This wedding was simply magical, bringing together hipster chic, bohemian charm and a generous dose of Hollywood Glam. Mădălina and Alex decided to begin their journey together in spectacular style, and the wonderful team at VanillaEvents did everything to make every detail perfect.
I have known them both for a long time. Mădălina shines not only on social media, as a passionate content creator, but also in fashion, always bringing a touch of elegance. Alex is a talented commercial videographer, well known and appreciated in Romania.
What truly turned this wedding into a fairy tale was the Hollywood Glam theme. The atmosphere filled instantly with the sparkle of cinema’s golden age, and every detail was designed to add glamour to the day. It felt as if Mădălina and Alex were the stars of an extraordinary film, with VanillaEvents as the director who brought their dream to life. #TheDonMercaWedding
Getting ready: Hotel Vibre, Cluj-Napoca
Hotel Vibre in Cluj-Napoca is a luxury boutique hotel in the city centre. It opened in 2023 and combines modern design, luxury and the latest technology. The reception is spacious and bright, and the rooftop has a spectacular panoramic view over the city.
Bridal make-up: Ema Uta
The bridal make-up was done by Ema Uta, an internationally known make-up artist recognised for her natural yet sophisticated style. For the bride, Ema chose a look that brought out her natural features while staying elegant enough for such a special occasion.
Wedding dress: Ivaz Couture
Looking for the perfect dress, Mădălina chose to create a custom design from scratch, with specific shapes, styles and details in mind. The team at Ivaz Couture turned the dream into reality and added a grand, daring detail: a feather hat, a piece of elegant madness the bride really wanted.
The dress was designed as a graphic corset with straight, outward edges: simple and sophisticated at the same time. Creating the wedding dress meant meetings in the atelier, sketches on paper and turning ideas into reality, step by step.
La Forêt – Home of Events
La Forêt – Home of Events was the perfect choice for Mădălina and Alex, who wanted a wedding in the middle of nature, in a romantic and intimate setting. The venue is only 20 minutes from Cluj-Napoca, in a quiet green area, and the event hall is bright and spacious, with room for 200 guests. Read my full La Forêt wedding venue review.
Outdoor civil ceremony
Mădălina and Alex held their civil ceremony outdoors, on one of the terraces in the middle of the forest. The party took place in the event hall, where guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, good music and dancing. More ideas in my guide to outdoor weddings in Romania.
Unusual wedding activities
Photobooth
The couple created a special photobooth with their own props and decor. Mădălina, passionate about fashion and beauty, brought a make-up table, and Alex, a filmmaker and content creator, brought spotlights and film cameras for a cinematic feel. This corner captured not only beautiful moments but also the couple’s distinct personalities, and gave the guests a memorable experience.
10 wedding entertainment ideas
If you need inspiration for wedding entertainment, I have written a complete article with creative ideas for your day: from decor details and interactive games to new concepts for the photo session and surprises for your guests.
The grand entrance and the first dance
The couple’s entrance and their first dance, two of the moments everyone waits for.
The savoury bar and the desserts
The savoury bar by Carousel Taste Artisans was a real attraction, with a wide range of delicious snacks, from refined starters to cheeses and honeycomb.
The seasonal fruit cakes added a sweet and colourful note, while the ice cream bar by @sucre.atelier, set up on the terrace, offered guests a refreshing, personalised experience. Unusual flavours such as grapefruit, bergamot and black pepper brought a burst of new tastes.
The cake by Sucre Atelier was a visual and culinary masterpiece that reflected the couple’s dream perfectly. With every element, Alex and Mădălina created not just a wedding but a memorable experience for everyone there. 💕🍰✨
First look and portraits
The “first look” may be less familiar, but it is a special and optional moment of a wedding. I recommend it to couples, because it is a unique chance for beautiful, intimate photographs. It is the couple’s first meeting on the wedding day, when they see each other for the first time in an elegant setting, and the groom sees the wedding dress for the first time. These are memories you never forget.
Supplier list #TheDonMercaWedding
Planning: VanillaEvents · Venue: La Forêt – Home of Events · Getting ready: Hotel Vibre · Make-up: Ema Uta · Dress: Ivaz Couture · Savoury bar: Carousel Taste Artisans · Cake and ice cream: Sucre Atelier · Photography: Majos Daniel. Planning a wedding in Cluj? See my wedding photography in Cluj-Napoca or tell me your date.
