Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day?
We chose the beautiful location Queen Elizabeth II, which is a permanently floating hotel on the docks of Port Rashid Marina, Dubai. This ship is still making history since circumnavigating the world 25 times and hosting almost 2.5 million passengers. Immersed in history, this location exudes a sense of grandeur through its magnificent architecture. The walls whisper tales of the past, while the timeless beauty of the surroundings creates an enchanting ambiance. We were incredibly happy to find a date to contemplate our shared journey to express our unwavering love and commitment.
Additionally, Andres is a huge fan of yachting and sailing, so he widely supported the idea to tie the knot on a cruise liner. Holding our wedding in this remarkable setting evoked a profound sense of timelessness, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring and everlasting nature of our love. Since it was an elopement, the venue was the most important thing for us to choose. We were also looking for a company that could provide everything at one place and in such a short time period.
The team from the hotel did it seamlessly! They helped organize the wedding. The team provided a great menu choice for our private dinner, including a veggie menu because I’m a vegetarian. It was easy, convenient, tasty and well organized!
How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
We met on a mutual friend’s yacht a few years ago. Two years later, Andres proposed to me on Christmas Eve in Paris where my family has been living for the last 20 years!
Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception?
The weather in Dubai is pretty hot, so we decided not to waste too much money on decoration. The ceremony was outdoors in a small garden. On the ship, there was a dancing floor and a private table for us. For decorations, we ordered an installation with our initials and lights around the dancing floor to enjoy as we watched the sunset and had dinner at night.
What were the florals like in your wedding? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?
It was around 95 degrees, and we did not really want to throw money away on decorations. The only flowers we had were my bouquet – colorful hydrangeas with a satin ribbon.
For our color palette, we chose white, green, and a little bit of blue. It was a pretty simple but elegant wedding. We booked a few days at the hotel, and were able to rent some space for the ceremony and dinner after that.
What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
Our first dance as a married couple was one of our favorite parts. Faithfully by Journey was our first dance song. We just knew that was our song! We are so similar even when it comes to music.
Reading the vows is another thing that I will always remember. There were just two of us and I could not stop crying. Together we have coped with so many things so I was pretty overwhelmed with feelings.
Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look?
I opted for a versatile white convertible dress. Its design allowed me to freely move around, gracefully ascending numerous stairs and dancing throughout the evening. The simplicity of the bouquet, adorned with vibrant hydrangea blooms and a satin ribbon, added a touch of color. To complete the ensemble, I styled my hair in soft, wavy curls and adorned myself with elegant pearl jewelry which created a timeless and sophisticated look.
What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
The moment of exchanging vows was deeply meaningful for me as it represented the promises and commitments we made to each other. It was an opportunity for us to express our love, hopes and dreams for the future. The heartfelt words shared during this moment left a lasting impression on both of us. From my point of view, this is what elopement is all about.
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
The wedding day is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together! Focus on nurturing your relationship, supporting each other, and embracing the joy and challenges that come with marriage.
