I love designing various types of events–birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings–but over time I became known for my weddings. This may be because each new wedding I do becomes my favorite wedding. I get very attached to the brides I work with. However, there are certain types of brides I really love:
- A bride who knows what she wants but isn’t afraid to be surprised
- A bride who can stand up to her mother
- A bride who wants to create new traditions
Each week, I’ll go through the many weddings I’ve done over the years and highlight one bride I’m still in love with. This week, I’d like to talk about Natalia.
Natalia’s amazing dress was designed by Valentino. It was one of the last dresses the famous designer created before he retired.
Natalia and I bonded immediately since both of us have a Latin American background (her wedding took place in Colombia). It was very important to her that the ceremony and reception reflect her and her husband’s cultural heritage.
Not only was she incredibly gorgeous, but she was also very insightful and determined to create a new tradition. She and her husband Sebastian had the brilliant suggestion of involving the entire community into their wedding. We went out to the neighborhood high schools and commissioned several of the bands to perform in a Carnivale-like show for the guests as they walked from the church to the reception.
The performers on the left are the high school students creating Carnivale.
Little entrepreneurs. After the ceremony was over, we gave the fresh flowers to these neighborhood children so they could sell them.
Please tell me about your wedding (your own, or one you designed or planned)–what was that special twist you added to the ceremony or reception to make this wedding different from the rest?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Amy Schabot
February 17, 2010
Perhaps just a taste of whats to come.. Love my consultations with bride.. I never give the contract/ or secrets until they sign.. And never give my secrets away, anyway…. But if I don’t or can’t take them.. I will give an idea for them to run with.. Always get thank you cards for doing the brides wedding.. You know I think I always look forward to opening them and smiling knowing they are so happy with my work..
Africa
February 17, 2010
Love the idea about giving the flowers away.I wonder sometimes what happens to them after the wedding is over:)
camilla svensson burns
February 17, 2010
My husband has Scottish ancestory and I surpised him at our wedding with a bagpiper at the church. We were “piped” out and serenaded with our guests. The piper then showed up after dinner and piped the whole wedding party across Union Square to Harry Denton’s Starlight Room in San Francisco for the after party. That is one of my fondest memories of our weddng day!
As for giving flowers away after the wedding, I always offer to donate the flowers on behalf of my clients. I take my 10 year old daughter with me to retirement homes, hospitals and hospices. It is humbling to see the joy the flowers bring.
Gordon Jovic
February 18, 2010
Love her dress valentino!, veil is superb nice and long and bride is gorgeous her tan looks wonderful in the white dress.
Donte
November 12, 2011
Fell out of bed feeling down. This has brgheitned my day!
rquillx
November 13, 2011
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