From an online connection that sparked across continents to a magical proposal in Sardinia, step inside Katarina and Ismail’s effortlessly chic wedding in the heart of Chelsea – a celebration of modern London romance where global roots, refined elegance, and a touch of serendipity came together beneath the city’s timeless charm.
Our Story
We like to think of our journey as one that was meant to be. We were born in different parts of the world and, as fate would have it, we met in London. We met through online dating, a modern introduction that has become a sign of the times. Our engagement took place in Sardinia on top of the Bastione di Saint Remy overlooking the magical views of Cagliari. It was one of those moments that felt suspended in time. My engagement ring is a 1.5 carat brilliant round diamond in a platinum setting – simple, timeless, and full of meaning.

The Venue
Our civil ceremony took place at the iconic Chelsea Town Hall, a setting that carries both charm and prestige. Its proximity to our reception venue, Bluebird Chelsea, made it feel like the perfect match. We loved the idea of marrying in a place so full of London character.


Fashion
I found my dress at Love Bridal LTD. It was everything I wanted – classy, elegant, and just a touch sexy. My something blue was a wedding garter gifted to me by my younger sister, which made it all the more special. My husband wore a Charles Tyrwhitt suit with a John Lewis shirt and Charles Tyrwhitt trousers. I wore Christian Louboutin heels while he wore Tom Ford shoes.

Jewellery
All of my jewellery was gifted to me by my mother and brought from Austria. Each piece carried sentimental value that made the day even more meaningful.
The Bridal Party
Our theme was rose gold, so my bridesmaids wore rose gold dresses that shimmered softly in the light while the groomsmen wore classic black suits. The colour palette tied everything together beautifully.

Tablescape
The Floral Décor team, led by Freeda, brought our vision of elegance to life. We wanted the space to feel romantic and intimate, with plenty of candles, drapes, and flowers. As a personal touch, we included a live singer and guitarist and even colouring books and pencils for the children.
Food & Drinks
Guests were welcomed with canapés followed by a three-course dinner that included both vegetarian and seafood options. The food was exceptional and we received so many compliments about both the menu and the atmosphere.

Entertainment
We had a singer and guitarist for the ceremony at Chelsea Town Hall and during the early part of the reception at Bluebird. Later in the evening, a DJ took over and kept everyone on the dance floor well into the night.


Beauty & Wellness
My makeup and hair were done by Sana Majeed, who created a look that felt polished and natural. In the lead-up to the wedding, I had hair extensions, a Botox refresh, and a subtle lip filler top-up to ensure I felt my best on the day.
The Honeymoon
Our honeymoon was three weeks in Bali, a dream destination that was everything we hoped for. From lush jungles to white sand beaches, it was the perfect way to unwind and begin our married life.

Advice
We chose an intimate wedding with our closest friends and family, which gave us time to truly enjoy the day and connect with everyone. Take time for yourselves as a couple, even if just for a few quiet moments. And remember, not everything will go exactly as planned – and that is perfectly fine.
With Thanks
Bride / Groom:@ligia_alw & @razarecta
Venue:@marrymeinchelsea
Caterer:@hifichai
Dress:@londonbrideuk & @justinalexander
Groom Outfit:@mossbros
Flower Girls & Page Boys:@nextofficial
Florist:@rojfloralstudio
Tableware:@dreamscapingdecor
Stationery:@etsyuk
Photographer:@florianweddings
Wedding Rings:@77diamonds
Makeup:@faiarcher
Hair:@fairarcher
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