Article by Johanna Osborne.

It’s no secret I am a big Nicole Richie fan. Ever since Nicole put her Simple Life days behind her and got a Rachel Zoe revamp, she made everyone sit up and take notice. With the birth of her House of Harlow and Winter Kate accessory and fashion brands, Nicole put her name firmly on the map and showed everyone that she knew what she was doing. What I like about Nicole is her amazing style, her down to earth attitude, her protectiveness of her children, as well as her trademark feisty yet totally charming nature. Of course I don’t know her personally (my husband always thinks I’m bonkers talking about celebrities like I know them), but I like who she is in the media and how she comes across. Most of all I love how she dresses, and it amazes me that there is someone that can repeatedly pull outfit-after-outfit out of the hat, and never ever get it wrong. I am in awe!

Of course Nicole’s wedding was no different – she looked spectacular. Simply put – we just can’t write about weddings and not mention hers. Nicole married her rocker beau Joel Madden in December 2010, and the event produced some of the most poured-over images in media history. Nicole has gone on record with People magazine to say that ever since she was a little girl, there were two things she wanted on the day she married: a show-stopper dress inspired by Grace Kelly’s iconic wedding gown, and a real live elephant for good luck. And being the Hollywood royalty that she is – she got both. Nicole’s dresses (she wore 3 Marchesa designs!), the overall styling of the wedding and the elephant in the room (literally) made this a wedding one not to be forgotten.

Nicole’s poofy Marchesa gown was very versatile, as she lost the big skirt for a more dance-floor friendly version during the evening, with a complete change to follow later. Lionel Richie’s Bel Air Mansion provided the stage for the magical event, and featured a royal banquet in a French garden setting, transforming into a chic nightclub as the night went on. Great minds obviously think alike – Mindy Weiss, Hollywood Event Planner extraordinaire, seemed to have taken a few leaves out of our very own Paula Bevege’s book. Nicole’s wedding “set” resembled Paula’s own wedding very much, with its stylish table settings, stunning blooms, exquisite lighting and easy flow on to a more low-key dimly lit jazz club vibe later in the night.

This is a style-spiration if ever I saw one, as lighting and set creation can transform anywhere (whether it is Lionel Richie’s mansion or a back garden in little old Wellington) into an exquisite destination for a once-in-a-lifetime event. And it can be done – at any budget! That’s where Event Planners are amazing – they have the resources to guide and work with you, and turn your ideas and dreams into reality.

It’s always amazing when a wedding takes place somewhere different, within a creative and unique setting, styled to suit a specific couple. It allows guests to be “transported” somewhere else for one magical night, producing unforgettable memories not only for the bride and groom, but everyone in attendance. The escapism is heavenly and keeps people talking for a long time.

And from what I have read, that’s exactly what the lucky ones on Nicole’s guest list said too!