NICK SPANSWICK
EVENTS AND DESIGN
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski on the Bosphorus.
We decided to build the large stage and marriage ceremony gazebo on an platform above the Bosphorus, both to win more space, and to make it appear as if they were floating on the water.
The couple asked me to create whimsical images of Istanbul for their save the date and invitation.
The seating plan was actually very complicated: the terrace is very narrow, so I designed false floor levels that covered half the staircase to allow more space and to help guests seated further out feel closer to the bar and dance floor.
Tablecloths had metal coin trims to evoke traditional belly-dancer costumes.
These became very popular later, but we custom-designed these cages for our candelabras and accessorised them with orchids.
The huge 4m chandelier served as a magical focal point for the bar and dance floor.
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Exotic palace wedding
This couple is from Singapore, but due to the number of friends they have around the world, they wanted to marry in the city where East meets West. While it was a palace wedding setting, they made it clear they wanted neutral tones, simple orchid flower arrangements and subtle but refined luxury.
My visual of the wedding decor. We decided to build the large stage and marriage ceremony gazebo on an platform above the Bosphorus, both to win more space, and to make it appear as if the bride and groom were floating on the water.
My artwork for the save the date and the invitation. As it was a destination wedding and they were bringing guests from all over the world, there was lots of information to include so the couple asked me to create whimsical images of Istanbul to decorate it and help guests understand what to expect.
My designs for the wedding included the gazebo, the custom birdcage candelabras, a fan that would serve as a table number, and the seating plan itself.
Work begins: building the false floor levels.
A view across the dance floor, showing the table decor and custom 'belly-dancer' tablecloths.
Detail of the bird cage candelabras.
A view of the wedding gazebo.
A view of the staircase that guests descended to enter the wedding. The candle wall in front is the backdrop to the bar.
A look towards the staircase and bar area as guests begin to arrive... The 4m chandelier formed an elegant centrepiece for the bar and dance floor.