A Black-Tie Celebration In Prague Filled With A Punchy Color Palette

Melissa Hammam
February 21, 2023
Categories: Destination, Fall, Real Weddings, Seasonal Wedding Trend, The Blog

Sweeping views of Prague and a punchy color palette make this destination wedding an absolute must-see. The day was beautifully planned by Exclusive Weddings In Prague, and floral design by Inspirito brings the couple’s love story to life. Get lost in all the lovely images shot by Stepan Vrzala Photography inside the full gallery.

From the bride… I’m from Florida, Richard is from Prague, and we live in New York. We are both old souls. There was never any question about where to get married, Prague was the easy choice. We wanted to incorporate both Czech and American traditions in an elegant, romantic, Black Tie party. When considering venues, Lobkowicz Palace had it all – the balcony terrace with a stellar view of the Old Town, a variety of rooms with unique character, wonderful staff, history, a ballroom that takes your breath away, and a Bösendorfer grand piano. I’m a pianist and composer, so the day was envisioned and crafted around music. We wanted to treat family and friends flying from overseas, as well as those from Prague, to an experience they’d never forget, with personal touches. Our wedding planner, Andrea of Exclusive Weddings In Prague – one of the coolest, most fabulous women on the planet – made that a reality and made it all look easy. Upon entering the palace, guests were treated to a glass of Moët while strolling around the halls of art from the Lobkovicz family collection, leading to the Balcony Hall and Terrace to take in the intricate ceilings and sweeping views of Prague.

While guests arrived at the palace, Richard and I took our formal photos, driving around Prague and drinking Becherovka in a vintage Rolls Royce. Doors opened to the Concert Hall for the ceremony, where local pianist Andrea Mottlova played music composed by my brother-in-law as our families walked down the aisle. My parents and I walked down the aisle to my own original composition for piano, dedicated to Richard. Our dear friend was the officiant, and my sister surprised us by reading a poem she wrote for us. Cocktail hour kicked off with Melody Quartet playing upbeat waltzes while everyone enjoyed delectable cocktails by the dapper gentlemen with Bars & Kai. When the energy was building up, we surprised everyone with a performance of opera arias “La donna e mobile” and “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” by two incredible local opera singers. Everyone was floored; the delight in the room was palpable. On that high note, guests were invited to the Imperial Hall, where Metroklub Big Band jazzed the night up. Imperial Hall is magical; everyone noted how it took their breath away to walk into the grand ballroom with a 14-person big band playing. It felt like stepping back in time, a whole mood. Also, our florist, Marketa from Inspirito, did an amazing job! We decided to have the ceremony all in white and green and add colors to the reception and my bouquet. She understood perfectly our wishes and I would never imagine the flowers would be so dreamy.

After the “breaking of the glass” Czech wedding tradition, we had our first dance to Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Serenade. Dancing together at that moment, we did not want it to end. As dinner and speeches progressed, everyone couldn’t help but get up to dance between courses. During dinner the band played jazz classics like “Beyond the Sea” and “Fly Me To The Moon,” but once dinner was over they kicked things up a notch with dance tunes like “September” and “Uptown Funk.” At one point the saxophonists joined us on the dance floor. And of course, we had to do a Czech Polka. For the after party, Andrea transformed Balcony Hall from cocktail hour into a disco dance party, complete with an LED dance floor, DJ, drunk food display, bar and lounge, and of course… A cheese tower is my special request as an alternative to a wedding cake. We partied in the palace until 3 am. Everything about that day was magic and romance. We’ll never forget it! We can’t stop looking at Stepan Vrzala Photography’s photos, and we’re so thankful to Andrea and all our vendors who were a joy to work with.