The journey was worth it. The “1, 2 Step” singer Ciara and NFL superstar Russell Wilson exchanged vows inside Peckforton Castle, a breath-taking 19th century venue in Cheshire, England, that’s surrounded by thousands of acres of forestland. But before the couple settled on London, they actually had another destination planned.
“They were first getting married in North Carolina, but they called it off due to the transgender bathroom laws,” says Mindy Weiss, the couple’s wedding planner, known for her beautiful A-list celeb weddings.
In the end, with the help of Weiss going the distance to plan a unique, personal wedding, the couple’s perfect day came to life. “They wanted to be away. And we found a castle that was an hour out of Liverpool and they had about 110 guests,” says Weiss. “I used a florist out of London — McQueens. They were very cool! Inside the castle, they had a chapel but it was too small because her dress was 13-feet.”
Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss on planning Ciara and Russell Wilson’s gorgeous destination wedding (Photo credit: Getty)
Instagram photos showed Ciara’s elaborate wedding dress which was custom-designed by Roberto Cavalli’s Peter Dundas. “Her dress in person was so much more spectacular than in the pictures, though in the pictures, they’re beautiful. In person, it was shockingly beautiful,” says Weiss.
Weiss says the couple opted for a neutral color palette. “All whites and creams,” the planner notes. “For dinner, it was big centerpieces. And then, the surprise after dinner was they had Earth, Wind & Fire perform in a separate tent. That was really beautiful. And it just worked. Thank the Lord!”
How exactly did the couple connect with the beloved planner? “I knew Ciara because of La La [Anthony] who’s married to Melo [Carmelo Anthony],” Weiss says.
Ciara’s bridal party included Anthony, Kelly Rowland and Serena Williams, who wasn’t able to make the wedding in person due to Wimbledon. “I knew all the girls,” Weiss adds. “When they’re bridesmaids, you become close with the bridesmaids too. They’re all so lovely. When I say lovely, kind, spiritual, low-maintenance, all of them.”
Weiss also praised the groom. “He has really, really beautiful taste. He just — you should see what he looks like,” she muses. “And [Ciara’s] son is delicious. Baby Future. Very delish!”
She also took a moment to appreciate the pair. “I think my favorite part [of Ciara and Russell’s wedding] was the ceremony because they were so happy,” Weiss notes.
“They are delicious,” she says. “They really are a very cool couple. I really enjoy their relationship.”
