Over the past seventeen years, I’ve planned weddings and events around the world. Some of the most memorable occasions include a three-day international luxury wedding at Mezzatorre in Ischia; an intimate wedding in Bali; Justin Alexander and Kelsey’s wedding at Castello di Celsa; a spectacular three-day celebration in Puglia ending at the Martes Museum on Lake Garda; a luxury villa wedding in Ischia with a yacht party for 150 guests; and the wedding in Lapland I am currently planning for this February…”
Diana Da Ros, Founder, International Wedding & Events Agency
Diana Da Ros, founder of International Wedding & Events Agency, stages the most incredible special occasions on behalf of VIP clients around the world. She was born in Italy to an Italian father and a Czech mother and has spoken English since early childhood, which has shaped her multicultural mindset. Additionally, Diana’s team speaks French, German, and Arabic, allowing them to overcome any language barriers and support vendors with real-time translations when needed. In this discussion, we discuss design philosophy, venues, and logistics…
C&B: “Diana, your work is incredible – how did you first start out in the world of weddings and events?”
DDR: “I began my career in fashion, working from 2003 to 2009 with international brands such as Moschino, Calvin Klein, Dsquared, and Gucci. I later collaborated with the television program Nonsolomoda, focused on art, design, fashion, and luxury travel. My passion for events led me to specialise in event and wedding planning in the United States, while also working as a PR and events manager for an American tour operator. Meeting David Tutera was life-changing: he became my mentor and is now a dear friend. Thanks to him, I understood that wedding planning was my true calling…”
C&B: “Your brand is international, but are there any countries you tend to work in more than others?”
DDR: “I specialise in destination weddings worldwide, however my main focus is Italy, particularly the Northern Italian lakes of Como, Maggiore, Garda, and Orta, plus the region of Venice and the Veneto. Also within Italy, I stage events and weddings around Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia, Puglia, and Sicily. Internationally, I work in the United States, the Caribbean, Switzerland, Morocco, and Finland…”
Quite recently, I published my book ‘Before The Big I Do’, revealing the backstage world of weddings. A sequel is coming soon – stay inspired!”
Diana Da Ros, Founder, International Wedding & Events Agency
C&B: “How do you incorporate the unique cultural elements of each of these beautiful locations into your wedding designs?”
DDR: “I carefully research the culture and traditions of each destination. I draw inspiration from local art, history, and culinary heritage, transforming them into meaningful wedding elements such as graphic details, immersive food experiences, live performances, or bespoke guest gifts.Lighting plays a key role as well; for example, traditional luminarie are iconic in Puglia weddings, both decorative and symbolic…”
My design philosophy is inspired by the fashion industry. Everything starts from the couple’s dream, and the final result must go beyond their expectations and deeply move them. Couples should feel fully involved in the creative process. I enjoy interpreting bold, unconventional, or very specific desires. Choosing a wedding planner means choosing the director of the most important day of your life. My style is unconventional, original, and exclusive…”
Diana Da Ros, Founder, International Wedding & Events Agency
C&B: “As much as you travel to stage events around the world, many couples fly into romantic destinations such as your homeland of Italy. How do you tailor your services to meet the needs?”
DDR: “Flexibility is key. I adapt to different time zones and place great emphasis on logistics, especially in destinations that are difficult to reach. I support my clients and their guests with transfers and on-site assistance. My team and I speak multiple languages, ensuring seamless communication. When clients cannot travel for site visits, I arrange virtual tours, and whenever possible, I travel personally to meet them. Despite the efficiency of online meetings, I firmly believe that in-person meetings remain invaluable…”
C&B: “When you’re working at home and overseas, how do you handle logistical challenges, such as venue selection and vendor coordination?”
DDR: “Strong destination knowledge and trusted local relationships are key to managing logistics. I collaborate closely with experienced on-site teams who can handle any situation. In my most frequent destinations, I have built reliable networks based on trust and professionalism. Depending on the scale of the event, I coordinate dedicated teams to ensure flawless execution…”
Each wedding must be entirely unique; I have never copied a project. True personalization comes from deep listening and understanding. Initial consultations often last hours, allowing me to translate the couple’s story into a meaningful celebration. Inspiration may come from fashion, art, design, or nature, but creativity lies in reinventing traditions and creating something truly new…”
Diana Da Ros, Founder, International Wedding & Events Agency
C&B: “How do you incorporate local artisans or vendors into your weddings?”
DDR: “Local artisans and vendors are always part of my weddings. In food and beverage, I work with local chefs who deeply understand regional ingredients and traditions. I also collaborate with artists, designers, embroiderers, painters, mixologists, bakers, cheesemakers, and winemakers, involving them in live experiences or bespoke gifts for guests…”
C&B: “As the world evolves to include more and more high tech options, what themes do you envisage emerging in the wedding industry – do you see it all becoming more nostalgic, or increasingly future-focussed?”
DDR: “Both! Weddings are becoming increasingly influenced by fashion, with a minimalist yet glamorous aesthetic. Authenticity, immersive destination experiences, and highly personalised timelines are central. Emerging trends include innovative entertainment such as mentalists, collaborations with fashion brands, and also a return to nostalgic photography and videography using film and Super 8. Inspiration will also come from auteur cinema, theatre, literature, and AI-generated fantasy worlds…”
Flowers play a fundamental role in my wedding designs. I collaborate with top international floral designers to create installations that are always unique. The ceremony is the most sacred moment and must be unforgettable. Everything begins with a colour palette and an inspirational mood board. Flowers are essential during the ceremony, in the bridal bouquet, at dinner, and I love when floral design transforms the cake-cutting moment into something magical!”
Diana Da Ros, Founder, International Wedding & Events Agency
C&B: “In your experience, which locations are the top European wedding destinations, and why?”
DDR: “They would be Isola del Garda is the only private island venue on Lake Garda, rich in history and offering breathtaking views; having the entire island exclusively is always emotional for couples. Villa d’Este on Lake Como is a timeless icon and the ultimate symbol of elegance and luxury. Castello di Celsa, near Siena, is a true fairytale destination for couples dreaming of an enchanted wedding. Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz is ideal for lovers of mountains and winter glamour, combining historic grandeur with modern luxury. San Montano Resort in Ischia offers stunning 360-degree views, exceptional nature, outstanding cuisine, and a new exclusive event area…”
C&B: “Diana, final question what has been your biggest achievement over the course of your career, to date?”
DDR: “One of my proudest achievements was organising the event and fashion show for the American brand Justin Alexander in Rome, after planning his wedding at Castello di Celsa. It was an ambitious and deeply rewarding project. Another unforgettable moment was receiving a call from David Tutera, who recommended me for the upcoming wedding in Lapland. Trust is the greatest achievement a wedding planner can receive…”
CONTACT: http://www.dianadaros.com
