A Grand Arrival

The entrance is striking, set within the historic Adria Palace, and there’s an immediate sense of elegance and quiet luxury.

But what I loved most was that moment before even heading up to the suite.

I found myself pausing, taking everything in.

A sweeping spiral staircase draws your eye down towards the ballroom and event spaces, instantly giving you a glimpse into the hotel’s potential for weddings and celebrations. It’s one of those spaces where you can already imagine the atmosphere… guests arriving, champagne flowing, the beginning of something special.

The Suite Experience

As I made my way up to my corner suite overlooking Fashion Street, the experience continued to feel considered and seamless.

The suite itself was everything you would expect from a five-star stay: spacious, elegant, and filled with natural light from the surrounding windows. The design felt calm and refined, creating a space that was both luxurious and incredibly comfortable.

The marble bathroom was a highlight. Finished beautifully with both a bath and a walk-in shower, and complete with Diptyque products, it felt indulgent without being overwhelming. Every detail had clearly been thought through.

It’s the kind of suite you don’t just stay in, you enjoy spending time in.

Interiors That Truly Impress

As I explored the hotel further, the design continued to reveal itself in layers.

The lobby is, quite simply, breathtaking.

A magnificent glass dome ceiling sits above, with intricate stained glass and a statement chandelier that immediately captures your attention. It’s elegant and grand, yet still feels welcoming.

Guests are greeted with Arabic coffee and dates, a beautiful touch that adds warmth and a sense of hospitality from the very beginning.

Velvet Bar: A Moment to Pause

One of my favourite moments during my stay was afternoon tea at Velvet Bar.

With its own private entrance, it feels like a hidden space within the hotel.

Inside, rich green and deep red velvet tones create an atmosphere that is both intimate and luxurious. The textures, the lighting, the details, everything feels carefully curated.

And then the cakes…

From apple to salted caramel and coffee cake, each one was almost too pretty to eat. Beautifully presented, delicate, and indulgent, it felt like a true experience rather than just afternoon tea.

A Space to Reset

The spa offers a completely different energy, calm, and filled with natural light from the glass ceiling above.

Soft music plays in the background, creating a tranquil environment that feels perfect before a wedding, after a long day exploring, or simply as a moment to pause.

Location & Service

Set in the heart of Budapest, the location couldn’t be more ideal; everything is within easy reach, making it perfect for both guests and couples planning a destination wedding.

What truly brings everything together, however, is the service.

The staff are attentive, warm, and effortlessly professional, always present, yet never intrusive. It’s seamless, polished, and exactly what you would expect from a hotel of this level.

Weddings at Al Habtoor Palace Budapest

For couples considering Budapest for their wedding, Al Habtoor Palace offers something truly special.

The grand interiors, iconic dome, and elegant event spaces create a refined and sophisticated setting for both ceremonies and receptions.

From the dramatic staircase to the beautifully designed ballroom, every space lends itself effortlessly to a wedding that feels both timeless and modern.

Its central location and luxurious accommodation combine to provide a seamless and memorable experience for both couples and their guests.

5 Star Highlights

• Unbeatable central location in the heart of Budapest
• Stunning dome lobby with chandelier, truly breathtaking
• Elegant, spacious suites with marble bathrooms and Diptyque products
• Velvet Bar, a hidden gem with exceptional afternoon tea
• Spiral staircase and ballroom perfect for weddings and events
• Tranquil spa with natural light and calming atmosphere
• Attentive, polished service throughout

Final Thoughts

Al Habtoor Palace Budapest is a hotel that delivers not just on luxury, but on experience.

Elegant, refined, and beautifully designed, it offers a stay that feels both memorable and effortless.

For couples, it’s a setting that combines city sophistication with timeless style, and for me, it’s a place I’ll definitely return to.

Connect with us

+36 1-429-5500

Erzsebet Ter 9-10, Budapest, Hungary, 1051

reservations@ahpbudapest.com

A Calm and Idyllic Arrival

Nestled in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca, PUROBEACH Resort Santa Ponsa is perfectly positioned for couples seeking a luxury destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic escape. With stunning sea views, easy access to beaches, and a serene Balearic atmosphere, the location itself makes it a top choice for unforgettable celebrations.

Stepping into the resort, the first thing that hits you is its signature calming scent, a soothing welcome that immediately sets the tone for a relaxing stay. General Manager Pablo greeted us warmly, offering a refreshing drink as we took in the stylish lobby and the property’s serene energy.

Suite Experience: Balearic Serenity

Walking to our suite, we passed rows of beautiful seafront loungers and glimpses of the sparkling sea, instantly hinting at the resort’s luxurious and romantic atmosphere. Our suite opened onto a private terrace with sun loungers and chairs, offering panoramic sea views, perfect for honeymoon mornings or wedding photography.

Inside, the décor captured the essence of Mallorca: calming tones of browns, soft neutrals, and natural textures. A Mallorca-style basket stood ready to carry perfectly folded branded towels to the pool, combining practicality with charm. The walk-in shower featured natural stone finishes, and the thoughtfully designed sink allowed water to drain naturally, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.

The bedroom opened onto its own private terrace, making it an intimate retreat for couples. Thoughtful touches like a welcome letter and a chilled bottle of León on ice made the stay feel personal and indulgent. Every detail, from the calming colours to the Mediterranean-inspired accents, contributed to a serene, inviting atmosphere.

Dining at ONA: The Rhythm of the Sea

Dinner at ONA was a highlight of the stay. This intimate restaurant celebrates Mediterranean cuisine at its finest, with dishes created from locally sourced ingredients and a deep respect for tradition. The name “ONA,” meaning “wave” in Catalan, perfectly embodies the flow between land and sea, ingredient and flame, tradition and modernity.

Highlights included:

• Wild Mushrooms & Red Prawn – silky mushroom espuma with perfectly cooked red prawn, mushroom powder, and black garlic parsnip cream.
• Josper-Grilled Scallop – with green papaya, fresh herbs, Thai dressing, and delicate smoked sauce.
• Hake Medallions – line-caught hake with lobster sauce, prawn crisp, and roasted potatoes with lemon and capers.
• Crispy Roast Suckling Pig – with apple purée, fermented lemon gel, and honey-truffle sauce.

Desserts were equally memorable: a White Chocolate Delight with red berry cream centre and strawberry sorbet, and an array of Chocolate Textures, perfect for sharing. With views of the mountains and sea, every meal felt like a celebration of Mallorca itself.

For lunch, Bar TNT offered relaxed poolside dining, with highlights like Tempura King Prawns with spicy mayonnaise and the Puro Brioche Caesar Salad, perfect for light, fresh indulgence while enjoying the sun and sea breeze.

Pool, Spa, and Sunset Magic

The pool area is a true Balearic oasis, with uninterrupted sea views, loungers perfectly arranged for relaxation or photography, and attentive staff ensuring every moment is seamless. The spa offers indulgent treatments and private spaces for meditation or pre-wedding relaxation, allowing couples to recharge in style.

As the sun sets, the resort transforms into a golden paradise, with the sky melting into warm hues over the sea — an unforgettable experience, whether for a honeymoon sunset toast or wedding photography.

Impeccable Service & Personal Touches

Every staff member at PUROBEACH Resort Santa Ponsa is attentive without being intrusive. From personalised welcome gifts to poolside service and restaurant attentiveness, every interaction feels thoughtful and curated to elevate the guest experience.

Perfect for Weddings & Honeymoons

Whether planning a luxury wedding, intimate elopement, or honeymoon escape, PUROBEACH Resort Santa Ponsa offers stunning backdrops, romantic suites, and unforgettable experiences. From terraces overlooking the sea to calm, Mediterranean-inspired interiors, every corner inspires photographs, memories, and celebrations that last a lifetime.

5 Star Highlights

• Location & Setting – Santa Ponsa sea views, Balearic calm, and a perfect backdrop for weddings.
• Rooms & Suites – Spacious suites with terraces, private access, and intimate, Mediterranean-inspired décor.
• Culinary Experiences – ONA’s Mediterranean dining, wild mushroom prawn, Josper scallops, crispy roast suckling pig, and indulgent desserts.
• Pool & Spa – Infinity pool with panoramic sea views, serene spa treatments, and sunset perfection.
• Signature Cocktails & Bar – Relaxing daytime cocktails and lunch at Bar TNT with Tempura King Prawns.
• Romantic & Wedding-Friendly – Every corner is Instagram-worthy, ideal for couples, honeymoons, and intimate celebrations.

Address: Carretera de Andratx a Peguera, Km 6, Santa Ponsa, Mallorca, Spain
Contact: https://www.purobeachresort.com

Situated in London’s sophisticated Mayfair district, The May Fair Hotel seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern luxury. From the moment we arrived, the red-uniformed doorman greeted us with a warm smile, opening the doors to a world of understated elegance. There’s something about that first step into the marbled lobby — with its gleaming floors, opulent floral displays, and sultry lighting — that immediately makes you feel like something special is about to begin.

A Night in the Schiaparelli Suite

Our stay in the Schiaparelli Suite was nothing short of a dream. Named after the legendary fashion icon Elsa Schiaparelli, the suite pays tribute to her love of surrealist art and that unmistakable signature fuchsia, which appears subtly in the design. At 139m², this one-bedroom suite is spacious, theatrical, and utterly romantic — the perfect setting for a wedding night, bridal prep, or a luxurious city break.

Every detail was designed for indulgence — from the British handcrafted Vispring king mattress and freestanding limestone egg bath, to the Sonos sound system and integrated fireplace that gave the whole suite a warm, cocooning feel. We spent the evening sipping Nespresso by the fire, music playing softly, and the buzz of the city gently muted beyond the windows. It felt like our own little world.

The suite’s stylish work and lounge areas gave us space to relax. At the same time, the bathroom was a highlight in itself, complete with Noble Isle amenities and the kind of bathtub that practically insists you light a candle and soak the evening away.

May Fair Kitchen: A Culinary Gem

Later, we dined at May Fair Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and it truly lived up to its reputation. The menu of Mediterranean small plates was a delight — from the wild mushroom risotto to the lobster tacos and that perfectly rich chocolate fondant for dessert. The ambience was effortlessly chic, and the service warm and attentive.

A Spa Escape in the Heart of the City

Although we didn’t have time to indulge ourselves, the May Fair Spa is renowned for its candlelit tranquillity, luxurious treatments, and beautifully designed relaxation spaces — perfect for pre-wedding pampering or a serene start to a romantic weekend.

Why It’s Perfect for Weddings

Whether you’re searching for a pre-wedding pamper, honeymoon suite, or an elegant setting to begin your wedding weekend, The May Fair is a standout. Its city location is unbeatable for access, yet it feels discreet and exclusive. The Schiaparelli Suite is particularly ideal for bridal preparations, with space, glamour, and beautiful light for photography.

Our 5 Star Wedding Highlights

• The exquisite Schiaparelli Suite, perfect for romance and celebrations
• A refined, stylish dining experience at May Fair Kitchen
• The on-site spa for the ultimate pre-wedding unwind
• Beautifully attentive service with thoughtful personal touches
• A central London location that feels tucked away and luxurious

The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT
+44 (0)20 7769 8200
reservations@themayfairhotel.co.uk
www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

The May Fair Hotel is a 5 Star Wedding Directory Featured Member

Luxury and special events have taken a complete turnover where planners, event specialists, vendors, luxury experts are constantly on the move on finding newer and authentic creations that will attract the audience. In line with this, the 3rd Annual Planners Xtraordinaire Show 2019 ended on a supreme note at the prestigious and magnificent Radisson Collection Tsinandali Estate located in Khaketi. The three-day exclusive, closed-door event gathered top event corporations, industry experts, exotic venues and chateaus, exquisite floral designers, stunning cake designers, spectacular bridal couture designers and the finest creative visual artists to discuss key trends, innovations and creations that have shaped these luxury events and wedding industry. 

This prestigious event was hosted in the beautiful Radisson Collection Hotel Tsinandali Estate that is located in the cradle of Georgia’s winemaking region. The hotel is known for its magical setting and was specially decorated for this luxurious event. The exceptional venue complimented with its delicious gastronomical dishes and extremely positive Georgian hospitality sets a benchmark for luxury special conference. The hotel provided a platform for the planners to discuss the latest event developments supported by case-studies while overlooking the breath-taking views over the Caucasus Mountains creating an unforgettable experience for every guest. Commenting on this partnership with QNA International, GM of Radisson Collection Hotel Tsinandali Estate, Mr. Stephan Meyvisch “The PX show organized at our beautiful Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate has certainly proven to be an excellent choice to profile our estate as one of the best venues in the world to host extraordinary weddings and events. The show has given us the opportunity to showcase the best of what we can do together with solid partnerships.” 

The first evening of the event kicked off with the welcome reception at Lopota Lake Resort & Spa where the attendees had the opportunity to have a fantastic wine-cellar tour where they could learn about the process of wine-making, storing and tasting! The delegates had the chance to have striking conversations amidst lush greenery. Apart from the wine-cellar tour, the delegates, sponsors, and event attendees were welcomed with a traditional performance by the splendid Georgian National Ballet adorned in their traditional attires and accessories.

This one-of-a-kind event hosted panel discussions on numerous interesting topics that engaging industry leaders, event planners, and vendors to engage in addressing challenging and rediscovering the core of the industry. Some of the diverse topics for discussions included – Discovering success through re-invention, business intelligence in the luxury market, creative skill workspace, managing expectations of the extravagant world of HNWIs and celebrities and carving a niche among many others. The highlight of the overall conference was the gala dinner where attendees adorned the most fashionable and ethnic outfits, celebrating the spirit of the 200 luxury special event orchestrators under one roof. The evening exemplified glitz, glamour, and sheen that was complemented with delectable delights, chatty conversations, singing and an entertaining program devised by Nu’Art.

Apart from the conference, event participants had an opportunity to cruise around Georgian landscape and indulge in local traditional experiences which included witnessing the process of making Churchkhela (candy), bread, and tasting some rich wine by the Radisson pool and visit the Prince Alexander Museum within the estate.

Commenting on the success of the 3rd Annual Planners Xtraordinaire Show Sidh N.C, Director, QNA International says “This year has been extremely special with having Radisson on board and the beautiful Georgian landscape. We aim to offer a boutique platform to global event specialists and industry planners who are looking to create experiences and provide 40+ networking hours, getting the sector closer and stronger!”

Following the awards inception in October this year, a shortlist of brands was compiled by The Bridelux Awards Nomination Committee. Over 50 names were hand selected for eleven different categories encompassing the entirety of the luxury wedding industry.

The committee comprises of  Grace Ormonde, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style,  George Hammer, chairman of The Wedding Gallery,  Caroline Neville, President of CEW,  Jade Beer, Show Director at The Tatler Townhouse,  Simon Leadsford, Publishing Director at Condé Nast Traveller and James Lord, CEO and Founder of Bridelux.

Bridelux is delighted to announce the 2019 Winners at the Bridelux Awards:

Bridelux Industry Legend awarded to Johnny Roxburgh

Inductee into the Bridelux Bridal Designer Hall of Fame awarded to Phillipa Lepley

Best Photographer/Videographer awarded to Holly Clark Photography

Best Florist/Wedding Designer awarded to Rob Van Helden

Best Wedding Planner awarded to Cranberry Blue

Best Wedding Venue awarded to Aynhoe Park

Best Bridal Beauty Brand awarded to Charlotte Tilbury

Best Honeymoon Provider awarded to Mr & Mrs Smith

Best Stationer awarded to Intricate Creations

Best Cakemaker awarded to Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium

Best Emerging Fashion Brand awarded to Victoria Sanders Studio

“I am so honoured to be given such a prestigious award at what has to be the finest wedding conference and awards ceremony in the world” – Johnny Roxburgh

“The creativity, talent and work ethic in the global wedding industry is on a par with the finest design and couture houses, I felt it was about time these phenomenal artisans were rewarded for their talent” – James Lord

Bridelux is a luxury wedding media company for brands who want to access the most discerning Brides and Grooms. Its curated shows, conferences and salon events are produced solely by dedicated wedding professionals.

At the very summit of the luxury wedding industry and with a global network of the very best contributors, Bridelux is uniquely placed to deliver exceptional bridal events.

Images by johnnassari.co.uk

This month, Buckinghamshire-based Lesley Cutler Bridal Wear celebrates its ‘silver business anniversary’ after designing and hand making garments for brides-to-be for a quarter of a century.

Lesley began her design career creating custom garments for royalty and is proud to now own the longest-trading bridal wear business in Milton Keynes.

Where it all began

In 1994 Lesley took on a freelance contract with Elizabeth Emanuel – the British fashion designer who is best known for designing the wedding dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. This was the best sort of training ground as Lesley was making elaborate dresses for the rich and famous. Often they were very theatrical pieces in a range of different looks and styles all based on historical costumes and complete with corsets, crinolines, bust pads and hundreds of metres of silk fabrics, laces and ribbons. They were sold from the Berkertex flagship store on Bond Street in Central London.

Another designer Lesley worked with early on in her career was Jenny Packham, making evening dresses in slinky silks and short knee-length dresses with fitted bra style bodices. The polar opposite to the work with Elizabeth Emanuel which added to Lesley’s skill set and gave her the experience and confidence to create garments in her own name.

Lesley branched out on her own…

The first Lesley Cutler wedding gown was a silk satin gold coloured dress with beautiful ivory and gold brocade panel at the centre front and ivory chiffon medieval styled sleeves.  It then cascaded down into a long train. It was a dramatic and elaborate gown. A real show stopper and Lesley was thrilled to put her name to this – her very first striking dress.

As Lesley’s business grew, so did her family

Lesley’s business started from an upstairs bedroom and as it grew, so did her family. In 1997 Lesley had a studio built adjacent to her house with a separate entrance which was decorated and designed to replicate the excitement of visiting a wedding dress shop. This was (and still is!) a superb professional environment and gives Lesley the opportunity to design and make garments for brides, bridesmaids, Mother of Brides and Grooms as well as second-time and older brides.

Lesley’s favourite dresses and memories from over the years

During Lesley’s time in business she’s learnt so much and had the pleasure of designing and hand making hundreds of dresses. There are now over 1,000 garments with the Lesley Cutler label inside across the world. Lesley has got so many incredible memories from over the past 25 years, here are a few highlights:

• It’s not just traditional wedding dresses Lesley’s designed, far from it! She’s designed and made unusual and quirky wedding dresses – one example was a gold skirt, an ivory embroidered bodice and a purple coat. She’s also worked with brides to create purple and red wedding dresses. Lesley’s mission is to make brides’ dreams come true, whatever their wish.

• For the wife of a member of the House of Lords Lesley made a High Sheriff suit from an exclusive English hand woven brocade silk.
• As well as an 18th century costume inspired by a painting by Gainsborough of Countess Howe, Lesley also handmade a Mother of the Bride dress and coat for this customer. Lesley has also had the pleasure of making another High Sheriff suit for the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire 2016. What a privilege!
• One of the greatest changes over the last 25 years has been the move from silk fibres to the use of man made fibres in mass produced dresses. Lesley is proud to continue making dresses from silk and my customers appreciate being able to select from the vast array of fabrics that are available.
• Lesley has handmade a christening gown for the daughter of an Olympic rower.
• Made a Mother of the Groom outfit for a customer attending a wedding at the prestigious Claridges.
• In 2000, Lesley was filmed for a Channel 4 documentary and featured in a fly-on-the-wall film called ‘A Wedding In The Family’. The bride’s whole dress-making process was filmed from the initial consultation through to the wedding day and Lesley even went to the wedding. The bride wore a sleeveless A-line silk ivory gown with sweetheart neckline. A very memorable moment!
• Lesley comments on her incredible career and this important milestone: “Wow, 25 years, where has it gone! Back in 1994 I’m not sure that I would ever have thought that Lesley Cutler Bridal Wear would be where it is now. I am so incredibly proud of the journey that we’ve been on and that now, I’m in a position to look back over 25 years of designing and making stunning dresses for women on the happiest day of their lives.

I’m so proud of my business that I’ve built from the ground-up and feel honoured to have worked with so many brides to create their dream dress for their special day. I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone I’ve ever worked with over the past 25 years – brides-to-be, mothers of the bride, mothers of the groom and wedding guests – it’s been a privilege. More than ever I’m excited about what the future of Lesley Cutler Bridal Wear will hold.”

CONTACT

lesleycutlerbridalwear.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1908 690 899

Tel: +44 (0) 7947 050 400

Email: lesley@lesleycutlerbridalwear.co.uk

By appointment only, please contact Lesley to book.