#realchicbride Claudia in Berta
#realchicbride Claudia Johnsen dishes on her love story, wedding, engagement, etc!
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Aiden and I met during law school at The University of Texas School of Law in 2019.
We crossed paths during 1L oral arguments. Aiden had just finished his shift as “judge” for the day when I walked in. I overheard him discussing travel plans to Madrid and chimed in to offer some recommendations, but Aiden claims he could not hear a word over the sound of “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, which he swears mysteriously started playing when he saw me. Nonetheless, Aiden pulled it together and we exchanged contact info so we could “talk about Madrid.”
Aside from the rich saxophonic melody and visible sparks flying around the room, it was a casual first encounter. Even so, we were mutually enamored and later admitted to texting our friends about it shortly afterwards.
Not long after, Aiden and I began having “study” dates, which inevitably evolved into “real” dates. We quickly became inseparable. Side-by-side, we traveled to 12 different countries, graduated law school, and moved in together in Houston, TX.
A little over two years after we met, we planned a bar trip to Santorini, Greece after I passed the bar exam. Unbeknownst to me, Aiden had other motives. On our second day in Santorini, we discovered an unbelievable sunset spot on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, totally secluded from everyone else on the island. I was standing there taking in a mesmerizing sunset when I heard Aiden say, “Claudia.” I turned around and saw Aiden on one knee holding up the prettiest diamond I’ve ever seen.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I always envisioned an outdoor wedding with ocean views. I wanted the setting to be romantic with lots of natural beauty and minimalist décor. I think our wedding was just that! We chose Son Marroig because of its impressive ocean views and architecture.
We highlighted the romantic nature of the venue by adding lots of candles to our “alfresco” reception. I decided on all white florals, mainly roses, because of their elegant and timeless feel. My floral arrangements reflected the minimalist look I wanted, allowing the venue’s breathtaking natural landscape to be the focal point. The rolling mountains, the piercing blue Mediterranean sea, the lush gardens, and the venue’s striking marble and Spanish stone already provided the perfect setting.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We wanted to showcase the union of two cultures—I’m Cuban, and Aiden is from the U.S. We made sure our ceremony and speeches incorporated both English and Spanish, while also highlighting the common values we share. We also wanted to showcase some of the reasons why we fell in love with Spain, such as its amazing cuisine and music. To do this, we hired a Michelin star caterer and a Spanish guitarist who played during the cocktail hour.
How did you decide on the location?
I always dreamed of having a destination wedding, and Aiden supported that. Shortly after Aiden proposed, we started looking at venues in some of our favorite countries. We decided on Spain partly because of how much Son Marroig impressed us, but also because Spain is where we fell in love. Aiden studied abroad in Madrid during the early stages of our relationship, and I visited him so much that several people thought I studied abroad there too!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I always pictured myself in a lace fitted wedding gown. I became obsessed with a Berta Privee dress I had seen on Instagram. I searched endlessly for boutiques in Miami and Houston that carried the dress. I finally found it at Chic Parisien and made an appointment to try on that particular dress. The day of my appointment, my amazing stylist, Katie, pulled out a few Berta dresses for me to try, including the one I had specifically gone to see. As soon as she put it on me, I knew it wasn’t the dress for me.
We tried around three other dresses, but I knew none of them were “the one.” However, we still had one more dress to try from the options Katie had pulled. When I saw that final dress on the hanger, I did not have a positive first impression. I told Katie I probably was not going to like it, but she insisted I should try it on anyway. I did. Before it was zipped up all the way, I knew it was the dress for me!
My grandmother, mother, and sister all agreed and were in awe of the dress. Every detail of the lace was breathtaking. The neckline was immaculate. I loved that it had delicate straps. The long train was everything I had dreamed of but even better. The dress was nude but not see through, and the bow that sits around the waist was the perfect finishing touch. I instantly pictured myself walking down the Son Marroig aisle in this flawless Berta dress. It was perfect.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My family played a large role throughout the wedding planning and wedding day. They supported me every step of the way. Both my parents and Aiden’s even traveled with us to Mallorca in October for our food tasting and venue walkthrough.
My sister and Maid of Honor, Elizabeth, played a huge role through it all. She took her crafting skills to the next level and made all of the stationary. I bounced off every idea I had on her. On my wedding day, she decorated my “getting ready” suite, and along with my Matron of Honor, Laura, ensured I was taken care of and without a worry the entire day.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget?
I will never forget the moment Aiden and I first saw each other as I walked down the aisle. The day was sunny, 70 degrees, and gorgeous as I approached the edge of the cliff where Aiden was waiting. All I could focus on was Aiden. He looked at me with a tender smile and sparkly blue eyes that made me feel so special. In that moment, I knew he was as happy as I was.
At the same time, seeing the happiness of all our closest friends and family is a memory I will forever hold dear to my heart. Each of them traveled long and far to share that moment with us, and I am eternally grateful.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted my hair and makeup look to be classic and elegant, so I decided on a texturized updo and soft glam that complemented my natural features.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
All of our vendors were absolutely amazing! In particular, my hair and makeup artist, Lucia Zima, was a gem to work with. She understood exactly what I wanted from our very first meeting and worked on accentuating my best features while at the same time maintaining a timeless natural look. Our catering team, Catering Marc Fosh, was also phenomenal! From the hors d'oeuvre at the cocktail hour to our midnight snacks, the food was incredible and our guests are still raving about it. Lastly, I want everyone to know about the sax player, Ramon Riera, and the DJ, Marc Oliver, who took our party to the next level during the reception. They were unbelievable, and no one left the dance floor all night!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
For our honeymoon, we went to Italy (Tuscany, Sicily, and Sardinia). Each place was unique and amazing, but Sardinia may have been the favorite. One highlight was renting a yacht that took us on a breathtaking journey in the Mediterranean. We spent all day jumping in the crystal clear waters of La Maddalena and sunbathing on the beautiful boat while sipping prosecco. It was magical.
CREDITS
• Photo: @miguel.arranz.weddings
• Makeup & Hair: @zima_mua
• Catering: @cateringmarcfosh
• Music: @lomusic.es
• Sax: @ramonrieramusic
• DJ: @djmarcoliver
•WP: @mc.eventplanner @nakar.events
•Decor: @enesencia_decora @exclusive4events
• Video: @alexandra_timelessweddings
• Venue: @son_marroig
Real Bride Amanda In Lazaro Will Make Your Heart Flutter
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Joche and I met while we were both first year graduate students at Harvard Business School in 2019. Joche was surprised to find out that one of his classmates was the family behind his local favorite ice cream store back in Miami, Whip ’N Dip Ice Cream Shoppe. That was enough to peak his interests.
It wasn’t until we both returned home to Florida to finish out our second semester of business school remotely due to the pandemic, where our love story really got sweeter ;). A few trips to the most remote of locations, mixed with surprise plant and ice cream deliveries, not even a year later Joche got down on one knee in front of the place that brought us together, Whip ’N Dip, and asked me to marry him the morning of a party we had planned for our joint graduation from business school.
All of our family and close friends were coming in town for the party. It was extra special to share this moment with everyone. We quickly forgot that we were graduating and the party turned into an engagement party surrounded by our closest family and friends.
How did you decide on the location?
At the start of wedding planning, Joche and I thought we wanted a destination wedding. We looked into a few locations, including Harbor Island in the Bahamas, Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, and Steamboat Springs in Colorado. We even set a date in one of these locations for September of 2023, which would have led to a year and a half engagement. A few weeks after making that decision, we decided that life was too short and precious to not get married sooner.
The location that felt most like “Joche and I” was right in front of us, in the backyard of Joche’s parents house, in beautiful Coral Gables, Florida. We cut our engagement time in half, called Elle from Events by Elle, and before we knew it, we were getting married in 6 short months.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
With little time to waste, we immediately threw ourselves into wedding planning. We envisioned an intimate, romantic, and whimsical backyard wedding celebration. The final result was more than we could have ever imagined.
At the center of it all was the butterfly, which we featured little hints of throughout the night. We wanted our guests to feel like they were transported to a charming and magical garden. To complement the butterflies, we went with white and blush florals that had splashes of deeper peach and coral tones. We then balanced our florals with the natural beauty of South Florida vegetation. We had a clear tent that was surrounded by palms, monsterras, golden photos, and bouganvillias. At the center of the tent was a circular bar where we hung an installation of butterflies intertwined with greenery, which when combined with the twinkling of the butterfly and bistro lights lining the top of the tent, gave an illusion of dining under the stars in a butterfly greenhouse. Towards the end of the night, we surprised our guests during the la Hora Loca, or “the crazy hour”, with confetti in the shape of butterflies. It was simply magical.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
Butterflies. Butterflies have always been special to me. My grandmother had everything you could imagine in some butterfly form, be it earrings, broches, purses, linens, or art. We wanted butterflies to be subtly present throughout the wedding to represent her and all the other family members who were no longer with us to celebrate. Butterflies also carry this symbol of transformation, rebirth, and change. They are a reminder of how delicate and short life is. Joche and I are constantly reminding ourselves of this and it was for this reason that we decided to push our wedding up by almost a year.
We of course had to include the thing that brought us together in the first place, Whip ‘N Dip ice cream, in our wedding celebration. Whip ‘N Dip holds a special place in my family's heart and it was so fun to share it on our wedding day with so many friends and family who grew up going to this ice cream store. We served two special flavors for the wedding, a ‘his’ and ‘her’ favorite. I chose a chocolate based ice cream, with strawberry and fudge swirled throughout. My favorite. For Joche’s ice cream, we served “Cookies and Dreams”, which was our take on cookies and cream ice cream but with marshmallows added.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I always imagined the dress I would wear would be very simple, with no lace, jewels, or embellishments. I knew I wanted a ball gown or A-line silhouette, with a long train and cathedral style veil that would fill Epiphany Church as I walked down the aisle. I also wanted to find a dress and add a slight twist to it to make it my own.
Little by little, I started falling in love with the delicateness of floral appliques on the dresses I was seeing. It was the second dress that I tried on at Chic Parisien when I got the feeling that everyone says you get when you find your dress.
When I tried on the Lazaro Estee dress, it was everything I imagined and more. The Estee dress felt delicate and dainty with floral appliques covering the dress from the corset top all the way down its long ball gown skirt and train. It had a peplum style skirt overlay that was made entirely of tulle and organza, giving it a ton of movement and volume.
The dress had one section of the front skirt that fell below the peplum overlay, that had no appliques. It was an empty space of tulle that felt like an open canvas. To make it my own, we worked with the team at Chic Parisien to cut out and hand sew individual appliques of extra fabric we ordered from Lazaro, to the entire bottom of the dress to fill what was the empty tulle portion of the skirt. The floral qpplique looked as if it was climbing up the dress and disappeared under the peplum overlay.
I can’t thank the Chic Parisien team enough for helping me make this dress a one of a kind.
I wore a headpiece as my “something borrowed” that was designed for my husband’s cousin for her wedding by Eva Hidalgo. The headpiece had three flowers made with crystals that sat right over my low, rose-shaped ballerina bun. This was a last-minute addition that ended up bringing the entire dress and jewelry together. It was simply perfect.
For jewelry, as my “something old”, I wore my husband's grandmother's diamond and pearl drop earrings. I chose to wear no necklace since the earrings were large and the dress was so intricate. Instead, I wore a very dainty Tiffany bracelet that my husband gifted me on our wedding day. It held two Tiffany “T’s” that formed the shape of a cross, symbolizing our desire to put God at the center of our marriage and the start of my journey as a new Catholic.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
I could never thank my family and friends enough for all their love and support throughout the wedding planning! From my sister planning the most spectacular bachelorette party in Casa de Campo, to my now aunt throwing an “Almalfi Coast” style bridal shower, to my other Aunt who planned a rager of a tropical welcome party the night before the wedding, to my mom traveling back and forth to attend all of my fittings and listening to my frantic wedding phone calls every night, all the way to my mother-in-law who graciously helped me through every minor detail of the planning with open arms, I would do it all again and again in a heartbeat. I feel like the luckiest girl to be surrounded by the best family and friends!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
Oh my, there are so many memories. I will never forget the moments leading up to walking through the church doors with my dad. Elle, our wedding planner, was in front of me awaiting to open the doors to the church. She turned to me and said “From this moment on, the night will fly by. Take it in.” And from there, the doors opened, my dad was on my right arm, and the light casting over us felt magical. I saw Joche at the end of the aisle, and suddenly nothing else mattered.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Daniela Gozlan and Duber made choosing my makeup and hair easy. I do not usually wear a lot of make-up, so I wanted very natural, champagne, and light tones around my eyes. For hair, Duber took my ballerina bun to the next level, twisting and pinning my hair into the shape of a rose that really couldn’t have been more unique and perfect for the dress and headpiece. Daniela is the coolest and sweetest artist around, and her entire team is so talented.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Oh my, this is hard. I loved them all. Our wedding wouldn’t have turned out the way it did without the Events by Elle team. They worked with us day in and day out to pull our wedding together on a very short timeline. They are more than a wedding planning team, they are family. I miss them dearly now that wedding planning is over.
Merari, our photographer, was one of the best decisions we made for the wedding. She is so talented at what she does. Both my husband and I are camera shy, but she makes you feel so comfortable and confident. She effortlessly captures the tone of the wedding. Looking through our photos takes me right back to that day. I still remember her arriving to the house the morning of the wedding and giving me the biggest hug. My nerves for the day ahead instantly vanished.
I also can’t thank Mary Gonzalez enough for all she did for me that day! She stayed by my side the entire day and night, ensuring that my dress was always looking its best and that my nerves were put aside. There was one moment when I accidentally stepped on my dress and with my other foot managed to punch a hole through the front of the dress before the ceremony had even started. Minutes before the ceremony, Mary was there with me and my dad in the bridal car, sewing up the hole. She seamlessly sewed it back to where you would never know that I had put a hole in the dress.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
Joche and I did the best of both worlds for our honeymoon. We spent the first half skiing in Jackson Hole. We stayed at the Amangiri, which provided us with equal parts adventure and pamper. We skiied, snowmobiled, fat tire biked, and saw all sorts of wildlife, including Big Horn Sheep and Moose. For the second part of the honeymoon, we adventured south to Mexico! We stayed at Rosewood’s Las Ventanas al Paraiso in San Jose del Cabo. We ate some of the best food, hiked the desert, lay on the beach, and adventured up the coast to Todos Santos, where we stayed on a farm for a few evenings. It was spectacular.
Credits
Wedding Planner: Events by Elle
Photographer: Merari
Videographer: PS Photo & Films
Hair and Makeup: Daniela Gozlan
Wedding Dress Bouqitue: Chic Parisien
Wedding Dress Designer: Lazaro
Second Dress Designer: Filomena Fernandez
Florals: A Lavish Design
Catering: Mena Catering
Invites and Stationary: After Awhile Crocodile
Band/DJ: Tropics Entertainment
A Studio Session with Daniela in Berta (and a very special guest star!)
The very talented Adriana Rivera (@adriana.rivera.miranda) photographed her gorgeous sister on her wedding day in her studio - the combination is something so special, so chic! Beautiful #realchicbride Daniela wears a stunning Berta wedding dress and her more than adorable pup makes an appearance as a ring bearer!
Check out more of Adriana’s work here.
All the Details About Real Chic Bride Adriana's Miami Wedding Wearing Ines Di Santo
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal? Agustin and I met at Barracuda's on an ordinary Friday night. He bumped into a former co-worker while she was on her way to the same birthday party I was attending. He bought me tacos and I was smitten from that moment on. On our second date he told me he was moving to New York City for work in a couple weeks. He invited me to visit him right after his move, and like a crazy person, I did. We were long distance for 7 months until he came to visit for Fourth of July. We rented a room at The Standard in Miami Beach and proposed to me in the garden. The next day our families met us for brunch.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? I'm a wedding planner so I've had lots of time to see what I love and don't love about weddings. We wanted it to be fun and relaxed. We didn't really care for all the traditions or formalities. Our focus was on getting married in front of our family and closest friends and that's just what we did! We originally planned to get married at The Confidante in Miami Beach in April, and when things shut down in March, all of those plans went out the window. The only things I kept were my florists, photographers, dress and our song for the first dance. Everything else was scrapped! We initially pushed it to August 1 but quickly realized things weren't getting any better. So I called everyone up and shared our new plans for a ceremony and champagne toast at my mom's house on June 27. Definitely wasn't my best or most organized moment, but it worked! There was so much chaos in those moments and I felt guilty for caring about my wedding when so many other things were going on! Our main goal was to keep everyone safe and comfortable so we asked everyone to wear masks and we kept things outdoors. It was nothing like what we originally planned, but I honestly think it was my husband's dream wedding! And looking back, mine too!
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? Our one and only priority was making our guests feel relaxed. We wanted it to be a no-fuss event with our closest friends and family. It helped us focus on what was really important and not get lost in the day or in the planning process.
How did you decide on the location? I loved the vibe of our original venue because it had a lounge feel versus the traditional ballroom. But with the pandemic, we had to reassess what we wanted. I always dreamed of getting married at my mom's house and was so relieved when I got my mom's blessing to host our microwedding at her house!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets! I think I was most obsessed with finding my dress over any other part of the wedding planning process. It was the beautiful Starling by Ines DiSanto. I always thought I'd wear a ballgown and had already selected another dress when I went to try it on. My mom and bridesmaids gasped when I put it on and I knew there was something special about it. I'm so happy I went with that dress, especially since we ended up having a completely different wedding venue!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? My mom was pivotal through the whole process. Without her house, we wouldn't have been able to have the kind of event we did. Even before that, she did everything with me and helped me make almost all of the decisions. My brother became a baker during quarantine and offered to make the key lime pie shooters we served as a sweet treat. Agustin's best friend officiated our ceremony and his dad and my nephew read. We only had those that were nearest and dearest to us on that day which made it all the more special.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget. The masks, haha! Never in a million years did I think I'd walk down the aisle to a crowd of masked loved ones.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? I based my look off my dress. I wanted to keep things simple and classic with just a hint of glam. I love a good low bun and a natural makeup look so that's what I went with.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? The FloraBuds and The Cardonas. They were so patient with me. I changed things on them almost daily and they were down for the ride the entire way.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? We plan to go to Italy for a couple weeks once normal life resumes. We don't have anything locked in just yet, but the plan is to rent a villa in an Italian town and eat lots of pasta and drink lots of wine.
A Polo Moment at a Vineyard Wedding (Rebekah Wears Muse by Berta!)
#realchicbride Rebekah wore Berta to her wedding - AT HER (NOW) HUSBAND’S VINEYARD! I mean, talk about dreamy. The polo player met her husband when she was hired to help him with the launch of the vineyard and the rest is history.
Her gorgeous Muse by Berta gown looked positively stunning against a backdrop of majestic friends!
Scroll to the bottom for credits.
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
I MET MY HUSBAND AT GREENHILL WINERY IN MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA. HE HAD JUST PURCHASED IT, AND I WAS HIRED TO HELP LAUNCH THE BUSINESS. FOUR YEARS LATER, HE PROPOSED BY SURPRISING ME WITH A MINIATURE HORSE AND EQUESTRIAN INSPIRED RING (WE ARE HORSE OWNERS AND FANS!)
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
IT WAS A DECEMBER WEDDING, SO I ENVISIONED A WINTER WONDERLAND THEME. IT REALLY WAS A WONDERLAND! WE HAD WHITE FAUX FUR WALLS, WHITE FLOORS, FAUX FUR CUSHIONS AND COZY COUCHES, A PEGASUS ICE SCULPTURE, A HOT DRINKS BAR, AND CHRISTMAS TREES EVERYWHERE. THE WEDDING PARTY WORE WHITE, SPARKLES, AND ICE BLUE TONES.
How did you decide on the location?
THE RECEPTION LOCATION WAS AT GREENHILL WINERY, THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL STARTED.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I PURCHASED THE "BRIDGET" DRESS FROM MUSE BY BERTA'S SICILY COLLECTION. I ENDED UP REMOVING THE FLUTTER SLEEVES, BUT I JUST LOVED THE BODICE AND HOW IT MOVED. THE TRAIN AND LENGTH WERE BOTH PERFECT FOR WALKING AND TWIRLING WHILE STILL BEING ELEGANT.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
MY BEST FRIEND AND MATRON OF HONOR CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF A WINTER WONDERLAND WEDDING, SHE HELPED ME A LOT WITH IDEAS. THE BRIDESMAIDS CHOSE THEIR OWN DRESSES, STICKING TO A SILVER AND ICE BLUE THEME.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
I WILL NEVER FORGET WHEN MY HUSBAND, DAVID, REQUESTED THE BAND TO PLAY METALLICA. AND THEY DID. WE HAVE THE BEST PICTURE OF HIM SINGING FROM THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS WITH HIS HANDS IN THE AIR.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I WENT BY MUSE BY BERTA'S SICILY INSPIRED LOOK. A LOW BUN, HAIR TENDRILS, HOOP EARRINGS, AND A GLOWY MAKEUP LOOK.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
GOSH, THEY WERE ALL AMAZING! I LOVE EVERY VENDOR. THE PASTRY CHEF MADE A TOWER OF BOMOBLINI'S WITH SUGAR ICICLES AND A DUSTING OF POWDERED SUGAR, SO I DO THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THAT IF YOU WANT A TOWER OF SNOWBALLS TO EAT AT YOUR NEXT EVENT, IT CAN BE DONE!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
WE WENT TO THE CARIBBEAN. THE BEST PART WAS MY HUSBAND FLYING US AROUND IN HIS PLANE, WE GOT TO THE BEAUTY OF THE ISLANDS FROM THE AIR.
Rebekah Greenhill @ rebekahpolo
Photographer Abby Ballin @aballinphoto
Hair & Makeup Michelle Lelia @ makeupbymichellelelia
Dress Berta
La Vita e Bella in Capri! A #realchicbride wears Berta at her swoony Italian wedding.
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Mike and I met in Miami through a mutual friend I went to college with. I had been living in Miami for eight years at the time and was ready for a new experience. I had decided I would move to NYC to be closer to friends and family but hit it off with Mike a month before I was scheduled to move. I followed my gut and put my move on hold and it ended up being one of my best decisions to date.
Mike proposed about three years later when we were visiting my family in Rhode Island one summer weekend. We were running towards my favorite lookout spot over the beach and once we got to a bench there he faked a leg cramp. Next thing I knew he was down on one knee!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
To be honest, I actually had no idea what I envisioned for our wedding when we first got engaged. We were open to everywhere from Miami where we live to Rhode Island where I grew up and Mike has family, and finally ended up choosing Italy. Once we got our planner (Federica Nascimben with the Italian Wedding Event – she was fantastic) – everything kind of happened organically and she really helped us shape our vision.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We realized everyone would be taking a long trek to get to Capri (not the easiest little island to travel to) so we wanted our wedding to be super stress-free and just straight fun for everyone making the trip. That helped us prioritize having enough transportation and bars that no one was ever waiting for a ride or a drink the whole weekend!
How did you decide on the location?
Initially, we were trying to plan a wedding in Miami as we both live here and a lot of our friends do as well. It started becoming really stressful and I was having a hard time finding a venue that I loved enough to have it be super special and memorable.
Mike and I have always loved traveling and after a long conversation venting to one of my best friends about venue options, one night realized that a destination wedding was such a better fit for us. Being that Mike and I are both from Italian families and it’s one of our favorite places, we initially decided on Portofino as we had vacationed there the summer before and had such an amazing time. Federica, our planner, convinced us to look at Southern Italy after discussing the things that were important to us and really sold me on this “magical ocean location that was not your typical wedding venue.” That got me from the start and even looking at pictures of Lido Del Faro did not prepare me for how beautiful it was in person (which I didn’t see until the day I walked down the aisle)! I’ve always loved the ocean and was way more into cliffside beach club vibes than a more formal hotel-type setting.
The locations for the welcome party and brunch the day after were at Capri Palace and Il Ricco which Mike picked and they were just as incredible. And the best part about Italy was obviously that the food was insane at every venue!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I think out of most every detail of my wedding the dress was the only one I was sure of from the very beginning! I’ve never been one to fantasize about a wedding growing up or look at wedding dresses, but I stumbled across Berta dresses on Instagram a few months before we got engaged. I actually have a picture of my dress in my phone from before we got engaged because I thought it was so different and beautiful. The week after I got engaged, being super excited and already thinking about trunk shows, I called Chic Parisien after finding out they were the only Miami bridal store that carried Berta to make an appointment for a trunk show I saw they were having a few months later. The lady on the phone told me that they were having the last trunk show of the 2018 F/W dresses the following weekend and why don’t I just come in then to try some on. I swore up and down I would not be buying a dress as I had gotten engaged about two weeks earlier at the time but once I tried this dress on it was a done deal.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Luckily both our families were super excited once we decided on Italy and were very supportive during all the planning. That being said, I did easily figure out that while I am normally very indecisive and like to ask others’ opinions, for your wedding you really do just want to do what you and your husband want and I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by not taking their recommendations. For that reason, I mostly kept the planning between me, Mike and our planner.
On the day of the wedding, we both got ready and spent the day preparing with family and friends, and I also chose my parents’ wedding song to walk down the aisle to.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
That we all ended up in the pool at the venue for a pool party at the end of the night because it was so hot from all the dancing! Also, that I got my husband dance for the first (and probably last time) and I think he actually enjoyed himself!!!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I thought I knew what I wanted for both our welcome reception and the wedding (I experimented a few times during fittings to test out some different looks) but I changed both looks the day of with the hair and makeup team. I have to admit that’s mostly due to the heat because didn’t want to deal with any sort of down hairdo or pieces when it was so hot. It ended up being a great decision because we were all dripping sweat during the ceremony!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
I’m going to have to mention two. My photographer, Evan Rich Photography, I discovered when I was looking for venues in Miami. He had an Italian shoot on his site and was also another inspiration for choosing Italy because his pictures made it look absolutely dreamy. I loved his work but unfortunately, he was booked on all the dates I was looking at in Miami. When we decided on Italy, I was thrilled he would be able to make it. He and his wife were so amazing in every step of the wedding day. They really helped streamline the day and took the most beautiful pictures I could have asked for. Also, Mike hates taking pictures normally and I’ve never seen his teeth so much from him smiling as in all our wedding pictures.
Also, DJ Fabio Vuotto!!! DJ Fabio is the Capri resident DJ and he played all the music for our ceremony, reception and the day after brunch. I didn’t give him any recommendations other than the songs we walked out to for our ceremony and our first dance/father daughter/mother son dances. I figured if he was that good I should just trust his vibe and music judgment for the crowd and he was such a hit.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We left straight from our wedding to Switzerland and toured the country over the next week from Zurich to Lucerne and ended in St. Moritz. We stayed at some beautiful hotels and took some amazing hikes and nature tours but the best part was being so well-rested by the time we returned home to Miami that I went straight into work the next day feeling like a million bucks! Switzerland was extremely relaxing which was very much needed after going straight from a bachelorette weekend in the Amalfi coast to the wedding week.
Photos by Evan Rich Photography
Dress by Berta from Chic Parisien
#realchicbride Alyssa in Berta Tells Us Her Love Story
When we saw the beautiful photos of Alyssa Lattizori’s wedding we knew we had to chat with her to hear a bit more about it! Luckily, she was happy to spill all the details about how she planned the wedding (by herself!), her love store and how she picked her perfect dress at Chic Parisien (a Berta!).
Tell us your love story! How did you meet? What was your journey to the proposal?
July 2015, I talked to a psychic who was highly recommended from friends. She told me that at the end of August, I was going to meet my soulmate and he would be THE ONE. She said he'd have dark hair and hazel green eyes, live in the same state but not the same city and would be in the same industry as me but different facets of it. She told me that work would mutually bring us to the same place maybe a convention of sorts, but we wouldn't meet at work - we'd meet at a social event affiliated with work. She told me to make sure I said 'yes' to everything and if I didn't meet him by fall that means I missed my chance.
August 31, 2015 I was at a Real Estate convention and saw this handsome man across the way! My girlfriend Jenna said, 'go say hi!' I was too nervous, and said 'If I'm supposed to meet him, I will." After dinner that night, saying 'yes' to grabbing one last drink at the hotel bar, Will happened to be there. We met, and the rest is history! I couldn't sleep that night and I texted my best friend Katie at 5:30am, "I think I met my soulmate the psychic was telling me about" Go figure, he also lived in Florida, had dark hair and hazel eyes and was in Commercial Real Estate while I'm in Residential. I still have the actual recording, all the other details she got right is pretty wild!
We talked about getting married 3 months after we met. Will proposed about a year later! We knew we were getting a puppy January 2018 but couldn't decide on a name. We both liked Rosie but Will was convinced we couldn't name her until we met her and made sure the name suited her. Dec 22, 2017 - Will came back from a work trip and told me last minute that his parents were coming down to visit that night before we left on a super early flight the next day to visit my family for Christmas. Assuming we both agreed our 10 day trip would be our gift to each other, I was surprised when he handed me a thin flat box, which he said "was just a little something." I opened it to find a new red dog color with a dog tag attached. Thinking how thoughtful it was he agreed to calling her Rosie and got her name engraved on the tag, I flipped it over and to my surprise I saw, "Marry Me" instead! I turned around to find him down on one knee. Of course I said yes! Even better we got to celebrate with his family that night and then mine in Connecticut!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I envisioned soft blush colors with pops of gold and navy accents. Super sweet, girly and classic. I just kept thinking blush, blush, blush. Thankfully I had some major rock star vendors and day-of coordinators that helped to make my vision a reality! Wouldn't have changed a thing.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
Will is not a dancer, so he was actually the one who decided we take dancing lessons and do a choreographed dance! He claimed that if we were going to dance in front of a bunch of people he wanted to at least look like he knew what he was doing and make it more interesting than swaying back and forth. It was a blast learning ballroom together!
I've always loved starfish and keep them in the front windows of our house. I wanted to incorporate them in a classic way, so we actually handmade all 135 starfish napkin rings! Loved having that little touch.
How did you decide on the location?
I was born and raised in a sleepy little seaside town outside of Mystic, CT. I've lived in Florida for about 8 years and it was so important to me to have the wedding where I grew up! It is SO beautiful in Connecticut (and definitely not as hot as FL!) So I am happy that Will agreed we could have it there.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Funny story about my dress! I've been OBSESSED with Berta gowns but wasn't totally sure what style I would end up wearing. Last minute, I saw that Berta was having a trunk show in Miami, and since my Mom was out of town and all my bridesmaids live out of state, I asked another good friend to just come with me so I could see the dresses and at least narrow down what shape I'd want to wear.
Go figure, about 5 dresses in, I try on THE dress. Bethany and I looked at each other and started to tear up. It was definitely my dress. BUT I was so upset my Mom wasn't with me! Being a pageant girl growing up, dress shopping was always something my Mom and I enjoyed doing together, never mind the fact that this was a once in a lifetime chance to try on wedding dresses!! Barbette at Chic Parisien was so sweet and said if I put a deposit down she would still honor the trunk show discount if I could get my Mom in there the next weekend. Thankfully it work out, and I was able to have her, Will's mom and sister there with me the next weekend, which we all agreed was THE dress, thankfully!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Since I was so clear on the vision of the wedding, I just dove in and did it all myself! A blessing and a curse. After managing all the vendors on my own, it was just too hard to delegate because I knew exactly what was already taken care of and what still needed to be done. I made sure to run everything by Will and the few times he spoke up and said a solid NO, I made sure to listen.
I utilized our families for tackling my DIY projects and basically was Etsy's number one customer for all custom signage and little details. It's amazing what you can find on the internet!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
At first I think - how I had dreamed about the moment I went to walk down the aisle for years and years. Literally envisioned ever little detail of it. Nora Jones, Come Away With Me, starts to play, when she starts singing in the song would be the moment I stepped out, everyone would stand.. etc etc. Well... didn't end up happening the way I had envisioned haha! My Brother and I step out after the bridal party walks, ready for my big moment anddddd the music doesn't play. We stood their awkwardly - wondering, do we just go?? Should we wait?? What felt like an eternity passed, and thank goodness the music finally played. BUT two steps in and... I feel my head tug back! Dying, I realized my veil had wrapped around the tent post in the wind. With the help of whoever was standing around, we freed the fabric and off I went. Everyone had a good laugh, including myself and I was on my way to Will finally. Needless to say, things played out differently than what I already dreamed of!
Otherwise, it really was just the coolest feeling having all our closest friends and family together in one place with us. The love, energy and laughs that weekend is something I will absolutely never forget!!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I have super thick curly hair and I have been a slave to it my whole life! I envisioned my hair down with soft glam waves for the ceremony and so I would't get too hot wanted to pull it back for the reception! Thankfully my friend Shelby who did my hair was willing to stay and change it for me which I'm happy we did! Will came to the bridal suite with me and it was a nice quiet moment to have with him while she did my hair. Our caterer was so awesome and brought up an appetizer sampler since we missed cocktail hour so it was a nice 10 minutes before the madness!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
All of our vendors were wonderful! I don't think I could pick just one. If I could give any advice to planning brides, I'd say that communication is EVERYTHING! Even if there is a vendor you feel like you "have to have" but they don't respond in a timely manner or just disappear, trust me its not worth it! Stick with people you can trust and go out of their way to answer questions. When it's down to the wire you want people in your circle that communicate and are on top of everything. Any vendor I had to hound to get a response from I cut out immediately and found someone else, thankfully finding wonderful vendors was a life saver when I was super stressed closer to go time.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We did a honeymoon fund as part of our registry! I'm so glad we did because we are blessed with a beautiful home and have everything we couple possibly need already but had never gone on a big vacation just the two of us. We splurged on two stops, one incredible boutique hotel called The Other Side in Eleuthera, and another called The Bahama House on Harbor Island, both in the Bahamas. It was so nice to slow down and just spend quality time together. Both places that we stayed at were super low key and quiet. My favorite night was at TOS, where dinner is served in a "tent" that has open doors by the eater and a set menu and time for dinner. One night, we happened to be the only ones there! We could hear the ocean, dinner was fabulous, we had a bottle of champagne, music played on a record player and we slow danced together barefoot after dinner. I will never forget that moment!
Marcela Mar made the cover!
Chosen by One Day is the newest brand to join the Chic Parisien family, we were totally taken by their boho but couture sensibility and Aussie cool girl aesthetic - something we felt we were missing in our mix of designers. The Chic Parisien team couldn’t have been happier to see Colombian actress Marcela Mar (of El Capo and dozens more soap operas and theater productions) in her dreamy Chosen dress on her wedding day. It’s no wonder that Hola Magazine put her on the cover of her Colombia edition!
Marcela came in with a clear vision for the look and style we had and we were happy to step in and assist he in making that dream come true! Here are some photos of the truly inspiring wedding on the beach in Mexio straight from the edit of Marcela’s very chic Instagram page…
13.2k Likes, 258 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "Hace alrededor de dos años, me levanté con la sensación de que algo maravilloso estaba por suceder......"
10.5k Likes, 113 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "El fin de semana más especial de mi vida, gracias a todos los presentes, se sintió fuerte la magia..."
40.6k Likes, 730 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "El primer día del resto de nuestras vidas ❤️ @thechefisback #marceypedro"
7,024 Likes, 157 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "Buenos días Marzo/ Marce 🧜🏻♀️ es tu mes! Gracias @andresoyuela por este fotón 💕MarcelAmar💕 #piscis"
An Ines Di Santo Bride To Remember
Get ready for this because it’s an all time unbeatable combination - a super chic bride, Morgan Prevatt Molinari, who is stunningly beautiful, The Breakers Palm Beach, one of Florida’s most iconic venues, and an Ines Di Santo wedding dress that just couldn’t look any more jaw-dropping. Regal, elegant and just the right amount of over-the-top, this wedding is one for the books (or, the blog!).
This gown, the Sylvie, is one of our new all time favorite Ines Di Santo gowns, it’s not hard to see why. The grand ballgown and dreamy train are absolute statement makers.
#realchicbride in Motion at Vizcaya and the Mandarin Oriental
We love when a beautiful wedding video crosses our path! So much of why a bride connects with her dress is because of the way it moves on her body. Getting to watch the dress move and dance on the wedding day is such a treat - it’s a peek into the real day that we don’t get with photography.
This video takes place at Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, two of our very favorite places in Miami (you may recognize the Mandarin Oriental from our photos over on The Beach Bride!).
Kudos to the talented AJ Ingoglia Films, you can find him here:
IG: aj_ingoglia_films Facebook: AJ Ingoglia Films.
Berta Features #REALCHICBRIDE Crystal Smith Wamble
Berta has featured our bride, Crystal Smith Wamble, and her chic wedding at the very unique Oxford Exchange. She is positively glowing and we’re so thrilled to see her featured on the Berta blog that we wanted to share with all of you!
BERTA Retailer: Chic Parisien
Venue: Le Meridien
Photographer: Madison Hope & Co.
Bride: Crystal Wamble
Groom: Will Wamble
A Sweet Note From A Very Chic Bride
It truly warms our heart to hear from our brides after their wedding day - and it's made all the better when accompanied by photos of their big day!
We get to experience such a special time of your life with you, but it's seeing the dress come to life on your wedding day, as you say "I Do" and start a new life with your true love that makes it all complete.
When we received this note about Alana, our stylist, from a very chic bride we knew we had to share it with you!
Hi Alana,
I don't have words to express how happy I was on my Wedding Day! Celebrating our love with our Friends and Family was certainly a dream come true.
I want to thank the entire CP staff, but especially I want to thank YOU. Picking a wedding dress could be stressful, but your charisms, sincerity, and patient made my experience a completely seamless process. Also, I wanted to express my gratitude to the Alteration team for making possible every single request I made. The dress was a total Success: head-turning, a showstopper and so so comfortable, that I was able to dance nonstop till 4 am! It is without a doubt my all time fav DRESS!
I want to share some pictures with you, I hope you enjoyed them!
Thank you once again, I will never forget you!
Sincerely,
Jimena
Share your wedding photos with us by emailing info@cpbride.com.
Real Chic Bride Laura Makes "The Knot" Best Dressed Brides In 2014
We love January for so many reasons! One, so many couples get engaged over the holidays that January is always buzzing around the store (even more than usual!). Two, the whole month all our favorite websites are posting recaps of the best weddings and wedding trends of last year and predictions for the coming year and we can't get enough of these inspiring lists.
Imagine our delight when we found out a Real Chic Bride Laura was featured in The Knot's "The Best Dressed Brides of 2014"!
Real Chic Bride Agueda Lopez Graces The Cover Of People En Español (and married Luis Fonsi!)
Dressed in a beautiful Inbal Dror dress and looking happily in love - not to mention crazy beautiful - Spanish model Agueda Lopez married singer Luis Fonsi. The stunning bride opted to accessorize the mermaid dress with a modern ponytail, chandelier earrings and a smokey eye look. But we'll stop all the talking and get to the photos that stole the cover of People en Español and a multi-page spread:
Meet The Chic Team: Alana
Hi Alana! Before we get to talking about dresses, weddings and all that good stuff, tell me a bit about yourself like where you're from, how long you've been at Chic Parisien and what you do at the store....
I'm from San Juan Puerto Rico. Been at Chic Parisien since 2007. I am bridal gown sales consultant.
Did you always imagine yourself working in the wedding industry?
Never in my wildest dream.
What's the very first thing you tell a customer when she comes in to shop for a dress?
After welcoming them to the store my first question is usually, have you shopped before and if so if they think they have might found "The Dress."
Not to play favorites, but what kind of dress is your personal favorite?
My preference is simple, ethereal, bohemian.
How have dresses changed from when you started working at Chic Parisien until now?
Dresses now are much more sexier!
Is there a trend in the bridal industry that you can't get enough of?
Open backs, illusion necklines
Do you have a go-to piece of advice for a bride who's nervous about dress shopping?
Once you have found "The Dress" you will take a weight off your shoulders and then you can concentrate on the other details you need for your wedding.
All brides are different, how do you help a bride find her personal style in her wedding gown?
I ask if they have a vision of how would they like to look on their wedding day.
What kind of research do you think is best for a bride to do before coming to visit you? Or do you think it's best to come in very open to being surprised?
I ask for them to search our website and the websites of our designers since they have pictures of their entire collection and make a note of the ones she would like to try on.
Do you have a favorite memory in the store that you can share with us?
I had a bride once, after trying on a few dresses found one she loved, but could not decide cause she was in love with a dress she had seen in a magazine. She went to the car for that picture and when I looked at it it was the dress she had just tried on with me, and then she said yes to the dress.
Lastly, what song are you listening to on repeat nowadays?
A Chic Parisien Monique Lhuillier Dress Makes it All The Way To A Dubai Wedding: Real Chic Bride Mariana Silva Abubakar Weds in A Stunning International Affair
When a wedding story starts with a proposal in Thailand and ends with a happily ever after - we're instantly hooked. When said wedding includes a Monique Lhuillier dress with beautiful bright blue embroidery and a seamless blend of cultural tradition and breaking in down on the dance floor - it's going to make our top weddings ever list.
Mariana Silva and Abba Atiku Abubakar, the son of the former vice president of Nigeria, wed in a Dubai affair that was equal parts modern elegance and traditional. Scroll down for more images via Udim EE Photography.
Real Chic Brides of Instagram
If you aren't following us on Instagram you're missing out on daily inspiration and a community of Real Chic Brides bringing their dresses to life on their wedding days. Here's a little snippet of what's going on at @chicparisien.
This Real Chic Bride lounges in her Lazaro in a quiet moment before her wedding.
Another Lazaro bride! Real Chic Bride Kristen and her husband take off in a vintage car towards their happily ever after.
A Real Chic Bride in Inbal Dror gets a twirl on the dance floor.
A close up look at a detail on a Real Chic Bride's Romona Keveza gown.
A sweet moment between a Real Chic Bride in Monique Lhuillier and her groom.
Bohemian Bride (At Heart) Goes Glam for Downtown Miami Wedding
"I always imagined myself in a flowy, boho-style dress, but as I began my search for the dress, I started to realize that I wanted something more form-fitting and classic," says Real Chic Bride, Chelsea Mandler, who ultimately set her heart on a stunning Marchesa lace gown.
"[While at Chic Parisien], I tried on a couple of dresses, and the Marchesa was actually the last one in the bunch," adds Chelsea. "As soon as I opened the dressing room doors to show my mom, mother-in-law and best friend, the hunt was over. We all hugged, cried and were in immediate agreement that this was it. I guess it's true what they say - save the best for last!"
Chelsea (Birman) Mandler and Nathan Mandler wed on December 21, 2013 on the outdoor terrace of the Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple exchanged vows during an evening ceremony. The stunning downtown Miami skyline served as the backdrop.
For the reception, which was held indoors, Chelsea wanted it to evoke a classic and elegant feel, but still reflect her bohemian taste. "I chose all white flowers mixed with manzanita tree branches and moss to give my reception a rustic-chic look."
Describing her favorite moment, Chelsea says, "Aside from saying the words I do to the love of my life, I would have to say my favorite moments would have to be my first look with Nate, hugging my parents right before they handed me off to my husband-to-be, seeing my bridesmaids for the first time in my dress and our wild after poodle-party! Nate's brothers also did an unbelievably hilarious speech followed by a performance that was so special."
Congratulations once again, Cheslea & Nate! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!
- The Chic Parisien Team
Wedding Planner: Yadi Rose Events Photographer: Emily Harris Videographer: Senderey Florist: Petal Productions Make-Up: Tatjana Terzic Band: Flavor
A Love Story Written in the Stars: Real Chic Bride, Mariana Rodriguez, Weds in Key West
"I had tried on a few beautiful dresses that day but the moment I saw mine, it took my breath away," recalls Mariana Rodriguez, who visited Chic Parisien in early 2013 in hopes of finding a dream gown for her coastal wedding taking place in October of that year. "It was the perfect dress for me. It even had very small details on the bodice that looked likes stars, which matched perfectly with the whole symbolic theme of the wedding."
The layered tulle ballgown featuring a gorgeous flower applique bodice was the final touch Mariana needed to round out her coastal chic-themed wedding. "While planning the wedding, I found out the symbolic meaning of the starfish and it became an important detail," adds Rodriguez. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Key West, Florida, the intimate wedding, attended by immediate family and friends, was stunning bouquet of turquoise and coral against stark white. The area's sparkling ocean and awe-inspiring sunset added a flair of their own.
The couple wed at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of The Sea in Key West, Florida on October 5, 2013. Female guests wore either turquoise or coral, while men wore white Guayaberas. "The idea was that everyone that was there was so important to us that they were all part of the wedding party," explains Rodriguez. "For that reason, all guests were color coordinated."
When it came to the reception, which was held at The Westin Key West Resort and Marina, Rodriguez added, "We enjoyed every second. I had heard stories about brides and grooms that don't get the opportunity to eat or enjoy the details of their wedding, but I made sure that didn't happen. I spoke to all of my guests. I took the time to enjoy the food and dance to almost every song."
Recalling her favorite memory, Rodriguez says, "Traveling with all of our guests in trolleys around the Key West landmarks taking photos. There is a photo of all of us in front of the 90 miles to Cuba landmark that my husband and I love."
On behalf of the entire Chic Parisien team, it was our distinct pleasure to have played a role in helping Mariana find her dream gown. It's as though it was written in the stars!
We wish Mariana and Manny a lifetime of wedded bliss!
La Dolce Vita: Real Chic Bride Weds in Italy
Prepare to swoon as we share details of Real Chic Bride, Abby, and her storybook wedding in the quaint, seaside town of Stresa, Italy. We first met Abby when she was a featured bride on Randy to the Rescue. (We just
love Randy and worked with him when he was in filming in Miami last
year.) “I must have tried on 30 dresses in total but it was Randy who helped me pick out ‘the one’ and it was everything I wanted: a form fitting gown with a sweetheart cut and lace detail with sparkles,” says Abby. “And the bolero that Chic Parisien made for me absolutely completed the look – it was perfect.”
Abby and her husband Chris wed on a remote island located just off the coast of Stresa called Isola Pescatori. As the island is too small for commuter traffic, the bride and her bridal party walked the picturesque, cobblestone streets of Isola Pescatori toward the Catholic Church located there. “That day I learned that Italy loves weddings; everyone on the island stopped what they were doing to cheer me on and share their best wishes,” says Abby. “I arrived at the church at the precise moment when the church bells struck 3 p.m. and the entire crowd, which had amassed at that point, erupted in cheers. It was such a magical moment. I felt like I was a princess who was about to marry her prince!”
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Villa Rusconi in Stresa. Abby describes the celebration as having a “classic, vintage” feel.
The merriment continued until 2:00am with a live band and DJ. “I’m a dancer, so the night would not have been complete without a lot of dancing,” adds Abby. “So after a couple of dances with my husband, one slow and the other a bachata, my dad and I surprised the crowd with a spoof dance and toward the end of it, everyone was on the dance floor, swaying to ‘All You Need Is Love’.”
On behalf of the entire Chic Parisien team, AUGURI to Abby and Chris!
The Wedding Venue: Catholic Church on Isola Pescatori (Fisherman's Island)
The Reception Venue: Villa Rusconi in Stresa, Italy
Wedding Planner: Boutique Weddings