Kirill and Yana’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, elegance, and intimate moments. Their day began in the tranquil charm of a boutique hotel, where the couple shared a peaceful wedding morning. Their wedding venue was an old mansion in the heart of the city, transformed into a vision of quiet French elegance. The entire space was adorned with lush greenery, delicate flowers, and flowing white drapery, creating an enchanting atmosphere of timeless beauty. During the reception, the warm glow of live candles lit the tables, casting a soft light on the unforgettable moments. It was an event that perfectly reflected the couple's unique bond – a celebration not just of their love, but of every heartfelt detail they crafted together.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
My husband and I met on Instagram during the quarantine in 2020. For a long time, we exchanged messages. Kirill knew that I painted pictures and decided to order one from me, which led to our first meeting. We met at a mature age, with each of us having gone through our own journeys. We both understood that our meeting wasn’t by chance and that it was meant to last. We tried to figure out how to love each other without breaking, remaking, or reshaping one another, but instead helping each other to spread our wings. I know that my husband can build me a new world out of nothing, and I can light the darkest path for him.
The Proposal
After coming home from a party or dinner with friends, we often love to chat in the kitchen, just the two of us, before going to bed. One of those very late nights, we were discussing some important topics when Kirill started twisting a napkin into a ring. He got down on one knee and proposed to me. At first, I was taken aback and thought he was joking, but he kept asking which finger the ring should go on and assured me he wasn’t joking.
For two weeks, we kept it a secret from our friends. We wanted to gather them all and share the news, but things didn’t work out. So, we decided to fly to the Maldives, and a couple of days later, I made an Instagram post announcing our engagement, which had actually happened a few weeks earlier. Later, we found out that Kirill proposed to me in the same way my late father had proposed to my mom. We were shocked! The proposal took place on August 21, 2023. I still keep that napkin ring and will treasure it forever. It’s the most precious ring I own because it’s priceless.
The Engagement Ring
My husband knew that I wanted an engagement ring from Chrome Hearts, but it’s not easy to get—it needs to be ordered, with a wait time of about six months. So, when he proposed, he had to get creative on the spot and made a ring with his own hands from whatever was nearby. Later, he ordered that very ring I had dreamed of.
For our wedding bands, we chose Cartier Trinity rings, which are very special to us because of their profound meaning. One band represents Love, the second Friendship, and the third Loyalty. My ring also has an engraving that says "forever", which holds a deep significance. A couple of years before we got married, Kirill gave me my first ring from Chrome Hearts during a trip to New York, and it had the word "forever" inscribed on it. Now you can see why the engagement ring had to be from Chrome Hearts and why that engraving means so much to me!
Our Wedding
The Location
Our morning began in an old mansion that has since been converted into a boutique hotel with just 12 rooms. It always feels like you’re the only ones there—an ideal choice. For the wedding itself, we chose an old mansion, the Spiridonov Mansion, located in the center of the capital. The atmosphere was one of quiet French elegance, with the entire venue adorned with greenery and flowers. The greenery literally climbed the walls of the mansion. Paintings hung on the walls, silver tableware gleamed, and live candles illuminated the tables with their warm glow.
The Ceremony
The evening was magically beautiful, but the most valuable and meaningful part of our wedding was the ceremony. We wrote our vows in the form of poems. My father passed away last year, and I decided that my husband’s father would walk me down the aisle.
When he took my hand and led me to his son, my heart stopped—it was bursting with happiness that he was by my side, yet aching because my father wasn’t there. At that moment, everyone was in tears.
Our Team of Vendors
We had an incredible team who truly understood our vision for the day. Every detail was carefully thought out and perfectly executed. We are endlessly grateful to them.
The Special Touches
Guests were welcomed by a harpist, while upstairs in the welcome area, a DJ played vinyl records. In the main hall, a pianist performed, and later in the evening, we all sang songs together around the piano.
Our Favorite Moment
It was the most heartfelt day spent in the circle of our closest loved ones. I hope that every woman and man gets to experience the range of these amazing emotions. Weddings are about those moments when your heart skips a beat, and tears of joy flow freely. May everyone have a day like this in their lives, and we will cherish these memories in our hearts forever.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
Both of my dresses were custom-made at an atelier based on my references. I didn’t want the dresses to belong to any particular brand—I wanted them to feel completely my own.
The Groom Looks
My husband had the same approach! I insisted that his outfit be tailored at the same atelier where my dresses were made.
The Guests Looks
We asked all our guests to dress in black—it was our special request!
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
Our advice for anyone planning this special event—find the right agency to help you, and most importantly, trust them. On the big day, let go of control and just enjoy every moment!
Vendors
Photography: Alena Plaks
Videography: Smolyakov Movies
Wedding Planner: Nuancè
Wedding Stylist: Yana Ilieva
Wedding Coordinator: Ksenia Korennaya
Venue: Spiridonov House
Florist: Flo Kiosque
Catering: Food Atelier, Sorokin Event & Bars
Celebrant: Zlopupyr
Makeup: Stasya Belskaya
Style
Bridal Dress: Ksenia Danilenko Atelier
Bridal Shoes: Miu Miu
Bridal Jewelry: Chanel
Wedding Ring: Cartier
Engagement Ring: Chrome Hearts
Groom: Ksenia Danilenko Atelier