DWP Insider Planner & Designer Powerlist 2025-26: Europe, Russia & CIS

From the timeless romance of Europe to the opulent grandeur of Russia and the CIS, this curated list celebrates wedding planners who redefine luxury and creativity. Renowned for their artistic vision, cultural sensibility, and impeccable execution, these experts craft celebrations that are deeply personal yet undeniably spectacular. Whether it’s an elegant château wedding in France, a pristine and dreamy wedding by the shores of the breathtaking Lake Como, or an opulent ceremony in Russia, you can be sure that these planners will make all your dreams of the ultimate fairytale wedding come true! So, without further ado, let’s meet the creative minds from this enchanting and romantic region.

Alejandra Poupel, Alejandra Poupel Events, France

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What inspires my dedication is the extraordinary couples and families who entrust us with one of the most important days of their lives. Transforming their dreams into reality and building genuine bonds that often blossom into lifelong friendships is truly the heartbeat of my work.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I would choose Villa Cimbrone. Italy has always held my heart, and Villa Cimbrone embodies everything I adore about it—the warmth of the culture, the unforgettable cuisine, and the breathtaking ocean views that feel almost otherworldly.

Never give up. Never give in.
—Winston Churchill

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? For everyone, it’s different, but for me, it’s surrounding myself with the best, positive, creative partners so that I know we will face challenges but get through them together. And I always do yoga before any big event.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I’m lucky to have an incredible husband who has always driven my strategy and given my business management direction.

Anastasiia Sokolova, Celebrate It, Russia

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? We work with moments that can never be repeated, and we believe each of them is worth celebrating life. That’s why we’ve learned to read the dreams of our clients and shape them into a perfect form. This is how events are born — with character and depth, changing personal stories and becoming part of the most cherished memories of our clients.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Iceland, because of the amazing nature and my favourite musicians.

I am not what happened to me,

I am what I choose to become. — Carl Jung

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Choose the planner who feels right first. Then trust your team.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? A creative business can only be grounded in a strong system and a professional team. I have both. And that’s how I create a strategy for my business and shape even the craziest ideas for my clients.

Anastasiya Respighi & Alena Rudzevich, ILES EVENTS, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? At ILES EVENTS, our passion is born from a deep belief that love deserves to be celebrated with intention, beauty, and authenticity. We are inspired by human connection: the way two lives intertwine, the quiet glances, the joyful tears, the families coming together. Transforming those emotions into an experience that feels personal, elegant, and timeless is what fuels our dedication.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If we were to get married or renew our vows today, we would choose Italy, where beauty feels timeless, and emotions are deeply rooted in tradition. More precisely, a place where nature, history, and romance exist in perfect harmony – overlooking water, surrounded by mountains, with the quiet elegance of a centuries-old villa.

The greatest luxury is being genuinely cared for. Isadore Sharp, founder of Four Seasons

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Our most valuable advice is this- stay focused on the meaning, not the pressure. Wedding planning can be emotional and demanding, but it should never overshadow why you started – your commitment to each other. Trust the process, surround yourselves with professionals who truly care, and allow yourselves to let go of what doesn’t matter.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Balancing creativity and business is not about compromise—it’s about alignment. Creativity gives vision, emotion, and originality; business discipline gives structure, clarity, and longevity.

Bruce Russell, Bruce Russell Events, United Kingdom

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m a romantic at heart who loves to host, and I am at my happiest when I see people enjoying themselves. I want people to have fun!

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? It would have to be a coastal setting in Cornwall, UK, where I reside, or in Nova Scotia, Canada, where I grew up. It’s where I feel the most grounded. Being by the ocean has always been my “happy place”.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. — Leonardo da Vinci

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Communication is key. Ensure you are on the same page throughout the process.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? It’s a constant process.

 Charlotte Aitken & Katie Crichton-Stuart, Albion Parties, United Kingdom

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? We live for the energy of it all, the laughter, the gasp of surprise, and the collective joy when a space transforms and the night comes alive. We are obsessed with creating parties that feel as good as they look, full of character, movement, and moments that nobody ever forgets.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Italy. If I (Charlotte) were to renew my vows, it would have to be in Italy. My (Charlotte’s) husband is Italian, and there’s something so soulful about the light, the warmth, the architecture, and the way life flows there. It’s a place where beauty feels natural and unforced, and where every celebration unfolds with authenticity and heart.

Creativity is intelligence having fun. — Albert Einstein

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Weddings are at their best when they feel alive and full of heart. Let go of rigid plans, embrace the unexpected, and trust your team to bring your vision to life. When your day is joyful, vibrant, and truly yours, every guest will be swept up in the magic, too.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Creativity thrives on collaboration. We balance each other perfectly: Charlotte is the calm precision, and Katie is the creative spark. Together we create weddings and parties that are always stylish, always fun, always Albion.

Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fête, United Kingdom

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My passion lies in creating living memories full of joy, celebrations that go far beyond aesthetics to embody culture, emotion, and legacy. At La Fête, we believe that true luxury is refined; it’s intentional, intelligent, and deeply felt.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Getting married in Egypt with a view of the pyramids would be an unforgettable and deeply symbolic experience, a union celebrated in the presence of one of the world’s most enduring testaments to love, legacy, and timelessness. Beyond its visual splendour, Egypt offers an atmosphere of grandeur and serenity where the whispers of the past blend with the joy of the present. 

Luxury is when it seems flawless,

when you reach the right balance between all elements – Jean-Louis Dumas

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember that making lifelong memories is the goal by transforming your dreams into reality. Surround yourself with a team that understands your vision and values, and then trust them completely to understand the nuances to bring that to life. 

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? For me, creativity and business aren’t opposites; they’re partners. My strength lies in seeing the emotional and financial value in every choice. Running La Fête means constantly balancing artistry with strategy: knowing how to translate dreams into structure.

Chenai Bukutu, ByChenai Events, United Kingdom

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? My love for joyful celebration and working with people. You can’t plan weddings (successfully) and not love a party! I don’t believe there’s longevity in our line of work without being attuned to working well with people, clients, and creative partners.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Whilst I am a London-based, it would have to be somewhere in Southern Africa – I’m Zimbabwean originally, and my culture, the people, and that part of the world mean a lot to me.

Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance. – Samuel Johnson.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Clarity and prioritisation at the start of the process. From the outset, having clarity on the budget, your non-negotiables, and how you want to celebrate will avoid a lot of stress further down the line. An attitude of gratitude and reminding oneself of the reason for the celebration is important.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Having clear goals that satisfy both lanes, clear KPI’s for the business, supported by strong systems and processes, but most importantly, great people.

Cinzia & Valentina, Bespoke Unique Weddings, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Our passion is driven by the desire to craft one-of-a-kind celebrations that leave a lasting legacy. Inspired by Italian beauty, culture, and artistry, we are motivated by translating each couple’s story into a deeply personal experience through outstanding design, innovation, and flawless execution.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Greece, but especially Mykonos! We genuinely love its extraordinary light, the constant presence of the sea, and the unique balance between natural beauty and luxury. Every time we are there, we feel inspired by the energy of the island and its refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

If you can dream it, we can do it – Cinzia & Valentina

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Trust your team of professionals. You have to let go of perfection (we’ll take care of that, don’t worry) and enjoy the experience. You’ll remember how it felt, and we’ll take care of making it look just like you want it!

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? By pairing creativity with rigorous structure, visionary design is supported by meticulous planning, strong supplier relationships, and disciplined budget and project management. Creativity flourishes best within a solid framework

Costanza Giaconi, Bianco Bouquet Weddings, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The amazing feeling of creating such a special memory that will last forever in my client’s heart. This gives me incredible energy even after 20 hours of work!

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I would look for secluded places, like small islands or small villages in Italy. You get Italian authenticity and the perfect privacy. The best views are only for you and your guests!

Fortuna audentes iuvat

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? This is one of the most stressful jobs, so the best advice is to set clear limits, not take things too personally, and protect our own good energy.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I’m a Gemini; With a super creative personality that makes my mind fly, but also a rational and grounded side that keeps me focused on my goals and planning. It’s the perfect balance.

Duska Krolo, The Lake Como Wedding Agency, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? Our passion is driven by the art of transformation: the unique challenge of turning a couple’s personal heritage and vision into a world-class sensory experience.
We are motivated by the timeless beauty of Lake Como and the profound responsibility of orchestrating life’s most significant milestones. 

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If we were to choose a destination today, we would return to the Villa Balbiano on Lake Como. The allure lies in its unmatched synthesis of unapologetic historical grandeur andintimate, contemporary luxury. The villa doesn’t just offer a backdrop; it offers an experience rooted in centuries of sophisticated Italian “Dolce Vita”.

Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail. Leonardo da Vinci

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Our most valuable piece of advice is to prioritize the ‘Why’ over the ‘What.’ It is easy to become overwhelmed by the infinite logistical details and external expectations. However, the key to managing stress is to trust in the professional team youhave curated and to maintain a clear focus on the purpose of the celebration; your union.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Mastering the balance between creativity and acumen requires a disciplined frameworkfor imagination. I view business logic and creative vision not as opposing forces, but as complementary pillars

Enzo Miccio, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m inspired by love in all its forms, the beautiful, diverse ways people come together. Each couple brings their own story, vision, and dreams, and I’m here to make sure those moments are captured and celebrated in a way that’s as unique and extraordinary as the bond they share. It’s not just about crafting a love story; it’s about honoring the individuality of each journey and creating something unforgettable that reflects who they are together.

Quality over quantity – in everything, in work and in life, it’s the quality that truly counts.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? While Italy’s beauty is unmatched from mountains to sea, I believe a charming villa overlooking the water is perfect. It combines intimacy, elegance, and timeless charm, creating an unforgettable experience.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? My single best piece of advice? Hire a professional!

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I start by trusting my team and their vision. Delegating is key; it allows us all to excel in our roles and brings our collective strengths together to create something truly remarkable.

Jessy Karam, Strawberries & Champagne, France

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I am driven by the constant pursuit of creating something entirely new—creating what has never been done before. We were the first to produce an event at the Greek Theatre of Taormina, and we’ve transformed forgotten spaces, such as a hotel abandoned for over 40 years, into immersive, living worlds. Our work is about crafting fully sur-mesure experiences that leave a lasting emotional impact and redefine what an event can be.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Beirut, it’s home.

Create with intention, not trends: Nothing is added without meaning; every element belongs to the space and the couple’s narrative.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? It’s a celebration. Let go and enjoy it

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? As a Creative CEO, I believe creativity only has value when it is grounded in strategy and commercial discipline. My role is to provide the clarity and judgement that allow ideas to be executed with purpose and control.

Julian Posner, Banana Split, UK

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What drives me is the privilege of creating moments that become part of our clients’ life stories. Knowing that the work we do becomes woven into the fabric of families and their futures is what fuels my passion and keeps me striving for excellence in every detail.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? South of France. You just can’t beat it.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. – W. Churchill

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? My single best piece of advice is to approach the planning with perspective. There will be decisions, deadlines, and demands, but none of them will outweigh the joy of what you’re creating. Lean on your planner and trust your team. The experience should be something to savour.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I channel creativity into vision and rely on strategy and my team to make it flawless.

Julia Solodchenko, JS Weddings & Events, Ukraine

Kristina Kempton, United Kingdom

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? At the heart of what I do is the joy of creating something entirely one-of-a-kind. I’m driven by the challenge of translating a couple’s story into a beautifully layered experience – where thoughtful design meets extraordinary performances and unforgettable moments. 

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? For me, it would always be the South of France. There’s something deeply soulful about its vineyards, light, climate, and effortless sense of style – it’s timelessly chic. 

Elegance is not about being noticed; it’s about being remembered. — Giorgio Armani

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Trust your team and stay focused on what truly matters. When couples let go of the small details and allow experienced professionals to guide the process, it creates space to actually enjoy the journey. A wedding is not about perfection – it’s about connection, emotion, and celebrating love in a way that feels authentically yours authentically

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? By pairing disciplined vision. It’s all in the experience we have and our background that aligns these two elements. Having the right team is essential! 

Ksenia Afanasieva, Wedding Residence, Russia

Mark Niemierko, Niemierko Ltd, UK

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? I’m motivated by the craft. It’s not sentiment — it’s about execution, taste, and never repeating myself.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? London will always be home — it’s the heartbeat of everything I do. But if I were to plan something away from it all, I’d look to Scotland, India, or Egypt. Each offers an incredible sense of atmosphere — heritage, scale, and soul — the ingredients I love to work with when creating a truly unforgettable celebration.

If it looks effortless, it’s because it wasn’t.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? It’s only a f*ucking wedding. We have tote bags with this phrase on.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I’m creative, but I’m also a realist. Ideas are only worth something if you can deliver them beautifully, on time, and on budget.

Marie Alsleben, Alsleben Luxury Destination Weddings, Germany

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? It’s that moment when everything clicks – when a wedding feels so effortlessly true to the couple that it couldn’t be anyone else’s story. I feel like we’re not just planning events – we’re designing happiness.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Amalfi Coast, Italy. There’s something about its raw beauty, dramatic cliffs, and that effortless sense of glamour that feels unlike anywhere else. When I first visited, it caught me immediately – the energy, the warmth of the people, the food, the rhythm of life. It’s ‘dolce vita’ in its truest form.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Don’t get lost in the details. It’s not about the color of the napkins – it’s about the people, the laughter, and the feeling in the air. That’s what you’ll remember.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I don’t separate creativity from business – they complete each other. Vision needs structure, and structure needs soul. That’s where the magic happens.

Matthew & Bertie, Matthew Oliver Weddings, UK

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? It has to be the people; working with clients we want to work with and building lifelong connections. Creating a bespoke wedding supplier team where we work collaboratively. It is personalisation and communication that create magic.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? Tough question as we talk about our future wedding all the time (although we’re not yet engaged!) We have a deep love for Italy and Italians; we love travelling there, and it holds a special place in our hearts. We can easily see our wedding in Italy. But then there is something really special and unique about London; the epic spaces and talented suppliers. You’ll have to wait to see where we choose!

Give and take – that is the essence of what balance is all about – David Attenborough

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember whose day it is – it seems simple, but sadly, most of a client’s stress will come from their friends and family. They are trying to appease everyone when really, they should be focusing on their wants and needs for their wedding.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? We balance each other, and we each have our strengths; working together, we can do it all!

Michaela Theodorakakou, Mitheo Events, Greece

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The driving force behind my work is the responsibility of translating love, culture, and family legacy into moments that will be remembered for generations. Each celebration carries emotional, cultural, and personal weight, and honouring that trust, through thoughtful design, artistry, and precise execution, is what motivates me every day.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? I was married in Athens, Greece, twenty years ago, surrounded by 300 guests, in a city defined by light, history, and culture. Today, having lived on Lake Como, Italy, with my husband and our two daughters since 2018, I would choose Italy to renew our vows, with an intimate, thoughtful celebration by the lake, reflecting the life we have built together. 

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Details matter, especially at the highest level, but stress is reduced when those details are managed with structure and trust. For discerning couples, my advice is to remain closely involved in the elements that carry personal meaning, while relying on experienced professionals to organise, prioritise, and execute the countless details that support them. 

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? With a background in Fine Arts and Set Design, I believe creativity thrives when supported by structure. Clear processes, trusted teams, and disciplined decisions allow ideas to evolve freely while ensuring thoughtful, consistent, and sustainable execution.

Mylene & Geoffrey Clair, White Eden Weddings, France

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? We are lucky enough to work with the most inspiring couples, who not only highly trust us but also follow us in our will to redefine the wedding experiences in the South of France, where we specialize. Being able to design and craft weddings of such a standard with clients in the best spirit and in our home (South of France) is incredibly exciting and motivating for the whole team.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? South of France! Thanks to the quality of experience, easy logistics, exclusivity of venues, and the iconic views and scenography. Besides its incredible venues, the South of France (between the French Riviera, Provence, and Monaco) benefits from the most talented vendors in the industry, able to tailor every single aspect of a celebration, matching international first-class standards, yet doing it in a very local and authentic way.

It always seems impossible until it’s done. Nelson Mandela

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Make sure to hire the most genuinely good people in your team of vendors!

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? Being co-founders & directors and at the same time husband and wife, is to us, an incredible asset. We balance our time, resources, and energy on all of our business management aspects.

Sara Carboni, Sara Carboni Events, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What drives me every day is the privilege of transforming emotions into something tangible, a space, a scent, a light, a feeling. I believe every celebration has a soul, and my role is to reveal it with grace and purpose. Being surrounded by beauty (in nature, culture, and human connection) fuels my creativity. Crafting each event as a living story, I find meaning in the quiet moments that make people feel truly seen and celebrated.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to get married today, I would choose Sardinia, a land that feels both untouched and timeless. Recently named by Lonely Planet as one of the best destinations to visit in 2026, Sardinia represents everything I believe love and celebration should be: authentic, soulful, and deeply connected to nature.

Luxury is not about perfection, but about emotion, the ability to make people feel something unforgettable.” – Sara Carboni

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? Remember that a wedding is not a performance; it’s a moment of truth. Don’t chase perfection; embrace connection. Surround yourself with people you trust, and focus on how you want to feel, not just how things look. Beauty comes naturally when the experience is real.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I’ve learned that creativity and strategy are not opposites — they’re two sides of the same vision. My creative spirit drives innovation, storytelling, and emotion, while my business mindset ensures that every idea becomes a tangible, sustainable reality.

Silvia Galli, Sposiamovi, Italy

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? What drives me is the fact that this profession is never the same two days in a row. Every couple, every family, every team of vendors brings a different world with them: new cultures, new expectations, and new ways of seeing beauty. I love stepping into those worlds and shaping them into experiences that feel authentic and emotionally charged. 

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were getting married today, I’d choose a seaside destination, somewhere Mediterranean, sun-drenched, and naturally joyful. A place where the celebration feels like a long, effortless summer party: great music, incredible food, barefoot energy, no rigid timelines, and no formality.

Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside. — Coco Chanel

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding?  Protect your energy. Choose your priorities early, trust your planner fully, and let go of everything that doesn’t matter. Stress comes from trying to control every detail; joy comes from clarity and delegation.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? I separate the two worlds with discipline: creativity leads the vision and strategy, keeps it sustainable. I give myself space to dream, but I run the business with structure, numbers, and processes. 

Tara Fay, Tara Fay Events, Ireland

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The source of my passion comes from the responsibility I am entrusted with. At the level I work, weddings are not just celebrations; they are deeply personal, complex, and often high-stakes moments in people’s lives. My dedication comes from knowing that clients place extraordinary trust in me to hold all of that with care, discretion, and absolute attention to detail.

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? If I were to renew my vows today, I would choose Ireland, because it is a place I know intimately and trust completely. Through years of working across Ireland’s most celebrated venues, as well as private estates and hidden locations rarely seen or accessed, I’ve come to understand that the most meaningful settings are often the quietest ones. 

Excellence is built in the details and trust is earned there too.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? The most valuable advice I can offer couples is this: decide early what truly matters and protect it. Wedding planning inevitably brings emotion, expectation, and outside influence. Stress often arises when everything is treated as equally important, leaving couples feeling overwhelmed. Instead, take time at the beginning to identify the few elements that genuinely reflect who you are and how you want the day to feel, then let those priorities guide every decision.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? As a Creative CEO, I believe creativity only has value when it is grounded in strategy and commercial discipline. My role is to provide the clarity and judgement that allow ideas to be executed with purpose and control.

Vanessa Souravlia, Deplanv, Greece

What is the driving force behind your dedication to crafting unforgettable love stories, day after day? The source of my passion lies in turning the impossible into the achievable. I’m driven by the process of transforming each client’s vision into something tangible, watching ideas that once felt like a fairytale evolve into a real, intentional experience. Every project has its own identity, and my goal is to translate that into an atmosphere, a setting, and a moment that feels both distinctive and true to the people behind it. 

If you had to get married/renew vows today, which ONE destination would you choose and why? It’s never really about the destination itself. What inspires me most is the vision behind the event and the people at the heart of it. A place becomes meaningful only when it connects to their story, their energy, their dreams, and the atmosphere they want to create. Whether it’s set on a coastline, in a historic estate, or in a completely unexpected location, the true “dream destination” is the one that reflects who they are and elevates the experience we co-create. For me, the magic is found in transforming any setting into a world that feels personal, intentional, and uniquely theirs.

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share for dealing with the stress that comes with planning a wedding? The most valuable piece of advice is to stay connected to the purpose of the day rather than the pressure around it. Make decisions based on what feels true to you, not what you think is expected.

How do you masterfully balance your boundless creative spirit with the sharp acumen of running a successful business? The most valuable piece of advice is to stay connected to the purpose of the day rather than the pressure around it. Make decisions based on what feels true to you, not what you think is expected. When you focus on the experience you want to create together, everything else becomes simpler, clearer, and far less stressful.

Vincenzo Dascanio, Vincenzo Dascanio Studio, Italy

Disclaimer

Please note that the DWP Congress and DWP Insider, while both part of QnA International, are independent entities with no dependency on one another.

The DWP Powerlist is curated through industry nominations and recommendations, assessed against defined criteria set by the DWP Insider Executive Committee. Final selections are made after careful scrutiny and are purely merit-based.

Inclusion on the Powerlist is not linked to participation in the DWP Congress. It is an annual recognition of exceptional work demonstrated within a specific year, which is why names may be repeated or newly introduced based on that year’s scope of work.

All responses and selections are subject to editorial discretion.