We were brought together by chance as our mutual friends briefly introduced us, Valery remembers.
They met again during Paris Fashion Week.
After just talking to him, I felt like Id known him forever.
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler
Dimitri proposed to Valery right around their one-year anniversary while on a boat tour of Lake Como.
But instead, it happened the morning after the couple arrived.
I just put on whatever was on top of my luggage and ran.
During the boat tour, while they were admiring the castles along the shoreline, Dimitri proposed.
He made me the happiest girl in the world!
The most difficult part for us was landing on the right location, Valery says.
The choice was between the south of France with its beautiful beaches and Lake Como.
The choice of Como for the location didnt come without a few risks and worries, however.
May is considered the rainy season.
I had been tracking the weather forecast for months prior to the wedding, Valery admits.
The day the bride arrived in Como, it was indeed raining, and there were thunderstorms predicted.
But just like in a fairy tale, the clouds parted for the perfect weekend weather-wise.
The couple worked with theEvelyne Layani Organizationto plan the entire wedding weekend.
Its a family business that is run by wonderful women with great vision, Valery says.
After choosing the location, the bride began her quest to find the perfect dress.
I had a clear idea of what I wanted and the execution was better than I could have imagined.
Dimitri wore a made-to-measure Dior suit.
He has a very conservative style so it fit him perfectly, Valery says.
The brides makeup was done by her friend Georgi Sandev.
It was important for me to have close friends with me during this special moment, she says.
Before the ceremony, Valery and her mother shared a private moment as she put on her dress.
We both started to cry, the bride says.
The emotions got extra intense.
Afterwards, Valery took her godfather by his hand, and they began her walk down the aisle.
He was so sweet and nervous, asking me every second if he was walking too fast.
It was very good to have him distract me from getting too emotional.
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the pool area for pictures, cocktails, dinner, and dancing.
Looking back on the weekend now, the wedding was just as Valery dreamed.
I felt boundless happinessit was like a wonderful holiday!
We are getting used to our new status as husband and wife.
I cant describe the difference after the wedding, but I am overflowing with love and warmth.
For beauty, I worked with Georgi Sandev and Sasha Nesterchuck.
