SUBMISSIONS
ANNA & MATTHIEU
A short, engaging note on how the couple met or their relationship dynamic
Nothing particularly cinematic happened when we first met, but by our third date, Matthieu announced that he thought we should get married. It took me a little longer to catch up, but we both always took marriage very seriously. We had both spent a lot of time trying to find and choose the right person, and for us getting married was very meaningful and long awaited. I actually have letters I wrote to my future husband when I was a teenager.
We decided to see each other before the ceremony because Matthieu gets stressed and one of the ways I calm him down is by scratching his head. We figured the ceremony would probably go better if we started the day that way.
Because Matthieu is French and my family is from Canada, our wedding was also one of the only opportunity to have both families together in one place, which made the day feel even more significant.
Key fashion details (designers, custom elements, or any unexpected choices)
I wanted my dress to feel like being wrapped in my comforter, so I worked with South African couturier Hendrik Vermeulen, based in Switzerland, whom I had discovered a few years earlier while accompanying another friend to a bridal fair. Since we were getting married in a château, it was important that the dress felt modern and not too princess-like. I paired it with Marianiano shoes that were one size too small, but I loved them too much not to wear them, and the leather was so soft they somehow worked.
One of the most meaningful pieces I wore was a pair of earrings created from my grandmother’s brooch by Alexandra Mann, a Canadian fine jewellery house owned by one of my best friends.
The flowers were by Studio Ortie. When the shop first opened in my neighbourhood, I remember buying myself a bouquet while I was still single and finding the work so heavenly. Years later, after watching the studio grow into one of the florists behind many of the major fashion house events in Paris, he very kindly still agreed to do our wedding.
The venue and location, and why it was meaningful or distinctive
The most meaningful place for us was actually the church. We were married at the Greek Orthodox Church near Alma-Marceau in Paris, which has become home to me since moving to the city six years ago. We know the priest well, and one of our religious witnesses was an elderly church greeter I met shortly after arriving in Paris. The church is almost invisible from the street, but once you walk through the courtyard and enter, you find yourself inside a vast cathedral. There is no music or fluff, just the simplicity of the traditional ceremony.
For getting ready, we were in a beautiful two-storey apartment within walking distance of the church. We deliberately chose a busy and quintessentially Parisian backdrop for some of the photographs.
Matthieu’s one and only request during wedding planning was that the reception be in a château (lol). I was leaning more towards an Haussmannian style apartment in Paris, so I jokingly set out to find the smallest château possible, one whose interiors felt more like a home than a castle. In the end, we found something that met in the middle - but Matthieu got his castle :)
Any personal or cultural moments that made the celebration feel specific to them
As someone who is half Armenian, I wanted subtle references to my heritage throughout the day. Wearing earrings made from my grandmother’s brooch felt especially meaningful. During the vin d’honneur we served Armenian beurek and the cake featured pomegranate details, a symbol of Armenia (By Mon Alur Patisserie - a local Armenian French business)
My grandparents were unable to travel from Canada, so everyone held lily of the valley during the ceremony because it grows in their garden and has such a familiar scent.
The wedding itself was also quite DIY. A close friend helped produce it and we sourced many of the details ourselves. Instead of flowers in the dance hall, we used birthday balloons with ribbons.
Standout details from the day itself — fashion, or from the ceremony, mood, music, or setting
One thing I became strangely obsessed with was having a blue backdrop. It turned out to be one of the biggest logistical challenges of the wedding, but I refused to let it go and eventually someone built it for us as a favour.
Additional context
Blue became a thread throughout the wedding. I had written a poem called Into the Blue, about Matthieu. When we got engaged, Matthieu responded with his own poem in French, Le voyage à deux.
Into the Blue
by Anna
The biggest changes in my life started
With things I couldn’t unsee
I learned about God, then I tried to forget
I looked at the sky and tried to make it red,
but it made me feel blue
I came to Paris to forget New York
and I remembered a future here
I met You.
And you remembered who I am
And I forgot what I knew
I tried to run away
But I escaped into your arms
because they are my protection
From my own ego, my own plans
To reorient me
Into the Blue
Le voyage à deux
by Matthieu
Anna, c’est
le vent dans les voiles,
les dauphins sautant
à la proue du bateau,
le sel de l’air marin,
l’ancre lors des escales,
la cabine qui sent bon,
la douce chaleur du soleil sur le visage,
ses reflets sur la coque.
Matthieu, c’est
les étoiles pour la direction,
la dérive afin de ne pas se faire emporter,
la résistance de la coque face aux tempêtes,
les voiles qui font avancer le bateau,
le sel de la terre.
À Anna et Matthieu, c’est
un voyage qui commence,
une aventure proche et lointaine,
de la douceur dans les difficultés,
la lumière portée au quotidien.
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BILGE & CENGIZ
A short, engaging note on how the couple met or their relationship dynamic
We met in Istanbul on a night that neither of us expected would change our lives. We formed an immediate connection, fell in love quickly, and from that moment on, we never really spent time apart.
As a couple, we are very focused on balance. Cengiz and I complement each other in many ways, balancing each other’s emotions, perspectives, thoughts, and personalities. I believe the foundation of our relationship has always been that sense of balance—supporting one another while bringing out the best in each other.
Key fashion details (designers, custom elements, or any unexpected choices)
The main wedding gown was inspired by the elegance of antiquity and the grandeur of Baroque artistry. Crafted from luxurious silk taffeta, its sculptural silhouette celebrated modern femininity, while the intricate hand-crafted details extending throughout the train became one of the design’s most striking features.
Each motif was meticulously created by hand, drawing inspiration from ancient architectural ornamentation, historic reliefs, and the decorative richness of the Baroque period. The train transformed into a living work of art, creating a sculptural effect that came to life with every movement of the bride.
One of the most striking elements of the bridal look was the veil, crafted entirely from vintage silk chiffon. With its soft, fluid texture and ethereal movement, this exceptional fabric captured the light beautifully, creating a romantic and timeless atmosphere.
Every flower, branch, and three-dimensional embellishment adorning the veil was individually handcrafted using the same vintage silk chiffon. Through its organic forms and meticulous artisanal workmanship, the veil became far more than an accessory—it evolved into a couture work of art, completing and enriching the story of the gown itself.
The dress and kimono designed for the bridal preparation moments were also crafted from the same vintage silk chiffon. Inspired by the historic atmosphere of Rome, their flowing silhouettes and handcrafted floral details created a strong visual connection between the getting-ready look and the main wedding gown.
The venue and location, and why it was meaningful or distinctive
We chose this venue after traveling to Rome specifically to visit different wedding locations. From the moment I saw it, it was the one that felt most right to me. Rather than choosing a very large venue, I wanted a space that felt intimate and personal—somewhere I could truly experience every part of the celebration and feel connected to my guests throughout the day.
Many of the larger venues we visited were beautiful, but they did not give me that feeling. I wanted a place where, no matter where my guests were, I could still feel their presence and the warmth of the celebration around me.
What attracted me most was the venue’s unique combination of history and romance. Its timeless character and old-world atmosphere immediately captivated me, while the garden brought a softness and romance that perfectly matched the vision I had for the wedding. In fact, the garden and ceremony area were the first things that made me fall in love with the venue.
Ultimately, I chose it because it felt like the perfect reflection of both my personal style and the overall wedding concept we wanted to create. More than any other venue we visited, it captured exactly the atmosphere I had imagined for our day.
Any personal or cultural moments that made the celebration feel specific to them
One of the things that made the celebration feel especially personal was the way it blended both Turkish and Italian elements. The day before the wedding, we officially signed our marriage documents with a Turkish translator present and exchanged our vows in Turkish, which was very meaningful to us and our families.
For the wedding day itself, we held a symbolic ceremony that was conducted in both Italian and English. We had not fully realized how elaborate it would be, which made the experience a surprise for us as well. There were several funny moments throughout the ceremony, especially when we found ourselves trying to keep up with some of the longer English passages we had not expected. Looking back, those spontaneous moments made the ceremony even more memorable and authentic.
Another deeply personal detail was our choice of first dance song. We chose a Turkish song that holds special meaning for both of us and is connected to a shared memory from our relationship. Including it in the celebration felt like a beautiful way to bring a piece of our story into the wedding and share it with everyone we love.
Standout details from the day itself — fashion, or from the ceremony, mood, music, or setting
Beyond the venue, the fashion, and our first dance, there were countless details that made the wedding unforgettable. Every element felt like part of a much larger story and concept that had been carefully thought through from beginning to end.
The hand-embroidered table linens, the personalized cards given to guests, the photo booth guest books, the masks, and the masked after-party celebration all contributed to creating an immersive experience. One of the things I loved most was that guests felt as though they were constantly being taken from one experience to another, discovering new surprises throughout the weekend.
The welcome celebration following our civil ceremony was also very special. Many guests arrived expecting a simple dinner, but instead we transformed it into a lively party. We incorporated Turkish music and a distinctly Turkish style of entertainment, which created a wonderful atmosphere and allowed our international guests to experience an important part of our culture.
The orchestra during the wedding itself was absolutely incredible and played a huge role in setting the mood for the evening. My event planner, Güliz, was instrumental in bringing the entire vision to life. Her creativity and attention to detail could be felt in every aspect of the celebration, and her touch was present everywhere.
Some of the most memorable signature details were the floral arrangements, the cascading grape installations, and the abundance of fruit woven throughout the design. They became such a distinctive part of the wedding that I even saw friends filling their suitcases with grapes to take home because they were so beautiful.
Another unforgettable moment was the fireworks display. It came as a surprise to many of our guests and created a truly magical atmosphere. Seeing the fireworks light up the sky above the celebration was one of those moments that instantly became a lasting memory, adding an unexpected sense of wonder and excitement to the evening.
When I look back, what made the wedding so special was that it felt like an experience rather than a single event—every detail contributed to a world that reflected our personalities, our story, and the atmosphere we wanted our guests to be a part of.
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PICTURES
CARSTEN & PHILIP
A short, engaging note on how the couple met or their relationship dynamic
We are Carsten, Partner at Boston Consulting Group, and Philip, Head of Trade Marketing at Lacoste Central Europe and Northern Europe.
We first met in Munich in January 2020, on a cold winter day. At the time, Carsten was living in Berlin but travelling to Munich every week for client work. Our first date took place at a classic Munich restaurant, which has since become part of our story. Each year since, on the anniversary of the day we first met, we have returned to remember where it all began. What made the first evening memorable was how quickly the conversation moved beyond small talk. We spoke about family, close friendships, and our shared love of nature. It was clear very early on that we wanted to see each other again. Just a few months later, Carsten moved from Berlin to Munich so we could build our relationship in the same city rather than from a distance.
The proposal was part of a surprise weekend organised by Carsten in the Dolomites, a place we had returned to often and that already felt deeply personal to us. It took place in a very intimate setting, with the dramatic panorama of the mountains as the backdrop.
We spent the rest of the weekend skiing, enjoying sauna rituals, and celebrating with South Tyrolean food. High above the mountains, away from everyday life, it became the perfect place to reflect on our story so far and the next chapter ahead.
Key fashion details (designers, custom elements, or any unexpected choices)
Fashion played an important role throughout the weekend, with each look chosen to match the feeling of the event. For the civil ceremony, we wore custom Ralph Lauren Purple Label suits in matching dark gray flannel, paired with classic Church’s Oxford shoes. The same fabric connected the two looks, while one of us wore single-breasted tailoring and the other double-breasted tailoring, giving each outfit its own character.
For the second evening at the Diesel Villa, we wore looks from Sabato De Sarno’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection for Gucci. Philip wore an all-black double-breasted suit, while Carsten opted for a dark navy runway look. The sharper, more fashion-forward styling felt very fitting for the villa’s eccentric, art-filled atmosphere.
For the final celebration, we returned to Ralph Lauren Purple Label with custom white dinner jackets. We completed the final looks with glossy Church’s shoes, which added a polished finish to the eveningwear.
The museum’s monumental all-white pillars and soaring ceilings created a striking contrast with the guests’ all-black black-tie dress code and the deep red floral design. Against this setting, the white dinner jackets created a very memorable visual moment while still feeling classic and formal.
The venue and location, and why it was meaningful or distinctive
We chose Munich in winter because it is deeply connected to our story. It is where we first met, where we built our life together, and where many of our rituals as a couple began. Winter has been a recurring theme in our relationship. We met in Munich during the festive season, got engaged in the snowy Dolomites, and later returned there for our honeymoon.
Rather than choosing one venue, we celebrated over three days, with each event showing a different side of our life in Munich.
The weekend began with an intimate civil ceremony near the English Garden, attended by our families. Afterwards, we welcomed everyone into our home, a neo-baroque apartment with original herringbone parquet floors, before dinner at our favorite neighborhood brasserie, Chez Fritz.
The second evening was a soirée at the Diesel Villa, a private family residence filled with art, history, and character. A wedding had never been held there before, and the owner made a rare exception for us. The evening felt less like hosting a party and more like being welcomed into an extraordinary home.
The final celebration took place at the Bavarian National Museum, another venue that had never hosted a wedding before. We had loved the museum for years and were drawn to its dramatic architecture, scale, and atmosphere.
Standout details from the day itself — fashion, or from the ceremony, mood, music, or setting
The Diesel Villa and the Bavarian National Museum were not traditional event venues, and no wedding had taken place in either location before. With no existing playbook, we had to build much of the setup from scratch.
We tried to work with local partners wherever possible. For the dinner, we chose Käfer Catering, who served organic Bavarian cuisine with a strong connection to the region. We also included a quartet from the young talent program of the Munich Philharmonic, adding another local element to the celebration.
At the same time, we brought in a few creative partners from Berlin, Carsten’s former home city, to add a more unexpected and artistic layer to the weekend. The flower concept was created by Lilo Studios from Berlin, whose approach felt less traditional and more sculptural. The wedding cake also came from Berlin, made by Cakes Berlin. As a personal detail, friends drove it down to Munich overnight, making the six-hour journey so it could be part of the celebration.
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COUPLE
BRITNEY & PATRICK
A short, engaging note on how the couple met or their relationship dynamic
The funny thing is that Patrick and I spent our entire lives in the same world without ever crossing paths. We both grew up in horse racing families, surrounded by the same sport, the same traditions, and many of the same people. Yet somehow, it wasn't until the 2021 Kentucky Derby that we finally met. I was reporting for NBC Sports, and Patrick's horse, Hot Rod Charlie, had just finished second. Our first real conversation happened a few weeks later during a live television interview in front of millions at the Belmont Stakes in New York.
Neither of us could have predicted that a brief on-air interview would change the course of our lives. What began as a chance meeting quickly evolved into a relationship built on shared values, family, and a love of adventure. Despite careers that often kept them traveling, they found themselves drawn to the same things: meaningful experiences, strong family ties, and creating traditions of their own. That perspective shaped our relationship from the very beginning—and ultimately inspired the way we approached our wedding.
Key fashion details (designers, custom elements, or any unexpected choices)
Fashion was always important to me, but the pieces I treasured most were the ones connected to family. For our New York courthouse ceremony, I wore an Elizabeth Fillmore suit complimented by aquamarine earrings given me by my mother, while for our wedding in Sicily I chose a Dana Harel gown and later changed into Markarian for the after-party.
A button from my late Sicilian grandfather's shirt was sewn into my wedding dress, and later that evening I wore my grandmother's engagement diamond around my neck. While I loved every dress and design detail, those heirlooms were the pieces that carried the most meaning.
The venue and location, and why it was meaningful or distinctive
Sicily felt like the only place we could get married. The families of two of my grandparents emigrated from Sicily, so it was a place that had always been part of my family's story.
Just a few months into our relationship, I had planned a trip there with my parents. When they ultimately had to change their plans, my mom casually suggested, "Why doesn't Patrick come?" At the time, it felt like a simple solution. Looking back, it changed everything.
That trip became one of the defining moments of our relationship. Sicily became more than a place tied to my past—it became part of our future. By the time we were engaged, there was nowhere else we could imagine celebrating with the people we love most. Relais Monaci delle Terre Nere, set on the slopes of Mount Etna, felt like the perfect place to bring together family history, personal memories, and the start of our next chapter.
Standout details from the day itself — fashion, or from the ceremony, mood, music, or setting
The setting itself felt surreal. Our ceremony overlooked the Sicilian coastline with views stretching toward the Mediterranean Sea, while our reception took place beneath olive trees illuminated by hundreds of tea lights.
One of my favorite moments happened before dinner had even begun. Guests were already on the dance floor thanks to a live saxophonist who turned cocktail hour into an impromptu party. As the evening unfolded, we surprised everyone with fireworks launched from the rooftop overlooking Mount Etna.
Every guest also received a handwritten note and a personal photograph, while cocktail coasters featuring our Dalmatian, Willow, added a playful and personal touch. My bridesmaids wore olive-branch rings inspired by the landscape surrounding our venue, and the evening concluded with a Hawaiian bonsai toast delivered by Patrick's stepfather—a meaningful nod to Patrick's family roots.
The celebration continued long after the formalities ended. I changed into a Markarian dress for the after-party, while guests gathered outside around a pizza truck and gelato cart beneath the Sicilian night sky. Those details made the evening feel less like a traditional wedding and more like the kind of unforgettable dinner party we had always hoped to host.
Any personal or cultural moments that made the celebration feel specific to them
Our biggest priority was intentionality. We knew we would likely never have this exact group of family and friends together in one place again, so rather than focusing on a single day, we built an entire week around spending meaningful time with them.
From wine tastings and beach days to intimate dinners, the experience was designed to create memories with the people who have shaped our lives. We wanted the celebration to reflect not only our families and history, but the values that have guided our relationship from the beginning.
Having both of my grandmothers there to celebrate with us throughout the week made that especially meaningful. At 84 and 89, they were able to experience not just the wedding day, but the entire celebration alongside our family and friends.
Family was woven into every part of the week. Patrick wore his late father's Rolex on the wedding day, and his father's brothers stood beside him as groomsmen, and even a seemingly simple detail—a stockpile of Bud Light throughout the celebration—served as a tribute to someone whose presence was deeply missed.
Looking back, the most meaningful part wasn't the setting or the details—it was gathering 92 of our closest family and friends, spanning multiple generations, in a place that held so much significance to us and sharing a week we'll never be able to recreate.
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Planner / Florist / Dress / Production / Hair & Make-up