What are your 3 most loved wedding destinations so far?
There are so many incredible places in the world to get married, and I have been privileged to visit lots of simply gorgeous locations. If I had to pick 3 or 4 that really stood out for me, it would be London, Barcelona, Lake Como, Marrakech, and Switzerland and each has very unique sensory experiences.
Why London? London has always been home to me. It has a deeply luxurious understated classic vibe. It has this incredible mix of old-world charm and modern elegance. Whether it’s a historic venue like the Natural History Museum or an intimate, stylish boutique hotel in Mayfair, the city just has a way of making everything feel grand and effortlessly sophisticated. The food, the fashion, melting hotpot of cultures and the city’s buzzing energy adds to its charm. I love that no two events here ever feel the same!
Barcelona is another destination that is just a romantic’s dream. I’m currently planning a wedding at Castell de Sant Marcal, and let me tell you, this city has such an old soul. Whether it’s a luxurious castle wedding or an intimate celebration in a historic venue or a stylish rooftop celebration, or even a beachside soirée. Barcelona always delivers with the most incredible culture, atmosphere, food and wine. Barcelona just oozes charm and sophistication. I love how it blends old-world romance with modern energy. Plus tapas, cava, and a warm Mediterranean sunset? Yes, please!
Lake Como is always a staple when it comes to luxurious locations. Honestly, this place is straight out of a dream. The way the mountains drop into the water, the way the villas feel so timeless and romantic… It’s impossible not to fall in love with its gentle spirit. The last wedding I have planned here feels like something out of a classic Italian love story. And let’s not forget the food because Italian cuisine at a wedding? Absolute perfection, and also there’s something so magical about arriving at a wedding by boat.
Marrakech, for me, is the ultimate exotic escape. All my Marrakech weddings are a sensory experience. It’s the colours, the textures, the scents, the deep, warm terracotta tones. It’s like stepping into another world. It has an ethereal feel… the riads, the candlelit courtyards. I always marvel at how Marrakech feels both intimate and grand at the same time. You can have a private dinner under the stars in the desert, or a lavish celebration at La Mamounia. The craftsmanship in every detail from hand-painted tiles to embroidered fabrics is next level. It’s perfect for couples who want something a little different but still incredibly stylish.
Lastly, Switzerland. It is like stepping into a fairytale. I visited the country for a few days on a whirlwind wedding tour and the scenery alone, majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and the cutest little villages make it feel so magical. A winter wedding in the Alps? Unreal. A summer wedding by Lake Geneva or in a stunning Swiss château? Equally breathtaking. And then there’s the food! Think gourmet cheeses, chocolates, and the best wines. Switzerland is luxury at its finest but in the most naturally beautiful way.
I think each of these places have their own magic, and I love how they each create such different but equally unforgettable wedding experiences!
What was the wedding that is worth mentioning in the book?
Where do I even begin with L and A’s wedding? If there was ever a wedding worthy of its own chapter in a bestselling novel, this would be it. A fusion of cultures, a test of resilience, and an absolute dream of a celebration set in the South of France. Our couple was a dynamic French British Nigerian duo with a flair for the extraordinary. They wanted a celebration that blended their rich cultural heritage and their love for all things French.
Picture this: a hidden gem of a château in the South of France. L&A initially booked a local French planner, but as they got deeper into the planning, they realized they needed someone who truly had an international outlook and could bring together all the elements they wanted seamlessly. That’s when they found me. With my French background and many years as a sous chef in Biarritz, I had a deep understanding of the culture. My Nigerian roots also meant I could understand the parent’s very demanding requirements. We had a good budget to work with, so we had creative licence to experiment with florals, music and very specific cuisine. I became their bridge, ensuring that their love story was reflected in every moment, seamlessly blending their traditions into one unforgettable affair.
The wedding weekend kicked off with an elegant yet relaxed welcome party in the château’s courtyard. Picture this: candle-lit tables beneath the soft glow of festoon lights, glasses clinking with the finest Bordeaux, and a spread of exquisite French cuisine that had every guest savouring every bite. The atmosphere was electric, laughter, storytelling, and the undeniable magic of a warm French evening setting the tone for the days ahead.
Then came the wedding day. The South of France is known for its sun-drenched afternoons, but on this particular day, the weather decided to keep us on our toes. We adapted quickly, shifting the ceremony to a tented space nestled between towering yew trees. And here’s where the magic truly unfolded, rather than a traditional aisle, we flipped the script. Lola didn’t walk down the aisle; she walked up. A grand, awe-inspiring entrance that left everyone in stunned silence, followed by a wave of emotional gasps and happy tears.
And then, the details! Oh, the details! Each guest was handed a custom wedding newspaper, filled with love notes, stories of how the couple met, and even a fun crossword about their journey together. It was such a unique and heartfelt touch that made every guest feel part of their love story.
The design concept was one of my favorite parts. The table arrangements were a feast for the eyes and the palate, edible arrangements of citrus fruits and grapes intertwined with colorful floral centerpieces created a stunning visual and sensory experience. It was a perfect balance of rustic charm and refined elegance, reflecting the couple’s love for both aesthetics and gastronomy.
As the night fell, the transformation was incredible. The couple changed into their traditional Nigerian attire, Adrien in a regal agbada and Lola and her bridesmaids in stunning aso ebi. It was a sight to behold, a beautiful homage to their roots. And let’s talk about the food! Late into the evening, we surprised guests with sizzling asun (slow smoked Mutton), a Nigerian delicacy, a flavour-packed midnight snack that had people coming back for seconds and thirds.
And then, the music. Oh, the music! An incredible band kept the energy alive all night, their melodies weaving effortlessly between old school melodies and newer dancehall hits, no one left the dance floor. The pièce de résistance? A dazzling croquembouche adorned with sparklers, lighting up the night sky as cheers erupted all around.
This wedding wasn’t just an event; it was a love letter to the family, their love, their roots and to once-in-a-lifetime moments. It was the kind of wedding you don’t just remember, you feel it in your bones.
What is your professional/business dream?
My dream for A Flair to Remember is to become the number one trusted advisor for clients looking for the most incredibly unique and memorable luxury events. All of us at AFTR live this vision every day. I want to create experiences that don’t just look beautiful but feel incredible. You know that feeling when you walk into an event space and everything just flows perfectly, from the sight lines, scents, textures and atmosphere? That’s what I strive for, weddings that leave people speechless in the best way possible.
But beyond that, I want to build a brand that truly means something, one that’s known for artistry, impeccable execution, and heartfelt storytelling. I want couples to come to me knowing that their wedding will be an experience, not just an event.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my brand beyond Europe, orchestrating more stunning weddings in places like the UAE and Asia. I’m also passionate about curating unforgettable experiences, not just for my wedding couples but for every single guest at my events, making sure they leave feeling like they’ve been part of something truly magical.
Success for me isn’t just about how many weddings I plan; it’s about the impact we create at AFTR. So, I’m passionate about the industry and influencing partners and clients. This industry is tough, but it’s also full of possibility, and I want to help others step into their power and build something extraordinary. I do this via mentor aspiring planners along the way, sharing what I’ve learned so they can create their own magic in the industry.
Sincerely yours, Gabby Koya, A flair to remember