Budapest set the stage for Maria and Martin’s wedding, a refined yet lively celebration that unfolded over an unforgettable summer weekend. With a welcome event on a riverboat at sunset, a traditional Orthodox ceremony, and a reception at the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion, the couple embraced the city’s grandeur while keeping the atmosphere effortlessly elegant. Thoughtful details, from striped parasols to perfectly crafted cocktails, reflected their modern classic vision. As the night progressed, the celebration took on a life of its own—heartfelt speeches, a choreographed first dance, and a fireworks display that set the tone for a party that lasted until dawn.
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Style: Understated, modern, refined
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Ceremony – cathedral, reception – historical site
Season: Summer
Maria and Martin’s story began at a wedding in Seville, where a meeting encouraged by mutual friends led to an unexpected connection. They had moved in together in London just before the world shifted with the pandemic. Martin’s proposal was intimate yet unforgettable, happening on the couch after dinner at their favorite Chelsea restaurant—the last evening before the city’s first lockdown. Later that year, they relocated to Abu Dhabi, embracing a new chapter. After a four-year engagement and plenty of teasing from friends about whether the wedding would ever happen, they finally chose Budapest as the perfect place to gather their loved ones and celebrate.
Boat Party
The entire wedding weekend was flawlessly planned by Budapest Wedding, who brought Maria and Martin’s vision to life with seamless execution and thoughtful details. From the first consultation to the final moments of the celebration, their expertise ensured a wedding that felt effortless yet meticulously curated. The festivities began in style with a lively sunset cruise on the Armada Boat, setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
With Budapest’s skyline glowing in the background, guests sipped cocktails and danced to the electrifying performances by Knights Club and Your Song Agency. The energy was infectious, the drinks never stopped flowing, and the city’s golden hour glow made for a picture-perfect evening. It was the kind of party that felt effortlessly fun—exactly as Maria and Martin had envisioned.
Couple's Morning
Maria’s wedding morning was spent at W Budapest, where she got ready with her sister in a relaxed yet stylish setting. She opted for a refined and modern bridal look, wearing a Jesus Peiro dress with clean lines and a structured silhouette. Her accessories were equally thoughtful—Jimmy Choo heels and custom earrings designed by a family jeweler. A delicate birdcage veil completed her effortlessly chic style. Vekshina Elena perfected her look with natural yet polished makeup and soft waves, adding to the understated elegance of her appearance. With the final touches in place, she stepped out into the bright Budapest morning, ready to meet Martin.
Martin embraced timeless sophistication in a Meyer & Mortimer tuxedo from Savile Row, paired with George Cleverley shoes.
The couple’s first moment together was nothing short of cinematic—they reunited outside the hotel and stepped into a classic red Porsche Speedster, ready to make their way to the ceremony. Driving through the streets of Budapest, Maria and Martin looked effortlessly stylish, sharing quiet smiles and soaking in the moment before the celebration officially began.
Ceremony
Maria and Martin’s ceremony took place in the grand Orthodox Cathedral of Our Lady, where golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the ornate interior. The couple stood side by side as the traditional Orthodox ritual unfolded, with the crowning ceremony marking one of the most symbolic moments. The entire service was conducted in Proto-Slavic, leaving them with no idea what was being said—but that only added to the experience. Guests from around the world watched as they exchanged vows in a setting rich with history and tradition.
As they stepped outside, a cascade of flower petals greeted them, and in that moment, joy and excitement took over. Surrounded by cheers and applause, Maria and Martin shared a celebratory kiss before getting into their vintage red Porsche Speedster, ready to begin the next chapter of the day.
"Traditional Orthodox ceremony to give our guests a different experience. Everyone travelled from Asia, South America, the US, UAE as well as Europe so it was nice to do something a bit different for them."
Reception Setting & Decor
The reception took place at one of Budapest’s most breathtaking locations, offering sweeping views of the Danube and the city’s historic skyline. The setting was nothing short of spectacular, with the Fisherman’s Bastion providing an elegant, open-air atmosphere that felt both grand and intimate. The entire space was transformed into a picture-perfect scene, thanks to the exceptional planning by Budapest Wedding, who seamlessly balanced timeless charm with fresh, modern touches.
The decor followed a delicate blue and white palette with accents of yellow, creating a sophisticated yet lively aesthetic. Tables were adorned with porcelain-patterned plates, soft candlelight, and lush arrangements of chamomile and yellow roses. Striped parasols and plush lounge seating gave the space a relaxed yet polished feel, while every detail, from the custom floral installations to the carefully curated table settings, reflected a refined sense of style.
Before guests arrived, the couple had a first look at the reception setup, taking in every detail with awe. Their expressions said it all—the vision they had for their wedding had been brought to life in the most beautiful way.
"We drove away from the church but had no phones on us… it was pretty funny and gave us some time alone before everything escalated."
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour unfolded on the terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Budapest. Guests in elegant evening wear sipped chilled spritzers and champagne, mingling under the striped parasols that added a touch of Riviera charm to the setting. The atmosphere was lively yet refined, with a curated selection of gourmet bites being passed around, each beautifully presented and perfectly paired with refreshing cocktails. The couple, radiating joy, soaked in the moment as they shared laughs with loved ones, setting the perfect tone for the celebration ahead.
"Hosting it at Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest gave us a great backdrop, with breathtaking views of the city. This meant we had no plan B in case of bad weather!"
Dinner & Toasts
The dinner took place in a grand hall beneath an opulent chandelier, where guests gathered around candlelit tables adorned with fresh flowers and elegant table settings. The warm glow of flickering candles reflected off delicate glassware as friends and family raised their glasses in heartfelt toasts. Laughter and conversation filled the room, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrated the couple’s love. The bride, radiant and beaming, listened as speeches ranged from touching memories to lighthearted stories, each one met with cheers and applause. The evening unfolded in a mix of tradition and joy, with guests fully immersed in the warmth and energy of the celebration.
"The speeches were all excellent. We had no doubts about our family and friends’ oratory capability but they delivered above and beyond!"
Night Celebration
As the evening unfolded, Martin and Maria took center stage for their first dance, a moment they had meticulously rehearsed for eight hours with Viktoria at in Abu Dhabi. Under the grand architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion, they moved gracefully, their routine culminating in a perfectly timed dip as fireworks illuminated the Budapest skyline behind them. The explosion of colors over the Parliament building marked the transition from romance to revelry, kicking off a night of high-energy celebration.
Martin, reflecting on the night, shared that the most unforgettable moment was the seamless shift from their dance to the party, which erupted with the lively beats of a Bulgarian horo and an Indian dance—an homage to his experiences performing at Indian weddings.
"The fireworks ended up being timed perfectly for our last ‘dip’ at the end!"
The celebration carried on well into the night, with guests embracing the spirit of the occasion on the castle terrace, surrounded by the glowing cityscape. Laughter and music filled the air as friends lifted Martin onto their shoulders in a moment of pure exhilaration, and spontaneous dances unfolded across the floor. The energy was infectious, with guests fully immersed in the festivities. Maria, looking back, recalled that her most cherished memories spanned from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. each night. But as the night continued, the dance floor remained alive, making every moment one to remember.
Brunch
After a night of celebration, guests gathered at the rooftop of Aria Hotel Budapest, where the next morning’s brunch offered a relaxed yet lively continuation of the festivities. The space was filled with bright yellow cushions, fresh white and yellow florals, and panoramic views of St. Stephen’s Basilica, creating a vibrant yet soothing atmosphere. Tables were set with refreshing rosé and crisp white wine, while an elegant spread of cheeses, fruits, and light bites invited everyone to savor the morning at their own pace.
Live saxophone and soulful vocals filled the air, setting the perfect mood as guests swayed to the rhythm, some even breaking into dance. It was the perfect way to ease into the day, allowing everyone to unwind, chat, and relive the highlights of the night before. Guests lounged on the terrace, sunglasses on, sipping their drinks while others joined in on impromptu salsa steps. The energy was effortless yet celebratory—a reflection of how thoughtfully the weekend was curated. The planner Budapest Wedding ensured that every element, from the setting to the entertainment, felt like a seamless extension of the wedding’s joyous spirit.
"The atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for – effortlessly refined and celebratory, complete with absolute chaos after the music started."
Advice from the couple:
• Just do it – you will not regret it. Like any great party for any occasion anywhere in the world and on any budget – the most important components are your attitude and the energy of the people around you. And drinks. Don’t forget the drinks!
PLANNER & DESIGNER Budapest Wedding | PHOTOGRAPHERS Teodora Simon Wedding Photography, Rokolya Zsolt Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Closer Wedding Studio | DRONE FOOTAGE Kiss Attila | FLORIST Sabina Decors | CAKE Hegedűs Tünde | MUAH Vekshina Elena | COCKTAIL LOCATION Halászbástya Restaurant | BAND Vegas Showband | CONTENT CREATORS Content Unfiltered by Sabina, Peter Herman | BRIDE Maria | GROOM Martin | DRESS Jesus Peiro | HEELS Jimmy Choo | SUIT Meyer and Mortimer in Saville Row | SHOES George Cleverley | GETTING READY VENUE W Hotel Budapest | CEREMONY VENUE Orthodox Cathedral of Our Lady | FABRIK SUPPLIER Vrishabh Textiles | TABLEWEAR RENTAL La Mesa Event Rental | FURNITURE Amerikaiszék.hu, Mobilsofa | AV Eventech Solution | DJ Myra Monoka | BOAT BAND Knights Club, Your Song Agency | RIVER CRUISE Armada Boat | BRUNCH VENUE Aria Hotel Budapest
