Anna + Endre by Klaui Varadi

We wanted two different acts to the day.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We are both Budapest-based tattoo artists. We’ve been together for more than six years, and we first met back in art university. A lot has happened since then – we adopted our puppy and became a family (which we hope to grow soon with more dogs and humans), opened our own tattoo studio, worked as guest artists around the world, and officially joined our families on this very day. We are truly best friends and partners in crime, standing by each other through the good times and the bad. It was beautiful to celebrate this moment with our friends and family.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

Everything started at a house party, but we’d been orbiting each other for years. Both tattoo artists in Budapest, our circles had overlapped more than once, but it wasn’t until that night that things finally clicked. We both thought the other one was super cool and easy to talk to, we had a blast for the first time we met – ended up partying together the whole night.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

I think the vision really became clear when we found the perfect location. We wanted two different acts to the day. For the ceremony, it was important to us that it be outdoors – dreamy, pastel, and romantic. The first part was meant to feel a little like a retro, old-money Sopranos-style birthday party: green grass, martini glasses, a pool, bright colors, white bows on the chairs, and that golden summer-afternoon vibe where everyone’s chatting happily with modest pop songs playing in the background. It might sound a little eclectic now, but it made perfect sense to us, and I think it really worked! My bridesmaids made the décor, so it felt personal, and the air was full of love and that buzz of excitement. For the afterparty, we went in the complete opposite direction. We were one of the first couples to get married in our circle, so we wanted it to feel more like what we – and our friends – are used to: a festival or a rave. No overcomplicated activities, just a big dance floor, two amazing DJs (plus some of our DJ friends playing back-to-back), and an open bar.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

I feel like the location was already half of the success – close to our city, yet still in the countryside, with beautiful views. Since I’m a tattoo artist, the makeup artist, hairdresser, hostess, cake maker – and many others – were all my clients. This gave me such a safe and comforting feeling, because I already knew almost everyone who worked with us on our big day. It was so personal, and I think it was beautiful that they trusted me, and I knew I could trust them.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

I loved how all these things that seemed overwhelming at first eventually came together – and how we proved to ourselves that we could do it. It wasn’t just about planning a wedding, it was a journey with ourselves, and honestly, a life lesson. I enjoyed every moment I could spend with my loved ones – location scouting with my fiancé, a last-minute manicure with my bestie – you name it. I do wish I hadn’t stressed so much, especially in those last couple of days. I know it’s a common thing to say, but unfortunately it’s true. That said, I have no real regrets from the day. Everything was so intense that it was easy for me to stay in the moment. We also made a promise not to leave each other’s side – and we kept it. Would highly recommend.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Our photographer – I had known her for a long time, but I only truly realized on the day how important a unique personality is in this role. She has such a warm, wonderful presence. It felt so natural having her there while I was getting ready, or seeing her laughing with my parents on the dance floor. She’s so experienced – always knowing when to be invisible, and when to step in, like calling people together for group photos. And of course, the photos turned out absolutely beautiful – truly memories for a lifetime. I also have to mention our jeweler. She was such a pleasure to work with – patient with our choices, quick to respond to every message, and so easy to communicate with.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

I had mine tailor-made by the super-cool Budapest-based fashion designer Valentin Szarvas, who isn’t primarily a bridal atelier. He really brought my vision to life, and we were constantly browsing ideas. The groom handpicked all his items from a small boutique in our area that mostly carries Italian clothing and got it tailored.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

They are the same color as the ring he proposed with – very plain and classic – and each one has our partner’s name engraved inside in tiny letters.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography, Cake (has to be delicious and pretty hehe), outfits, venue