Ibiza Destination Wedding
Our wedding celebration was an enchanting blend of romance, luxury, and modern flair, set against the stunning backdrop of Elixir’s cliffside venue on October 6th, 2019. With breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean and beach below, we opted for an outdoor ceremony to truly immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us. Our vision was a fusion of American, Filipino, and Latin cultures, with a dash of modern sophistication. We achieved this by incorporating elements such as blush-hued flowers, rose gold accents, and elegant calligraphy stationery into our décor. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a local sax player’s soulful melodies, evoking the sounds of Ibiza and transporting our guests to a world of carefree joy. As we exchanged vows beneath the golden sun, surrounded by our closest friends and family, it felt like a dream come true. Denise, resplendent in her Berta gown – an exquisite lace and tulle masterpiece with a dramatic detachable skirt – was every bit as radiant as the setting around us. Our wedding party, too, made a stylish impression, with Marco and his groomsmen looking dashing in their black-tie attire and our bridesmaids shining in their sequined gowns. As the sun dipped below the horizon, David Christopher Photography captured the essence of our unforgettable day – from the tender moments between us to the laughter and tears shared among our loved ones.
The Proposal
It’s a small world after all – or at least that’s what Marco and I thought when we both ended up at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, albeit at different times. Fast forward to summer 2008 in NYC, where our mutual friend Caroline Sanchez – the Matron of Honor – introduced us to each other. Little did she know, she was inadvertently crashing our first date! Marco had asked me out to see a movie, and without realizing it was a date, I invited Caroline too. When we both showed up at the theatre, it was clear that this wasn’t just a friendly outing. Oops indeed! Marco then pulled me aside and asked me out again, making sure to clarify that he was asking me out on a date this time around. The rest, as they say, is history… Days turned into weeks, which turned into months, and before we knew it, we had adopted our furry son Chico, who became the heart of our loving relationship. In 2016, Marco received a career-boosting opportunity that would require us to leave our family and friends in NYC behind. So, along with Chico, we packed our bags and set off for London, England, ready to start an exciting new chapter.Our time in the UK was marked by a newfound passion for travel – a bug that quickly bit us! In 2018, we embarked on an epic trip to Greece, where we spent ten incredible days exploring Santorini. And it’s there that Marco had been planning something special – unbeknownst to me, of course. As I turned a corner, I was taken aback by the sight of Marco standing inside a heart of candles, with the sunset over the Aegean Sea serving as the stunning backdrop. After a decade of love, he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, naturally! What made it even more unforgettable was that Marco had thoughtfully arranged for my best friend Caroline from NYC to be there to witness this special moment. But that wasn’t all – as we boarded our flight from Santorini, Marco casually asked me what my favorite European city was. When I replied with ‘Paris’, he wrapped his arm around me and said, ‘We’re off to Paris so we can have your dream engagement photoshoot.’ And the cherry on top? This was happening on our ten-year anniversary – making it an unforgettable experience indeed.
Groomsmen
The bespoke attire for the entire wedding party, including the groomsmen, was crafted by a skilled family friend of the groom’s, showcasing a unique blend of personal touch and attention to detail.
Budget
To put the couple’s wedding expenses into perspective, it’s worth noting that they actually spent a total of £61,000 on their big day, with £6,000 of that going towards the dreamy honeymoon. This figure doesn’t include any additional costs associated with the wedding planning process itself.
Bridesmaids
When planning for out-of-town bridesmaids, we prioritized simplicity and affordability to accommodate their travel arrangements. To achieve this, we opted for understated yet elegant dresses from @lulus, a brand renowned for its chic and budget-friendly designs. Additionally, we chose accessories from Victoria Percival (@victoriapercival_accessories), a go-to destination for stylish and affordable adornments.
The Venue
As soon as we started planning our destination wedding, we knew that a beachside ceremony was the only way to go. Our shared passion for the ocean led us to Ibiza, an island that exudes energy and beauty. On our first visit, we felt an unshakeable sense of peace and acceptance, a feeling that drew us back again and again. Researching the history of Ibiza, we stumbled upon the fascinating fact that ES Vedra is considered one of the most magnetic points in the world. As we gazed at its stunning beauty, we knew that we had to bring our loved ones together here to witness our union. Our quest for the perfect venue led us to Elixir Ibiza, a gem that checked all our boxes. With breathtaking views of Es Vedra and Cala Codolar beach from its cliffside perch, we were smitten. The exceptional food and staff only solidified our decision. We wouldn’t have to compromise on our must-haves – phenomenal cuisine and a seamless flow between ceremony and reception – all while keeping our shoes firmly on our feet.
The Readings & Music
As the big day approaches, couples often find themselves pondering the perfect tunes to set the tone for their special moments. For some, it’s the upbeat rhythm of ‘Let’s Get Married’ by Jagged Edge that gets them moving down the aisle in style. Meanwhile, as the ceremony comes to a close, ‘We Came Here For Love’ by Ella Eyre and Sigala provides a heartfelt finale.In between, thoughtful readings offer a deeper look into what marriage means to the happy couple. ‘Carrie’s Poem’, inspired by Sex and the City, brings a touch of romance, while Taylor Mali’s ‘How Falling In Love Is Like Owning A Dog’ adds a dash of humor. The Chainsmokers’ ‘Something Just Like This’ provides an energetic interlude.Once the vows are exchanged, it’s time to sway to the sweet sounds of love. Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ is often the go-to choice for the first dance, with its soaring vocals and emotive lyrics. In a tender display of devotion, the father-daughter duo takes center stage with Prince Royce’s ‘Stand By Me’, while the mother-son pair shares a heartfelt moment to Boyz II Men’s ‘Song For Mama’.
The Flowers
The Cake
The Details & Décor
In crafting our wedding theme, we aimed for a harmonious blend of romance, luxury, and modern flair. My affection for blush as a color stems from its ability to evoke a sense of delicacy and romance. To achieve the perfect balance of these elements, my then-fiancé (now husband) suggested incorporating gold and rose gold accents. The resulting palette was breathtakingly beautiful against the blush backdrop. However, we recognized that too many couples were opting for traditional blush weddings, so we introduced varying shades of rose to create a truly unique look. The different dresses, textures, and hues worn by our bridesmaids served as the perfect unifying thread, bringing the entire aesthetic together in stunning fashion.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I gazed at Berta’s modern, sexy yet tasteful designs five years prior, I knew that when the time came to walk down the aisle, I’d be wearing one of their dresses. The desire for a dress that could transform into two different looks was what initially drew me to Berta. My wedding dress was my second try-on, and as I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection – it was as if the dress had chosen me. At 5 AM in New York City, I FaceTimed my mom, who unfortunately wasn’t able to join me in London. Her reaction was a mix of shock, tears, and speechlessness. Similarly, my two bridesmaids from NYC were overcome with emotion, making our getting-ready room a sea of happy, tearful women. It was then that I said ‘yes’ to the Berta dress that had stolen my heart.The wedding veil held special significance, as it was a thoughtful gift from my mother-in-law. She had commissioned Marcos’s godmother in the Philippines to craft the delicate piece, making it an heirloom that represented her desire for me to be part of their family – the first daughter-in-law. I was deeply touched by this gesture, and reciprocated with heartfelt gratitude when my mom gifted me my dream Louboutin Cinderella shoes adorned with rhinestones, along with her antique pin that once belonged to my great-grandmother. Both moms were beaming with joy throughout our preparations, refusing to leave my side as we prepared for the big day.
Beauty
Behind every stunning wedding look, there are talented professionals working their magic. For this special couple, that means the incredible skills of Elia Martine (@eliamartineweddings) and Jo (@jo.jamface). With a combined expertise in hair and makeup, they brought the bride’s vision to life, creating a flawless, unforgettable beauty for her big day.
Photographer
Your Filmmaker
The Honeymoon
Planning a 17-day getaway to the Indian Ocean? Look no further than Sri Lanka and the Maldives! With Lux Tripper’s expert assistance, you can curate a bespoke itinerary that perfectly balances culture, adventure, and relaxation. One of our top recommendations for this dreamy destination is the Oblu Select Sangeli resort, which offers an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters of the Maldivian atolls.
Memorable Moments
As I made my way down the aisle, Marco’s beaming smile was etched in my memory forever. His joy was palpable, radiating warmth and happiness. As we finally came together at the altar, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming urge to kiss him. But Marco had other plans, gently squeezing my hand and conveying a sense of anticipation, as if savoring the moment.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on the journey of wedding planning, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. While having a set amount can help alleviate stress, remember to leave some flexibility in case unexpected expenses arise. If possible, consider hiring a professional wedding planner or day-of coordinator to ensure your special day runs smoothly. This way, you can truly soak up every moment of your celebration without the added pressure of vendor calls on your wedding morning.
Throughout the planning process, prioritize having fun and embracing the excitement that comes with preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yes, wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, but it’s also a unique opportunity to express your love, creativity, and individuality as a couple.
Special thanks to the talented individuals who helped bring Denise and Marco’s vision to life: David Christopher Photography, Leah Lyons, Danielle Alex, Shoot It Yourself, Grabo Bakos, Elixir, Victoria Percival, Zoey, Elia Martine, Jam Face, Flowers Ibiza, Lulus, The Cake Studio Ibiza, The Paper Doll, Christian Louboutin, Sketch and Etch, Sugar Box, Custom Made By Family, Gredee Arts, Lfls Shoes, White Truffle Signs, Berta.
And finally, a huge thank you to Denise and Marco for sharing their unforgettable wedding story with us.