Q&A with REAL BRIDE Lara Maltz - A wedding set at The Dairy, Waddesdon, a bespoke Caroline Castigliano gown celebrating in effortless harmony with nature, love, and intention.

Real Bride: Lara

Our stunning bride knew her dress the moment it came together, a timeless strapless silhouette created by combining two Caroline Castigliano designs.

Set at The Dairy at Waddesdon, her wedding day was intimate, romantic, and deeply personal, filled with meaningful moments, beautiful music, and the joy of family coming together.

 

 

The Dairy, Waddesdon Estate, Buckinghamshire | England

Thursday, 10th July 2025

Captured in a quiet moment between celebrations at The Dairy, Waddesdon. Surrounded by such beautiful natural scenery, Lara knew she wanted to bring the outdoors in, creating a romantic, secret-garden atmosphere for dinner and dancing.

Tell us about the moment you knew this was your dress. What drew you to it, and how did you feel when you tried it on?

I always envisioned a classic, strapless look, but I couldn’t find a gown that was quite right for me. In the end, we combined the top of one dress with the skirt of another, and the moment I saw the two pieces together, it just clicked; they complemented each other so beautifully.

 

 

How did you and your partner meet, and how did the proposal happen?

My brother met him at a dinner party and, for the first time, decided to set me up - he had a feeling we’d click. A few months later, we finally went on our first date, which took us from an art gallery to a jazz club and then a reggae bar. 

It was unforgettable, and the rest is history!

He’d rented a suite at The Twenty Two and arranged for a violinist to play the pieces I used to perform with my Grandma on piano. The room was filled with stunning florals; it was so intimate and special. Afterwards, we went down to dinner where my whole family was waiting to celebrate and hear the news!

 

What made you choose your venue? 

We wanted to be just outside London, close enough for guests to return the same evening, but still immersed in nature. Even when we visited in winter, the grounds were breathtaking, so we knew it would be spectacular in summer. The lakeside reception area framed by beautiful trees won us over instantly, and the intimate courtyard was perfect for dinner and dancing. The glass house was an ideal space for the after-party, and having four distinct areas allowed the whole day to flow seamlessly.

What was your overall vision for the day? 

The Dairy, Waddesdon, is surrounded by such beautiful natural scenery that I knew I wanted to bring the outdoors in. We created a romantic, secret-garden atmosphere for dinner and dancing. Our wedding planner, Constance Taylor, along with Bohemia Canvas and our florist, Millie Richardson, understood the vision perfectly. The result exceeded anything I could have imagined.

Which wedding detail felt most personal or meaningful to you? 

The speeches were truly unforgettable. Hearing my siblings, my father, father-in-law, and husband speak is something I’ll cherish forever. I replay those moments in my mind often.

What was your favourite moment of the day - a memory you’ll always hold onto?

Standing under the Chuppah with my grandma beside me meant the world, and meeting all of my husband’s family, who travelled from Brazil, was incredibly special.

How did your Caroline Castigliano gown make you feel on the day itself?

I felt completely myself in the gown. Light, effortless, and comfortable. It moved beautifully and made me feel exactly how I wanted to feel on my wedding day.

 

How involved were you in the styling process of your gown? Did you customize any elements or work closely with Caroline and the atelier team?

Once we chose the bodice from one gown and the skirt from another, I knew it would come together perfectly. My sister also lent me her intricately detailed veil, which paired so beautifully with my timeless & classic dress.

What role did your bridal party or family play in your dress decision?

I had initially chosen another dress, but when my mother saw it, she knew it wasn’t the one. Trusting her instinct led me to a gown that felt unquestionably perfect.

A special moment was shared with Lara’s mother, Annabel Karmel, who wore a custom Caroline Castigliano design for the day. Thoughtfully created to reflect her own sense of style, her look felt beautifully personal, a meaningful expression of confidence, individuality, and the close bond between mother and daughter as they celebrated together.

 

Did you make any bold or unexpected choices? 

Our wedding centred around amazing food & drinks. We combined our love of Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. We’re obsessed with sake, so we served mini chilled sake cups with the starter - they were a huge hit. At the reception, I had my favourite, the Tomatotini on the menu. My husband handled the music, and our band, Totem, were phenomenal - they could play anything, from Israeli and Brazilian songs to garage and soft rock.

What did your partner say when they first saw you in your dress?

He was an emotional wreck - in the sweetest way. He cried through the entire ceremony, and it was incredibly touching.

What advice would you give to brides currently planning their wedding?

Don’t get lost in the tiny details; focus on the overall flow of the day. Keep the reception moving, ensure the lighting suits the mood, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Prioritize energy: great drinks and music make everything memorable.

Three words that describe your wedding day? 
Moving, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

 Looking back, what will you treasure most about your wedding day? 
Being welcomed so warmly into my new family - and feeling completely certain and happy about the choice I made - is what I’ll treasure most.

 

From heartfelt words to quiet glances and shared joy, Lara’s wedding day was a beautiful reminder of what truly matters: love, family, and moments that last long after the day itself.

 

Suppliers of the day

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Venue: The Dairy at Waddesdon, a Rothschild Family Estate

Wedding Planner: Constance Taylor 

Photographer: Colin Dack

Videographer: Alex Brown

Hair & Make Up: Kelly Orme 

Florist: Millie Richardson

Event Production: Rockit Event

Catering: Tony Page

Drinks: Private Mixologist 

Tableware: The Social Kitchen by  Dani Tucker

Furniture Hire: Wed Head London

Marqueet: Bohemia Canvas

Band: Totem