The most luxurious of weddings
One million roses, a 12-foot cake and a monogrammed marble dancefloor… it’s the stuff of wedding dreams, and a reality for the new Mr and Mrs Alakija, who tied the knot at the weekend. The couple chose two of 5 Star Wedding Directory’s highly esteemed suppliers to complement their day, holding the nuptials at Blenheim Palace, and calling on the exquisite talent of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium for the sweet centrepiece. We couldn’t think of a better match!
Son of Nigerian oil tycoon Folorunsho Alakija, the richest black woman in the world, Folarin Alakija married Nazanin Jafarian Ghaissarifa, Bioengineering graduate and model in a beautiful ceremony. We’ve taken a look at some of the luxurious detail…
The Cake
The cake, by Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium, stood at eight tiers, featuring doves and intricate sugar work and was surrounded by an abundance of flowers, as sugar flowers cascaded into real white orchids. The cake was displayed in a floral wreath, as elegant as the rest of the floral displays.
Eight tiers of delicious perfection! Image: Instagram – Jo ThomsonThe Venue
Blenheim Palace has to be the ultimate wedding venue. With exclusive use of the palace, the couple took advantage of the estate, holding their ceremony in the Long Library – one of the longest rooms in any British stately home – and celebrated in a huge clear marquee on the south lawns.
The happy couple make their way back through the Long Library
The custom marquee and stunning decorationThe Menu
Guests dined on foie gras, sole fillet and slowly braised feather blade of beef – sourced locally in Oxfordshire.
The menu – continuing the floral themeThe Flowers
The gorgeous florals were the work of Jeff Leatham, event designer to the stars and the man responsible for Eva Longoria and Tony Parker’s wedding flowers. He brought over 30 members of staff to the wedding to help with creating the displays, covering every piece of the palace with blush, cream and white roses as well as pure white orchids.
Blush, white and cream roses and white orchids adorned the walls of Blenheim PalaceThe Dresses
The beautiful bride chose two stunning dresses for her day. A strapless ball gown with lace appliqued bodice for the ceremony, with pin, tucked and ruffled lace appliqued skirt and elegant veil. And for the reception she slipped into a form-fitting lace gown with beautiful train, letting her hair, which had been tied up, fall loosely around her shoulders. Shoes came courtesy of Manolo Blahnik, and of course, there were plenty of diamonds on show.
The happy couple with celebrant Elaine Coles
The couple celebrate their day on their personalised dancefloorThe First Dance
The couple couldn’t hide their joy as they celebrated their marriage with their first dance on the monogrammed marble dancefloor.
Under a canopy of flowers – the first dance
The monogram!The Guest List
The guest list was, naturally, star-studded, with models and celebrities joining the pair to celebrate with them. Robin Thicke even showed up to entertain the guests.
Singer Robin Thicke. Image: Daniel Zuchnik/FilmMagicEstimated at totalling £5million, the happy couple certainly made the most of their special day. The smiles on the faces of the newlyweds never shifted throughout the day and guests took to social media to express their joy and delight at seeing their friends marry.
Suppliers:
Venue – Blenheim Palace / Cake – Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium / Flowers – Jeff Leatham / Catering – Searcy’s / Planner – Sade Awe of The Bridal Circle
Looking for more luxury? Take a glance at some more of our luxury real weddings.
