Some weddings just feel like they could live inside a Klimt painting, and Blair and Alex’s destination celebration in Vienna was exactly that kind of magical. From a ceremony in an actual palace chapel to custom-painted guest portraits doubling as seating cards (yes, really!), this wedding was as heart-filled as it was gilded. “We wanted somewhere beautiful to get married at,” Blair told us. Mission absolutely accomplished.

Why Vienna?

The search for the perfect location took this Texas-based couple on a virtual tour of Europe. They considered Santorini, Paris, and Rome, but Vienna had that je ne sais quoi that no other city could beat. “When we found Vienna, it was love at first sight: The city filled with the beautiful architecture; the capital of the Habsburg Empire; and home of Gustav Klimt,” Blair said. “The fact that Belvedere exhibits The Kiss, my all-time favorite painting, felt like fate.”

Fate, yes, but also flawless taste. The couple said “I do” in the chapel of the Belvedere Palace, then celebrated the night away at the stunning Palais Coburg. “Their interiors were embellished with gold leaves and the ceiling frescoes,” said Blair. “It was the perfect place for our baroque fairytale.”

Baroque, But Make It Personal

Blair, who has a background in architecture and a clear eye for design, turned this wedding into a full-blown art project in the best possible way.

Take the guest favors, for example. Instead of something forgettable, Blair hand-painted watercolor portraits of each guest. “It took about 3 months total to paint 30 portraits,” she said. “They were framed in gold leaf mini frames to go with the baroque theme. When the guests opened up the back of the frame, they could see hand-written thank you notes from the bride and the groom.”

Yes, they doubled as seating cards. Yes, Vienna customs almost held them hostage, thinking they were commercial goods. And yes, they arrived just in time thanks to the couple’s local wedding planner, Luise of Make It Happen Events, who stepped in to work her magic.

The Ceremony

With only their closest people present, Blair and Alex exchanged personal vows in a Christian ceremony that was equal parts sacred and intimate. “It was so emotional. We cherished every moment of it,” Blair said. “Having a small guest list made it feel so connected and personal.”

The Details

From watercolor dinner menus to wax-sealed envelopes with tiny pressed flowers, Blair poured herself into every last detail. “I DIYed the dinner menus to be a part of the wedding design at the reception,” she explained. “I hand-drew and digitally painted the Belvedere Palace and enclosed the menu in dusty blue envelopes, with personalized gold wax seals and forget-me-not flowers.”

Even the dessert was thoughtful, featuring sweets from Konditorei Oberlaa, a local Viennese gem.

Planning from Afar

Despite living in the U.S. and never visiting the venues in person, Blair and Alex were able to pull off their dream wedding, thanks largely to Luise, their Vienna-based planner. “Having a local wedding planner that speaks the local language and has local connections made a world difference,” Blair said. “It was one of the best decisions we made.”

She also had this advice for other couples dreaming of a wedding abroad: “It’s very difficult to plan a destination wedding yourself if you don’t speak the language or have local connections. Do your research when choosing a planner. Talk to them and see how well you vibe.”

A (Small) Celebration to Remember

The couple originally considered eloping, but ultimately chose to share their day with a small circle of loved ones. “We wanted something more intimate,” said Blair. “The destination wedding worked out perfectly.”

Perfect, indeed. From their first dating app conversation to their Klimt-inspired vows in a Viennese palace, Blair and Alex’s wedding was a heartfelt, hand-painted, gold-trimmed masterpiece.

Vendors: Photography: Liliia Chuba; Wedding Planning: Make it Happen Events; Ceremony Venue: Belvedere Museum; Wedding Venue: Palais Coburg; Videography: Verfilmt; Stylist: Sandra Sfumato; Flowers: Ilviras Blumen; Cake: Cakesie & Oberlaa