my wedding day!”

Louise & Christian

Said ‘I Do’ in a charming, ancient church resting upon a scenic cliffside… Bride Louise and groom Christian tied the knot in a quaint 13th century church located on a stunning clifftop, with an expansive view of the sea for miles all around them. The church they selected provides a service that allows for a civil ceremony in a religious setting, which is a rare and unique opportunity when it comes to weddings… so the pair felt very lucky to find it. With the building’s rustic, stone exterior and vibrant gardens as their backdrop, the special couple let the natural scenery of Denmark act as their décor; the beautiful greenery and historical landmark being all that they needed to begin their special journey together. After arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, the bride and groom

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Magical Weddings VENUE: Traktørstedet Højeruplund PHOTOGRAPHER: Liv Friis Larsen FLOWERS: Monas Blomster, Stevns HORSE RIDING EQUIPMENT: Klindt BAKERY: Konditoriet i Nørregade MUA: Style Mentor

Denmark

ensured that the level of class and sophistication shown right from the start of the ceremony would remain present throughout the day. All enjoying the bright blue sky and the warm Danish sun, Louise and Christian’s guests were able to bask in the old-time glamour of their wedding day just as much as the couple! With around 200 friends and family attending their reception and 80 continuing onto the meal, the bride and groom wanted a wedding party big enough to be able to mingle with their favourite people all day and night, whilst also managing to get around to everyone before the big day was finished! Bride Louise went with a simple yet elegant look – a silk slip dress that had the perfect mix between fitted and flowy! She knew she wanted to find a dress that she loved and felt beautiful in, but her main priority was being able to have fun in her outfit, which she definitely did! Groom Christian went with a greyblue suit with a blue and white striped shirt to match, looking as timeless and dapper as the sophistication of the church surrounding him. Together, the pair looked fit for a gorgeous celebration and harmonised wonderfully with their selected decorations and the blooming nature of Denmark’s countryside. Overall, the personal, heartfelt ceremony was appreciated equally by everyone involved, and the love and respect floating through the church was undeniable. Bride, groom and guests were all able to celebrate without a care in the world, enjoying the sunny heat and feeling grateful to be able to spend that time together as a newly united group.

“I had the best time of my life.”

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MAGICAL WEDDINGS We spoke with Magical Weddings, a wedding planning company based in Denmark, about their special civil church weddings - a distinctive service providing a mix of the two! Read our conversation below to discover how they do this, all about their specialist venue, and a glimpse into one of their favourite weddings to date…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY We at Magical Weddings offer a rare and unique experience for our clients looking to marry in Denmark, whether they are locals or a couple looking for a destination wedding adventure! We provide services at one of the only churches in the world open for civil weddings; perfect for couples who are after the relaxed, easygoing feel of a civil ceremony, with the prestige beauty of a church. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? Højerup, Denmark. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Normally, foreigners have to be part of the Danish church to be able to have a church wedding, but at Magical Weddings, we do things differently! Our 13th century church is located on a stunning cliffside with an expansive view of the sea. We decorate each ceremony to bring out the classical charm of a church wedding with no detail ignored, such as a live violinist, lit candles and even doves! The events we create in this once-in-a-lifetime space are so beautiful and endlessly romantic. We love all of our weddings and we always feel so honoured to be a part of someone’s special day. Together with the couple, we listen to their ideas and visions, and arrange for their wedding ceremony to be their dream come to life. From music and a horse carriage, to flowers and champagne, to cake and a hotel, we make sure every aspect of their wedding is accounted for exactly the way they want it to be. There are no limits to our services! I moved to this lovely area of Denmark a few years ago, and upon finding our church, discovered that all religious items

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were removed due to renovations of the building. Now freshly restored and modernised (and finally made official on the world map!), I have couples travelling from all over the world to get married in this beautiful location. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF A WEDDING? I have had so many wonderful couples work with me, but one pair stands out in particular to me… We were contacted by the most amazing guy, who is very well known for his Elvis Presley tribute performances around Europe. When his future wife entered the church to walk up the aisle, he serenaded her… That was a very special moment and I felt extremely lucky and proud to have been a part of it.

Scan here Find out more: magicalweddings.eu @magicalweddingsdenmark

England BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UK

MEDIEVAL MAGIC SUPPLIED BY MISSENDEN ABBEY

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“I truly felt the most beautiful I had ever been.”

Eleanor &Juho

An environmentally-friendly celebration of love in the historic halls of a former medieval abbey… A Midsummer Night's Dream met enchanting, English gardens in Eleanor and Juho's beautiful ceremony. A marine biologist for a bride and a dive instructor for a groom, this special couple ensured sustainability was at the heart of their wedding day - particularly in the locallygrown, native flowers full of whimsy and colour decorating the venue. Mint, honeysuckle and ivy intertwined with dahlias, peonies and roses blended in seamlessly with the outstanding scenery of Missenden Abbey, handcrafted details of which the couple wished could have lasted forever. “We were absolutely blown away by our flowers, which were incredible and really set the whole theme,” the bride gushes. “Because of them, our photographs turned out simply beautiful… And because of our cake, that still has people talking about it 3 months after the wedding!” The cake in question, baked and decorated at Maxine’s Patisserie, was a resplendent, three tiered seascape, with fish, a Manta Ray, an Octopus, shells… even three

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Missenden Abbey PHOTOGRAPHER: Lucy Long Photography JEWELLERY: Les Nereids DRESS: Temperley London SHOES: GINA FLOWERS: Howe Farm Flowers CAKE: Maxine’s Patisserie HAIR: Brandon O’Sullivan Hair and Beauty BRIDEMAIDS' DRESS: BIBA, House of Fraser BRIDEMAIDS' MUA: Hattie J Moore GROOM'S SUIT: Turo STATIONERY: Tree of Hearts

England

“I was eating wedding cake almost exclusively for two days after!”

of the couple’s favourite species of nudibranchs! The bride explains how Maxine’s Patisserie took their vision and made it a really special, showstopping moment in their wedding - their friends, family and even strangers commenting on how they had the best wedding cake they had ever seen (and enjoying eating it, too). Continuing this eco-conscious mindset, the bride was certain that she wanted a sustainable, second-hand dress. After browsing multiple sites, she ended up stumbling upon her dream dress… “I knew as soon as I saw it that it was the one! It was different, with big, pink flowers embroidered all over it, and it was Temperley - which is a designer I have always loved.” As well as her gorgeous dress, the bride stunned in a tousled, curly up-do, which - paired with her authentic flower hairband - created a glowing, ethereal beauty about her look. The couple’s majestic ceremony was packed full of small, touching details, making the day truly their own. As the groom is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, the bride walked down the aisle to a piano rendition of ‘Curious Hobbits’ - another unique, personal touch, raising some knowing smiles from the crowd. During the register signing, the bride’s talented 11-year-old cousin sang for everyone leaving not a single dry eye in the crowd! After their upbeat first dance to Nat King Cole’s "L-O-V-E", the pair were able to celebrate their special day with their closest friends and family in the stunning grounds of the Abbey. Its original, medieval features combined with the modern, unpretentious attitudes of the staff ensured a serene atmosphere for their wedding day - guiding them through the stress of planning and timings, and allowing Eleanor and Juho the freedom to just focus on their love for one another and celebrate together.

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MISSENDEN ABBEY

e spoke with Missenden Abbey, a beautiful wedding venue based in Buckinghamshire, about their gorgeous location, how they curate their special days, and their favourite moments of a recent wedding. Read our conversation below to find out more about the venue, and one of their most memorable weddings to date… TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Missenden Abbey is a former 12th Century Medieval Abbey set within 10 acres of stunning picturesque grounds, in the heart of the Chilterns. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in the beautiful village of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire - packed to the brim with fascinating English history, rolling flower meadows and countryside views, and has even been the filming locations of several TV shows and films. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Missenden Abbey is a unique hidden gem with peaceful and charming surroundings, perfect for our couples looking to make those memorable photo moments last forever. Our top-tier staff will make sure your day goes exactly as planned, as your happiness is our priority! Our multiple amenities and beautiful scenery will make your special day stand out from the rest, and create happily-everafter memories for you to cherish.

Eleanor and Juho were a very special couple. From the first time I met them, I could see the love and respect they had for one another. Plus, Eleanor was so organized and provided all details for her décor placements, which is always appreciated. The morning was very relaxed - Eleanor was super calm and so lovely to liaise with, as well as her mum, Elizabeth. On the wedding day, the couple both just looked radiant and happy: absolute magazine-spread perfection! It was a fantastic summer’s day, and, despite Eleanor saying she was nervous, she certainly rocked it. They were both such beautiful people, inside and out, and I loved the opportunity to be their coordinator. They certainly will be a happily ever after, and it was such a pleasure to be a part of their wedding day. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? I always make a point of looking at the groom standing and looking nervously at the Garden Room staircase from which the bride appears, fidgeting anxiously. However, on this occasion, Juho looked natural and calm, and when the moment came for Eleanor to walk down the stairs, Juho’s face lit up and formed the biggest grin. At that very moment, the sun was shining so bright through the stain glass windows as the beautiful piece of music they had chosen played through the room, and - like adding the last piece of a puzzle - Eleanor’s appearance completed this love story.

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING The most beautiful thing about our Ceremony Room is that it is a blank canvas for our couples to decorate as they wish - some will keep it more minimal, whilst some wish to fill the space. Eleanor and Juho chose their décor in one of the most beautiful ways. Not only for its conscious aspects of sustainability, but the way that the colours and textures complemented the room to perfection. The ceremony’s music transported you to a different time with its elegant touch, the flower arrangements that filled the room were delicate and tasteful… Every detail, even down to the wedding breakfast tables - a beautiful selection of bottles and jars with select flower stems in each - made the entire wedding so pretty. 60

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Scan here Find out more: missendenabbey.co.uk/weddings/ @missendenabbey

France FRANCE

FAIRYTALE IN FRANCE SUPPLIED BY CHATEAU DE LA VALOUZE

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Thomas & Clément

Celebrated their love in a celestial castle surrounded by majestic French gardens… Blooming trees and a clear, pastel sky enwrapped Thomas and Clément’s dreamy ceremony. With the elegant gardens decorated with fairy lights and vintage furniture, the grooms tied the knot overlooking a magical, 19th century castle - all of their favourite people celebrating with them… Many of their guests choosing to stay at the venue for five further days to elongate the party! “A venue with enough accommodation for everyone was very important to us, and to find Chateau de la Valouze’s beautiful scenery was an additional bonus for our celebrations!” The ceremony was brought to life by the raw emotion of grooms and guests alike - the medieval décor harmonising perfectly with the beautiful union taking place before it. “When we were getting ready, we were surrounded by all of our guests,” smiles groom Clément. “We got ready in the bride and groom's suite, and

“There was a magical atmosphere in the air…” 62

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Chateau de la Valouze PLANNER: Marry Me in France PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Miranville VIDEOGRAPHER: Saimon Sey SUITS: Blandin and Deloy FLOWERS: Philippe Bonvoisin HAIR: Jonathan Thery FOOD TRUCK: Crazy Diamond Food Truck

France

read out intimate letters to everyone. The room was full of tears!” Friends, family and loved ones mingled around the stunning scenery of the castle; with flourishing bouquets, a majestic stone water fountain, and paper lanterns hanging from the trees. The grooms looked clean-cut and classy in their Blandin and Deloy suits - the deep maroon and faded sage of their outfits complementing the rural French countryside. Their beautiful bridesmaids stunned in all-white dresses, and the groomsmen in pristine shirts to match. The ceremony crowd truly looked fit for a fairytale beneath the traditional, timeless architecture. Amongst the other personal, heartwarming touches of the wedding, one fluffy addition in particular stood out in the crowd… Yuki, their ring bearer! Thomas and Clément ensured that they would be surrounded by their dearest companions during their ceremony, and their dog was no exception - the furry friend even present for the proposal! “Thomas had organised a weekend of hiking in the Pyrenees, around the lakes of Ayous in the Ossau Valley,” groom Clément remembers. “Yuki came along too, and I was sure Thomas would propose… But, he still didn’t put the knee down! I know now that he was too nervous at that time, but it was quite frustrating given that we had been together for 10 years!” The grooms got their happy ending eventually, their pooch completing their new, little family whilst making a memorable scene during the ceremony. Emotions high and excitement inevitable, Thomas and Clément’s dreamy wedding day was a long-awaited celebration, and a beautiful start to the newest chapter of their lives together.

“We felt like everybody was so happy to be there!”

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Chateau de la Valouze

e spoke with Chateau de la Valouze, a stunning, French wedding venue, and the Welsh planning company they work closely with, Marry Me in France. They talked all about their plentiful contacts and planners working in the stunning south of France, and how they go about curating their special weddings. Read our conversation below to discover their process of one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANIES Chateau de la Valouze is a 19th century chateau in the south west of France, rich with culture, history, and beauty. The venue has accommodation for up to 96 people on the estate itself, but can host large-scale weddings of up to 200 guests. Marry Me in France is a multi-award-winning company, made up of a determined team of planners working in south west France. We provide destination wedding management, allowing for a smooth and experience-driven process. We work closely alongside the venues we represent to provide high-quality weddings, with ease and professionalism to make your special day flow perfectly. We understand that your wedding is as individual as you are, and so, events are completely tailored to your exact requirements. After nearly 20 years, we are amongst the most experienced in our field, with an exceptional reputation for quality of service. When having a wedding abroad, a good planner coordinator is a vital element; the conductor of the orchestra, making sure the tempo is right, that all elements are playing their part, and all is working in harmony. This is particularly relevant for private-hire venues, where there is often no on-site wedding team.

travelling to us can make a holiday of their destination wedding. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Thomas and Clément contacted Marry Me in France in 2020, looking for a venue near to their home in Bordeaux. They wanted a venue that was able to house the majority of their guests, as well as a wedding planner who was familiar with the venue, local area, and held a variety of options in terms of suppliers and contacts… our specialty! WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… We work closely with our couples, and therefore are able to relay information and ideas shared with us into reality. When a couple has a theme or an idea, we will do our upmost to make it happen. We make sure to work closely with the suppliers as well, helping them create exactly what the couple has in mind. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? Along with the amazing colours of Clément and Thomas’ suits and their incredible flowers, there were just so many personal touches throughout the day. From their thumb print guest book/family tree, to the ribbon throw during the ceremony - where each guest was passed the end of a different coloured string, linking them to Thomas and Clément… Be it childhood friends, university classmates, work colleagues, or family and friends from far away, everybody felt their place during their ceremony. Oh, and of course, Yuki (their dog) as the ring bearer!

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? Chateau de la Valouze is located in the Bordeaux region of France, well known for its many wine estates and picturesque scenery. Marry Me in France is based in Wales, U.K., but our independent planners are based in south west France. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? The Aquitaine region of France is known for its majestic and Medieval architecture, warm weather over the summer months, gorgeous landscapes, and fascinating gastronomic history. From Chateau de la Valouze’s dramatic backdrop of the castle itself, to the beautiful gardens and lakes surrounding it, the venue has all the splendour it needs to host beautiful weddings. Its proximity to the beautiful wine regions and tourist areas ensure that the people 64

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Scan here Find out more: chateaudelavalouze.com @chateaudelavalouze marrymeinfrance.com

Friuli VG FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY

A GRAND GETAWAY SUPPLIED BY GLAUCO COMORETTO

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“We will never forget those moments.”

Alberto & Valentina

Honoured their love during an emotional ceremony in traditional Italian gardens… In the endless, rolling gardens of the Castelvecchio Estate’s expansive grounds, Valentina and Alberto’s dreamy wedding day was surrounded by natural beauty and filled with love. From antique stone architecture and a blissful terrace with sea views, to a wonderful indoor space featuring marvellous frescoes on the walls, their beautiful ceremony was like a picture from a fairytale. Tall trees in all shades of green lined the winding garden paths, and alongside pristine outdoor furniture, potted shrubbery and shimmering stone steps, the bride and groom could lose themselves in the true Italian ambience of the estate. “We wanted to find a place in Friuli that we loved and that could offer exactly what we wanted, both indoors and outdoors,” explains bride Valentina. “After a thorough search, we decided on the Castelvecchio Estate, with its vast grounds and breathtaking views.” The bride and groom shared their special day with many of their close friends and family. Aiming for a larger ceremony in which they could be surrounded by all of the people they treasure the most, Valentina and Alberto

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THE DREAM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER: Glauco Comoretto VENUE: Castelvecchio Estate PLANNING: Caterina Gobetti Destination & Wedding Planner FLOWERS: Donna di Fiori BRIDE'S DRESS: Millanova GROOM'S SUIT: Dolce & Gabbana BRIDE'S SHOES: Lesilla

Friuli VG

ensured that everyone would be able to enjoy the stunning scenery of Italy as well as partaking in their wedding day… “After a series of Covid-related unfortunate events, we were just happy to be able to get married at all!” laughs the bride. “The large group we spent the day with made us feel very special, and they left us with beautiful memories. I wouldn’t have changed anything for the world.” Bride Valentina was radiant and beautiful in her soft pink gown, embellished with glistening pearls and stunning detailing. The trumpet cut of the dress was perfectly flattering and feminine, a flowing train adding to the sense of sophisticated elegance about the look. “I knew it would be difficult to find the perfect dress,” the bride tells us. “I have modelled wedding dresses before, so I wanted something completely different for my wedding day than what I was used to… I wanted a dress that would stun me! At the third atelier I visited, they took out a dress, and I instantly knew that it was the one for me.” Groom Alberto travelled to Venice to try on his suits in some exclusive boutiques. “I wanted to have a one-of-a-kind experience. In the midst of the Venetian Laguna, I found the perfect tuxedo, beautifully made by Sicilian tailors. I wanted to pay attention to details and customised my cufflinks with our initials.” In addition to the grand, refined style of the estate’s gardens, the bride and groom decided to go with a Great Gatsby theme when thinking about their decorations and floral arrangements. Their reception glowed beneath the hints of the evening sky – a long table situated near the edge of a terrace overlooking the Italian countryside, enwrapped in warm fairy lights. Everyone who was involved in the wedding day felt the glitz and glamour that came with being a part of this celebration, and many memories were made from every special moment.

“When I found my dress, it was love at first sight for me…”

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GLAUCO COMORETTO We spoke with Glauco Comoretto, a wedding photographer and videographer based in Italy. Read our conversation below to discover his specialities, background and inspirations, as well as the tell-all from one of his favourite weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY Photography is my passion and my life. I have been photographing weddings since 2006, and having worked over 500 events throughout the years, I have been lucky enough to meet so many wonderful couples who make me believe again and again in the love within our world. Alongside photography, I am a coffee and pizza lover, I like to play jazz and rock music, and watch movies… My personal world is completed by my daughter Alice, my beloved Giovanna and our dog, Bruno. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? I am based in northern Italy, near Venice: a magical pocket of paradise. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? My artistic style is what I like to call "editorial”. It is a perfect fusion of fashion and reportage. I specialise in wedding and portrait photography, meaning that my expansive knowledge on this particular aspect allows for attention to every detail, punctual and concise timing, and reassurance for my couples that I am confident in my abilities. I am motivated to always improve my search for beauty within a scene; enhancing the natural, beautiful aura of the couple and their special marriage. To ensure this, my pictures are usually taken in a very spontaneous and candid way, to show the couple’s true feelings and contentment around each other. I also love to work with digital equipment and video gear, for when the film technique is more effective at capturing the magical atmosphere. TELL US HOW YOU HELP COUPLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA I am very conversational when shooting with my couples. I talk a lot 68

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with them, without any technical indications or ‘work’ chatter - I enjoy being around them and bonding together. I love them to feel free and comfortable enough to express their joy for the experience they are taking on as a pair. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING YOU PHOTOGRAPHED Oh, I’m very in love with Valentina and Alberto! They are an awesome couple who had great ideas for their wedding day. In our first meeting, they told me they wanted to have a glamorous, classy wedding, and as soon they chose the location I understood that it would be a magical event. Their ideas for the wedding’s theme and décor were so original, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of it all. They selected shades of white, gold and black! Have you ever seen a wedding with black flowers and decorations? I was in awe of their unique choice, and so stunned by the outcome of their creative minds! On the wedding day, myself and the other photographers of my studio arrived very early, and used that time to take pictures of the location. We like to capture a sense of the venue’s atmosphere when it is empty, as well as when it is tranformed. After that, I started my session with Valentina: she is a great model and was able to give me wonderful expressions and poses! I asked her some questions to evoke pure, unfiltered emotions from her, and it made for some amazing portraits. Alberto was awesome, too, and was very helpful! We captured all of his beautiful emotions that came with the wedding day. Every detail of their special day was perfect. Gorgeous flower decorations, delicious cuisine, the candlelit cake cutting… Caterina (their wedding planner) and the couple ensured beauty in every detail, no matter how big or small, and that gave me the opportunity to take a beautiful, memorable photoshoot.

Scan here Find out more: comoretto.co.uk @glauco_comoretto

Guatemala

GUATEMALA

MULTICULTURAL MAGIC SUPPLIED BY I DO, GUATEMALA

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Gabe & Mariel

Incorporated different customs and traditions into one beautiful, charming ceremony… The traditional, colonial-style architecture and rustic décor of Casa Santo Domingo was glowing in the candlelight of Mariel and Gabe’s dreamy wedding day. Basking in Guatemala’s late summer heat, and surrounded by rich, fairy-light adorned vegetation, the couple honoured their special day in one of the most romantic, stunning places around. Accompanied by exactly 100 guests, comprised of their closest family and friends, their special day was shared with those who care about them most. “Almost everyone we invited was able to attend, aside from a few who were unable to get visas in time,” explains the bride. “Our friends and family flew in from all over to celebrate with us, including from the U.S., Africa, Europe, and Australia.” Spending quality time with their guests was extremely important to the bride and groom due to the rarity of everyone being in the same place all at once. So, leading up to the wedding, they planned activities for their guests to choose from, such as volcano-hiking, chocolate-making, and zip-lining! Their guests travelling from various countries to join them at their wedding was only one

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: I Do, Guatemala by Diana Sciarrillo VENUE: Casa Santo Domingo DRESS: Kaitlin by Vera Wang PHOTOS/VIDEO: Carlos Lopez Averdi CATERERS: Casa Santo Domingo Hotel DJ: Max Piha SEATING PLACE CARDS: Polaroid Foto Bar JEWELLERY: Haniken Jewelers GROOMSMEN SUITS: Combat Gent BRIDESMAID GOWNS: BCBG CAKE: Sofia Cobian

Guatemala “Our wedding was full of special moments that we will never forget.”

“It was fun to hear everyone's reactions to the decorations!”

of the many multicultural aspects of Mariel and Gabe’s beautiful day. Many different cultural and personal elements from their Nigerian, Jamaican and American backgrounds were incorporated - notably, a certain gift for the bride from her new family… “Midway through the reception, I changed into a traditional Nigerian dress, which my mother-in-law brought with her all the way to Guatemala.” The pair looked regal and vibrant in their matching ensembles - bright blues, pinks and corals harmonising with the deep jewel tones of the ceremony décor, and the bride’s gorgeous gele adding an additional pop of fun colour to their outfits. Before the change, the bride stunned in an ivory Vera Wang gown, and the groom in his navy bespoke tuxedo with dark lapel. There was no doubt about it that the couple looked as classy and radiant as their surroundings. Nerves were running high on the morning of their special day… even the ground was trembling! “I woke up that morning to an earthquake,” laughs the bride. “Luckily, it was mild!” Getting ready in the bridal suite at Casa Santo Domingo, the bride could hear her friends and family laughing by the pool, and see them admiring the candles scattered over the venue. “It was fun to hear everyone's reactions, but I was anxious to get the evening started by the time we headed to the hotel.” The groom himself woke up to his favourite film on the TV, "Coming to America", having not even noticed the earthquake! He then spent the day talking with his friends, and reading through Mariel's gift to him: dozens of letters and photographs from all of their guests. “It was incredible to read through all of their well-wishes for me and our marriage.” Following their memorable wedding day, the bride and groom spent two weeks in the Philippines… Underestimating the warning of typhoon season! “We were thinking the storms couldn't be that bad, which wasn’t a great idea,” the bride jokes. “We had to be rescued by the Philippine Navy!”

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I DO, GUATEMALA We spoke with ‘I Do, Guatemala’, an event planning company based in Guatemala and Mexico. Read our conversation below to learn all about their expertise in dream-wedding creations, what makes events held in their beautiful country stand out, and their favourite moments of one of their recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY ‘I Do, Guatemala’ is a destination Event Planning company based in Guatemala. We are experts in planning premium weddings - working closely with our clients so that we can make their vision come to life, and thus creating a unique wedding that mirrors the couple’s dreams and personalities. We seamlessly bring together all the essential foundations of the wedding planning process, such as: designing and finalising their vision, choosing and managing vendors, contract negotiations, planning and logistics, and developing and controlling timelines and itineraries. We then create and manage a comprehensive breakdown of the wedding budget, so that the couple can prioritise their ideas in order to make it easier to decide what they really want for their wedding. We stay as far away as possible from any cookie-cutter weddings, as we believe that every couple is unique! WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Guatemala, and are able to cover weddings and celebrations all over the country and Mexico.

couple, Gabe and Mariel, were extraordinary, wonderful people, but also because of the mix of cultures that we were bringing together… Jamaican, Nigerian, American, and Guatemalan. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… I was inspired by the love story Mariel and Gabe shared…Yes, we plan lots and lots of weddings, but not all weddings are this full of love! Their eyes were full of joy every single day during their wedding weekend. It was difficult to settle on a particular style with so many cultures involved, as we didn’t want to miss out on an element of any one of them. We envisioned a conglomeration of colours, textiles and traditions, and delivered a perfect blend of just that. I think the amazing pictures talk for themselves! Gabe and Mariel were very communicative and open to suggestions, which makes the planning process so much easier and fun! ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The most beautiful memory for me was how every single guest came up to us and told us this had been the most beautiful wedding that they had ever attended! It is satisfying to know that we not only beat our client’s expectations, but also that of every one of their guests!

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION?

Guatemala is an amazing place with so much to offer! The country is rich in floral vegetation, and - depending on the route you take - you will see huge, bright clouds and dense forests, tropical jungles and savannas, volcanic sand beaches and mangrove swamps, awe-inspiring lakes… Antigua Guatemala is the top destination for romantic weddings; the colonial city speaking for itself, with its charming, cobblestone streets and majestic volcanoes overlooking the bustling life below. At night, the city lights up in a romantic glow of the many lanterns scattered all around, illuminating the antique monuments where most weddings take place. Lake Atitlan is another top destination. Here, the tranquility and the beauty of the lake surrounded by volcanoes is simply breathtaking! TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING This was a very special wedding for me. Not only because the

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Scan here Find out more: weddingsinguatemala.com @idoguatemala

Ibiza IBIZA

ROMANCE IN THE VILLA SUPPLIED BY HIDDEN TREASURES IBIZA

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Annabel & Huw Held an intimate ceremony surrounded by rich vegetation in a Spanish villa…

A rustic, cobblestone path running through a stunning, Balearic villa led the way to Annabel and Huw’s magical ceremony, hidden away beneath blooming greenery and glowing in the warm, summer sun. Overlooking towering mountains and the shining Mediterranean Sea, the bride and groom’s wedding day was a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, filled with class, beauty, and love. “As soon as I saw the villa’s beautiful mix of rustic and modern, I knew it was going to be special,” bride Annabel explains. “After seeing the views, we just knew our guests would be stunned. Everything instantly appealed to us, and we knew it was the right venue!” As the bride and groom decided to host their special day abroad in Ibiza, their original guestlist of one-hundred turned into eighty-eight – the perfect number for the intimate, personal ceremony the couple were aiming for. “As my family is between England and Wales, and Huw’s family are between Scotland and England, it was the first time they’d all met and come together,”

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Hidden Treasures Ibiza VENUE: Païssa d'en Bernat MUSIC: Claire Wakeman SHOES: Jimmy Choo PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephanie Shenton HAIR AND MAKEUP: Anna Wild CELEBRANT: Carly, Your Day Ibiza FLOWERS: Marbin Flowers

“I felt the most beautiful I’ve ever felt, and I think I looked it too!”

Ibiza

smiles the bride. “It was almost surreal to have all our friends and family in one place.” To have all of their favourite people together to witness their celebration of love was a dream come true for the couple. Friends and family from all around the world travelled to be a part of their special day, and so the bride and groom were able to share the happiest moment of their lives with all of those who mean the most to them. Bride Annabel stunned in her elegant, A-line gown – her flowy veil and princess sweetheart neckline adding to the graceful, stylish look. After trying on six previous dresses, she finally found ‘the one’ – even choosing not to change into her second outfit during for the afterparty, wanting to spend as long as possible in her dream dress. “Every girl always envisions their wedding day, and wearing their perfect wedding dress, and I just couldn’t believe in that moment that it was happening to me,” gushes the bride. The groom’s off-white suit harmonised with the rural, natural colour scheme of the villa – looking pristine and dashing to match the beautiful aesthetics of the ceremony perfectly. From a photobooth, to an interactive singer, to an ice cream truck… This special couple’s wedding was filled with quirky, unique details to add even more fun and memorability to their day for all involved. As the bride’s father had passed away four years prior, emotions of every kind were high during the intimate celebration, and so the reunion of family and friends from all over the world meant a great deal to the newlyweds and their guests alike. The wanderlust-struck pair plan to honeymoon either in their favourite holiday destination, the Bahamas, or try somewhere completely new, like the Maldives! Whichever they choose, they are excited to travel on this brand-new adventure as husband and wife.

“Huw surprised everyone when he was crying his eyes out at the altar…”

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HIDDEN TREASURES IBIZA We spoke with Hidden Treasures Ibiza, a wedding planner company based in Ibiza, all about their priorities when planning an event, and what makes their creations stand out from the rest. Read our conversation below to discover more about their unique expertise, the stunning amenities of their country, and a tell-all about a recent wedding… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Hidden Treasures Ibiza is a bespoke wedding planning and styling company in Ibiza. We create personalised, dreamy weddings in any style - from boho-chic to contemporary. With each wedding we create, we aim to capture the couple's personalities and vibes, so that their guests instantly know whose wedding they just entered. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Ibiza, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? As well as being world-renowned for its party scene, Ibiza has some of the most breathtaking sunsets and beautiful scenery in the world. There's a magic about the island that is indescribable, and is home to so many stunning venues. From the breathtaking views overlooking the harbours, to the countryside farmhouses in the Spanish villages, there is an incredible venue around every corner to suite any style.

themselves. Through consultation calls, moodboards and in-person meetings, we get to know what reflects them in terms of personality and preferences. Then, we work closely with them and our vast network of incredible suppliers on the island, to make their dream wedding a reality. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The entertainment was so fun! Non-stop live music all day long, fireworks, and an interactive singer through dinner. The sheer energy of the whole group combined with the dreamy fairytale styling, and an awesome personalised ceremony, made it an unforgettable wedding.

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Annabel and Huw are the sweetest couple! Huw is a pro rugby player currently for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland, and Annabel is an entrepreneur. They are so in love, and their chemistry is undeniable…Plus, their moodboard literally fed my soul! We styled the wedding with hundreds of crisp, white hydrangeas, handmade napkins, and beautiful tableware. This wedding was our most extravagant of 2022. With the magical sunset as their backdrop, we worked to make sure their couple shots and first dance were exactly at golden hour, to create epic images that will last them a lifetime. Annabel really was a princess bride - her dress and styling were timeless, chic and romantic, with plenty of flowers and sparkles. And Huw was a true Prince Charming in his cream suit, with flawless grooming and the proudest smile as she walked in. There was such a brilliant atmosphere from start to finish… and they definitely knew how to party! WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… It's important to us to really get to know our couples as we style our weddings. So, the inspiration always stems from the couple

Scan here Find out more: hiddentreasuresibiza.com @hiddentreasuresibiza As featured on MTV planning Holly Hagan & Jacob Blyths Ibiza wedding!

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Las Vegas

I do Forevers

Hear all about what I Do Forevers have to offer for the perfect wedding...

THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: I Do Forevers

CHOOSE YOUR FOREVER It is time to plan the most anticipated day of your life, so I made choosing your forever quite simple. I am here to support beyond what you desire, a day of unforgettable and unimaginable moments for you and your guests. The precise collaborations are necessary in order to have the right team that fits your needs and overall vision for your special event. I provide you with a level of unmatched service so that it is not the typical wedding but an incredible experience that you and your families will remember forever. HOW I DO IT As a hopeless romantic, weddings are envisioned to be unimaginable, hoping the moment never ends. Considering there are so many moving parts in wedding planning, there are a plethora of tasks we handle that you may not be aware of. Having someone by your side every step of the way is a huge life, time and

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money saver. Forever Destination Weddings specialises in designing unforgettable weddings in Las Vegas and San Diego California. Whether you have your wedding on a beautiful beachfront in San Diego or design your wedding around the Las Vegas antiquity, Forever Destination Weddings will bring your essence to your day. NOW & FOREVER It is amazing that you are able to tackle some of your wedding logistics. Now is the time to hand over the planning baton so you can enjoy the remainder of your engagement. I will locate the vendors that you are still in need of, and communicate with your existing choices. Together, we can create the day you envisioned. THE "I DO" FOR YOU I offer many benefits and features such as payment plans, 3D virtual mock tours and a travel team to take care of your wedding guest accommodations and plan your honeymoon!

Scan here Find out more: idoforevers.com

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Maldives MALDIVES

LOVE ON THE SHORE SUPPLIED BY REETHI BEACH

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Lena & Ryan

Honoured their love with only themselves and the turquoise ocean as their witnesses… In an intimate elopement shared between just the two of them, Lena and Ryan celebrated the love they have for each other in front of the crashing waves and atop the golden sand. Basking in the rich, exotic heat of the Maldives, the carefree pair had fun in the sun, enjoying the most memorable day of their new lives together in the most relaxed, stress-free way possible. They treated themselves with some complimentary champagne, toasting to the beginning of their new chapter, and immediately dug into their wedding cake… after all, there was no one there to stop them! The bride and groom tied the knot in front of a white heart-shaped arch decorated abundantly with vibrant florals. The bright oranges, reds and pinks of the tropical flowers provided that splash

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Reethi Beach

“It felt like we were the only people in the entire world…”

Maldives

“Every moment was so beautiful and special…”

of colour needed to bring out the stunning beach’s natural beauty, as well as the palm leaf hearts and other flower-detailed decorations scattered over the beach. The soft muted tones of the sand and the big bright sky above them brought an air of cleanliness and pristineness to the pair’s photos, matching the whites in their own outfits perfectly. As the day progressed and morphed into evening, golden hour shone over the beach, illuminating their ceremony in a honey glow, giving an almost heavenly feel when sunbeams broke through the fluffy clouds. The bride’s beautiful gown was perfect for the occasion – gorgeous embroidered embellishments on a diaphanous bodice gave that feminine, pretty edge, and her long gloves adding a little layer of class and elegance to the outfit. She paired her dress with a matching veil, detailed with identical floral lace dotted through the fabric, and a simple yet lovely pearl necklace. Her complete look gave a bohemian feel, just right for a beachy wedding day. Groom Ryan kept it casual but smart in a white button-up with a blue palm tree pattern, acting as a subtle nod to the Maldives’ effortless beauty surrounding them. Elopements involving only the bride and groom are great for couples who want to focus solely on each other, for those who want to save up some money, or for those who dream about a destination wedding but realise that their ideal guests may not be able to afford the travel… those are just a few of the reasons! For Lena and Ryan, the decision proved to be exactly the right one, as they were able to kick back and enjoy each other’s presence in one of the most peaceful parts of the world, while also partaking in their union as a couple!

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REETHI BEACH

e spoke with Reethi Beach Resort, a stunning wedding venue located in the Maldives, all about their distinctive touch when it comes to hosting an event. Read our conversation below to discover more about their wedding packages, their typical planning of events, and some details on a recent wedding held there…

“Wedding Palm Tree”, followed by a sunset dhoni cruise. The couple will then be offered an exclusive beach dinner to end their special day. The next day, they will have brunch served in the room followed by a 50 minute Balinese couples’ massage. The couple will also receive a Vow Renewal Certificate as memorabilia. WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? Our ceremonies take place on the beach, where the couples say their vows in front of the Master of the Ceremony. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING AND HOW IT WAS ORGANISED Our Wedding Coordinator worked very closely with the couple to ensure that their special day was up to their and our expectations. Ahead of the ceremony, we showed them the location and how the decorations would be set up. The couple also had the option to order a flower bouquet beforehand. The most exciting part was when the ceremony was a surprise to the partners. Our Wedding Coordinator must be very sneaky to coordinate the details to ensure that the surprise was pulled off exactly as they imagined!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Our ceremonial weddings are always on the beach, with the blue turquoise lagoon and the clear sky as the backdrop. We do light decorations with flowers and palm leaves to further enhance the natural background. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? The question should be: why not? Imagine a wedding blessing or renewing your vows in such an intimate setting, where you and your partner get to relive your wedding day once again. The ceremony will be intimate and special for just the couple to enjoy, or close family and friends can join them. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? We have a variety of wedding packages available. The nice thing about our wedding packages is that the couple gets spoilt and taken care of on the wedding day, and the day after. On the day of the wedding, the couple will have their breakfast delivered to the room. Once they are ready, they will be brought to the wedding location, where the Master of the Ceremony will walk them through the ceremony. The couple will receive a traditional Maldivian Boduberu escort to the wedding location. After the ceremony, they will plant a 82

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Malta MALTA

A MEDITERRANEAN GETAWAY SUPPLIED BY SARAH YOUNG EVENTS

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“Many happy tears were shed throughout the wedding!”

Seán & Jonathan

Married in regal, romantic gardens, in a classy ceremony fit for a prince (or two) … Elegant, historical architecture and vibrant, blooming trees enveloped Seán and Jonathan on their special day, celebrating their love for one another as their closest family and friends surrounded them. Intertwined within the charm of the romantic gardens specially chosen for their ceremony, the grooms’ wedding day was exactly what they’d hoped and dreamed for during their nine years together. “It was everything we wanted and more,” one of the grooms gushed. “Working with Sarah Young and her team was the best decision we made. They were with us every step of the way, and no request was too big or too small.” The couple got ready for their big day in a large, luxury suite, with their groomsmen

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Sarah Young Events

Malta

and grooms-women – a relaxing, calm morning of listening to music, popping champagne, and enjoying the views of the endless, stunning ocean. “After a detailed run through with Sarah Young and team a few days before,” a groom explains, “we felt really relaxed that everything was in control, so all we had to do was show up, get married and enjoy the day!” Considering the vast décor of the venue, the grooms wanted to keep a more neutral palette for their outfits as to complement their surroundings. They both stunned in navy, three-piece tuxedos and cropped trousers, with matching dickie-bows and polished brogues to finish off the handsome looks. Breathtaking elements from the heart of the Mediterranean’s rich culture and history enhanced their beautiful wedding – pairing perfectly with the thriving nature and wildlife of the villa’s surroundings. “The venue stood out for many reasons,” the grooms recalled. “We felt the stunning baroque nymphaeum would be an incredible backdrop for our ceremony; the gardens were beautifully manicured and would be ideal for dinner and dancing, the house itself was beautiful... Overall, from the moment we started researching venues, this was the one to beat. Once we viewed it in real life, we fell in love and the decision to move forward was easy!” With no specific theme in mind other than bringing out the natural beauty of their venue, the grooms wanted to create a refined celebration with simple yet classy touches – opting for what they called a ‘true Jonathan & Seán event’ that represented both their individual personalities and their loving relationship at the forefront.

“It felt like we were the only two people in the garden…”

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SARAH YOUNG EVENTS We spoke to Sarah Young of Sarah Young Events, a charming wedding planning company based in Malta - with their clients at the heart of their business, and the island’s stunning scenery as the backdrop of their weddings. Read our conversation below to discover Sarah’s journey, her inspirations, and what really makes a Sarah Young event a spectacular one. TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY At Sarah Young Events, we are proud to have planned over 1100 weddings and events to date. We specialise in luxury weddings/events, tailoring our services to fit our clients’ needs and budgets. I became the first wedding planner of Malta twenty-one years ago, and I haven’t looked back since! WHERE ARE YOU BASED? The island of Malta – the gem of the Mediterranean. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Malta is the ultimate wedding destination. You need to experience it to truly understand why the island’s laid-back charm and picturesque settings have enticed so many couples to have their weddings here. This offers the opportunity to get married outdoors in a variety of postcard perfect settings - choices ranging between outdoor sea-view or picturesque gardens, a range of enchanting historic venues, and much more.

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Simply amazing - Jonathan and Seán were the BEST to work with! We ensure that our service is always bespoke to our customers, and - once they requested quality, perfection and magic - we knew that is what we would help them achieve! From Champagne towers and gorgeous centrepieces, to pyro displays and an amazing music system for partying and dancing all night long, we ensured the personalisation of their perfect day. We never send a potential client set packages to pick and choose from - their day should go exactly how they dream it to. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… The venue the couple picked out was the initial inspiration. Jonathan and Seán picked a gorgeously unique, historically romantic garden so the theme and style was very elegant and classy. Not overpowering - just right to give the perfect, beautiful impact on the day. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? When Jonathan and Seán were dancing away, they both turned to look at myself and my manager, Becky, and mouthed ‘thank you’ while making a heart symbol with their hands! It was priceless.

The island also possesses one of the most enjoyable climates in the world - almost 10 months of sunshine, comfortable temperatures throughout the year, and very little rain. With this predictably good weather and access to lots of beautiful outdoor and indoor sites and venues in mind, the options are endless. Malta’s rich, fascinating history - dating back to more than 4,500 BC - is evident everywhere you look, with its magnificent megalithic temples (unequalled in the world), beautiful baroque citadels, ancient maritime cities, and much more. In recent years, including 2021, it has been named the most welcoming LGBTQIA+ country to visit within the European Union, thanks to its same-sexfriendly laws, pioneering policies and lifestyle acceptance.

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Maryland MARYLAND, USA

BEACHSIDE BLISS SUPPLIED BY BAREFOOT BEACH BRIDE

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Lauren & Justin

Made sandy memories to last a lifetime with their family and friends… The smooth rustling of dresses in the seaside breeze and the soothing churn of the Ocean City shoreline were the soundtrack to Lauren and Justin’s magical wedding day. A chic, monochrome colour scheme complimented both the beachside ceremony and the classy dinner décor, including candlelit guest tables and tasteful floral arrangements that brought the simple yet stylish event together. From the dainty string lights draped across the ceiling to the bright white walls of the venue’s dining space, a pristine, pure aesthetic enhanced the already existing beauty of the ceremony, with the unfiltered love shared between the newlyjoined families at the forefront. Surrounded by their dearest family and friends, the bride and groom tied the knot below a blooming, nature-wrapped arch in front of

“We loved our venue so much that we set our date on the same weekend that we toured it!”

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNING: Barefoot Beach Bride PHOTOGRAPHER: Molly Jane Photography MAKE-UP: Holly Steinacker DJ: Ray Bachman VENUE: Coastal 59 FLOWERS: Thistle Flower Bar

“I usually am very stressed getting ready for big events, however, on this day, I felt completely relaxed…”

Maryland

the glistening shores of Maryland; gentle waves were rolling in as they honoured their love for one another. Celebrating alongside the pair’s children, closest friends and relatives, the bride recalls her most treasured memory of the wedding being the heartwarming union of their little family. “It was very emotional,” reveals bride Lauren. “We have three kids together, so once we were married, we were all very happy to finally share the same last name!” The bride and groom’s children were constantly involved throughout the special day, making every step of their new journey together even more meaningful and heartfelt. The bride stunned in a flowing, bohemian LuLus dress - her opting for bare feet added an extra layer of serenity and calmness to their sandy ceremony. “My dress was the third one I ordered from LuLus,” laughs the bride. “I ordered the first dress the weekend after we were engaged, and liked it, but after looking some more, I fell in love with a second one. But then, a few weeks after giving birth to our third child, I tried on my dress and it just didn’t fit that well anymore! However, I will always be grateful that my second dress didn’t fit, because my third and final dress was perfect, and absolutely matched the vibe I was going for!” Groom Justin harmonised serenely with the peaceful, natural atmosphere of Ocean City’s beaches - his grey and black threepiece suit mixing a classy, clean feel with a relaxed, casual aura. The intimate ceremony was filled with touching moments of which were equally special for the bride and groom, their children and their guests. The bride and groom haven’t yet decided on a honeymoon location… but wherever they choose to go, we’re sure it will be somewhere as charming and laid-back as their beautiful wedding was.

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BAREFOOT BEACH BRIDE We spoke with Barefoot Beach Bride, a wedding planning company based in Maryland, about their beautiful, seaside events. Read our conversation below to discover all about their planning process, their sister companies, and the details of one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Barefoot Beach Bride is a wedding management company based in Ocean City, Maryland… However, we are actually three businesses, under one name! We started Barefoot Beach Bride in 2011, added Thistle Flower Bar in 2019, and then Coastal 59 Venue in 2020. Our full-service management company includes our comprehensive team of vendors, that will design and execute every detail that goes into your wedding - from the ceremony to the reception! We have over 25 years of experience hosting weddings of up to 200 guests, and are able to design any wedding you envision for yourself. Our mission is to allow you to enjoy the planning process in simple, easy steps, while Barefoot Beach Bride handles and executes a wedding day beyond anything you could have expected. WHERE ARE YOU BASED We are based in Ocean City, Maryland, in the United States. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Ocean City is a 10-mile beach resort, with the most pristine, gorgeous beaches on the east coast. This natural backdrop for all of our weddings enhances the work we put in to make your special day as beautiful as possible. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FEATURED WEDDING Lauren toured the venue with us and fell in love at first sight. She wanted a September wedding and booked for late that month as soon as we started planning. Lauren and Justin were so in love, it radiated throughout every meeting we had with them. They are what we call the ‘new traditional’ family - they have three beautiful children who were a big part of the wedding itself. The ceremony, reception, and the whole day were just about all of them, and their

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official joining as a family. Lauren and Justin were so easy to work with. Her vision was very simple: black boho with green details. The ceremony was so personal and meaningful, and everyone felt very relaxed on the sandy beach. A perfect, warm September evening and a simple wooden altar decorated with greens and pampas was all we needed to get started on their special day. After the ceremony, everyone headed to Coastal 59 venue to celebrate! The reception room was a moody boho design with black tablecloths, fresh greens, small segments of pampas and gold lanterns. Everyone enjoyed the farm-to-table meal prepared by our chef David, and after the meal, the toast and the cake-cutting, everyone celebrated to tunes perfectly planned out and played by DJ Ray. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? Lauren’s loving family, and the vision for her own Ocean City beach wedding. TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS? Lauren knew what she wanted and trusted Barefoot Beach Bride to design the wedding of her dreams. She wanted a cascading, bohemian bouquet made of white flowers, which Thistle Flower Bar customised perfectly. Our planning system allowed them to enjoy the fun of designing and ensured them that they could trust us to coordinate and plan every detail for them, from professional vendor communication through to the on-the-day event management. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? Seeing the event unfold before our eyes after months of planning… Watching the couple enjoying every second of their wedding day with their family and children was so special. We feel so proud to have been a part of it.

Scan here Find out more: barefootbeachbridesoc.com @barefootbeachbridebbwed

Mexico MEXICO

A SEASIDE STORY SUPPLIED BY MEMORY BOX PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bri and J.D.

Made sandy memories on the shore to last a lifetime with their family and friends… Basking in the early summer heat of the Mexican sun, Bri and J.D.’s stunning ceremony took place just steps away from the glistening, turquoise ocean. Smooth sand beneath their guests’ feet and beautiful palm leaves fluttering above, the couple’s closest friends and family watched on as they said ‘I Do’ – a special moment treasured by all involved. “It was very cool to bring all of our best friends and family on this vacation with us,” the bride explains. “We were able to watch them all get to know each other, and it was heartwarming to see everyone mesh so well.” Seeing everyone dear to them finally spend time with one another was an emotional experience for the bride and groom, filling them with gratitude towards the opportunity which made it possible: their wedding day.

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THE DREAM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER: Memory Box Photography VENUE & CATERING: Akiin Tulum Events DRESS: Galia Lahav FLOWERS: Vanessa Jaimes STYLING: Kay and Tee Boutique Rentals SOUND: Plugin Audio Visual PLANNER: Fresa Weddings LIGHTS: La Productora Weddings SWEETS: Pasteleria La Migaja GLAM: Natasha Rae Artistry GRAPHICS: Elements Graphics

“One of the most special parts was hearing each other’s vows.”

Mexico

Bri and J.D. wanted an intimate, special ceremony of around 60 guests, so they could share their exotic holiday with the people they love most. The looming palm trees and lush beaches were slightly different from the Oklahoma City scenery the bride and groom were used to… So, the chance to celebrate their love while surrounded by the picturesque Mexican landscape, and in the beautiful Akiin Tulum beach resort, was a blessing them and their guests alike couldn’t wait to delve into. “This venue gave our guests the full Tulum experience, and it was absolutely unbelievable.” The bride herself stunned in her flowy, elegant Galia Lahav gown – a gorgeous two-piece outfit fit for a princess, enhancing the natural beauty of the beach behind. Initially hesitant towards the dress, nearly skipping her fitting appointment to search for other options, the bride was talked into giving it one more try by her little sister… which, after trying it on and falling in love, turned out to be the perfect decision. “Wearing the dress was amazing,” gushes the bride. “I loved running across the street of Tulum barefoot, in my dress, to get in the shuttle to go to the venue and seeing the faces of the people in Tulum looking at my dress. It’s really an unbelievable piece, and I’m so glad I didn’t choose another!” Unique memories made and unforgettable moments shared, Bri and J.D.’s stunning ceremony was a day to remember. With their friends and family celebrating alongside them, special vendors and teams helping to make their dream come to life, and the undoubtable love between the special couple at the forefront, the beginning of their story as a married couple could not have been any more beautiful or magical.

“I love my dress so much; I had never seen anything like it!”

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MEMORY BOX PHOTOGRAPHY We spoke with Mel and Fred of Memory Box Photography, a wedding photography company based in Mexico. See our conversation below to find out how they formed their special company, their touching work ethics and morals, and the details of one of their favourite weddings to-date… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY We started out as working photographers for different professional studios, which - while being a fun, blessed opportunity for us - became restrictive after a couple of years. We felt as though we were not able to fully express who we are through our work there, nor relate to couples the way we wanted. So, there came the birth of Memory Box Photography! Every time we shoot, we look forward to making our couples comfortable and welcome, and to encourage them to enjoy their wedding despite all of the planning and logistical stresses. We enjoy capturing raw emotions with an elegant and editorial style, intertwined with the details of their venue and the beautiful décor. If there is any place around the world where a beautiful couple is saying ‘I do’, that’s where we want to be! WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Playa del Carmen, México - most of our work taking place over Tulum, Holbox, Cabo and Mexico City. From time to time, we get to travel farther and shoot special weddings in Scotland, the US and some Caribbean Islands!

good to break the ice, become comfortable, and get know their expectations. We also try to help with some recommendations on how to make the day flow more naturally, with minimal stress when attempting to stick to a timeline. Then, on the day, we remain considerate towards how they just want to enjoy their wedding and live in the moment, and don’t push them to pose, or be who they are not, just for the camera. That’s not what we are looking for. If you feel happy and content, let yourself have a good time, and trust us, then the magic will flow right into our cameras. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING YOU PHOTOGRAPHED Bri and J.D got married in Tulum last summer, and their wedding was a real dream to shoot. The bride worked hand in hand with the fabulous Kristee from Fresa Weddings - she is a great planner and designer, so the magic was already in the making before they had even begun. The venue, Akiin Tulum, is one of our favourites; it never gets old, and gives endless opportunities for wonderful photos on a beautiful beach scene. Plus, Sandra (the manager) knows how to handle each and every situation! Rentals from Kay and Tee, and Vanessa Jaimes stunning florals, made Akiin’s natural beauty stand out even more, and truly lit up the night. All guests were so happy to be around Bri and J.D, and there was a lovely, sweet aura to the entire wedding. Remember, weddings are celebrations of life. Be present and enjoy every moment, and we will be there to capture it at its best.

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? We have an editorial style with a portrait/photo-journalist mix. Raw emotions and candid shots in a beautiful setup is what we are looking for. Throughout the day, shooting a wedding demands a certain set of skills, and we feel confident in our expertise and knowledge that we can produce beautiful photos every time. TELL US HOW YOU HELP COUPLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA It’s important for us to get to know each other beforehand. Nowadays, it’s easier than it ever has been to meet up - we can simply arrange a video call, and - formalities aside - begin to chat, make friends, and get used to being around each other. It’s 94

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Netherlands

NETHERLANDS

A MAGICAL MOMENT SUPPLIED BY SANTÉ WEDDINGS & EVENTS

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Özge & Philipp

Celebrated their wedding day on a warm, summer’s day in a beautiful Dutch garden… Beneath the draping branches of a towering willow tree and the late summer heat, Özge and Philipp celebrated their love for one another in the beautiful, natural backdrop of the Dutch countryside. With white, flowing silks wrapped around the magical tree’s trunk, and flourishing, colourful bouquets placed on either side, the subtle but perfect detailing brought out the true, pre-existing beauty of the hotel’s gardens, leaving the bride, groom, and their guests to lose themselves in the fairytale-esque surroundings of the wedding day. “I think the ceremony was the most special part for me,” blushes bride Özge. “This was the first time that I saw everybody. And then, they were all looking at me with such lovely eyes and smiles, and some of them were even crying. It's just so nice to see everybody at the same time.” The ceremony quickly turned emotional for everyone – bride, bridesmaids, sisters and mothers all bursting into tears at one point or another! This sweet display of emotion was just another reminder of how much care and compassion was present on Özge and Philipp’s special day, and how much their guests appreciated being involved.

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THE DREAM TEAM WEDDING PLANNING & STYLING: SANTÉ Weddings & Events VENUE: Pillows Charme Hotel Château de Raay PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Andyvox Studio WEDDING OFFICIANT: Jacomien - Van Ver Trouwen MAKE-UP & HAIR: Anastasia FLORIST: House of Artz STATIONERY: Pen to Paper CAKE DESIGN: Remya’s Cake Studio SHUTTLE SERVICE: Shuttle2Amsterdam BOOKING AGENCY: Artist Bookings CEREMONY MUSIC: Soulful Rendition COCKTAIL HOUR DJ: One Man Show RECEPTION COVER BAND: The Tour

“We actually skipped the first dance to start the party sooner!”

Netherlands

A ceremony large enough for an amazing party yet still intimate enough to be able to catch up with every guest was perfect for Özge and Philipp’s wedding day… “We had in the end 110 adults and around 10 kids,” explains the bride. “We started with a list of 150, then we went to 130, and then 110… It is mainly because of my husband! He has a huge family, and he is the most social person in the world, and has too many friends!” Once Philipp’s guest count had reached the lowest it could go, they were left with a lovely amount of people, which made for a celebration to create enough memories to last a lifetime! The blend of the bride’s smaller Turkish family and the groom’s larger German family meant that everyone was able to be involved, and both families could enjoy their loved ones’ special wedding together. The bride’s unique wedding gown was the star of the show – the flowing, sheer fabric giving off an enchanting beauty, drawing out the magic of the Dutch landscape around them. “One of the best wedding decisions I made was that dress,” gushes the bride. “My wedding dress was something that I really loved, and it was super fitting to my personality. It added something extra special to the whole day for me.” Bride Özge knew exactly what she was looking for right from the offset! Dress shopping all over the world, from Turkey to the Netherlands, nothing quite felt right… Until it did! “I must have tried on over ten dresses in the end! But even then, I couldn’t forget that one gown… I gave a call to my sister and said, ‘can you go and buy that dress?’ just so I could try it on one more time, and I’m so grateful that I did.” Groom Philipp had a similar experience when hunting down his tuxedo – checking out tailors in Germany and the Netherlands to no avail, until he found the perfectly tailored, sophisticated suit of his dreams all the way in Turkey! The emotional, heartfelt ceremony was an experience for both families and all of their friends to remember for a lifetime.

“I found a princess dress, for sure!”

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SANTÉ WEDDINGS AND EVENTS We spoke with SANTÉ Weddings & Events, a wedding planning company based in Amsterdam, about their expertise when it comes to curating special days for their couples. Read our conversation below to discover all about their stunning location, and the details of one of their recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY SANTÉ Weddings and Events creates one-of-akind boutique experiences for national and international clientele. We use our passion and appreciation of different cultures to make dream weddings and events come to life in the Netherlands and beyond. We deliver fullservice support, meaning that we are involved in all aspects of a wedding - from sound and lighting, to menu choice, guest favours, logistics, scheduling, as well as budget and RSVP management! We accompany couples through each stage of the wedding planning and styling process to ensure them that they are not alone, and to take their stresses away. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? The Netherlands may be a small country geographically, but isn’t small at all when it comes to culture, landscapes, and music. We love to party, and our tulips are exported all over the world. Despite the fact that this country is known for its tulips, windmills and canals, the Netherlands offers some truly enchanting wedding locations that range from palatial, rural estates to stunning, modernist buildings. All of these destinations have rich, fascinating histories, and many are currently protected as Dutch national monuments due to their cultural significance, bringing you and your wedding guests an experience of a lifetime. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING I remember it was a very hot day. The location had an outside grass area where they normally would have ceremonies, but this area did not have any marquee or enclosures. When we visited the location, I saw a large willow-like tree, and I immediately thought this would be the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. This area had a couple of trees that would give the entire area enough shadow during a summer day. It was the best decision we made, as it did turn out to be very hot indeed that day. We also brought some paper umbrellas

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last minute, so guests could still walk around without any problem. After the ceremony, we headed to a tented area to do the cake cutting. Here in the Netherlands, it is tradition to do the cake cutting right after the ceremony and have a slice of cake together with a glass of champagne. We had booked musicians for each part of the day, so we started with an acoustic duo that played beautifully during the ceremony. After that, we had a DJ during cocktail hour. Then for the party, we had an absolutely amazing band that really kicked off the party until 2am. The next morning, all the guests had a relaxed breakfast. As wedding favours for the guests, Philipp’s aunts had made homemade jams which they gave out in these very cute, mini jars. Because there were a lot of leftovers, we decided to place them on the breakfast tables, so guests could enjoy them with their meals. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… The couple! They are always my main inspiration. When we started out, Özge and Philipp didn’t really have a specific theme in mind apart from wanting a summer cocktail wedding. They did mention that they really loved colours, so we took that into account and started off with that. Later on, Özge mentioned that she really liked something that I posted from an earlier wedding. It was an acrylic welcome sign and seating chart, but she mentioned she wanted something ecological. So instead of choosing something acrylic or signs that are usually made from foamboards, we chose to do printed fabrics instead. We also chose eco-paper to print all of the other stationery such as the menus, name cards, welcome bags and placemats. Because of the colourful theme, we kept everything else light, airy and slightly minimalistic, yet still elegant and cosy. That was also something that Özge really wanted. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The couple and their great energy!

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New Hampshire

NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA

HISTORICAL HAPPINESS SUPPLIED BY SEARLES CASTLE

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Jessica & Casey

Said “I Do” on the expansive grounds of a magical castle… In a magical wedding hidden away in the enchanting Searles estate, Jessica and Casey tied the knot beneath the late-summer sun, surrounded by blooming greenery. The bride and groom were able to enjoy a lavish celebration in their unique venue, a castle with the medieval charm of a Tudor manor and modern, high-class amenities. “Every single aspect of the castle was just incredible,” the bride gushes. “The grounds are well kept and gorgeous, and there are photo opportunities around every corner. I even got to throw my bouquet out of a two-story tower!” The couple married in the rolling courtyards of the grounds, with the magnificent castle standing tall behind them and a bright, clear sky up above. Joined by their closest friends and family, the newlyweds exchanged rings in a special ceremony intimate enough to be able to spend time with everyone, yet big enough for a party to remember… which, to the bride and groom,

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“It felt like the stars aligned to get my perfect dress to me!” THE DREAM TEAM VENUE & CATERING: Searles Castle DRESS: Stella York PHOTOGRAPHY: A Photographic Memory FLOWERS: Susanne’s Weddings DJ: Get Down Tonight Entertainment CAKE: Jacques Fine European Pastries TRANSPORT: Black Tie Limousine Inc. & First Student Charter HOTEL: Holiday In Salem HAIR & MAKEUP: JW Artistry DRESS ALTERATIONS: Brandy Design Studio

New Hampshire

was the most important aspect of their wedding weekend. “As my Dad was walking me down the aisle, I could see the faces of all of our guests, and the biggest smile just came across my face,” the bride smiles. “In every direction I looked, I saw someone that I care so much about smiling back at me. Talk about feeling like you are surrounded by love!” The beautiful atmosphere enwrapping the celebration was enhanced by the genuine, heartfelt involvement of all of their favourite people, tying the bow on top of their perfect day. Dazzling in her Stella York A-Line gown, Jessica fitted in seamlessly with the dignified estate. Delicate, floral embroidery on her corset and a long, flowing veil draped behind her, the bride may as well have stepped straight from a fairytale. The groom matched this charm and sophistication in his navy suit, the autumnal palette of his boutonnière bringing an extra pop of colour to his look. The warm coral of the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s ties drew out the red sandstone accents of the castle, creating an aesthetic harmony between guests and venue alike. Music was a significant element on the wedding day to this newly married couple, who provided their DJ with four very different playlists for the preceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing… “We found this artist on Spotify, Stantough, who makes olde, medieval-style covers of popular songs. It made us giggle, and we figured our guests would find it as fun as we did as they waited for the ceremony to begin!” They settled on upbeat jazz for the cocktail hour, a mix-up of all of their favourite songs for the dinner, and dance-worthy classics to end the night. “Everyone had a blast on the dance floor!” The bride and groom’s weekend was filled with meaningful details - from their Friday Night Social the evening before the ceremony, to their emotional ‘first look’ photoshoot - making their wedding an event to remember for everyone involved.

“When we were holding hands at the altar, everything felt right.”

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SEARLES CASTLE

e spoke with Searles Castle, an esteemed wedding venue located in New Hampshire, USA, about what sets their stunning castle and location apart from the rest. Read below to discover everything that makes a Searles Castle wedding a once-in-a-lifetime event to be treasured by everyone involved…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE Getting married at a castle is no longer just a fairytale fantasy! Imagine riding a horse-drawn carriage through a magnificent front gate as you enter our historical estate, comprised of mansions and an expansive courtyard. Located in Windham, New Hampshire (just 30 minutes north of Boston), Searles Castle is the only castle in its region available as a wedding,

corporate and private event venue. Not only are we an awardwinning venue, but we also include top-of-the-class event managers and wedding professionals, who will pamper and service our newlyweds like no other. Nothing says ‘dream wedding’ like a Searles Castle event does - a shining example of a seamless blend between old-world charm and modern-day amenities, encompassed in 125-acres of flourishing forest. With all the extravagance and sophistication of an English Tudor castle, Searles Castle boasts beautiful greens of spring, foliage of the fall and freshly fallen snow in winter. Your guests will be in awe as they approach from afar to attend your ceremony and reception, and accompany you in the beginning of your happily-ever-after marriage.

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New Mexico NEW MEXICO, USA

ROMANCE ON THE RANCH SUPPLIED BY BLAME HER RANCH

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Josey & Jorge

Tied the knot overlooking an endless expanse of the New Mexico woodland… Nestled snugly between scenic, rocky cliffs and lush forest, Josey and Jorge’s vibrant wedding celebration lasted for an entire weekend. With their dearest friends and family, and the charming Blame Her Ranch’s countless amenities at their disposal, the bride and groom’s special day was honoured beneath the clear New Mexico sky. “The entire day was incredibly special, and we loved every moment of it,” the bride gushes. “The venue is really flexible, and lets you have everything exactly how you want it.” Blooming sunflowers and classy red roses stood out against the rural backdrop of the ranch’s location - the stunning array of colour bringing a mix of stylish and playful personality to the forefront of the day. The bride stunned in her dream dress from Darlene’s Bridal Elegance in Albuquerque - an amusing story behind

THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Blame Her Ranch HAIR & MAKEUP: Genica Lee & RefEYEance DRESS: Darlene’s Bridal Elegance PHOTOGRAPHY: Talitha Tarro VIDEOGRAPHY: Vlad Photo VEGAN CAKE: Planty Sweet CATERING: Posa’s ALCOHOL: ABQ Bar Keeps MUSIC: Styles DJ Service DANCE LESSONS: CSP Dance Studios

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New Mexico

its discovery, including trying on over thirty other dresses, and a fortunately-timed decision of the store to discontinue the style, landing it luckily in Josey’s price range. Jorge was dapper and classy in his black-tie tuxedo from Suits Unlimited (also in Albuquerque), which he felt needed an additional splash of fun added… “He added Super Mario cufflinks!” the bride laughs. Little did this special couple know, a dance they had choreographed together years prior became the foundation of the first dance at their wedding. “We hadn’t danced as much in recent years because of Covid,” recalls the bride, “but Jorge and I have been dancing bachata, salsa, and country swing together for over 4 years. Finally being able to practice and dance together again was one of my favourite parts of the wedding.” From using "Forever and Always" from the Swan Princess for the bridal procession (the bride’s favourite film when she was little), to her brother’s partner accompanying the DJ with her violin, to the groom and groomsmen being able to get ready in the ranch’s epic games room: the couple’s wedding was filled with touching, memory-making moments that made the day even more special. Following their wedding, the couple whisked themselves away to Maui for their summer honeymoon, and are planning on Acadia National Park for the autumn, Germany over Christmas, and Japan for the following Spring. “We plan to treat the rest of our lives together as a permanent honeymoon.”

“All of our guests formed a circle around us as we danced together…”

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Photo Credit: Gabriella Marks Photography

BLAME HER RANCH

e spoke to the owners of the Blame Her Ranch in New Mexico; a charming, rustic wedding venue in the heart of southwestern U.S.A. Find out below what they had to say about their ranch, the countless amenities for guests, and their special aims and values when hosting events… TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Blame Her Ranch is the private home of Steve and Linda Blamer. It was established in 2007, and sits in the mountains 45 minutes north-east of Santa Fe. Blame Her Ranch consists of over 2,000 acres that sit adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest, with 70mile views. The ranch has four separate venues, sleeps 44 guests, and offers multiple activities (as well as glamping!). Blame Her Ranch is rented exclusively to one couple at a time, which provides tremendous privacy for all wedding events. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? Because there is no place like it in the world. We allow couples to customise their events in a completely private and peaceful setting, with few restrictions or mandates. The couple can create their wedding their way with no time limits or vendor restrictions.

TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING AND HOW IT WAS ORGANISED Josey and Jorge spent the first day with their friends and families, decorating and rehearsing for the ceremony, before having dinner in the Barn. The next day was the wedding day! It was a beautiful summer day - a great day for a wedding. The wedding party all got ready around the house and in their private rooms before lining up behind the adobe wall for the processional. They lined the aisle with potted sunflowers for an extra summer day touch. After a tearyeyed and gorgeous ceremony, everyone proceeded to the Great Lawn for cocktails, dancing, toasts, and delicious local food from Posa's. Near the end of the night, the couple and their wedding party snuck away to take some photos with their amazing photographer Talitha Tarro. The sky had been threatening rain that day but, fortunately, it held off until all of the main wedding festivities had finished. The couple decided to try getting a photo of them with a lightning strike behind them. The sky was very active, but anyone who has tried taking a photo of lightning knows it's no easy task… After many (many) attempts, they finally got a winner! A stunning picture with two large strikes from the clouds, right down to the ground behind them. They also got many other beautiful photos that night, with sparklers and rocky cliff sunsets.

WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? Whatever they want, and however they want! We even offer a 5-day extravaganza, where couples cannot only get married and have their Welcome and Rehearsal Dinner, but also do activities like skeet shooting, fly fishing, UTV trips, a sauna and cauldron hot tub… And that’s just to name a few! WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? At the Blame Her Ranch, we have four different venues. Firstly, The 18,000 ft. Great Lawn, which can accommodate over 300 people with 3,000 sparkling twinkle lights and 70-mile views. Secondly, the Adobe Ceremony Area by the cliffs, which provides a beautiful and natural setting. Thirdly, The Cowboy Chic Barn, which gives the couple a wonderful separate venue for the Welcome or Rehearsal Dinner, but also a great backup location in the case of inclement weather. And last but not least, the Great Room Lodge located in the main house - which is perfect for Welcome Cocktails, relaxation, and enjoyment for those also staying at the ranch. 106

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Scan here Find out more: blameherranch.com @blameherranchsantafe

New York NEW YORK, USA

AN AUTUMNAL ADVENTURE SUPPLIED BY WEDDING ELEGANCE NYC

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xxxx

Krishna & Michael Tied the knot surrounded by an abundance of ﬂorals and their dearest friends and family…

The bright, sparkling interior of the Legacy Castle served as the backdrop for Krishna and Michael’s wedding day; golden detailing and glamorous, classy chandeliers provided an additional layer of beauty beneath their stunning decorations. Rows of blooming floral bouquets in varying shades of coppers, reds and golds led the way to the stunning centrepiece of the ceremony… a towering, magical tree made up of a twisted vine trunk and expansive, colourful leaves. “We just fell in love with how beautiful and elegant the Legacy Castle was,” gushes bride Krishna. “We were so lucky and happy to get that venue. On the day of the wedding, we were so well taken care of, it truly felt like a fairytale come true.” The bride and groom held an intimate ceremony with their dearest family and friends – everyone was able to partake in the personalised, unique wedding day in their own heartfelt ways, and

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Wedding Elegance NYC PHOTOGRAPHER: Memories Studio MAKE-UP: Glow Zee CATERING: Bukhara Grill DJ: DJ Raj BRIDAL LEHENGA: Sajda by Suman BRIDAL JEWELLERY: Raj Jewellery

“Our guests could not stop talking about how good the food was.”

“I felt like a queen!”

New York

enjoy every element of it together. “Everyone at the wedding could not stop talking about how organized and well planned every detail was.” The rich blend of different cultures is one of the elements that made Krishna and Michael’s day so special – the seamless union of two families in equal celebration of their individual traditions. This was not only present in the couple’s beautiful outfits and stunning décor, but also in the music… “I wanted more instrumental music for walking down the aisle, and selected Tujh Mein Rab Dikthta Hai instrumental,” smiles the bride. “Music can be a universal language and can give you the feels without the lyrics. Since Mike and his family do not understand or speak Hindi, just having the music was special.” The bride glowed in her breathtaking, intricately detailed lengha – the shimmering details were brought to life even further through her golden headpieces, matching with the elegance of the castle’s interior. “My wedding lengha was very heavy,” laughs the bride. “But definitely worth it. It was a relief to take the skirt off after the ceremony... I got a separate much lighter piece to wear on my head, which I am happy I did.” Seeing both families unite and celebrate the bride and groom’s marriage was so special for the newlyweds – they often found themselves simply watching everyone have fun from an upper balcony, and taking in the beautiful ambience of the evening surrounding them. “There was a moment where all the chaos stopped and it was just us taking it all in,” blushes the bride. “I loved watching the baraat – all of our families and friends dancing. I also really enjoyed watching the same day video edit at the reception. It was nice to look back and reflect on all the special moments of that weekend up to that point and share them with all the guests.”

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WEDDING ELEGANCE NYC We spoke with Wedding Elegance NYC, a wedding planning company based in New York, all about their expertise when it comes to arranging events. Read our conversation below to find out all about their past experience, their glamorous location, and one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Wedding Elegance NYC is a highly sought-after full service wedding design, planning and consultation company serving New York and New Jersey. Our expertise lies in creating luxury South Asian wedding experiences, regardless of whether your event has 50 people or 1,500, and whether it’s in your backyard or the top of the World Trade Center.

access to so many different activities that we have to offer here. Food, culture, diversity, nightlife, shopping… it’s truly endless.

With over twelve years of experience planning weddings, Wedding Elegance NYC has grown into a team of creative, efficient, passionate and diverse professionals who not only reflect the strengths of our work ethic, but also display the variety of weddings we are able to take on. Time and time again, our team has come together to create exquisite events in immaculate detail that leave indelible memories in the minds of guests and hosts alike. In every wedding we plan, we try our best to give our couples something they can relate to, and a wedding that showcases themselves in various ways. We work tirelessly to make sure that every couple gets to enjoy the wedding process and the day with their family and friends.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… I love seeing people in love and assisting them in celebrating their love story. As cliché as it sounds, I am a hopeless romantic. Planning weddings is a very organic process for me from the very beginning. Having a creative mindset and being a romantic while loving weddings, pursuing my dream to be a wedding planner was a very easy decision for me. Our style is curated based on each couple. We try our best to make sure every wedding is different, and that our couple experiences the magic. Planning processes start anywhere from 1.5 years to as close as 6 months before. The more time we have for planning, the better we can curate a dream wedding.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in New York and New Jersey, USA.

ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? Everything was a beautiful memory from Krishna and Mike’s wedding. However, the one thing that stands out is when we did a room reveal for the couple. That was the first time we left them be to have their moment and take everything in. The reaction and the expressions they had for each other was everything a planner could ask for!

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Krishna and Mike are two very loving and joyful people. They wanted a fall wedding with the natwwe invitations, to the décor, to the food; everything was very tastefully planned. It just makes sense to share their love and celebration with the world, and give everyone a glimpse of how beautiful a wedding celebration is when two different families, cultures and traditions come together.

Scan here Find out more: weddingelegance.nyc @weddingelegance.nyc Photography: @pashaphotographyinc

Photography: @pashaphotographyinc

Photography: @milighosh

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Getting married in New York is like an American dream. Every season in New York is beautiful and offers its own unique style... Your wedding can be simplistically beautiful, or a very glamorous affair - offering a variety of different looks and feels for every couple. In New York, you can have a beach wedding, a mountain wedding, a garden view wedding, a vineyard wedding, or even highrise views! New York City is a romantic and energetic city, full of so many talented wedding suppliers who will make your dreams come true. While planning your wedding in the city, it also gives you

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING This particular wedding is very close to my heart. Krishna and Mike are two human beings who are destined to be together; their love is so infectious, and gives a true meaning to ‘forever’.

Oregon

The Libertine Events Hear all about what The Libertine Events have to offer for the perfect wedding...

MEET THE LIBERTINE Mellisa established The Libertine Events in 2001 and has coordinated countless milestone occasions in that time. Although initially studying culinary arts, Mellisa soon realised her true passion lay in the exciting world of event planning and design. She seamlessly combines both her catering and coordination skills to provide an all-inclusive planning package. HAPPY TO HELP With 20 plus years of experience, you can count on The Libertine Events to tackle the “hard” parts of executing an event so you can relax and enjoy the process and the day! We will help you create a budget, select the vendors, organise design elements plus provide day-of event coordination. We customise plans based on individual needs and vision.

THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: The Libertine Events

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The Libertine Events also offers assistance with Destination Planning. We have planned both throughout the United States and internationally. "The Libertine Events was the reason our dream wedding came to life. Mellisa was amazing at knowing exactly what we wanted and needed. Despite the uncertainty of Covid times, Mellisa made sure we planned ahead and kept us on track. It made the wedding planning less stressful. She listened and then made our visions come to light. She is extremely talented and hardworking. They took care of all the planning, decor, day of wedding coordination and floral arrangement. Trust me, coming from a very frugal person, if you’re considering saving money and skipping the wedding planner/coordinator… DON'T! It’s not worth the stress and headache. They will save you from things you didn’t even know you had to plan for. They are extremely organized and know what they are doing. I would highly recommend The Libertine Events to everyone." -Bride

Scan here Find out more: thelibertineevents.com thelibertine_events

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Paris PARIS, FRANCE

A DISNEY DREAM SUPPLIED BY VIVAAH WEDDINGS

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“One of the most special parts was seeing everyone have as much of a great time as we were.”

Anisha & Varun

Had the magical world of Disneyland Paris as the backdrop for their enchanting wedding… Beneath a clear blue sky and surrounded by the magical atmosphere of Disneyland Paris, Anisha and Varun’s lavish celebration began in front of the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle, and lasted for over three fun-filled days! The decision to host their wedding celebrations at Disneyland Paris came into play after the special couple had shortlisted and narrowed down their search for an extraordinary venue... From historic palaces, exotic locations and some iconic properties around the world, bride Anisha and groom Varun discovered that nowhere other than the home of love stories could be the right place for them to begin a new chapter of their own… the most magical place on Earth! With over 400 guests from all over the world joining the couple on their wedding day, Disneyland Paris played host to one of the most magnificent Indian Wedding celebrations to date, where some of the finest memories of a lifetime were created for each and every person involved. Right from the beginning, the bride and groom’s glamorous celebrations were kicked off with constant fun and sweet surprises in true Disney fashion. Their guests were greeted by Maharajah

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNED & MANAGED BY: Vivaah Weddings PHOTOGRAPHER: Rashpal Photography VENUE: Disneyland Paris CINEMATOGRAPHY: Salshan Photo STUDIOS CATERING: Tabla Catering - London, UK FLORAL DESIGN: Roni Floral Design DJ: DJ H & Funk Asia DJ CELEBRITY ARTIST: Juggy D BAND: Versatile Brass FIRST DANCE CHOREOGRAPHER: Absolute Bolly DRUMMERS: Imperial Drummers ENTERTAINERS: Jewel Entertainment BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Jatinder Grewal SAFA: The Jodhpur Company ILLUSIONIST: Slightly Unusual Illusionists HINDU PRIEST: Sundar Maharaj

“It truly felt as though we were in a fairytale of our own”

Paris

Goofy at the Welcome Lunch at the Newport Bay Hotel, where most of the guests were staying, followed by a spectacular illuminations and special effects show that evening, which lit up the Castle and enchanted the wedding party and onlookers alike. That night was a themed dinner in Aladdin’s Agrabah Café, where everyone was greeted by the Genie himself, as well as Arabian cultures and cuisine on offer with traditional Middle Eastern-influenced entertainment. At what would typically be the end of such a charming, activity-packed day, was the ceremony itself! The civil ceremony took place right in front of the Castle at the stroke of midnight, with a customised Princess Fountain show, and a special fairytale entrance for the bride and groom. Finally, the afterparty was hosted at The Lucky Nugget, which took guests back in time to the Wild West; the sheriff town filled with some of the most glamorous entertainment acts. The next morning saw all guests dressed up in their ethnic ensembles, preparing for the groom’s Baraat! This part of their celebrations saw an amalgamation of Disney Parade artists with Desi Dhol trained dancers from around the world, dancing to both Disney choreographed sessions, and later merging with Punjabi Bhangra music and entertainment led by world-renowned artist, Juggy D, who led the Baraat with the Groom in a classic Cadillac! This beautiful part of the ceremony was held at the Pier of Newport Bay Hotel overlooking the lake, and was yet another memorable, charming section of Anisha and Varun’s magical days. That evening, the guests were welcomed to the reception and afterparty, which was ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ themed – and aptly so, since it was hosted at the Walt Disney Studio 1, which was themed and conceptualised straight out of Hollywood in the 1950s! This journey from Bollywood to Hollywood transitioned from one event to another through different entertainment acts, music, artists, décor and culinary offerings.

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VIVAAH WEDDINGS We spoke with Vivaah Weddings, a prestigious wedding planning company based in Dubai, all about their expertise when it comes to curating high-class events for their clients. Read our conversation below to discover all about their location and the amazing details of one of their recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Vivaah Weddings is a multiaward-winning bespoke wedding planning and management company with its Head Office strategically located in Dubai, UAE. For over a decade, the Vivaah Weddings team of experienced professionals have conceptualized, managed and delivered in excess of 250 weddings and events globally. Known as innovators and trendsetters, they offer their couples a way to blend the expected and much-loved traditions of a wedding with a unique twist and modern elements. With attention to every last detail, Vivaah Weddings takes care of all the aspects of planning for that most special of occasions. It aims to make the journey as stress-free and as enjoyable as the celebration itself. To the team this is the true meaning of the company’s legend: “The Ultimate Wedding Experience”. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Dubai is very well-connected globally (only eight hours from twothirds of the whole world!), so we have the amazing opportunity to be connected to so many venues and vendors from anywhere our clients' hearts desire. We also have luxury airlines like Emirates and Etihad to help us get there! A wedding in Dubai can fit all pocket sizes, as we have something available here for all budgets, without sacrificing your dream ideas. We are also a multicultural environment – Dubai is a melting pot of over 200 nationalities with a very warm and welcoming mentality, so any type of wedding is welcomed here! TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING The decision to host this wedding celebration at Disneyland Paris came into fruition after the couple had shortlisted and narrowed

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down their search for an extraordinary venue… Our lovely couple discovered that no other venue could depict their love story better than the magical world of Disney! Hence, Disneyland Paris played the perfect destination for their wedding celebrations which saw multiple events themed with Disney classics over three days of celebrations. From being greeted at their hotel by Maharajah Goofy, to enjoying a delicious meal at Aladdin’s Agrabah Café, to a party in a wild west village, the special couple’s wedding was packed to the brim with fun and glamour, and we feel so lucky to have been a part of their megical day. TELL US ABOUT THE PLANNING PROCESS… The wedding was conceptualized, planned and managed by us along with the key teams at Disneyland Paris, working closely in liaison to bring to life the magnificent celebrations. Every destination wedding comes with its fair set of challenges such as working with new teams, local vendors who may not understand the culture, language barriers and so forth. Working at Disneyland Paris was so different and involved a lot more work and effort than any destination we have done weddings at. And this was purely because the teams at Disney are true perfectionists and they love to tell a story in the most magical manner and in detail, much like the classics we have all grown up watching. The end result was filled with so many magical moments of which everyone involved watched unfold in awe, and it was one of our most beautifully-styled weddings to date! ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? An epic moment when the clock struck midnight and the guests were seated right in front of the Disney castle, the closest and most beautiful view one could ever have. Soon after, the groom made his walk through the castle towards the altar amidst a royal fanfare with some of the finest musicians celebrating his arrival.

Scan here Find out more: vivaahweddings.com @weddingsbyvivaah

Portugal AZORES, PORTUGAL

AN EXOTIC ADVENTURE SUPPLIED BY AMBIANCE WEDDINGS AZORES

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“I felt like a princess in a fairytale…”

Alexa & Collin

Tied the knot amongst the rich, tropical gardens of a Portuguese villa… The vibrant, flourishing vegetation of Quinta Santa Rosa de Viterbo glowed bright beneath the summer sun on Alexa and Collin’s wedding day. Tucked away beneath the towering palm trees and charming natural greenery, their intimate ceremony took place with their favourite people all around, and the bride and groom were able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. “Since it was a destination wedding, we knew that not everyone would be able to attend,” explains bride Alexa. “But we kept in mind that, whether they could come or not, everyone who was going to be invited would be someone that we really care and love, to make our wedding day that extra special for us.” Classical decorations provided the ceremony with an additional touch of glamour, contrasting with the rustic charm of the traditional villa and its blooming gardens to create a romantic ambiance. Twinkling string lights were suspended through the trees, golden chairs lined the

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Ambiance Weddings Azores VENUE CEREMONY: Quinta Santa Rosa de Viterbo VENUE CATERING: Espaço Quinta LIGHTS & MUSIC: Azores Wedding Events FLOWERS & DECOR: Vision Decor VENUE DECOR: Espaço Quinta HAIR: 5th Av Hair Studio MAKEUP: Maria Gouveia PHOTOGRAPHER: Alvaro Miranda VIDEOGRAPHER: AJFS - Alexandre Sousa TRANSFER: Varela

Portugal

ceremony garden, and floral décor was added to the stone water fountain; the bride and groom’s wedding was filled with pristine, thought-through detailing to really make the natural beauty of the venue pop. “The goal was to have romantic and stylish decorations,” smiles the bride. “That’s why we decided to use white flowers and green elements on the centrepiece, and white candles to set the mood as the day went by. The tables were a simple but perfect choice: clean white cloths with green and beige napkins and gold cutlery. We really liked how all of it turned out.” The bride’s beautiful wedding gown fitted in seamlessly with the soft elegance of the wedding’s atmosphere; stunning, overlayed embroidery decorating the dress and continuing around to the open back gave Alexa a flawless final look. “Most girls dream about their wedding dress as they grow up,” laughs the bride. “But, sometimes, we end up choosing a different style. As time goes by, it is perfectly normal to have other preferences. I ended up choosing a different fit… and I don’t regret it! It was the perfect dress for me.” Groom Collin complemented the aesthetics of the surroundings with his grey and white ensemble, classic brown shoes and braces giving him an edge of colour. Together, the pair radiated grace and style. There is no doubt that the bride and groom’s special day made enough memories to last a lifetime for everyone lucky enough to attend. With love and excitement at the core, it was impossible for the couple not to lose themselves in the celebration and have the time of their lives with the people who care about them the most. “Saying “yes” to the person that I love the most was a special moment. Every good and bad time leads to that moment. It feels even more special when we know that we’ve made the best choice by choosing that person to be our life partner.”

“ We dreamed for months about this day, and then it was really happening!”

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AMBIANCE WEDDINGS AZORES We got the chance to speak with Ambiance Weddings Azores, your all-in-one wedding planning service across the Azores region. Owned by Maria C. Vieira, her passion for creating spectacular, heartfelt celebrations always shines through. Read on to find out more about her unique company, and further details from Alexa and Collin's special day... TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Ambiance Weddings Azores is a wedding planning agency specialized in destination weddings in the Azores. Our main goal is to make every second of the wedding day unique and memorable. That’s why attention to detail is a priority for us. We combine creativity with fresh and bold thinking, while harnessing the power of emotion to make the most important day in the life of the couple. The day will reflect their history and stay in their memory forever. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We’re based in São Miguel Island, in the Azores, a 9-island archipelago that is part of Portugal. Or as we like to call it, 'Paradise on earth'.

clients. If we listen to the couple, we’re always on a good path. For this wedding in particular, we had a modern, glamorous and romantic wedding in mind. Since we had two venues, one for the outdoor ceremony and another for the reception, we combined the modern with the romantic look. The spotlight on the ceremony was the fountain feature. To make it shine, we arranged to put flowers inside of it to give that romantic look. It was a perfect spot for pictures. For the reception we tried a sleek, sophisticated and refined look. That’s why we selected a monochromatic colour palette (mostly nudes), on-trend florals and a lot of candles. The venue itself was the visual focus for a modern style wedding, so the other décor elements were kept clean and simple. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? Every moment was special but we have to say the first look. They were both nervous but excited to see each other. Even their friends, that had the pleasure to be present, were nervous too. But the simplicity of this moment caught our heart.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Imagine this: You and your sweetheart surrounded by nature, birds singing beautiful melodies, and behind you is one of the seven wonders of Portugal – 7 Cidades. Can you imagine? That’s possible. We’ve got beautiful locations where you can become immersed in the beautiful green landscapes of the island. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… Planning a wedding is always a challenging task and when a couple says what they want for their dream wedding, we try our best to exceed those expectations. Joana Teixeira (Lead Wedding Planner): Took time to talk with Alexa and Collin and listen to their ideas, especially when we spoke about a destination wedding. One of the most important parts for us is being connected with our

Scan here Find out more: weddingazores.com @ambianceweddingsazorespt

Florist: ArtDecor Azorean Style

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Rome ROME, ITALY

A GLAMOROUS GATHERING SUPPLIED BY ROBERTA TORRESAN

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The couple tied the knot overlooking the bustling streets of Rome in an extravagant Italian villa… The glistening elegance of the Villa Miani, overlooking the endless views of Rome, were the backdrop of the bride and groom’s special day. Surrounded by shimmering marble and polished, gold décor, the gorgeous ceremony looked fit for a celebrity event. “We chose the Villa Miani as our venue because of the view,” gushes the bride. “When we reached the top of the hill and saw Rome from above, we instantly knew it was the one.” Warm lighting illuminated the pastel florals set up in big, blooming bouquets through the venue, interspersed with pristine decorations and flickering candles. The classy atmosphere of the villa was carried throughout the entire day, enhanced even further by the couple’s personal touches. Honouring their ceremony with 115 of their closest friends and family by their sides made the bride and groom’s wedding day even more meaningful. Although not a small ceremony, they still managed to create an intimate feel, individually greeting and mingling with every one of their guests. “We think that the amount of people who showed up to our wedding was perfect,” the bride reveals. “This way, we could interact with everybody during the reception,

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THE DREAM TEAM WEDDING PLANNER: Roberta Torresan VENUE: Villa Miani, Rome PHOTOGRAPHER: Studio Roscetti DRESS: La Vie En Blanc Atelier GROOMS SUIT: Carosi SET-UP: G&G Party Service FLOWERS: Sartoria Floreale SEATING PLAN: Ricardopalazzi_art FAVOURS: Le Piccole Cose + Scatolificio Venturi MUSIC: The Shakes Live Band STATIONERY: Pop the Question LIGHTS: Tecnoservice 2000 FIREWORKS: La Pirotecnica CALLIGRAPHER: Ink.e.tea CAKE DESIGNER: Rose Cakes CHAMPAGNE'S COVER: K-OVER

“It was a moment we had dreamt about for so long…”

“I received so many compliments from our guests!”

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enjoying the party all together and sharing the best moments with all our favourite people.” Partying the night away beneath a clear, starry sky and with the twinkling lights of Rome below, the couple and their guests alike made sure to create special memories which would last a lifetime. As night fell over the celebration, the exterior of the villa lit up in a golden glow - flecked orbs of disco lighting dancing over the building as though it were covered in glitter. The bride and groom cut into their magnificent, five-tiered cake with a cascading curtain of fireworks behind them - a magical moment stunning all involved. “The set-up of the Villa Miani was truly more than we could have ever expected. And, of course, the cake cutting under the fireworks was so exciting, too… It was definitely a long-awaited moment for us.” The bride radiated royalty in her beautiful gown. Picked out carefully from La Vie En Blanc Atelier, a bridal shop in Rome, her dress matched the elegant sophistication of the villa perfectly - the lacy, floral corset and flowing sleeves complementing the stunning look. Her hair was adorned with pearl detailing, put into a pristine up-do, and paired with soft, beautiful makeup to bring the whole outfit together. The groom looked clean-cut and fresh in his suit, picked out by Italian tailor Sartoria Carosi. “He was so helpful when assisting me in finding the best outfit and all the accessories. I was so happy with the final result,” smiles the groom. No small detail went unnoticed in this dreamy ceremony. With metallic confetti raining down on the wedding party, glowing against the candles and disco lights, everybody taking part in the special day felt as glitzy and glamorous as their surroundings.

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ROBERTA TORRESAN We spoke to Roberta Torresan, head of a prestigious planning company based in Rome, Italy, about what they do best, and everything they have to offer their clients. Read below to discover more about their top priorities, esteemed expertise, and the details of one of their recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY I lead an award-winning team of professionals in providing a premium, full service wedding planning experience, with contacts of the top Italian wedding venues for couples looking for the ‘best of the best’. After more than 12 years in the industry, we are happiest when working with couples from across all the corners of the world; we know they love Italy, and they know we will show them the best our country has to offer. Our clients and their guests deserve special treatment on their wedding day, and we always try to present them with an exceptional, unforgettable experience every time.

atmospheric smoke pouring out during the first dance, celebratory confetti alongside the launch of the bouquet, and a jaw-dropping pyrotechnic cascade when the cake was cut.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Rome, the capital city of Italy, but we work all across the country. We mainly focus on Portofino, Rome, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and Sicily. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING What inspired us for this wedding was ‘the essence of August’ - a cosy, autumnal theme. We decided on warmer colours, such as ivory and deep, earthy pinks for the dried flowers, and also tied this palette into many other beautiful little details of this day. There was also a focus on metallic detailing. The bride asked for gold in the outlines of the tables, the cutlery, the bread plate and the seats: we utilised this for an old fashioned feel, in contrast with the chic mirrored white and pink velvet details. A particularly spectacular aspect of the wedding was the dinner show, with a perfoming act after each course. The guests went wild for the customised mirror platform, and everyone was thrilled by the romantic vibes of the international live band. The platform was definitely up there with one of the best details - providing a stunning set to create the top memories of the night. Every defining moment was underlined by special effects… Dreamy,

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Scan here Find out more: robertatorresan.com @roberta_torresan

Santorini SANTORINI, GREECE

AN ANGELIC ADVENTURE SUPPLIED BY ANDREA GALLUCCI

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“I woke up that morning with butterflies in my stomach…”

Josianne & Nathaniel

Shared special moments in a dreamy ceremony in the heart of Greece… Crystal, blue waves rolled out to the pastel horizon behind Josianne and Nathaniel’s angelic ceremony. The bride and groom shared their intimate celebration with their dearest friends and family, who travelled from all over the world to be there for their special day. “Seeing all of our favourite people together and sharing these new memories with all of them was more than I could have ever imagined,” the bride smiles. “It was one of the most special parts of the whole day for us.” Classy whites and creams decorated their wedding - the blooming bouquets, charming fairy lights, and golden details complementing the refined elegance of Santorini perfectly. The bride herself glowed in a stunning Pallas Couture gown; a sleek, trumpet fit with shimmering embellishments, radiating grace with voluminous curls and pristine makeup fit for a celebrity. The groom was sharp in his cream suit - the single white rose on his

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THE DREAM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER: Andrea Gallucci VIDEOGRAPHER: Giovanni De Rosa VENUE: Rocabella Hotel and Spa DÉCOR: Wedding Wish Santorini LIGHT LETTERS: Illuminography DJ/ LIGHTS: Multimedia Events GYROS: Spicy Bites Catering PIANIST: Sunset Piano

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jacket harmonising with the floral décor of the wedding, and the deep brown leather of his belt and loafers adding an extra layer of class to his look. The bridesmaids and groomsmen accompanied in slip dresses and suits - matching colours and details of their appearances with the couple creating a seamless aesthetic. The romantic ceremony was filled with personal touches from the bride and groom, from their music selections to their unique food ideas… “Our first dance was Conversations in the Dark by John Legend,” blushes the bride. “We’ve always felt like this song describes our relationship, and it will forever be ‘our’ song.” As the bride is Lebanese and the groom is Russian, the couple selected a mixture of Arabic, Russian and English songs for their playlist… Successfully ensuring that the dance floor was never empty! And to pay homage to the native cuisine of Greece, Josianne and Nathaniel hired a Gyro Stand to hand out the delectable dish as a midnight snack for their guests. “Greek Gyros are to die for,” Josianne recalls. “It was definitely the best wedding decision we made!” After their magnificent wedding day, the couple travelled to the Maldives for their honeymoon with relaxation at the top of their to-do lists. Following the high emotions, planning, and hosting, the new bride and groom simply wanted to enjoy a blissful, sun-soaked trip with each other, surrounded by nothing but sea, sand, and palm trees. “The beautiful resort in the Maldives was perfect for relaxing after the wedding,” the bride grins. “And I would 110% recommend Rocabella to any couple looking to have a dreamy wedding with the most beautiful sunset in the world!”

“Our midnight snack Gyros were a showstopper!”

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ANDREA GALLUCCI We spoke to Andrea Gallucci, a portrait photographer from the Amalfi Coast, about his specialist photography, and passion for weddings and other special events. Read below to discover more about his artistic style and routine when working with his clients… TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY I am Andrea Gallucci, a destination wedding & portrait photographer. I specialise in all kinds of special occasion photography - such as surprise proposals, honeymoons, weddings, and maternity photoshoots. I love capturing personal, tender moments of the happiest day of people’s lives.

me about his planned marriage proposal on the Amalfi Coast. Being their photographer again was the best thing. Also being in Santorini, a very important place in my life, made it even more special.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? I am based on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, one of the most famous Italian weddings locations. The Amalfi Coast is known as a popular, gorgeous destination for both weddings and honeymoons, but is also regularly chosen by couples for their proposals and engagement celebrations. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? My style of photography is fine art - emotional, touching photoshoots with love and family at the forefront. I also specialise in candid photos in which couples aren’t paying attention to the camera, allowing their true expressions and feelings to come through. TELL US HOW YOU HELP COUPLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA To feel comfortable in front of the camera, you must have a good relationship with the photographer. The photographer must have the ability to immediately create a good relationship with the couple, and make them feel relaxed at the time of the photos. I make sure that I take the time to connect with my clients, so there is that level of trust and friendship before we begin shooting. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING YOU PHOTOGRAPHED This was one of the most exciting weddings of 2022 for me. I met Josi and Nathaniel in 2021 in Positano - Nathaniel having contacted 128

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Scan here Find out more: andreagallucci.com @agallucci_photo

Scotland SCOTLAND

SCOTTISH SWEETHEARTS SUPPLIED BY THE BYRE AT INCHYRA

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Mike & Ross

Got hitched in the heart of the Scottish countryside… Nestled between the walled gardens of Inchyra, Mike and Ross’ wedding day was something out of a romantic fairytale. With the rich greenery of the trees surrounding them and the endless expanse of crisp grassy gardens, the grooms stumbled upon the perfect space for the outdoor ceremony they were hoping for, and all of their guests were blown away. “We knew it could be a bit of a logistical nightmare to have a bar and food all set up and served outside, as well as having our band all in the same place, but to be honest, the team at The Byre worked brilliantly alongside our caterers and the band to make it seamless. I must mention the Apple Orchard aisle, as you couldn’t dream of a more perfect setting.” Stylish, unique bouquets of beautiful flowers gave an almost vintage feel to the ceremony, highlighting the clear classiness of the wedding day even more. The grooms ensured that they were as hands-on with their own day as possible, choosing to take care of many details themselves…

THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: The Byre at Inchyra FLOWERS: Michelle @ CordonFarm CATERING: Lazy Sunday Catering PHOTOGRAPHER: Photos by Zöe SUITS: Forbes Tailoring HAIR: Cameo Bridal Styling MUA: Samantha Connor Makeup Artist VIDEO: Tall Tale Films

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“We did a lot of things ourselves. Mike is into cooking, and he made our wedding favours by filling up cute little jars with Christmas chutney. We sourced some cakes from local bakeries and cafes for a “dessert table” rather than a wedding cake. Mike’s dad put together a brilliant table plan made from reclaimed wood and his mum hand chalk-penned the table settings - a very nice, personal touch. We also picked up the table and floor lighting along with some wall art for the 'Gentlemen's Club' bar from charity shops.” These elements were just some of the many personal aspects of their ceremony, proving how much heart and soul went into making this dream become a reality… from everyone! The grooms looked fresh and clean-cut in their custom-made, tailored suits from Forbes Tailoring… choosing every detail, right from the lining to the stitching! “The colour and fabric choices were extensive, but between us and our best man, we managed to create the perfect outfits. To bring out a bohemian vibe, we picked out floaty dresses with hair down for the girls, blending in perfectly with the laid-back and glamorous edge we were going for.” When they were all together, the entire wedding party fit the magical vibe of the ceremony, and everyone’s overall looks were pristine and glowing. Everyone was able to enjoy a stress-free ceremony with all of their favourite people, in a prestigious, beautiful venue. The grooms partied all night with their guests on the dance floor, but also spent time with the guests who preferred the quieter, more relaxed Gentlemen’s Bar set up away from the hustle and bustle of the party! There was truly something for everyone at Mike and Ross’ sweet celebration. Plus, the grooms have a top tip when it comes to relaxing on your wedding day… “Allow your wedding dream team to do what you hired them to do. Don’t try to micro-manage people who know exactly what they’re doing. You are paying them to take the stress off you, remember?”

“We were so lucky to be surrounded by the people we love!”

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THE BYRE AT INCHYRA

e spoke with Lord and Lady Inchyra of The Byre at Inchyra, a rustic-chic estate in Perthshire, Scotland, all about what makes their venue so special. Read our conversation below to find out all about it, as they take us on a tour of their stunning building…

WHEN DID THIS PROJECT FIRST START? It started in 2012, when we cleared The Byre to have our joint 50th birthday party. It was such a brilliant space for celebrations that we decided to share it with others looking for a fabulous event space. WHAT MAKES THE BYRE AT INCHYRA SPECIAL FOR WEDDINGS? It’s an amazing building! The main party space is a big square, which means that everyone feels involved in whichever way they feel comfortable. Plus, the dance floor is right in the middle of everything, so even guests who aren’t up for dancing can be included, and see everything that’s going on! One of the best things about The Byre is its flexibility – nothing is set in stone. You can hold a ceremony in the intimate Stable Room, or in the Main Byre, or outside - we always say that there are so many choices at Inchyra that no two weddings are ever the same. YOUR VENUE IS ONE OF THE MOST STYLISH ESTATES IN SCOTLAND, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET? Attention to detail, I think. We never stop creating, developing and maintaining. It also helps that the main team at Inchyra have really good individual skills – I’m a fabric designer and I work on the aesthetics, my husband James is a Chartered Accountant so he’s all over the business side, and my brother Tim has worked in events for years – so the combination of the three of us is fantastic. We are always on the move, too. We’re working on a woodland space close to The Byre at the moment, which will be amazing for photos. WHICH ARE THE BEST SPACES FOR THE WEDDING CEREMONY AND FOR THE RECEPTION? We’re lucky – there are so many possibilities here. We have the intimacy of the Stable Room for ceremonies up to about 110, then 132

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there’s the Lower Byre space which can hold indoor ceremonies for up to about 180. Then there are endless options for outdoor ceremonies – but probably the most amazing is the beautiful Walled Garden, with its historic Apple Tree Aisle. I still can’t see a bride or groom walk up through the trees without crying! And it’s the same with reception spaces – anything from the Walled Garden, to the front lawns of the main house, to the Byre itself. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED IN PERTHSHIRE? We honestly think Scotland and Inchyra in particular have something to offer year-round. The Byre is so beautiful in the winter with warm colours and fires roaring, that it’s just as perfect as on a hot summer’s day. THE BEST PART OF GETTING MARRIED AT THE BYRE? Apart from the fact that it is an incredibly inclusive and flexible event space, I like to think that we offer the best of all worlds for our couples. The Byre is a blank canvas venue, which so many couples are looking for. We have a fabulous full-time events team. HOW SOON SHOULD THE COUPLE BOOK YOUR VENUE? We do get booked up quite far ahead, but there are usually options for midweek weddings in the fairly short term, so we are still taking midweek bookings in the autumn of this year. ONCE THE VENUE IS BOOKED, THE NEXT STEP IS? Contact suppliers. We are different from many blank canvas venues, by offering couples amazing back up through our great events team, so that we can hold their hand through the wedding maze as little or as much as they want. We have also invested significantly in an online event management system, so every aspect of the wedding is held in an online account that we can then use to help our couples bring things together. The only suppliers that we have an Approved List for are caterers and bars – and there’s a really good reason for this. We learned quickly that food and wine are the two things that you simply can’t tell from a website - you need both to be good, and there’s no way you can tell unless we’ve road-tested them.

Scan here Find out more: thebyreatinchyra.co.uk @thebyreatinchyra

Slovenia SLOVENIA

A SLOVENIAN SOIRÉE SUPPLIED BY CARA CREATIVE CO.

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“We did a choreographed first dance to a medley of rock-androll and Punjabi hip-hop.”

Ankita & Sankalp

Enjoyed a colourful, jubilant celebration amid rolling vineyards and castle grounds in Slovenia… Immersed in the majestic mountains of the Karst region in Slovenia, Ankita and Sankalp fell in love with the beauty of the landscape and the intimate venues that matched perfectly with the environment. A vibrant weekend celebration was in store for this fun-loving couple and their 80 guests: “It all kicked off with a welcome Holi brunch, where our guests broke the ice by smearing each other with powdered colours, and dancing and singing drenched in these colours like it was the end of the world.” Following their kaleidoscopic opening party, the pair held a Sangeet and Mehendi party at Villa Fabiani, that was full of music, dancing and a cosy evening dinner in a vineyard under the

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNING, FLORAL DESIGN & STYLING: CARA creative co. RENTALS: CARA & rentals PHOTOGRAPHY: Aluna Weddings VIDEOGRAPHY: Fragments Collection VENUE: Štanjel Castle - Grad Štanjel & Villa Fabiani HAIR & MAKEUP: Lea Bratušek STATIONERY: La Mina Paper CAKE: Petra’s Cakes DRESS: Sabyasachi

Slovenia

“The whole weekend was a whirlwind of emotions and love.” stars. Strings of festoon lights illuminated the dining tables, that were scattered with bright blousy blooms and zesty citrus fruits. For the main wedding event, the next day, the couple and their guests made their way to the ceremony in the Ferrari gardens of the Grad Stanjel (Štanjel Castle), serenaded by the enchanting sounds of the dhol (Indian drums). “We wanted a combination of all the warmth and fun of a culturally Indian wedding, and the emotion of an intimate cosy ceremony," smiles the bride. Ankita and Sankalp’s closest relatives had an important part to play in the service. “Our mothers performed heartfelt and personal readings in English and Hindi, after which we exchanged personally written vows. We chose to exchange jaimalas (flower garlands) to seal our marriage as a symbol of our commitment and love.” The ceremony was a joyful union of true love, reflecting their one-of-a-kind relationship. The newlyweds continued the party with their nearest and dearest in the historic castle courtyard, all expertly planned and designed by CARA creative co. “Karin and her team styled, planned, coordinated and put their hearts and souls into making our weekend the most special time of our lives,” reflects Ankita. The duo took care in picking out unique outfits for each celebration. “We wanted to have a different vibe for the two wedding days. For the first day, the Sangeet and Mehendi, we chose very vibrant colours to be fun and flamboyant. Then for the next day, the wedding day, we wanted a more romantic, soft and elegant look. It took a few trips to Delhi to find the perfect outfits!”

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CARA CREATIVE CO. We spoke with Karin, founder & creative director of CARA creative co., a wedding planning agency based in Slovenia, all about their mission when it comes to creating fabulous events. Read our conversation below to discover all about their unique approach, beautiful location, and one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY CARA creative co. is a purpose driven, destinationbased design and planning company. Our agency is perfect for couples looking for a meaningful wedding celebration, and for those who appreciate the little things like attention to detail and sensory experiences. All our events, whether it is an elopement, an intimate wedding celebration, or a wedding weekend affair, are inspired by nature’s design, and the couple's unique connection. Our mission is to create lifelong memories and enhance the lives of those around us by guiding them, encouraging them, taking care of them and creating with them. We believe that creating a beautiful day isn’t just about one single moment, it’s about the feeling of the entire celebration. The words that best describe our events are unique, different, meaningful, captivating, sophisticated, and genuine. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in beautiful Slovenia, right on the border with Italy, and a short drive from Croatia. While Slovenia is our home base, we design lovely weddings, meaningful elopements and intimate events wherever our client’s story and wishes take us. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Although Slovenia is an extremely small country with a population of only two million, it has a variety of amenities and sceneries to offer: from the Adriatic coast to incredible mountain peaks, breathtaking lakes, cities full of history, and unique wedding venues that offer extraordinary culinary treats to complement it all. Foreign couples that get married in Slovenia usually travel here because of the fact that it’s not your usual wedding destination makes it a tad bit more special. While few know anything about our country when they arrive, all of them leave with incredible memories of the picturesque landscape, grand hospitality and people with big hearts.

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TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Planning Ankita and Sankalp’s wedding weekend was a dream come true. They wanted to celebrate their love amongst their loved ones in a country that sounded and felt a bit more special than your usual wedding destination. Their wish was to have a fun, magical, cosy wedding weekend, and we all agree that it turned out even better than we could have imagined. I believe photos speak louder than words, so I will let them tell you the rest of the story about this magical wedding weekend. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… As I tell them all the time, Ankita and Sankalp are a very special couple, in the best possible way. I was so inspired by their unique connection, their cute obsession they have for each other, and their genuine care for one another, their family and closest friends. Their colourful cultural background and experience of living in a few different countries had a big influence on the feel of their wedding weekend, and it added to the uniqueness of the experience. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? There are way too many beautiful memories from this wedding weekend! From sunny afternoon preparty where guests were splashing each other with colour powders and surprise dance Ankita and Sankalp prepared with their closest friends, to the rehearsal dinner and singing among vineyards, followed by a very emotional ceremony, their grand entrance with coloured smoke bombs and an unforgettable first dance. If I really had to choose my favourite part of the day, it would be the part of the ceremony when both of their mothers were reading a script and Ankita’s mum ended up bursting into tears and could not stop crying. As you can imagine, this led to everyone secretly (and not so secretly) crying, smiling and bursting from joy. I don’t doubt this is something that not only Ankita and Sankalp but also all of the guests will cherish for the rest of their (our!) lives.

Scan here Find out more: caracreativeco.com @caracreativeco

Sorrento SORRENTO, ITALY

A SUN-KISSED CEREMONY SUPPLIED BY HOTEL MEDITERRANEO SORRENTO

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“Everyone on the day was left speechless - one of them even said that the venue made them feel like a celebrity!”

Alana & Matthew

Celebrated their wedding on a cliff edge at sunset, overlooking the expansive sea and glowing horizon… Panoramic views of rocky cliffs and enchanting buildings surrounded Alana and Matthew’s wedding, the warm Italian sun beaming down on their beautiful day. The intimate ceremony consisted of 38 close friends and family members - the bride and groom opting for a smaller list of guests, making every moment that little bit more personal and touching. After making everlasting memories with their most cherished people within a charming orange grove, around verdant, blooming vegetation, and in a snazzy rooftop bar, the happy couple knew they had made the right decision. A soft, classy palette of sage and cream brought a calming atmosphere to the ceremony - the natural aesthetics of the pair’s décor enhancing the already beautiful scenery of Sorrento. Their combination of this gentle theme alongside the outstanding beauty of the venue and area stood out to the bride, groom, and guests alike…

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento PLANNER: Alessia @Hotel Mediterraneo Sorrento DRESS: Nora Eve Bridal PHOTOGRAPHER: Alfonso Longobardi PHOTOGRAPHER: Vincenzo Tambasco FLOWERS: Laboratorio Floreale Aiello

Sorrento “If we could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Once we were shown Hotel Mediterraneo, our minds were instantly made up… We were blown away!” The bride gushes, “Even our guests on the day were left speechless - some thinking the medieval cloisters looked like a film set, and others literally unable to get over the view from the rooftop bar. One of them even said they felt like a celebrity up there!” Due to the blazing July heat, Alana and Matthew decided to hold their ceremony in the late afternoon, taking the morning for themselves. Once it was time to get ready, the couple felt completely at ease after their relaxed day together. “After we chilled around the pool and enjoyed some cocktails, getting ready surrounded by my bridesmaids and my mum was so fun,” the bride grins. “We ordered room service, drank Bellini, and it was just like out of a film! The morning seemed to fly by getting my hair and makeup done, opening gifts… and before I knew it, it was time!” Right before meeting at the altar, the couple exchanged letters written for one another that morning - having taken some time to reflect on their relationship and how much they had grown together, to read before celebrating their love in front of their special guests. They explored all around Sorrento, taking beautiful pictures in both the historical centre of the town, and the quaint fishing village of Marina Grande, before joining their guests in the hotel’s Orange Grove Garden for apéritifs and Italian finger food. Live mandolin music, traditional Italian cuisine, and a full dance floor were just some of the details of the bride and groom’s stunning evening - guests dancing and laughing the night away beneath a sparkling sky. The couple’s perfect day was brought to life, and they wouldn’t have had a single detail any other way.

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HOTEL MEDITERRANEO

e spoke with Hotel Mediterraneo, a 5-star wedding venue in the South of Italy, renowned for their impressive views and classy amenities. They told us all about their favourite ceremony locations, their expansive team of professionals, and their abundance of activities for couples and guests alike to enjoy during their stay. Read below to find out more… TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Hotel Mediterraneo is a boutique hotel in Sorrento, one of the prettiest and most prominent towns of South Italy. Resting atop a stunning cliff, the property is surrounded by breathtaking Italian nature and endless sea views. Hotel Mediterraneo offers multiple amenities and services to its guests, such as Mediterranean gardens and swimming pools, direct access to the sea, a romantic spa, a panoramic-view restaurant, and a beautiful rooftop bar. Our historical, enchanting venue has been completely renovated in 2020 - keeping the feeling of a classic liberty-style Villa, whist also updating and modernising our best features. Managed by a local family since 1952, the hotel has a long history in hospitality and wedding organisation. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? At Hotel Mediterraneo, our guests can completely relax and enjoy a stress-free event, enhanced by unbeatable sunset and sea views paired with an exquisite outdoor dining experience. Our professional team will create a magical wedding set-up for you, taking care of every detail so that you can simply enjoy your special day. Together, we will use our expertise and your dream wedding features to make your fairytale a reality. After a perfect ceremony, your wedding party will host an authentic, Italian dinner; home-grown, Campanian products and traditional recipes reinvented in contemporary, delicious ways. The bar also plays an important role in our weddings, with carefullycurated cocktails and a fabulous selection of special spirits offering a delightful, unique addition to your day. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? We offer personal, detailed weddings packed full of your dream finishing touches, brought to life by our special team. You can decide between multiple beautiful locations to celebrate your symbolic ceremony - either by the Bay of Naples, the astonishing Mount Vesuvio, or our famous Vista Sky Bar, just a few meters away from the waves. Get ready to feel like a star on our rooftop bar, as you will be taking spectacular photos in the glorious sunset! 140

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WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? From romantic, medieval cloisters, to the intimate Correale Museum and garden in Sorrento, to the Villa Fondi in Piano di Sorrento, with its beautiful terrace overlooking the bay of Naples… There are multiple locations that we can help you set up for your wedding. The Hotel is able to host a symbolic ceremony with stunning, panoramic settings and a magical atmosphere. TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING AND HOW IT WAS ORGANIZED As July is rather warm and sunny over in Sorrento, Matthew and Alana decided to have a late afternoon ceremony at 5.30pm, in San Francesco's Cloister. They then had spare time in the day to explore all around Sorrento, to take beautiful pictures in both the historical centre of town, and our fishing village, Marina Grande. Guests waited for them in our charming Orange Grove garden, enjoying the apéritifs beneath the cooling shade, before Matthew and Alan joined them to enjoy our Italian finger food! At 7.00pm, we moved the couple up to the party on the rooftop bar for their first impressions of the area all set up! This way, they could welcome all their guests on the roof themselves and enjoy their reactions to the incredible view. We began with the speeches, so that the emotional moments could be captured with the sunset as the backdrop, followed by the serving of the pasta course: Paccheri Pasta with Red Shrimp Sauce and Sorrento Lemon Aroma. You can’t miss lemon in a classic Sorrento menu! We were ready for the cake cutting by 9:30pm, and, with a Moet & Chandon Réserve Impériale champagne glass in each hand, we welcomed Mr and Mrs Lowe on the dance floor for their first dance! We had a saxophonist play for the whole evening, together with our resident DJ. The party ended at midnight, and Matt and Alana took the last part of their wedding to thank and say goodbye to their family! It was a touching, beautiful event for all involved, and we are honoured to have been a part of it.

Scan here Find out more: mediterraneosorrento.com @mediterraneosorrento

South Africa

FRANSCHHOEK, SOUTH AFRICA

A BRIDGERTON-ESQUE LOVE SUPPLIED BY INFINITE CONCEPTS

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“All of our guests formed a circle around us as we danced together…”

Cailín & Ryan

Said “I do” surrounded by blooming bouquets and picturesque mountains… Intertwined within the rustic wine farms of Boschendal and overlooking grand, breathtaking mountainscapes, Cailín and Ryan’s beautiful wedding was one full of emotions and memories - and, in the bride and groom’s opinion - was long overdue. “Our wedding was initially scheduled for April 2020, but then the pandemic happened,” Cailín explains. “We deeply desired to get married as soon and as safely possible, so when lockdown lifted and everyone got vaccinated, we booked one of the earliest dates in Spring!” When the big day finally arrived, emotions were high for bride, groom and guests alike; after waiting two and a half years for the chance to celebrate their union in front of their closest friends and family, of whom travelled from all over the world to take part in the pair’s special day. Spring garden-themed bouquets and arrangements bloomed throughout the

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THE DREAM TEAM COORDINATOR: Infinite Concepts VENUE: Boschendal Wine Estate CAKE: Sweet Lion Heart BRIDAL FLORALS: Bride’s Aunt FLORIST: Bulb Flowers OFFICIANT: Troy Goldie STRING DUO: Zest Music HAIR & MAKEUP: Marnel Toerien DJ: DJ Pepe PHOTOGRAPHER: Cathe Photography STATIONERY: Secret Diary LIGHTING: Authentic Planning DECOR & FURNITURE: Grand Style Hire, Hire Haus, a|Create, XL Events, Two Birds, Table Cloth Hiring

South Africa

ceremony, harmonising elegantly with the natural blossoms surrounding the farm. The couple married beneath a soft, pastel sky in the company of their dearest - a serene, content atmosphere drifting through the entire day, as the long-lasting love shared between the couple was celebrated, and their patience over multiple lockdowns was perfectly rewarded. The deliberate nods towards Bridgerton at Cailín and Ryan’s wedding, through their colourful floral additions, to their vintage, graceful décor, was initially unbeknownst to the bride and groom. “At first, we did not have a particular theme in mind. However, the more our vision boards evolved, the more we noticed a Bridgerton theme appearing,” the bride laughs. “Once we realised that, we decided to lean in to it, and actively try to achieve a Bridgerton style wedding!” Enhancing this Regency-era theme even further, Cailín and Ryan had a string duo playing live music for their ceremony and cocktail hour. They chose a cello cover of an anime theme song for Cailín to walk down the aisle to, as they first bonded over their shared love of anime when they first started dating. The particular theme song the bride chose corresponds with her favourite anime series - one all about family, friendship and true love! “The best decision we made was to hire a wedding planner,” agrees the couple. After planning the entirety of their initial 2020 wedding by themselves, the choice to hire a knowledgeable planner instead made the whole experience care-free, so they could focus on the elements they cared the most about, without getting caught up in logistics. “Having a wedding planner with experience really highlights that you don’t know what you don’t know!”

“We truly had our dream visions brought to life!”

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INFINITE CONCEPTS We spoke with Infinite Concepts, a wedding planning company based in Cape Town, and found out all about their process, visions, and inspirations when creating events. Read below to see all of this, and the details of one of their favourite weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Infinite ideas and endless possibilities are what we are all about; our name embodies the very essence of what we strive to succeed with all our weddings and events. We are transparent with all our clients to ensure nothing gets left in the grey, and getting to know our clients and understanding their vision is how we ensure their dream wedding is made into reality. We are incredibly passionate about providing quality service, production excellence, and a lifelong memory of satisfaction. Being in the industry for nearly a decade, I am a proud believer that excellent service does not have to cost an arm and a leg, and that all clients should be treated like royalty – regardless of the budget. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Cape Town, South Africa - our office is a 35 minutes drive from Central Cape Town, located in the Durbanville region. But, location doesn't limit us - we have created quite a few weddings across South Africa. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Cape Town has so much to offer! You can marry on the beach, in the vineyards, or deep in the forest. Whether you are looking for rustic, modern, or contemporary, you will find it all here – you are only limited by your imagination. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Cailín and Ryan's wedding was extraordinary to work on. After our first call, I fell in love with their vision, their colour palette, and more than anything - their personalities. Not only did the desired aesthetics of their day resonate with my style, but the amount of enthusiasm and life they brought to everything was infectious. Getting married in September whilst incorporating the vision of spring colours was so unique, and later we realised that many of the looks seemed Bridgeton-esque. After this, we fully embraced this

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theme, and ensured all elements fit seamlessly together. Planning this day with Cailín and Ryan was an honour, and seeing their faces once they walked into the venue for the first time will always be a moment to be treasured. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… My inspiration always stems from the clients’ personalities and visions for the day. So after the proposal, which specifies the look visually, I will start with supplier selections. Some selections take a lot longer than others to narrow down, and getting the quotes for the exact look or budget the clients prefer. This is a significant part of the planning process. About 2-3 months before the wedding, I will send my clients their "homework”. These are the final details regarding the photos they want, their song choices, and some last-minute information. After that, I started setting up a detailed wedding day plan. This document contains all the suppliers' information to ensure that the day runs smoothly, as well as the floor plan, seating plan, when everything will be delivered and collected, and what time everyone needs to be done with set-up. In a nutshell, I would say my planning process involves the clients in all decisions and ensuring they are well-informed before making a decision, as well as guiding them though the process and ensuring the day is memorable. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? My first meeting in person with the couple was about two weeks after they signed with me. They came to do a food tasting at the venue, and we had so much fun getting to know each other. I will never forget that Cailín was dressed in this beautiful floral dress so fitting to the theme of their wedding, as well as the breath of fresh air they were.

Scan here Find out more: iconceptsg.com @concepts_infinite

Spain

MARBELLA, SPAIN

A FAIRYTALE FEELING SUPPLIED BY ANANTARA VILLA PADIERNA PALACE

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“It was lovely all being together, and it went so smoothly.”

Katie & Jon

Celebrated their wedding beneath the warm Spanish sun surrounded by pink blossoms… Blooming blossom trees and a baby pink castle were the views of Katie and Jon’s sweet ceremony – the towering, vibrant palm trees and the warm Spanish sunshine made an appearance, too! With twinkling fairy lights wrapped around tree trunks, to blossom-stem décor and classy chandeliers hanging above the reception tables, every element of the bride and groom’s wedding day was colourful, glamorous, and cute! “I had heard of this venue as my family plays golf there, and once finding out it’s where Obama and JLo regularly stay, I thought: if it’s good enough for them, it’s got to be good enough for us!” laughs the bride. “It did not disappoint. It was a true Disney fairytale - the venue enabled all our wedding party to stay together for the whole weekend. Everything was so special and different, it was stunning!” Despite hosting a destination wedding, nearly all of the bride and groom’s invited guests arrived

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Anantara Marbella VENUE COORDINATOR: Irene Padilla CEREMONY/TOAST MASTER: Fran Santos (franspeaker) PHOTOGRAPHY: Víctor Aláez VIDEOGRAPHY: @asalvajate FLORALS: Pedro Navarro MUSIC: Soul Events VIOLINIST: Naiara Castillejo SINGER: Ella Shaw CHOREOGRAPHY: Jonathan A Chianca CAKE: Alyson Cakes MAKEUP: Makeup by Kerstin & Liza Mayne HAIR: Hair By Ella Darcy WEDDING DRESS & VEIL: Berta, Knutsford Wedding Gallery, Berta Privée SHOES: Sophia Webster TIARA: Eden Luxxe BRIDAL BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Pretty Lavish Bridal SUITS: The Bespoke Taylor BOYS SUITS: Roco Clothing STATIONARY: No Ordinary Gift BEACH PARTY BALLOONS: Balloon Man Spain SWIMSUIT: Agent Provocateur, Ocean Glaze

Spain

seamlessly! The pair were able to spend their special day surrounded by over a hundred of their favourite people, soaking up the rich heat and immersing themselves in the hypnotising decorations of the villa. All together in the tropical sun, the bride, groom and guests alike were able to bask in the atmosphere, enjoying a relaxed celebration. “We were very chilled! Jon went off to play golf, and I hung around the pool and went swimming with my son Cassius, while the bridesmaids started the getting ready process… As I had eight bridesmaids, I knew it was going to be a long one!” The bride glowed in her stunning wedding gown – her long, flowing train and classy, floral embellishments gave a princess-like edge to her finished look. “I had followed Berta for a long time, and I was always drawn to their dresses,” explains the bride. “I went to London to try on different styles, but I found my dresses (yes, plural!) at a local bridal shop: Knutsford Wedding Gallery. My grandparents came to my fittings and bought my dresses for me. My main dress was a Berta Privee fishtail with a very long train and Berta veil. My second dress was also a Berta, and I had all the lining cut out, so it was sheer and sexy. I think the seamstress thought I was crazy for cutting up a Berta!” The bride ensured a sweet little touch in her Sophia Webster shoes… Her ‘something blue’ being her heels! Finally, her Eden Luxe tiara completed the regal ensemble, making the bride feel as beautiful as her surroundings. Katie and Jon’s fun-filled wedding day was packed with unique, quirky details which had their personalities popping at the forefront! From a live singing waiter, to dancing robots, to an exclusive beach club, the newlyweds certainly know how to have fun, and their wedding day proved just that.

“ I got all my crying out of the way before my makeup was on!” WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

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ANANTARA VILLA PADIERNA PALACE

e spoke with Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, a beautiful wedding venue in Costa de Sol. Read our conversation below to find out all about their exclusive amenities, their ideal wedding capacities, and the details of one of their favourite weddings to date…

TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING AND HOW IT WAS ORGANISED This was such a fun wedding to organise! Katie was lovely, and had every detail in mind, so it was very easy to organise, too. She knew very well what she wanted, she even had “theme” details with little golden hearts everywhere. Also, her wedding cake was amazing! It was such a pleasure to host her most special day here, and also her post-wedding celebration. It was very heartwarming to see everyone still commenting on the event the day after! Her friends and family were lovely, too.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is located in the heart of Costa del Sol, very close to the most touristic places near us, such as Estepona and Marbella. As an Anantara hotel, we take our local and handcrafted approach very seriously, especially in our weddings, where we love to tailor and create unique experiences for our couples. Our hotel has 125 spacious rooms, including nine villas - perfect for getting ready with the bridemaids, taking precious pictures, and organising private breakfasts for those very special moments before the big day. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? We offer exclusive and private spaces to make the day feel intimate and special, and we have a Roman Amphitheater, which not many hotels or venues in Spain can offer. We provide special discounted group room rates for the guests, as well as offering a one-price-only option to make everything easier. We work with the most exclusive suppliers (Pedro Navarro & Soul Events), with more than 20 years experience in weddings, and we offer assistance from the very first day until the very end of the event. Plus, the location is such a fairytale for weddings! WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? The hotel is perfect for hosting weddings with anywhere from 80-350 guests. WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? The Roman Amphitheater, Linares Terrace, or our beautiful ballrooms (perfect for a plan B in case it rains!). 148

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Scan here Find out more: anantara.com/es/villa-padiernamarbella @anantaramarbella

St. Lucia

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A CARIBBEAN CELEBRATION SUPPLIED BY BY CHARLIE LTD

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"We walked down the aisle to Beyoncé songs!"

Niki & Nino

Honoured their love surrounded by expansive natural beauty… Ancient, crumbling ruins enwrapped Niki and Nino’s charming ceremony, highlighted by the colourful nature of St. Lucia and witnessed by all of their dearest friends and family. “We felt strongly about picking a venue and location that was unique and not a beach…” explains the bride. “The main reason we picked St. Lucia was because it is a very mountainous island compared to other Caribbean islands. We instantly fell in love.” White florals and vibrant green leaves adorned the building remains, dotted all over the ceremony for little finishing touches and adding further elegance to the natural beauty of the surroundings. The bride and groom hosted an intimate celebration, with 55 close guests travelling from all over the world to spend time with them on their special day. “Most guests stayed for the week and we hung out with them lots before the actual day,” the bride smiles. “But

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNING & DESIGN: By Charlie Ltd PHOTOGRAPHER: Loren Weddings FLORALS: Flowers Express HAIR: Colette Unisex Hair Design & Rachel Caudel Hair Artist VIDEOGRAPHY: Eyekast MAKEUP: Hannah Daniel LIGHTING: Ives Fricot CATERING: Junes Catering BAR SERVICES & STAFF: Lambee’s Rentals OFFICIANT: Danielle ‘Lulu’ Bergasse CEREMONY & COCKTAIL MUSIC: Chazzi Desrivieres RECEPTION MUSIC: DJ- Soul O Bliss Entertainment CAKE: Divine Delights Cakery TENTING & INFRASTRUCTURE: Tomty Northern Rentals PRINTING: ExelSign

St. Lucia

seeing everyone there together in one place and knowing that people made the journey just for us was extremely overwhelming and emotional… but in a good way!” Finally able to spend time with all of their favourite people in the same place and creating endless memories to last forever was just one of the many special moments of the couple’s wedding day, and it made the whole experience that bit more personal and touching. The bride looked chic and beautiful in her A-Line, layered dress – the gorgeous feminine design complementing perfectly with the soft, romantic ambiance of the rural backdrop. “We really wanted to lean into the juxtaposition of wearing such formal attire in a nature-focused venue. I therefore wanted a dramatic dress that would allow me to take some fun, artsy photos in the water!” The groom looked smart and traditional in his black suit – the matching bow tie and white boutonniere detail allowed his ensemble to blend in with the floral décor scattered around the venue. Together, the pair looked classical and timeless – and they certainly created a visually interesting and effective contrast with their stunning surroundings! Nino and Niki’s wedding day was the perfect opportunity for the most important people in their lives to spend time relaxing together in a lush, tropical environment, immersing themselves in the rich nature of St. Lucia and the funky, personalised decorations of the wedding ceremony (such as the hot pink signage!). The bride and groom ensured that everyone involved in the celebration had the time of their lives, while also enjoying the beginning of their new chapter as a couple.

"Eating our late night snacks on the dance floor was a highlight…"

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BY CHARLIE LTD We spoke with Charlotte (Charlie) Cooper of By Charlie Ltd, a prestigious wedding planning company based in St Lucia, all about what makes them one of the best. Read our conversation below to discover more about their experience, their tropical location, and the planning process of one of their most recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY By Charlie Ltd is a multiaward-winning events company offering premium planning, design and logistical services, in addition to full vendor management and seamless on-the-day coordination. Founded and run by myself - Charlie, British expat-turned-citizen - By Charlie Ltd has quickly become the elite choice for couples and clients worldwide wanting to celebrate their special moments in paradise. Bringing a fresh, unique perspective and 12 years of previous experience with some of London’s most notable event companies, we specialise in bespoke designs, grand transformations and whimsical tablescapes encapsulating our signature modernyet-timeless aesthetic. With over 12 international wedding industry awards won in the first 5 years of operation, bookings into 2025 and plans for a sister company to be revealed soon, By Charlie Ltd is only just getting started! WHERE ARE YOU BASED? By Charlie Ltd is located in Rodney Bay on the beautiful island of St Lucia in the Caribbean! We host events throughout the entire island and have formed partnerships with a range of incredible venues and vendors to suit all clients, budgets and preferences. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? St Lucia is the only country in the world named after a woman, and as a female owned company, this is something we are very proud of! In addition, the process to obtain a marriage license is extremely simple with no residency period required, meaning you can get hitched on the same day as you arrive! St Lucia is also home to the world’s only walk-in volcano and the majestic Pitons, in addition to the numerous beautiful beaches - and, of course, the annual Carnival in July! The island has mastered a wonderful balance between modernisation and development, whilst maintaining an authentic St Lucian experience, allowing you to move from a modern 5-star resort to a tropical rainforest within a matter of minutes. There are a wide range of venue options available,

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whether you want to get married in a resort, on a private beach, in a luxurious villa, under the Pitons, deep inside the rainforest, in historical ruins, or underneath a waterfall (to name a few)! TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING This wedding was the first large event we were able to host postcovid with restrictions loose enough that it felt somewhat like ‘normality’, and it was an amazing wedding to mark that occasion with. The bride and groom, Niki and Nino, were involved heavily in certain areas, but also handed over a lot of creative freedom and flexibility. We kept a beautiful, elegant theme as the core focus to ensure it remained timeless and elegant, but injected some fun and more ‘out there’ elements into various parts of the day, such as hot pink neon signs. From live interactive canapé stations and toasting with fireball shots through to the fresh coconut bar and transformation of the cocktail area into a club, this was an extremely fun and memorable event to work on! One of our signature suggestions is always a late-night snack bar (is there anything better at the end of a big night?), and we created an upscale KFC for this couple, with theme-appropriate fast food boxes - which were a hit after a few too many pickleback shots! WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… The main inspiration for this one was the couple themselves, and the textures and materials within the venue. We decided on one of my favourite venues in St Lucia - Pigeon Island National Park (where I also got married)! The combination of the whitewashed wood floors, stone walling and greenery surrounding us provided the ideal canvas. We incorporated elements of black with the greenery, as well as gold and ivory which was a beautiful juxtaposition within the space. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? 100% the first look! The photos show their amazing reaction, and it was such a special first look for me after so long! It’s a very rare moment for the couple to just be together on their big day and really take everything in amongst their whirlwind schedule.

Scan here Find out more: bycharlieltd.com @stluciaeventsbycharlie

Sweden SWEDEN

A SWEDISH LOVE STORY SUPPLIED BY MICKAEL TANNUS

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Deyra & Jorge

Shared their special day with their favourite people from all over the world… With Sweden’s autumnal ambience surrounding the charming Bläsinge Gård, the bride and groom were able to immerse themselves in the stunning nature all around them – taking time alone to take some beautiful pictures in front of the crashing waves and cloudy, atmospheric sky. Close to their favourite hiking spot, Kullaberg, and its traditional Swedish character, the couple felt at home in their chosen venue, and were able to let their guards down and fully relax into their wedding day with all of their family and friends with them. “We felt the most connected to Bläsinge Gård out of everywhere we looked,” explains bride Deyra. “We liked its atmosphere: a bit rustic, not too pompous… It was also important for us that our venue had a Vandrarhem or Guesthouse on site which could fit our family and friends, making it possible to have a whole wedding weekend together. Plus, it was only one of the few venues we could find that would allow music until 2.30am… with Jorge’s family from Latin America, we needed to make sure there was enough time for partying and dancing!” The bride and groom ended up with around 80 special guests comprised of their closest

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THE DREAM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER: Mickael Tannus FLOWERS: Kullafloristen FOOD: K-Gränd HAIR & MAKE UP: Queenie Frelin, Brudmakeup.se VENUE: Bläsinge Gård POPSICLES: FolketsPops DJ: Elena Solomonova-Joseph DRESS: Karim Design

“We really wanted to focus on sustainability as part of our wedding planning.”

“It was an incredibly emotional day.”

Sweden

friends and family. After Covid restrictions had already pushed their original June wedding back to September, it was a definite worry in the minds of the couple and everyone involved… However, everything worked out perfectly. “Luckily, all Covid restrictions were lifted by the time we got married, so we could celebrate with everyone,” gushes the bride. “We didn’t want too big of a wedding. It was important for us to still be able to talk to most people during the day.” The intimate ceremony made this dream possible for the couple, who were able to spend their entire wedding weekend with those who care about them the most. As well as being able to celebrate as a newly-united family, an important aspect of Deyra and Jorge’s special day was the joining of everyone they love from different parts of the world – their guests represented 16 different nationalities altogether! Not only was this an inclusive part of their wedding day, but it was also a rare kind of magic, being able to host an event so full of love that people travelled from all over the world just to be a part of it. Bride Deyra matched the subtle elegance of the venue perfectly – her sleek, beautiful gown and colour-scheme-fitting flower crown left her with a lovely final look, seamlessly in-keeping with the stylish décor surrounding her. “I was desperately looking for a second hand dress, but ended up falling in love with a dress from Karim Design in Copenhagen,” blushes the bride. “It was a gift from my mum and reminded me a little bit of my Turkish roots. I loved it.” Jorge found his sophisticated suit when shopping with his parents in Spain – an equally personal, heartwarming touch. The rustic charm of the venue’s interior – bare, wooden panelling and charming brick walls – allowed the couple to play with the juxtaposition of the décor they chose for their reception… Classy, elegant decorations were scattered on the long tables, relying almost entirely on fairy lights and natural daylight to illuminate it all. This perfectly represented their sustainable approach.

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MICKAEL TANNUS We spoke to Mickael Tannus, an award-winning wedding photographer from Sweden, whose recognisable work values emotion and storytelling at the forefront. See what he had to say about his artistic process, and what it was like shooting Derya and Jorge’s wedding below…

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY I have been photographing weddings since 2006, as well as fashion photography and commercial shoots for magazines, etc.

don’t want them to view me as just their photographer, but as a person; as their friend.

I’m also an Art Director and photographer at an advertising agency, where I work on many different projects both locally and around the world. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? I’m based in Helsingborg, Sweden, but I travel to wherever I’m needed. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? To reflect my artistic style in a few key words, I would use authentic, emotive and soulful. Some might call it ‘moody’. TELL US HOW YOU HELP COUPLES FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA By just being myself - talking and joking with the couple. I

TELL US ABOUT THIS WEDDING YOU PHOTOGRAPHED Derya and Jorge hosted an international wedding, with guests travelling from 16 different countries. We shot portraits at Kullaberg in the south of Sweden, and the ceremony and party were held at Bläsinge Gård. At this wedding, I was being filmed at the same time for a Swedish television show called “The Wedding Photographers”, which aired this summer. Derya, originally from Germany and Turkey, had the help of makeup artist and stylist Queenie Frelin before the portraits were shot up on Kullaberg. The wind was blowing hard up on the cliffs where Jorge was waiting! Jorge is from Guatemala and Spain. They had a rustic wedding in the barn, where the family sang a song originating from Guatemala that Jorge’s mother and father wrote when they got married, and that has been sung at all family celebrations since then. It was so beautiful.

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Switzerland SWITZERLAND

A SNOWY STORY SUPPLIED BY HOTEL VILLA HONEGG

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“We were blown away by the views!”

Sara & Ben

Honoured their love with the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps behind them… Surrounded by snow-capped, towering mountains and the glistening expanse of a crystal-blue lake, Sara and Ben celebrated their love in an intimate ceremony in the heart of Switzerland. The charming veranda wrapped around the venue had gathered mounds of fresh fluffy snow, which the bride and groom had no trouble wading into for some fun, adventurous photos! With white-coated pine trees and a clear pastel sky as their backdrop, the special couple looked as though they had been transported into a winter wonderland straight out of a film - the perfect setting for their snowflake-dusted ceremony. Muted beige and cream bouquets and warm light signs enwrapped the wedding day, adding a soft splash of colour to the natural palette of crisp whites. The floral décor was incorporated into many elements of the wintry ceremony

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Hotel Villa Honegg PHOTOGRAPHER: Meryl Gashi Photography SWEETS: Zimtzuckerfee FLOWERS: Bloomful Flowers & Decoration HAIR & MAKEUP: Hairgiswil by M&S DRESS: MeinKleid - Brautboutique LIGHTS Markus Lutz DECORATION: Traumtag- Werkstatt Hochzeitsplanung CONCEPT PLANNER: Events2People & Traumtag- Werkstatt Hochzeitsplanung

Switzerland

- hanging from the altar arch, perched on macaron serving trays, and nestled in chic vases within the bride and groom’s changing suites. This special detail made for an elegant, pretty atmosphere throughout the whole day, and added further beauty to that of the love between the bride and groom being presented at the forefront. Crushed velvet furniture, twinkling chandeliers and glowing candles lined along the fireplace welcomed the bride and groom into their classy suite, allowing them a few moments alone to enjoy some delicious cakes in peace. The romantic aura of the Hotel Villa Honegg allowed for complete, utter privacy for the couple - providing them with the intimate, personal ceremony they had dreamed of. The bride glowed in her stunning two-piece gown… Lace sleeves adorned with delicate, embroidered designs and a flattering plunge back resulted in a regal, ethereal look for Sara. In a cute, stylish nod to the snowy weather, she paired her gorgeous dress with a thin knitted wrap over her shoulders - taking the edge off the winter chill, while also adding another unique element to her outfit. The groom’s classic charcoal suit paired satisfyingly with the Swiss background, harmonising with the greys of the mountains behind. Together, the pair looked as picture perfect as the dreamy views around them. As night fell towards the end of the celebration, the custom lighting placed around the venue began to stand out even more - the sweet messages and phrases sparkling throughout the room were waiting to be the focus of everyone’s pictures! Both a mix of warm, retro lightbulb letters and neon, multicoloured rope lights morphed into neat calligraphy were yet another personal detail selected by the fun-loving bride and groom, adding to the unique setting that reflected their love story.

“It truly was the experience of a lifetime.”

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HOTEL VILLA HONEGG

e spoke with Simona Lussi, Event & Marketing Manager at Hotel Villa Honegg, a luxurious wedding and renewal venue in Switzerland. Read our conversation below to discover all about their five-star resort: the views that set them apart from others, their attentive team, and what makes a Hotel Villa Honegg wedding so special.

for a close family environment, where care, understanding and attentiveness are at the core of our beliefs, and one-to-one support is available from the very first day. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? We offer full rental and intimate weddings from 35-60 guests, promising you and your loved ones ultimate privacy to enjoy your special day without distractions. We also offer little ceremonies with just the couple, for a personal lunch or dinner where you can focus purely on each other, as well as larger ceremonies of up to 20 guests, which is also possible without a full rental. Marriage vow renewals are also available in our venue.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION Do you want to say “I do” surrounded by majestic, towering mountains? Do you want to dance through the night and into the morning? Then a wedding at Hotel Villa Honegg is the one for you! Nestled in a stunning, idyllic location, our 23 rooms and suites offer plenty of privacy, tranquility and comfort, surrounded by a phenomenal mountain setting. Offering breathtaking, panoramic views, and remaining a popular excursion destination, the Bürgenstock is located on a peninsula enwrapped by Lake Lucerne. We do not offer pre-made packages… each of our weddings are designed individually, according to the wishes of our guests. So, tell us your ideas! The view from Hotel Villa Honegg is beautifully overwhelming. With Lake Lucerne at your feet, glistening in deep, tranquil blues, and resting beneath an imposing mountain backdrop, we are a unique, once-in-a-lifeime destination, ready to make your special day perfect for you. Perched high above Ennetbürgen is Villa Honegg - an art nouveau house which was converted and expanded into a luxurious 5-star hotel. Our rooms and suites have a lake view or alpine panorama, and our renowned interior designers provided the pleasantly pristine ambience that drifts throughout the hotel, while our chef from Lucerne and his team are responsible for the delicious restaurant cuisine. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? To name just a few reasons… We offer beautiful mountain views of the Swiss Alps, shimmering, expansive lakes, and privacy and discretion without any close-by neighbours - meaning you and your guests can dance the night away! Your wedding will be individually tailored to you by our team of professionals, who will ensure that your dream ceremony comes to life exactly how you see it in your mind. No wish of yours is too big or too small for us. We strive 160

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Scan here Find out more: villa-honegg.ch/en/ @villahonegg

Switzerland

SWITZERLAND

SWISS SWEETHEARTS SUPPLIED BY PRISCILLA HAID @ WEDYSEN

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Tanja & Guillaume

Honoured their love with their favourite people surrounded by charming Swiss culture… Guillaume and Tanja’s beautiful love story began between the bustling vibrancy of Times Square in New York City. Down on one knee on the glistening sidewalk, Guillaume took his chance and asked his soulmate the question that had been running through his mind over and over again… Tanja wasting no time in saying yes! The bride and groom knew from that very moment what their dream wedding would look like. They wanted a rustic venue with high-class, traditional food and stunning wines nearing the border of Switzerland. After viewing the beautiful gardens at the Ristorante Da Enzo, in Ticino, they were blown away by the magical,

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Priscilla Haid @ Wedysen VENUE: Ristorante Da Enzo FLOWER ARRANGEMENT: L'Arte nei Fiori PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Karin Tanner Film and Cut CAKE: Anny's Cupcake HAIR & MAKEUP: Coiffeur Lavy MUSIC: The Gleams Project

“Spending time with all of our friends and family was the best part.”

Switzerland

romantic ambiance of the venue. It was a perfect match! Confident and certain within their vision, they organised the wedding with Priscilla, their planner, in only four months’ time. Having a good time with all of their guests was the most important element of the couple’s wedding day. Due to the pandemic, they decided to invite 60 guests - a mix of their closest friends, and dearest family. Dancing through the gardens, with a soul-funk live band and lovely company, was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. As Tanja and Guillaume are of French and Italian heritage, the decorations they selected were a classy combination of their countries’ colours. Soft, baby blues, elegant, pristine whites and fresh eucalyptus greeneries filled their charming ceremony, layering the day with an extra touch of personality and stunning beauty. The couple share an avid sweet tooth, wanting to have a huge wedding cake with chocolate, raspberry, vanilla and fruits on their special day! At Anny's Cupcake Bakery, they spent the day together, trying all sorts of tiny, delicious tasters - flavours from champagne to passionfruit and raspberry had their eyes shining in excitement, ready to start designing their own! Walking down the aisle to a piano version of "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes", all eyes were on the happy couple in wonder, admiration and love - the emotional, beautiful ceremony creating enough memories to last the bride and groom a lifetime.

“It was absolutely stunning!” WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

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WEDYSEN We spoke with Priscilla Haid, founder of event planner company Wedysen Hochzeitsplanung, about her company’s backstory, her team of professionals, and what she values most when taking on a new wedding or event. Read our conversation below to discover everything there is to know, and her favourite details of a recent wedding… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY My name is Priscilla Haid of Wedysen Hochzeitsplanung, my wedding planning company based in Switzerland. I have been styling and planning stunning events and weddings since 2014, when - after 20 years working in the travel industry - I decided to trust myself and my expertise, and make a career out of what I was truly passionate about. I completed my international study with Preston Bailey, and pursed on my own as a Destination Event and Wedding Planner.

full of perfect little details, this wedding was decorated in the most magical, beautiful way. Their reception tables were graceful, with eucalyptus table runners and golden candle holders with baby blue candlesticks. The floral décor was made with love by Lisa from L‘Arte nei Fiori, and gave the event another wonderful sense of romantic ambiance. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The most beautiful moment was during the ‘first look’ photoshoot. The videographer and photographer, Karin from Karin Tanner Film and Cut, has an excellent way of capturing the perfect, intimate seconds of joy on couples’ faces. This couple met each other in a stunning view over the mountains, in front of the vineyards and with their adorable son. It was an absolutely breathtaking capture of the start of a new, exciting chapter of their love story.

Wedysen Hochzeitsplanung ensures a relaxed planning experience with high-end personal support and guaranteed, unbeatable quality. We design and plan tailor-made weddings for couples with unique taste, both in Switzerland and all over the world, with our team of perfectionists, stylists and problem solvers. We are fully dedicated to our couples, always looking for the best possible options your perfect wedding requires. The word “Wedysen” actually means to thoroughly enjoy one’s wedding in every sense, and that is what we strive for in every event we take on! WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Switzerland is the best place for getting married! This smaller, charming country offers everything your dream day requires: saying “I Do” in front of the impressive Swiss mountains or on the mediterranean lakeside being just a few examples. Anything is possible here! Dreamy, perfect weddings are easily done in Switzerland, and will create an experience that you will never forget. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… Tanja and Guillaume had an incredible wedding at the Restaurant Da Enzo, one of the most iconic venues in Ticino, Switzerland. With their desired classical and elegant styling, we took natural greenery, pristine white, and a soft blue palette to the next level! Intimate and

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Scan here Find out more: wedysen.com @priscilla_haid

Tenerife

TENERIFE, SPAIN

A CEREMONY FOR TWO SUPPLIED BY WEDDINGS IN TENERIFE BY CLAIRE LOPEZ

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Jai & Dave

Celebrated their marriage with the rolling, turquoise sea as their witness… Far from the hustle and bustle of New York, the bride and groom opted for a quiet, intimate ceremony in the heart of gorgeous Tenerife. The blazing sun, glistening ocean, and towering palm trees replaced the pricey, tricky technicalities of planning a big wedding in their home state, and the happy couple were able to simply relax with one another without a care in the world. “We made so many different invitation lists, and thought about multiple different venues,” recalls bride Jai. “But everything in New York is so expensive, and with both of our families included it would have been astronomical.” Neither of their families are very avid partygoers, so the pair decided to keep up their tradition of doing everything sideby-side, and go for a dreamy beach ceremony by themselves! A soft, pristine palette of whites and pinks decorated their wedding day - blooming bouquets of palm leaves, roses and daisies hanging from verandas above them. The bride radiated beauty in her stunning dress - a long veil draping gracefully behind her replicating

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: Beach front Tenerife PLANNER: Claire Lopez PHOTOGRAPHER: Ema Avarvarii from Pixels in Love

“We honeymooned first and got married last!”

Tenerife

“I felt like Cinderella in my dress…”

the crashing waves, and shimmering statement jewellery to finish off the look. The groom looked handsome and fitting with the theme in his pink and white ensemble - the gleaming white of his vest and trousers against his coloured shirt bringing out the crisp, clean atmosphere of the nature surrounding them. Paired with a boutonnière to match Jai’s bouquet, the couple stunned in picturesque harmony, as happy as can be under the warm Spanish sun. “Being an older bride, it was nice to feel so confident and comfortable in my dress,” smiles the bride. “I didn’t have to conform to trends or traditions - I just followed my heart. And it turned out totally beautiful!” Spontaneous and fun-loving, the bride and groom’s adventurous ways didn’t start with their ceremony plans… “I had arrangements to do the proposal in Paris, but Covid ruined that,” spills the groom. “Instead of waiting, I decided to just do it at our local park, where we spend time exercising and talking.” Proposing at their special place swept the bride away - solidifying their park with an eternal sense of romance. As beautiful as Paris engagements are, bride Jai was over the moon at Dave’s decision to go ahead with the proposal regardless. “There’s something so significant and romantic about sharing that space with the beginning of our united journey. Now, I recall the proposal frequently, and we smooch on our bench!” The bride and groom enjoyed their honeymoon in Tenerife during the weeks running up to the wedding, preferring to spend time together on the beautiful island with their special day still yet to come. Their sunny celebration wasn’t the first adventure they shared together, and certainly won’t be the last...

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We spoke with Claire Lopez from the wedding planner company 'Weddings in Tenerife by Claire Lopez'. The private wedding planner company, based in the Canary Islands, told us about their impressive expertise and how they work outside the boundaries when taking care of an event. Discover more about their diversity morals, professional team, and the island’s tropical facilities below... TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY I founded my wedding planner company twelve years ago, and have spent the time since then building up a strong team and network to accommodate all destination wedding requirements. We host weddings and vow renewals of up to threehundred people, taking pride in representing a broad demographic and cultural span. I like to say, “If you want to celebrate your love, get in touch!” Our clients are typically English and Spanish speaking, but we have hosted weddings of other langues, too… To date, I haven’t had an inquiry that I couldn’t meet. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are truly blessed to be based on the Island of Tenerife - the largest of the Canary Islands, and a few hundred kilometres off the coast of Western Sahara. Our islands benefit from exceptions in the fiscal and economic areas: mainly, we don’t have VAT or Value-Added Tax, which varies from 17%--27%, in other areas of the EU! As we are location-based, our clients can be reassured by our extended knowledge of the island, and that we are very familiar with all aspects of hosting a wedding or vow renewal here. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Tenerife is often referred to as the Island of Eternal Spring, as the subtropical climate is very accommodating all year round. This makes our island a very popular holiday destination for tourists from all kinds of places, and the infrastructure here is built to meet this demand. Beside a very well-developed hospitality industry, Tenerife offers a great selection of experiences and amenities to see and take part in. We have everything from whales and dolphins just off the coast, to clear night skies which may be observed from our 12,000-foot volcano, Mount Teide… You will find yourself constantly surrounded by dramatic landscapes and beautiful scenery, stunning beaches and world-class leisure attractions. We have so much to be proud of. Our wedding couple needn’t worry about the weather, or entertaining their wedding guests during their celebration and honeymoon, as Tenerife will take care of that. Furthermore, Tenerife’s crime rate is among the lowest in the world. Tenerife is a safe, gorgeous choice. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING We recently had a wedding with only the bride and groom 168

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attending. This was their choice, as they wanted it to be an intimate celebration between themselves and the nature of the island. It’s not unusual for only a few people to attend intimate weddings, but it's not something that’s widely popular. People have their own, personal reasons to celebrate this way, and we can understand the quiet beauty in couples wanting to be the only ones. Even though we have a very diverse customer base, Jai and Dave were my first American couple. A new airline between New York and Tenerife opened recently, and it was quite amazing to witness how this has been well received on both sides - hopefully opening up a whole new, exciting demographic for us! I know from experience to tread carefully when assisting people from unfamiliar cultures, for however similar we seem, there are small differences in the things we tend to consider self-understood. Since assumptions lead to misunderstandings, I make sure to check and double check to ensure complete accuracy in every detail. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… All our weddings are tailormade, so the style is always based on my client’s requirements. Fortunately, we have a very large selection of wedding venues available to complement the wedding themes. Everything from banana plantations and rustic farmhouses on the mountains, to luxury beachfront locations and hotels. So, initially, I listen directly and think between the lines. I take note of the couple’s priorities and throw in some curve balls, just to ensure they are sure. From this baseline, I start suggesting the venues I consider suitable for the wedding the couple envision. Once the venue and the date are decided, all usually falls into place, as we’ve been over everything in the venue talk. The big decisions have been made, and details can be finalised during the long wait until the wedding. Usually, weddings are planned 1–2 years in advance, but with me, changes can be made up to eight weeks before the wedding. So, the couple doesn’t have to make all decisions at once. Jai and Dave’s wedding was, however, planned within a few months. They were a perfect match. Jai and Dave wanted something fresh: a beachfront, lights, some pink and white, and privacy for the ceremony.. At 10 p.m., this particular venue transforms from a “chillax” high end beach club, to a very vibrant nightclub. So, they had a very beautiful and touching private ceremony, followed by a blast of party afterwards. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? I got the most amazing hug from Jai when we first met face to face in Tenerife.

Scan here Find out more: weddingsintenerife.com @weddings_in_tenerife

Texas TEXAS, USA

A FAITHFUL CELEBRATION SUPPLIED BY THE WHITE SPARROW BARN

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“I modelled my hair and makeup after Hailey Bieber’s wedding look!”

Cat & Hudson

Spent their intimate wedding surrounded by people they treasure the most… Cat and Hudson’s beautiful ceremony had an angelic aura in the air. Snow-white roses and glowing candles scattered around the rustic barn harmonised with the wooden chairs and deep greens of the bouquet leaves…each detail complemented the purity and sincerity of the bride and groom’s union. 145 guests attended to be a part of their special day - a perfect mix between close friends and dear family. The bride and groom, aiming for intimacy and closeness during their ceremony, felt as though this was the perfect amount to ensure the day remained as personal as possible. At the forefront of their minds throughout the day was the aim to glorify the Lord. This important aspect of their wedding was incorporated into many elements of the day, especially when their bridal party remarked at how faith-filled the couple are during the toasts, and how impactful they had been in many lives around them on their journey with Jesus. The special moment raised many

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: The White Sparrow Barn PLANNING: Addi Mendoza for Treasured Heart Events HAIR & MAKEUP: GG Artistry Team EXIT CAR: Toast and Coast PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenna Marie Co. VIDEOGRAPHY: Nate Shorman with Shorman Creative DINNER CATERING: Heim Barbecue and Catering PASSED APPETIZERS & COCKTAIL CATERING: TCP Catering BARTENDING: DFW Bartending FLORIST: Pick A Daisy DJ: Dan Reynolds with Le Force Entertainment CAKE: Sweet Somethings by Ashleigh

Texas

heartwarming emotions from bride and groom to guests alike, and the Sunday ceremony glistened beneath the white-washed wood of the barn. With fresh flowers lining the aisle, the beaming smiles of their favourite people, and the excitement towards the next chapter of their story together, Cat and Hudson’s beautiful day was filled with love; a warm, benevolent presence accompanying them in their celebration. Stunning in her pristine gown - a plunging, illusion neckline paired with a sweet, oversized bow on her back, the bride truly looked ready for a celebrity event. A perfected, slicked-back bun and natural makeup finished off the look gorgeously… “My hair and makeup artists made the morning feel effortless and stress-free,” smiles the bride. The groom himself was smart and handsome in his classy black suit, and his boutonniere matched the crisp, white roses around their ceremony. As in every wedding, something had to go a little bit wrong… but, this time, it worked out for the better! “I actually kind of wanted something to go wrong, because it would make for a funny story,” laughs the bride. “After my dad gave me away, he accidentally stepped on my veil and completely ripped it. But I never thought that the thing that went wrong would be so insanely symbolic of the Gospel! Before we understand the Gospel, we are said to have a ‘veil’ over our eyes, preventing us from seeing clearly. So, when Hudson and I stood at the altar, and the veil of being two separate people completely tore… We were one with each other - seeing clearly, with nothing separating us.”

“It was hugely emotional…”

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THE WHITE SPARROW BARN

e spoke with The White Sparrow Barn, a rustic wedding venue in the Texan countryside. They tell us all about their unique location, charming amenities, and endless options for a truly personalised experience. Read our conversation below to discover what makes them stand out from the rest…

arrangements, or even just letting the simplicity of the rustic, white wood speak for itself. Whichever way you choose to decorate the Barn, your wedding will be your vision come to life. WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? Surrounding The Barn is a breathtaking country landscape that provides the perfect, natural backdrop to your beautiful wedding and a unique twist to your outdoor photoshoot. Nowhere in any city would you find this picturesque country view, complete with blooming flower gardens, a charming grove and a rustic swing... The White Sparrow offers the perfect opportunity for you and your guests to escape from the bustling city’s distractions and into a quiet, romantic wedding venue, where you can let your special event be the focus of the day.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION The White Sparrow Barn is one of the best venues around… it’s been voted as one of the top wedding venues in America! The Barn’s elegant, rural charm is breathtaking, from its idyllic natural setting, impressive oaks and lush gardens, to its natural wood floors and whitewashed walls. The Barn offers guests an old-world elegance and picturesque charm that simply cannot be found in a city, and its spacious layout can comfortably accommodate a large guest list without sacrificing the intimate feel of countryside hospitality. Rest assured, your wedding photos at this stunning venue will be treasured for generations. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? The White Sparrow Barn is built on our family values: care, love and individuality. We can ensure the professional hospitality and personal connection that any wedding or event needs is tailored to your own requirements. The Barn offers a variety of highly-qualified recommended vendors so that each and every wedding is taken care of with ease. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? Couples can customise the venue in any way they choose… Whether it be chic detailing, outdoor activity stations, floral 172

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Scan here Find out more: thewhitesparrowbarn.com @thewhitesparrow

Turkey KALKAN, TURKEY

A TURKISH TALE SUPPLIED BY KALKAN CONCIERGE

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“We had the wedding we had always dreamt of.”

Atlanta & Nick Said “I Do” surrounded by their favourite people under the rich, Mediterranean sun…

Overlooking the glistening, vibrant sea and distant hills, Atlanta and Nick glowed in the late autumn heat on their special day. Joined by forty-four of their closest friends and family, the couple hosted an intimate, personal ceremony filled with heartwarming details and unforgettable memories. “We chose an October wedding because wanted it to be a bit cooler than the summer, so that we could still wear UK traditional wedding attire and our guests didn’t melt,” laughs bride Atlanta. “We also have friends who are teachers and guests with kids in school, so it was essential that the wedding date was during the school holidays!” Bride, groom, and guests alike partied until the early hours in the stunning, abroad location, revelling in the tropical bliss of Kalkan. Opting for a soft colour scheme of sages and whites, the couple’s selected décor fit in seamlessly with the rural views of the villa and its flourishing greenery. Pristine ceremony

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Rosie @ Kalkan Concierge PHOTOGRAPHER: Murat Sarica @ Numbeos Photography CATERING: Vicky Kusat @ Kalkan Catering CAKE: Keske Café SIGNS: @BitsandBobsbyVickky BAR: By Ahmet @ Indigo Beach Club

Turkey

“The whole day was perfect…”

chairs lined the sea-view deck of the prestigious Kalkan villa, and the couple tied the knot beneath a natural wood arch decorated with clean, white fabric and blooming bouquets. Classy florals entwined with twinkling fairy lights lined the dinner tables; cursive, handcrafted signs and evil eye pendants on guests’ plates adding a thoughtful layer to the event for everyone to enjoy. Their close ceremony was enwrapped in a quiet, natural beauty, further enhanced by the pure love and excitement buzzing throughout the entire day. Bride Atlanta was radiant in her bohemianinspired two-piece – a flowing train and veil with diaphanous sleeves and custom detailing creating a stunning, relaxed look to perfectly match the blissful surroundings. “I loved wearing my outfit, and I truly felt amazing,” the bride gushes. “It was very comfortable and light, so I was able to manoeuvre easily throughout the day, which was especially important once the dance floor opened up! We’re having an afterparty back in the UK, so I’m very excited to be able to wear it again.” The groom opted for a light grey three-piece suit, looking clean-cut and sophisticated, and luckily, not overheating in the Turkish sun! “Seeing Atlanta appear in her dress, looking so stunningly beautiful, was the most special part of the day for me,” smiles groom Nick. From a surprise performance by a professional belly dancer, to the midnight pool party with all of their guests, the bride and groom’s special day was full of fun. Every second was a moment to remember for all included – everyone having the time of their lives in the tropical environment with their dearest companions… and no curfew!

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KALKAN CONCIERGE We spoke to Rosie from Kalkan Concierge, a wedding planning company based in Turkey, about their esteemed experience in creating stunning events. Read our conversation below to discover more about their history, what makes a Turkish wedding stand out from the rest, and the tell-all about one of their recent weddings… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY Kalkan Concierge is an awardwinning wedding planning company that specialises in creating exclusive, sophisticated events in Kalkan, Turkey. We have arranged many special celebrations since launching 14 years ago, and are extremely proud to have built up a well-earned reputation as Kalkan’s leading destination wedding planner. At Kalkan Concierge, we understand that every wedding is unique. With our impeccable taste and attention to detail, matched with our unparalleled experience and knowledge, our tailor-made services offer each couple a wedding to suit their vision and finances accordingly. Personally, my approach to planning and organising events is bespoke and distinctive. As I am locally-based, and have a longstanding relationship with both venue owners and suppliers, I can offer a truly personal and hands-on experience to each of my wedding couples. I am beyond passionate about what I do, and assisting couples celebrate one of the happiest days of their lives, in a country that I love, is an absolute dream come true. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Kalkan, a beautiful town on the Mediterranean coast of southwest Turkey. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? Kalkan is a quaint, stylish location, famous for its stunning, turquoise coastline, and its tropical climate. At the heart of Kalkan is the ‘old town’, full of unique rooftop restaurants, pretty cobbled streets, boutique shops and historical buildings. Untouched by mass tourism, it is home to some truly magical wedding venues in unspoilt settings. Whether you are looking for a small and intimate location, or a larger, more spacious spot, Kalkan Concierge will find you your perfect wedding space. We have some stunning venues to suit each of our couples’ individual style and requirements. These include romantic villas, exclusive beach clubs, bespoke hotels and luxury

sailing boats. TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING Nick and Atlanta chose to marry at a prestigious, waterfront villa in Kalkan. The celebration began with friends and family enjoying poolside cocktails and canapés, taking in the gorgeous views across Kalkan Bay. There was then a cocktail hour at sunset, accompanied by the most delicious Turkish meze and barbecue, prepared by a local catering company. A five-piece live band rocked the night away - the guests hitting the dance floor to enjoy a selection of incredible tunes. It was an absolutely fantastic celebration of pure love and happiness, and an event that Kalkan Concierge was honoured to be part of. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… I took inspiration from the stunning venue itself; the olive groves, the landscaped gardens and the Mediterranean Sea. I wanted to create a simple and clean yet sophisticated scheme. Décor included beautifully fresh, locally sourced flowers in whites and greens, and a stylish, wooden wedding arch - the perfect focal point for the ceremony! Elegant candle-holders, vases and fairy lights and an abundance of lanterns scattered throughout the venue created a romantic ambiance for the celebration. From the moment I met Nick and Atlanta, I felt a great connection with them both. I was confident that I completely understood their vision, and felt honoured that they trusted me to turn their dream into a reality. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? The dress! Atlanta looked absolutely stunning in her bohemianinspired wedding dress; a completely unique two-piece that she totally rocked! She looked sensational, and the look on Nick’s face as she walked towards him at the beginning of the ceremony was absolutely priceless!

Scan here Find out more: kalkanconcierge.com @kalkanconcierge info@kalkanconcierge.com Indigo Beach Club

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Tuscany TUSCANY, ITALY

AN ITALIAN ESCAPE SUPPLIED BY CORSINI EVENTS

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“The weather was perfect, and all of our dearest friends and family were there.”

Daisy & Daniel

Honoured their love amidst the charm of a stunning Tuscan villa surrounded by their family and friends… Surrounded by the rustic, enchanting estate of Villa Corsini Mezzomonte and overlooking the rolling Italian countryside, the couple celebrated their love beneath a towering cedar of Lebanon tree, accompanied by their loved ones from all over the world. “We live in London, but originate from different countries, so our families and friends travelled from all over the place,” the bride explains. “So, we wanted a beautiful, central place to host them all. We fell in love with Villa Corsini Mezzomonte - it just responded perfectly to everything we had imagined.” People from every part of the bride and groom’s lives came together under a blue sky - some meeting for the first time, some reuniting after a while. They ended up with around 180 guests, and it meant a lot to the couple to be able to see everyone together. Lemon trees and vineyard views encircled the wedding; a band playing old Italian swing

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Corsini Events VENUE: Villa Corsini Mezzomonte, Italy ILLUSTRATOR: Seb Tanti Burlò FLORIST: Il Calicanto, piante e fiori

Tuscany

blended with international jazz in the courtyard as their guests mingled. The couple opted for a cosy, autumnal theme - refurbished wine barrels and specialist floral arrangements from Florence scattered around the ceremony and also requesting guests to incorporate colours into their outfits wherever possible. The bride and groom themselves looked picture perfect in their Italian tailor-made outfits - Daisy’s wedding dress tailor meeting her vision and enhancing her wedding so much that she was invited as a guest of honour! From tailored lighting created by a local artisan for the dance floor (inspired by the bride’s passions of multi-colours and travel), to a makeshift cocktail garden on the villa’s grounds, the venue went above and beyond to create the dream event for this enthusiastic and unique couple. Small touches with a lot of character were all that was needed to make this event spectacular, and to effectively reflect the personalities of the special pair. Music was a significant aspect of this couple’s fun-filled ceremony. For their first dance, they showcased the results of the dance classes they’d both taken! “Needless to say,” grinned Daisy, “We did a lot better in the last dance class than at the wedding… We were already too drunk to remember our steps whatsoever!” Daniel adds. “My favourite part of the wedding has to be the ceremony,” reveals the bride. “Just because it was the beginning of it all, of our journey as a married couple.” As for Daniel’s favourite… “Everything, really! A moment I remember in particular was when Daisy and I were in the car on the way to the hotel, and I said ‘This was really the best wedding I ever attended!’, and Daisy told me back ‘That’s great, my love… You know, it was ours?!”

“My tailor made me the wedding dress of my dreams!” WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

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CORSINI EVENTS We spoke with Corsini Events, a wedding planner company based in Italy, about the special services they provide for their clients, and what makes a Corsini event different from the rest. Read below to find out more about their history, procedures, and a recent wedding of theirs... TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY At Corsini Events, working shoulder to shoulder with the best selection of suppliers and services, on both Italian and international markets, is our trademark. We listen to clients’ needs, and transform them into quality experiences. Furthermore, attention to budget management at Corsini Events is essential to ensure transparency for the customer, and to avoid any kind of waste. The success of an event and complete customer satisfaction is the best way to reward the hard work of each team member. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based in Florence, and work frequently around Tuscany and Italy, but we can organise events anywhere in the world. Our offices are located in Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte, which is one of the top venues for events in Florence and Tuscany. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION? The first aspect of Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte that comes to everyone’s mind is its beauty: the Tuscan landscape and frescoed halls are almost overwhelmingly beautiful here. Also, its proximity to the city centre of Florence is, logistically, very comfortable. Next, its history: our venue is listed in the 32 official Medici’s villa, and is the only existing example of a property sold by a Medici that is still in the very hand of the family who bought it from them, back in 1644. Clients can live and breathe culture here; rural farmyard surroundings, classical frescoes inside the Villa, as well as epic poems of old Italian writers. The capacity of Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte is another aspect of what’s special here - an almost unfair advantage of our venue is its capacity both for the guests and for the suppliers. For groups of up to 200 people, we can guarantee different inner halls for the 3 different moments of the reception (cocktail, dinner and party). Additionally, we have three distinguished historical gardens of which can host a variety

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of settings, as well as large productions. The access of the Villa is suitable for any kind of transport, which makes life easier for every supplier (quite a rare combination for historical Villas in the neighbourhood!) TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING We initially found inspiration through meeting the very couple: they were elegant, simple and fun! Merging these personal ingredients into the whole planning process with Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte gave us the context we needed to organise their wedding as though it was for a member of our family. We built the event with one primary drive: let’s make all of them feeling at home! This particular approach pushed us to rediscover ancient objects from the cellars, and use aspects of the property as decoration. For example, we cleaned up vintage wine barrels to arrange along the aisle for the ceremony. We used lemons from our Italian garden to make a grand entrance for the venue, and we even made up a miniature garden kitchen for a buffet! To complement the style of this wonderful couple, we selected some suppliers of whom we believed to be “outside of the box”. Therefore, instead of a mainstream graphic image for their ceremony booklet, we hired a notorious sketch artist from Malta to draw the cedar of Lebanon we have in the garden, as this was the selected area for the ceremony. Also, we wanted the flower décor to fit the aesthetics of which the couple were striving for - so, instead of going with a familiar supplier, we appointed a florist from Florence, who makes décors for many Florentine families. Small touches with a lot of character! ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? One of the most beautiful things about this event was that there was no need to show off with flashy, expensive decorations because everything was already wonderful.

Scan here Find out more: corsinievents.com/en/wedding-andcelebrations/ @corsini.events_group

Wisconsin WISCONSIN, USA

BARNYARD BLISS SUPPLIED BY THE ENCHANTED BARN

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“Our hearts were so full of love.”

Nina & Isaac

Said their ‘I do’s’ surrounded by vibrant, autumnal scenery in a 19th century farm… With cattle roaming free over the pastures and the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s countryside as a backdrop, Nina and Isaac’s stunning ceremony glowed in the autumn light. They opted for a September wedding, when the temperature had cooled but the flowers were still blooming from the summer, in order to make the most out of the natural decoration of midwestern America at that time of year. Aiming for as much of a close-knit ceremony as they could, the couple decided on 140 special guests - a combination of their large families on both sides and closest friends. “Choosing who was and was not invited was difficult for us, but we wanted our wedding to be as intimate as possible,” the bride explains. From the bride being able to spend time with her mother, sister and bridesmaids in the morning, to her father crying bittersweet tears while walking her down the aisle, the couple’s tough guest list decisions paid off during the emotional, heartfelt ceremony. Nature’s palette of pine trees and cloudy skies was reflected in the décor chosen for the

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THE DREAM TEAM VENUE: The Enchanted Barn EVENT COORDINATOR: Rebekah Bjelland FLOWERS: Cindy Moll & Jennifer Joyce Design PHOTOGRAPHER: Narvold Photography DESSERT: Angel Food Bakery CHAIRS: The Seatery LLC MARQUEE: LETTERS: Alpha Lit DRESS: Amsale Kier SUIT: Indochino DJ: AMP entertainment OFFICIANT: Pastor Erik Collins Eaglebrook Church Minnesota SHUTTLE: Pulse Party Bus

Wisconsin

ceremony - the deep greens of the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmens' ties, paired with pristine whites of the bride’s dress and rose bouquets scattered around the venue. The moody autumnal ambiance of Wisconsin enhanced the rustic charm of the Enchanted Barn, providing the perfect setting for their fall wedding. “The Enchanted Barn was a beautiful location,” glows the bride. “It's private and surrounded by rows of trees that are beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow around that time.” Dreamy string lights draped over the reformed dairy farm twinkled beneath the clouds and the flourishing native greenery of the countryside bloomed around the bride and groom’s special day. The bride was breathtaking in her Amsale Kier dress - it had sheer, flowing sleeves adorned with floral embellishments and a flattering trumpet style. “Wearing my dress on our wedding day felt perfect… I felt beautiful,” smiles bride Nina. Specially-curated playlists of rock and roll, alternative and country drifted through every segment of the wedding, with guests and the couple alike dancing around the 19th-century barn all night long. Although it was important for the bride and groom to spend time with their favourite people, they also made sure to take a moment for themselves to be alone during the hustle and bustle of the wedding. “The most special part of the day was when Isaac and I had our first look before the ceremony,” the bride remembers. After waiting to see each other all day, they hugged within the magical forest scenery with pine needles and moss beneath their feet. Tears streaming down their faces, all of the anticipation of the day melted off of them. In that moment, it was just them and the woods the perfect start to their new, married life together.

“When we were getting ready, I had butterflies in my stomach…”

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THE ENCHANTED BARN

e spoke with The Enchanted Barn, a charming venue in western Wisconsin, all about their motto, their team, and what makes them stand out from the rest. Read our conversation below to find out all about their many amenities and options, and an example wedding day including some of their favourite activities. TELL US ABOUT YOUR VENUE AND LOCATION The Enchanted Barn is the ultimate wedding destination for unique charm, rustic style and elegant, luxurious details. We have transformed a century-old Wisconsin dairy farm into an awardwinning space that will have your guests asking, “How did you ever find this place?!”

If you choose to hold your ceremony in the Hayloft, guests are welcomed by greeters or ushers, and directed down to the Milking Parlor. Friendly bartenders are ready to pour signature cocktails and guests are free to mingle on the patios, relax in the Glass Barn, or enjoy yard games. Pizzas will start to flow about half an hour after your ceremony ends until your guests are satisfied, and you can choose to add in any of our delicious appetizers, served in the parlor and available immediately following the ceremony. Dessert and fresh coffee are set up in the lower level, gladly taken care of by our staff. After enjoying dessert and coffee, guests will head back up to the Hayloft for speeches and toasts, and dancing the night away!

The Enchanted Barn takes pride in attention to details that make your wedding like no other. Our motto is: “Show up, and get married!”... We take care of the rest! Your wedding will be fully staffed by the incredible team at The Enchanted Barn, including security, servers, bartenders, and a coordinator that will work closely with you to bring the vision you have for your wedding day to life. WHY SHOULD COUPLES MARRY AT YOUR VENUE? Our mission is to provide an atmosphere like no other for every event, and to ensure seamless service that allows clients to actually experience the memories being made, instead of worrying about small details. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDINGS DO YOU OFFER TO COUPLES? Our Garden Party theme was created to satisfy those looking for a casual yet refined atmosphere in which they can spend quality time with all of their guests. Catering for this event is centered around our Marra Forni pizza oven, a unique and delicious option providing artisan pizzas crafted by our master chefs. This popular option is designed to have seating throughout the venue, opting out of a formal dinner set up and no head table... Think ‘no seating charts’! This is the perfect opportunity for mingling, while your guests enjoy delicious food, play yard games and fully enjoy the ambiance of the day. We can happily host 220 guests during warmer months and 100 during the winter months. The barn is insulated, heated and even has in-floor heat! WHERE CAN COUPLES GET MARRIED? Here is an example set-up of a wedding day at The Enchanted Barn consisting of just a few of our many customisable options… 184

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Scan here Find out more: theenchantedbarn.com @theenchantedbarn

Yucatan YUCATAN, MEXICO

TROPICAL HIDEAWAY SUPPLIED BY YUCATAN LOVE

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Lauren & Sanjit

Held a romantic, lantern-lit ceremony in the midst of verdant vegetation and lush summer heat… Hidden in the flourishing, rich greenery of Yucatan’s wilderness, Lauren and Sanjit’s gorgeous wedding took place under the tropical sun and a clear, blue sky. With 115 guests - a mix of their family and friends, who travelled from the States to be a part of the couple’s special day - the bride and groom celebrated their love in front of the most important people in their lives. “We wanted a relaxed feel, surrounded by nature in a tropical environment,” the bride explains. “Inviting all of our favourite people really helped this dream come true.” The ceremony itself took place in a sundrenched opening between native, Mexican trees, in front of an arch of vibrant leaves and jungle flowers. Charming wooden chairs and stunning Persian rugs lining the aisle enhanced the wedding’s fairytale ambience, decorated with fan palm leaves… “Having our wedding in Yucatan was such a unique experience for us,” gushes the bride. “It was truly the best decision

“We are still completely high from the magic of our wedding!”

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THE DREAM TEAM PLANNER: Yucatan Love VENUE: Hacienda Sac Chich PHOTOGRAPHER: Cuarto Azul HAIR/MAKE-UP: Believe Your Beauty DECOR: Minimal 4.0 CATERER: Bravo Catering MIXOLOGY: Tahiti Mixology OPEN BAR: Vinos Diso AUDIO/ LIGHTING: Secosur FIREWORKS: Arpisu CAKE: Poch Merengue TRANSPORT: LM Transportadora WINE: Casa de Leyendas

Yucatan

ever!” The pair settled on a palette of deep reds, greens and browns - the warm colours harmonising beautifully with the venue’s own furniture and floral décor, bringing out the nature surrounding them. During the ceremony, bride Lauren looked regal in a coral sari - beautiful, traditional jewellery, such as her stunning maang tikka, adding to her glamorous glow. Groom Sanjit was dapper in his deep blue suit - pops of colour in his fun tie and exotic boutonnière adding splashes of personality to his look. The bride later looked enchanting in her slip dress - a flowing, floral-embroidered overlay giving a bohemian feel and fitting in seamlessly with the ceremony’s decoration - paired with dainty jewellery and a picture perfect up-do. Prior to the relaxed aura of their wedding day, the couple’s preparation process was also a seamless, calm experience. Not having to travel the far distance for any of the planning, all was instead handled with ease remotely - allowing the bride and groom to focus on each other, and their excitement for the wedding to come. “The quality, professionalism, imagination, and work ethic of every vendor was unrivalled!” With every aspect of their dream day falling into place, the lovely couple celebrated with minimal stresses or worries. The soft glow of string lights reflecting against palm trees, and the tropical table décor looking like something straight out of a Disney film, Lauren and Sanjit shared a wedding fit for celebrities! A Champagne tower, churros, fireworks, and an open bar were just a few of the many details incorporated into their special day - their guests able to mingle, enjoy delicious food, and make once-in-a-lifetime memories with the people they care about most. Although this is just the beginning of their journey together, the bride and groom won’t be forgetting their magical, bliss-filled day any time soon.

“Our guests continue to say it felt like a movie star event…”

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YUCATAN LOVE We spoke with Yucatan Love, a wedding planning company based in Yucatan, Mexico, and found out all about their process, values, and beautiful locations for the special weddings they create. Read our conversation to discover more about what they believe is important when planning a wedding, and every other aspect of which they take into consideration… TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY We at Yucatan Love are a wedding planning business, specialising in destination weddings. We plan weddings and events all over the state of Yucatan, as well as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Holbox and Tulum. We are a team of fifteen people - each and every one of us bringing something special and individual to the planning process, but all sharing equal enjoyment and passion for it at the same time. We love creating and sharing all of what Yucatan has to offer to the world, whilst also celebrating something as special as LOVE! WHERE ARE YOU BASED? We are based on the capital city of Yucatan: Mérida. WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT MARRYING IN YOUR LOCATION?

We know a lot of beautiful places that represent the special aspects of Yucatan’s culture and traditions. Each one has a magical, fascinating aura to them, and makes you feel as though you have been transported back in time, whilst also in an unburstable bubble of your own joyous day.

As it was the beginning of summer, we wanted to go with a tropical style, to take advantage of the vegetation at the hacienda that flourishes with this season. ONE BEAUTIFUL MEMORY OF THIS WEDDING? For the ceremony, we held two different types: the first one was a traditional ceremony, a beautiful moment of sharing the rings and heartfelt vows. The second one was a Hindu ceremony, where we followed the requirements of the groom’s family - including a specific type of music for different moments, and other required elements. Seeing how the bride completely transformed her outfit in ten minutes between the ceremonies, and the whole atmoshpere shifting to such a joyful and unexpected moment… We have no words to express exactly how it felt - only that it is a moment we will remember forever.

TELL US ABOUT THIS FEATURED WEDDING It was one of our most special weddings of this year! We planned it in a such short amount of time, and we were really happy with the result! We made sure to represent a combination of the culture of the couple and guests, and also give it that traditional Mexican aspect of the venue. We loved the tropical combination of colours, and how - even when thinking back to it now - we can feel all of the joy the guests felt, and exactly what it was like to be a part of that special moment in time. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? TELL US ABOUT THE STYLE AND PLANNING PROCESS… We were inspired by the couple - through what they were hoping for, their personalities, what they most liked about the venue… We thought about all of these aspects, and how we could really bring their favourite features out while creating something even more beautiful.

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Scan here Find out more: yucatanlove.com/ @yucatanlove_weddings

...Here's to a lifetime of love!

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+1 901.979.4505

IVORY.OAK

P HOTO C REDIT: BELLA LUCA PHOTOGRAPHY

® EVENT PLANNING

Blame Her Ranch OUTSIDE SANTA FE, NM

Where She’s Never Wrong 575-421-0128 www.blameherranch.com

The Matterhorn

as your best man and the stars as your

maids of honour

Feel like celebrating at your best friend’s place This is THE OMNIA

THE OMNIA, Zermatt – Switzerland, Phone +41 27 966 71 71, www.the-omnia.com