Q&A with Castigliano Bride Melanie

Questions for the bride, Melanie

Date of the wedding:

Thursday 24th August 2024

Where and when did you get engaged:

Friday 3rd December 2021, at the Aviary Rooftop Restaurant in London, Oliver hired one of the external glass igloos on the rooftop terrace with a view over the City of London. Oliver and I were going there for a casual date night, however he surprised me with the igloo on the terrace followed by his proposal.

Where did you get married , had your ceremony and the reception:

We got married at the Fairmont Palace Hotel in Montreux, Switzerland. We had our ceremony in their private garden overlooking the iconic Lake Geneva, followed by our dinner and party in their wondrous ballroom the Salle des Fêtes. The wedding was the most magical occasion and our family and friends remained dancing the night away until the sun started to rise.

Why did you choose your venue:

We always knew we would tie the knot in Switzerland, as this is where I am from, and Oliver has always loved the country. Oliver and I have always loved the city of Montreux for their renowned Christmas market, historical music icons and world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. We also share a deep love of music, particularly our favourite band Queen. It felt like destiny when we discovered a deep connection between the city of Montreux and Freddie Mercury, who happens to have his statue in the main square of the town. Many world famous music stars enjoy staying in Montreux and in particular our hotel venue, where the suite we stayed in was not only named the Quincy Jones suite, but housed his signature on the wall and several famous photographs of the record producer.

Did you have a theme or a specific décor:

I always knew I wanted a white and gold theme. When we visited the ballroom for the first time, we were immediately enchanted as the room boasted beautiful detailed artwork, sculptures and a huge chandelier reflective of the aesthetic of Versailles. We worked closely with the Fairmont florist team to bring to life our white & gold enchanted forest theme. The top table and guest tables were adorned with beautiful glimmering white and gold bouquets and high level golden flower arrangements. Around the perimeter of the ballroom, there were oversized vases with additional flower arrangements that blended seamlessly with the style of the room.

How did you feel in your Castigliano gown:

When I watched my sister saying “I do” wearing a beautiful Castigliano dress, which suited her perfectly, I knew that this was going to be the house I would love to get mine from too. The team was incredibly professional, kind, attentive and made us feel at ease very quickly. After trying on a few dresses at my first appointment, it was clear to everyone that I had something specific in mind, perhaps unconventional, but I knew what I wanted in my dream wedding dress. We decided to proceed with a bespoke dress, and although it was initially difficult to explain with words what I had envisaged, the team were able to understand my vision, and bring my dress to life. From finding the right golden fabric, specifically imported from Italy, to adding a cascade of golden pattern onto the skirt, the sleeves, the Swarovski beads added on the corset one by one.. it all came to life in the most perfect way. What a gift it was to wear the dress I always dreamed of. Thank you ever so much.

What did you enjoy the most about your Caroline Castigliano experience:

I chose CC after seeing how well they treated my big sister with her own wedding dress. When it came to me, I received the exact same spectacular treatment and was able to create lasting and loving memories of my fittings alongside my big and little sister and mother. I was made to feel like I am not just another client, but someone the team genuinely cared about and wanted to do everything they could to ensure my dress was exactly in line with my vision.

Best moment of the day:

The morning preparations were surprisingly calm and stress free, where my hair & makeup team spent time with us to help get us all dolled up. Once I had put my dress on, I shared a special moment in revealing my wedding dress to my father, it was a really emotional moment which I will cherish forever. Secondly, following the ceremony, when my husband and I took a private moment to take golden hour photos outside in the Hotel gardens. This was the first time were together as husband & wife. There are too many incredible moments to pick, it was just one perfect day.

Any tips for the brides to be:

When it came to the planning of our wedding, Oliver and I planned, designed and arranged the entire wedding ourselves. During this process, we became even closer, and made amazing memories together on that journey. From meeting the stationary team designing bespoke menus, invitations and thank you cards, to meeting our ceremony singer Gilat, and not forgetting our delightful food tasting sessions at the venue. So I guess, my top advice would be, to enjoy the journey as much as you enjoy the wedding, they both go by so fast!

The Gown

Melanie’s dress is a breathtaking silk organza ball gown, exuding elegance and glamour. It boasts an integral stretch bustier corset, ensuring a flattering and comfortable fit throughout the celebration. The corset provides structure and support, accentuating the bride's silhouette with grace and poise.

The gown's standout feature is its exquisite gold lame lace, which envelops the entirety of the dress in a shimmering embrace. This intricate lace is encrusted with Swarovski crystals, adding a mesmerizing sparkle that catches the light with every movement. The combination of gold lame and Swarovski crystals lends an opulent touch to the gown, creating a truly luxurious aesthetic.

This bespoke Caroline Castigliano creation is more than just a dress—it's a work of art tailored to the individuality of the bride.