Amanda Costa Thompson: Destination Wedding Planner
We chat with Amanda Costa Thompson: Destination Wedding Planner
Amanda, how did you find your way into the world of international wedding planning?
When I was planning my own big day in 2014, we were the first couple to get married in a Sperrytent in Norway. There weren’t many local, inspirational accounts to follow back then – the profession ‘wedding planner’ barely existed in Norway. My husband and I ended up planning and designing it all. I loved every part of it and was irrevocably fascinated. Recognising the huge gap in my home market, I eased into the industry, first by renting out the decor we made for our own wedding, then moved on to stationery design, then day-of help. As my role expanded, I decided to leave my job as an architect and go all in as a wedding planner.
It was a tough choice, but I haven’t looked back since. The best part is, I still work as an architect – but I design weddings instead of buildings. Our couples are from all over the world, though mostly UK, US, and European couples that want to get married in Europe or Scandinavia.
How do you use your expertise and imagination to guide nervous, new couples through the process of planning their big day?
I am a super creative person and I come up with a new design tailored specifically to each couple. I get to know our couples and get ideas on how to create their vision through their personalities. I am very much a people person, and love making our couples dreams come true with surprises along the way. I will steadily guide them and hold their hand. On the big day I will make my brides take deep breaths to get back to themselves if the nerves start kicking in. In other words, we go above and beyond for each couple, no matter what it takes, to make their wishes come true.
What are current wedding trends - what’s proving popular?
Minimal floral arrangements, green tones, special florals and draping. As much as trends are fun I believe that a good design tells a story, and for us, it’s who our clients are. I wish for you to look back at your wedding and love it 20 years later because it was you, not because you followed a trend. It is the personal touch, dedication to detail and care that truly make our weddings stand out.
Tell us about a favourite wedding you’ve organised recently…
I loved a wedding we had this summer in the South of France with 5 different locations over 3 days, with guests flying in from all over the world. It started off on a catamaran, the second day was a beach party in St. Tropez and it ended with an outdoor dinner soiree under a starry sky in a château overlooking the bay of St. Tropez. We love a challenge!
What areas of the world do you cover?
South of France, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia. We are always open to new destinations.
What services do you offer?
Full wedding planning and design from start to finish; fully tailored to each couple.
Tell us about your podcast?
You can find ‘Bride and Joy’ on podcast platforms. I cover everything from the inspirational ideas, tips and tricks to mindfulness, self-care and health. This is the place to go for you to become a confident bride and for you to have fun along the way.
IMAGE: lancashirelad.com
Hungry for more?
Read up on the latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends in FEATURES, or browse a curated selection of our FEATURED PRODUCTS, meander through our guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond in WHATS ON or partake in our COMPETITIONS.
About The CHESHIRE Magazine
We are the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle in the North West. Latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends. The Cheshire Magazine is the largest luxury lifestyle title for the North West of England, dropping directly through the letterboxes of VIP subscribers from the Wirral to Greater Manchester plus all the villages and towns in between and digitally available as a subscription in print and digital on issuu.com worldwide. We specialise in connecting luxury brands to likeminded consumers.
If you are interested on how you can partner with The CHESHIRE Magazine, read more about us. Or get in touch to find out more about marketing, featuring or partnering with the Cheshire Magazine in print or online.
