Irina and Damion

We met on Tinder during the pandemic, and I remember how easily our first conversations flowed. From the beginning, it was clear that we had so much in common. Navigating those uncertain times has definitely helped us grow our bond stronger and quicker.

The proposal happened in Paris on our second anniversary. I had no idea that Damion was carrying the engagement ring all day, nervously anticipating the perfect moment to propose under the Eiffel Tower. The setting was beautiful: the tower's lights twinkling, on a beautiful, lively evening. Just as someone started singing Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," Damion asked me to dance, and then, to my surprise, he got down on one knee and popped the question. It was the most magical moment, and I couldn't have imagined a more perfect proposal.

The staff at the Royal Berkshire Hotel were exceptional. From the moment we began planning our wedding, their professionalism and friendliness reassured us that we were in capable hands. Our wedding planner, Dominika, was absolutely phenomenal. From day one, she was there to guide us with her wealth of experience and creative ideas. Her warm and friendly approach instantly put us at ease, and she took the time to understand our vision for the day.

The grounds were breathtaking. We had hoped for a location that felt like an escape into the heart of a forest, and the Royal Berkshire Hotel delivered exactly that. The reception room was stunning, designed in a way that seamlessly connected to the gardens, giving us the sense that we were celebrating outdoors.
And then there was the food—simply out of this world! Our guests couldn't stop raving about the delicious dishes and their impeccable presentation. It’s rare to find a venue that excels in both taste and aesthetics, but the Royal Berkshire Hotel exceeded all expectations. Each course was exquisite, and the service was flawless. The entire experience made our special day truly unforgettable.

The venue had its own natural beauty, and we wanted to preserve it, instead of overshadowing that charm. We chose a black and white theme, modern, minimalistic, yet elegant and stylish. We collaborated with a fantastic team to bring this vision to life, incorporating seasonal flowers and thoughtfully designed decor to complement the setting.

To maintain a minimalistic atmosphere, we avoided flashy elements like large DJ booths. Instead, we opted for a simple, white dancefloor and subtle uplighting, creating an ambiance that felt both chic and inviting. This approach allowed the venue's inherent beauty to shine.

I made the bold choice to design my own wedding dress, collaborating with a team overseas. My goal was to create something that was both comfortable and unique. I chose a classic A-line silhouette, but selected a dazzling, sparkly fabric to give it that special touch. The result was even more beautiful than I had imagined.

Damion chose a suit that perfectly aligned with our elegant, modern theme through its special colour and velvet fabric.

The wedding ceremony was incredibly moving—even my father, who doesn't speak English, felt the emotion. The service was impeccable, with the team taking care of every little detail. Dancing non-stop with our loved ones.

We wanted a small, intimate wedding and at times worried it wouldn't feel as special as a large event. But the venue looked stunning, and the staff made sure we felt like the most important people in the world. One of my favorite moments was when Damion sang with his brother. 
Another moment was discovering a sweet surprise in the bridal suite—our first photo as husband and wife, along with cake and champagne. It was the perfect touch, at the end of a perfect day.

Be open and specific about your budget and vision to ensure you receive the best guidance from the experts. A wedding planner can save you not only time and money, but also connect you with the best suppliers. Trust your team—they have your best interests at heart, so try not to stress over small details.