Montreal Blogger, Photographer and TV Personality Karolina Jez's Stylish Wedding In Seville, Spain

When it came time for Montreal-based fashion aficionado and Breakfast Television contributor Karolina Jez to plan her wedding to Sorab Alavi, she knew exactly what she wanted: a destination wedding in Seville, Spain, with lots of dancing and all the people she loved. “I have a deep-rooted passion for Spain’s culture, food and people,” Karolina explains. “We really wanted guests to feel the essence of Spain and Seville, plus include elements true to Andalusian culture.” With this in mind the couple exchanged vows in front of 100 family members and friends at the historic Hotel Alfonso XIII,a stunning property built in the early 1900s. Karolina wore an incredible Viero gown (a cherished detail from her wedding day), which accentuated her chic style. “It was a custom design, inspired by my favourite show, Sex and the City, and by Stephanie Seymour’s dress in the video for the song ‘November Rain’ by Guns N’ Roses, which is my favourite music video,” Karolina explains.

After the ceremony Karolina and Sorab exited the building serenaded by an Andalusian tuna band, then took photos under the beaming Seville sun, revelling in their new status. At the reception the couple made an entrance to remember, arriving on a vintage motorcycle and sidecar while holding coloured smoke bombs in the air. “Everyone went crazy, and it made for some amazing video and photos!” says Karolina. Wanting the vibes of Seville and Spain to take centre stage, the couple stuck to a neutral palette, with signature Andalusian accents. “We used gold, white and green with pops of orange, as Seville’s orange trees are an integral part of its landscape,” Karolina shares. Custom Spanish fans, unique Andalusian-fusion food, and chandeliers above each reception table created a glamorous evening, made even better by the appearance of flamenco dancers, a surprise for Karolina and Sorab’s guests. “It really gave them an authentic taste of the region.”

The couple and their guests stayed on their feet for most of the evening, starting with the “fun train” guests formed to the song “Conga” by Gloria Estefan, followed by tunes by Fleetwood Mac and the Gipsy Kings. “We even had classic Polish disco polo tunes for my side of the family,” Karolina says. At the reception’s end, everyone moved to a different part of the venue for the after-party, where guests wore costumes provided by the bride and groom. “We had neon glasses, flower crowns, cowboy hats and other fun accessories guests went crazy for,” Karolina laughs. “Nothing gets a party going like dressing up as a different character, let’s just put it that way!” During the evening, taking time to revel in the celebrations, the couple realized something very important. “We recognized this was probably the only moment in life that everyone we love the most will be together, celebrating love and life, in the same place,” Karolina recalls. “It is a surreal and magical feeling that truly makes you appreciate how lucky you are to have such a strong and loving support system around you. We still get emotional when we talk about it.”

Karolina Jez and Sorab Alavi, September 27, 2018, Seville, Spain.

Photography courtesy of Benjamin Wheeler.

Vendors
Ceremony venue: Hotel Alfonso XIII
Reception venue: Villa Luisa
Bridal gown: Custom from Viero Bridal
Veil: Rosa Clara
Hair accessory: Rocio Porres Joyas
Second bridal gown: Temperley London
Floral headpiece: Hats by Roiz
Wedding planner: Love A Tope
Caterer: Tu Otra Cocina
Wedding ring: Maison Goldberg
Wedding bands: Birks
Cake: Aquarela Cakes
Flowers: Cartamo Flores
Lighting: Sonido Al Sur
Love balls: Big Love Ball
Photobooth: Ris Box
Stationery design: Kromad
Stationery printing: That Sky Blue Stationery
DJ: Xite and Co
Band: Son de Cuba & Cia
Hair: Adrien Dupuis
Makeup: Marieta Nogueras
Custom fans: Gigi Hand Fans
Neon jackets: The Neon Muse
After-party costumes: Flashing Blinky Lights