Kiana & Michel

At just 12 or 13 years old, Kiana and Michel became good friends in school. Yes, about 16 whole years before getting married! Throughout the years, their relationship had some challenges, but once they got to college they knew “this was it.” However, when Michel graduated rom university he took an engineering job that had him traveling all over the world, which meant little internet connection and big time zone differences for almost six years. Meanwhile, Kiana began her PhD, which is now almost finished! What they say is really true, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

In the summer of 2021, they decided to escape the professional hussle and take a road trip to the Dolomite mountains in Northern Italy. Hiking, nature, and pasta sounded like the perfect plan. On the third day of their trip, after an extremely long hike, they spent the night by a beautiful mountain lake called Lago Di Braies. They washed up, changed, and decided to take some photos “just to have a good memory/souvenir” of their amazing time there. Standing by the beautiful lake, Kiana told Michel she couldn’t believe the trip could get any better, to which he replied, “Yet I do think I can make it even better,” and got down on one knee. Kiana was in shock, once she returned back to Earth, she answered yes of course!

They got married on a beautiful early September day at the Château de l'Ardoisière, an intimate castle venue surrounded by a beautiful park. Despite being so close to their home, it feels like a hidden gem. Kiana had always dreamed of an outdoor wedding with long tables, neutral colors, and lots of candles, however the weather is always up in the air. Of course, their wedding day was accompanied by a heat wave and no AC.

However, they were still able to have their first look and ceremony overlooking the beautiful park pond, in the shade of an old tree. As well as cocktails and a stunningly lit outdoor dinner in the orchard. It was everything they dreamed of and more! Both Kiana and Michel were “in a place far beyond cloud nine!”

“I wanted my dress to be classic, elegant and timeless yet modern and minimalistic. Viola was everything I looked for and more. I even caught myself picturing myself in it every time I daydreamed about the wedding. That was the ultimate sign for me to go ahead and order it. The dress felt like a second skin, so comfortable. Even the train never bothered me throughout the day. The AG Signature Veil was the perfect combo with the minimalistic dress. I really felt like the best version of myself that day, and the Viola dress was the perfect extension of who I am.”

- AG Bride Kiana

Photographer: Roxanne Danckers | Videographer: Vincent Ceulemans | Retailer: The Ivory Club | Florist: De Groote Bloemen

Earrings: Maison Sabben | Beauty: Sharina Degeest | Nails: Sam Amer | Suit: Cafe Costume | Ceremony Speaker: Stories by Mabel

Graphic Design: Studio Otchi & Brandbaar | Venue: Château de l'Ardoisière | Music: Dries Verhulst, Ines Vrancxk & DJ Stecks

Catering & Furniture: The Dinner Company & The Event Company | Bride & Groom: Kiana, Michel