REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Benny Sahar Photographer

    ILYA PRIGOGINE & DAVID DZIALOWSKI

    November 20, 2011 in Miami, Florida

    “Who is this handsome guy? I’ve never seen him in Belgium,” Ilya Prigogine recalls inquiring. Moments later, David Dzialowski introduced himself, stunned that they had never met before.

    The party was for David’s friend, whose sister Ilya knew well. Ilya’s uncle was David’s doctor. They had more than shared connections, though, and within two months, their jetsetting lives were entwined.

    “I SAID ‘YES,’ AND THEN CALLED EVERYBODY, ALL AROUND THE WORLD”

    On their second anniversary, while dining fireside on a Vietnam beach, David proposed unexpectedly. “I said ‘Yes,’ and then called everybody, all around the world,” Ilya says. 

    Musicians and their photographer journeyed from Israel, drummers from Africa, a videographer from France, DJs from Las Vegas, a designer from Belgium, and 160 guests from far-flung locales all over the world. 

    The destination: Miami because its flora and climate is reminiscent of Ilya’s childhood in Congo. Nicole Braghin orchestrated. It was “amazing how she understood,” Ilya says.

    Five days of distinctive celebrations crescendoed to their emotional vows on the Mandarin Oriental Miami’s beach. “At the last minute, we bought 160 umbrellas,” says David, but skies cleared. Things reliably work out; they cherish each other’s optimism.

    The couple unwound in Turks and Caicos for a few days and, when her career as an attorney and his in IT allow, they envision a lengthier honeymoon.

     

    WEDDING TALENT

    Location, Cake and Caterer: Mandarin OrientalMiami, Miami, FL; Event Planner: N Events, Miami, FL

    Event Planner and Design: Invite’Out, Brussels, Belgium; Event Design and Décor: Nüage Designs, Miami, FL

    Floral Design: Parrish Designs, Miami, FL; Wedding Dress: Le Chapeau; Groom’s Tuxedo: Lanvin

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