Love stories often begin in the most unexpected places, and for Alexandra Dorda and Stefan Marcu, their journey from a sterile business meeting to a vibrant, three-day wedding in Seville is nothing short of enchanting.
A Business Meeting Turned Romance
In 2018, Alexandra, then working at a private equity fund in Warsaw, crossed paths with Stefan when their firms explored a potential business collaboration. What initially started as a professional connection blossomed into a personal one, leading to a unique love story.
The Proposal Under the Stars
Stefan’s proposal under the Moroccan stars at Amanjena in Marrakech in 2022 marked a significant chapter in their love story. Alexandra, now known for her role as the founder of Kasama Rum and the C.M.O of her family’s vodka brand Chopin, couldn’t have been more thrilled. The proposal was perfectly timed during one of their meticulously planned trips, leaving no room for surprise.
The Spectacular Three-Day Wedding in Seville
The grand celebration of their love took place over three days in Seville, Spain, in June 2023. Designed and planned by Matthew Robbins and Luis Otoya of Robbins Otoya, it was an event to remember.
Day 1: Welcome Drinks and Dinner
- The festivities commenced with welcome drinks at Bar Garlochí, an establishment designed to resemble the interior of a Catholic Church.
- A welcome dinner was held at Palacio de Las Dueñas, a 15th-century palace with Renaissance, Gothic, and Moorish influences. Alexandra wore an exquisite ivory Emilia Wickstead dress for the occasion.
Day 2: A Unique Filipino Dinner
- A cocktail hour in the lush gardens with flamenco dancers handing out carnations set the stage for a remarkable Filipino dinner.
- Chef Jordy Navarra from Manila’s Toyo Eatery, the best restaurant in the Philippines, crafted a Kamayan-inspired dinner, served on banana leaves.
- The evening concluded with mango desserts by Cédric Grolet from Le Meurice in Paris, adding a special touch, as mangos are a staple in Alexandra’s mother’s native Philippines.
Day 3: The Wedding Ceremony
- The wedding took place at Casa De Pilatos, a 16th-century Andalusian palace, which perfectly aligned with the couple’s vision of a ‘crumbly’ aesthetic.
- Alexandra donned a striking Monique Lhullier ostrich-feather ball skirt paired with a rhinestone-and-pearl veil, making a statement with her attire.
- The ceremony was graced by Reverend Jim Rooney, who encouraged guests to mingle, setting a warm and convivial tone.
A Unique Ceremony
- Instead of traditional vows, Reverend Jim shared the couple’s love story.
- The emotional highlight was when Stefan’s daughter, Lara, joined the couple at the altar, marking the moment when the three officially became a family.
Day 3: Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and After-Party
- Following the ceremony, a cocktail hour in the garden featured creative libations, with 20 signature cocktails created for the occasion.
- Dinner in the main courtyard showcased a delectable menu, including a watermelon gazpacho with idiazabal cheese ice cream, lobster salad, and wild sea bass.
- The couple’s six-foot, two-flavor cake, adorned with vodka-infused strawberries, added a sweet touch to the evening.
- The after-party was nothing short of spectacular, with a jungle cathedral, a bar resembling a church altar, and a carnival-like market.
A Memorable Farewell
- On the final day, the couple bid farewell with a brunch at the Hotel Palacio de Villapanés. The courtyard was adorned with 300 styrofoam oranges, as a tribute to Alexandra’s vision of an orange grove.
- Guests left their signatures on two six-liter bottles of Chopin Potato Vodka, creating a unique guest book.
A Truly Unique Wedding
Alexandra and Stefan’s three-day wedding in Seville was nothing short of spectacular. From the "crumbly" aesthetic of Casa De Pilatos to the creative cocktails, memorable ceremonies, and vibrant after-party, it was an event that celebrated their love and created lasting memories.
This love story reminds us that the most extraordinary journeys often begin in the most ordinary places, and love can bloom in the unlikeliest of settings.
Photos and details courtesy of Vogue
A Colorful Seville Celebration
Do Ostrich Feather Wedding Dresses Make Your Hearts Flutter?
Ethereal wedding gowns have a unique way of captivating our hearts, and in the midst of this resurging wedding trend, we’re eager to unveil our top picks for ostrich feather wedding dresses. These enchanting creations are sure to make your heart skip a beat. 💖
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Get ready to fall in love with the romantic allure of ostrich feather-adorned bridal fashion. ❤️👰✨
What Was the Centerpiece of Jacqueline Bouvier’s Wedding?
At the heart of Jacqueline Bouvier and Senator John F. Kennedy’s wedding stood a gown fit for royalty – a timeless creation by Ann Lowe. This enchanting dress, crafted from ivory silk-taffeta, featured a portrait neckline and a voluminous bouffant skirt. It would go on to become an iconic symbol in the annals of wedding fashion history. 💍👰🤵
- What made Ann Lowe’s gown the centerpiece of Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding?
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Step into the captivating world of this remarkable bridal attire and its enduring legacy. 👑✨
What Did Faith Hill Wear to the 1883 Wedding?
At the 1883 wedding, country stars Faith Hill and her husband, both aged 54, radiated elegance. Faith Hill graced the occasion in a sleeveless, shimmering gown, while her country singer husband made a dashing appearance in a classic black tuxedo. Their timeless style added a touch of sophistication to the memorable event.
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Explore the fashion choices that made Faith Hill and her husband stand out on this special day. ✨👗🤵
Is a Feather Dress a Wedding Dress?
Traditionally, lace has reigned as the favored embellishment for wedding dresses. However, in contemporary bridal collections, feathers are making a stunning appearance. A feather dress has a unique ability to captivate attention, making it the perfect choice when all eyes are on the bride. It exudes a sense of celebration, turning the wedding into a truly significant and joyous event.
- Why are feathers becoming a prominent feature in bridal fashion?
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Discover the growing trend of feather dresses in the world of wedding fashion, and why they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for brides. 🦢👗👰🥂
What Were Ostrich Feathers Used for in Ancient Egypt?
In Ancient Egypt, ostrich feathers held a unique significance. They were used in various ways:
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Princesses’ Fans: Princesses of Ancient Egypt were known to use ostrich feathers to craft elegant fans. These fans featured bases made of precious gold, showcasing the feathers’ regal charm.
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Royal Comfort: When the Pharaoh ventured among his people, royal attendants employed long poles topped with ostrich feather fans to keep him cool and comfortable. These fans symbolized not only luxury but also the Pharaoh’s status.
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Funerary Rituals: Ostrich feathers held a place in funerary rituals. Upon a person’s passing, two ostrich feathers were often placed with the deceased as a symbolic representation. They were considered a conveyance for the soul in the afterlife.
Explore the multifaceted role that ostrich feathers played in the culture and beliefs of Ancient Egypt. 🌟🦢👑
Who Were Ostrich Feather Workers?
Ostrich feather workers of the past faced challenging conditions:
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Exploitation and Low Wages: These workers often endured meager wages and were vulnerable to the exploitation of their labor rights by employers.
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Historical Insights: A glimpse into the lives of ostrich feather workers comes from the 1911 census, revealing their prevalence in London during that era. An example is Marie Ethel Adams, an 18-year-old ‘Ostrich Feather Curler’ residing in Shoreditch, whose occupation sheds light on the diverse roles within this industry.
Delve into the historical perspective of ostrich feather workers, highlighting the labor conditions they faced in their profession. 🕊️🏭📜
Why Does the Prince of Wales Wear an Ostrich Feather?
The Prince of Wales’ Coat of Arms prominently features three white ostrich feathers enclosed by a golden coronet. This emblem has a historical origin:
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Discover the rich history behind the Prince of Wales’ use of the ostrich feather in his Coat of Arms, representing a significant and lasting tribute to a historical figure. 🏴🪶👑
What Is Ostrich Jewelry?
Ostrich jewelry, an enduring art form, has a rich history and remains a popular choice today. This unique category of jewelry encompasses a wide variety of items, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Ostrich jewelry is traditionally crafted from ostrich feathers, but it also exhibits diversity in materials, featuring creations made from Ostrich eggs, shells, and even Ostrich meat.
Explore the world of ostrich jewelry, where tradition and innovation come together to create distinctive and captivating adornments. 🦢💍📿
