‘Dreamy’, ‘Magical’, ‘Lavish’ and ‘Fairy-tale’ – just some of the words that have been used in social media and various online publications over the last 48 hours to describe the wedding of celebrity doctors Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho.
After a 12-year relationship, the couple proved to their millions of fans that love conquers all as they formally tied the knot in a grand and gorgeous wedding at The American Church in Paris.
The celebrations actually began on the Friday evening with a star-studded ‘welcome cruise’ on the River Seine and was capped off with a grand ball at the Palais Garnier, with the newlyweds taking their first dance to the tune of their own recording of Take Me As I Am from the soundtrack of the classic film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Here’s a sneak peek I made of that incredible first dance, put together with soundtrack Deeper by Chris Coleman.
You can read all about those who attended the wedding from the many publications that have reported on the weekend in the last few days… there’s two links at the end… all about the flowers and stylists too, and about the beautiful blush-coloured gown, which was made by the acclaimed designer Michael Cinco.
But here’s an insider’s look at this incredible wedding…
I arrived in Paris on the Thursday before the wedding and headed straight for the secret venue locations to recce them before the big day.
I was completely in awe of the Paris Opera House as I walked through its lavishness, which has been described on social media as reminding many of a Disney film set. The grand staircase took my breath away before it was even adorned by the amazing floral creations.
I then headed for a production meeting with the event designer to be told all about the surprises the star-studded celebrity guests had to look forward to… at this point it wasn’t even public knowledge about the Opera House being the reception venue.
On Friday morning I headed to the Ritz to meet Vicki and Hayden for breakfast. While enjoying Eggs Benedict, I was also introduced to their beautiful daughter Scarlett Snow Belo, who at just two is the most followed Instagram baby in the world. She was utterly adorable and I knew she was going to steal the show all weekend.
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Later that day it was time to head to the Pavillon De Seine for the Welcome Dinner on a gorgeous boat travelling up the Seine past the Eiffel Tower.
It was a fantastic party with speeches and song performances from all their friends, who also happened to be TV presenters, opera singers and other celebrities all flown in from Philippines at no expense spared.
The following morning began back at the Ritz once more with the groom getting ready. I captured the moment Hayden was memorising his vows and listening to In Control by Hillsong United. It was very emotional. And it was also very surreal when he asked my advice on which aftershave he should wear. I preferred French Lover, a cologne by Pierre Bourdon for Frederic Malle, and the choice was made!
In complete contrast to the peaceful and almost spiritual surroundings in Hayden’s suite, Vicki’s was full to the brim of photographers, stylists, makeup artists and even the dress designer himself was there making sure everything was perfect for this very special bride. Keeping everyone entertained was Scarlett… even daring to dance on the train of the amazing gown as it was having some finishing touches.
At three o’clock it was time to head for the church – there, I was completely blown away with the number of fans who’d come to get a glimpse of the couple and their guests. As the ceremony drew closer more security and police were brought in to manage the excited crowd… every car pulling up alongside the church was welcomed by screams …. even that of the photographers and my assistant (which really made me giggle).
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It was an utterly gorgeous service, the pastor a close family friend, who delighted the congregation with a beautiful sermon. Vicki and Hayden said their own personal vows, which I just can’t wait to share. Put it this way, there were tears… for both Hayden and Vicki.
After the ceremony, everyone was whisked away to the Opera House, the location had been kept a secret for all the guests, and they were greeted with a champagne reception that flowed freely.
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After Vicki and Hayden’s ‘magical’ first dance there was an amazing performance of songs from Phantom Of The Opera before the singers led the guests to the stunning great hall for dinner and speeches.
There was not a moment in the evening when there wasn’t another surprise whether from violists serenading the guests to a conga line, headed up by Vicki and Hayden all the way into the party venue.
What a night!
I’ve filmed some amazing weddings in my time but nothing compares to this. It was both unbelievable and amazing all at the same time.
I’ll be sharing snippets from the day over the next weeks… so stay tuned to my IG feed @storyofyourday
Vicki and Hayden in the news…
Main image: via Vicki Belo Facebook.