Insider's Guide Luxury Destination Wedding Planning: An Interview with Chelsea Wenner

Co-Founder / Creative Director of Kiran & Leigh and Le Sol Member

Chelsea Wenner by Jennifer Lawson

When it comes to crafting unforgettable destination weddings, Chelsea Wenner, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Kiran and Leigh, is a master of turning beautiful places into immersive, layered experiences. In this exclusive interview, she shares her favorite destinations, the art of effortless hospitality, and the magic that happens when intention meets elegance.

Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the wedding industry?

Answer:

"I’ve always been drawn to the things that make life beautiful – weddings, travel, art, fashion, and of course, a great celebration. I actually got my start in events by planning my mom’s 50th birthday party right after college – and that was it.  At the time, I had not realized I could make a career out of it, but once I got a taste for it, I knew it was where I was meant to be.

I spent a decade at a Houston based firm honing my craft and building relationships before launching Kiran and Leigh in 2020 with my business partner, Natalie.    Since then, we’ve focused on destination weddings that amplify our clients' vision to create a wedding weekend like people will talk about like a great vacation."

Photo from Chelsea's Côte D'azur Wedding

Question: What has been your favorite destination to plan a wedding? Why?

Answer:

"Italy, without question.  There’s an ease and elegance to it that is impossible to replicate. From a design perspective, the venues speak for themselves.  You’re not building beauty from scratch, you’re enhancing what’s already there. Planning a wedding in Italy isn’t just about the event itself, it’s about the experience surrounding it, and there is something undeniably magical about that."

Question: We’re sure you've stayed in some pretty amazing hotels, tell us what your favorite has been and why.

Answer:

"Oh, a hard one!  I love hotels where design and service come together to elevate the destination.  It’s not about opulence for the sake of it, but intention.  Hotels who know exactly who they are.  They don’t try too hard.  They’re curated and create the atmosphere that make you want to linger just a little longer- and that’s luxury. A couple that stand out to me are Hotel Lou Pinet in Saint Tropez, and Hotel Il Pelicano on the Tuscan coast. A hotel by the sea seems to do it for me. - the way everything feels a little more cinematic on the water. Currently on my wish list? Hotel Corazón."

Question: When it comes to luxury destination weddings, what are the key elements that elevate the experience for couples and their guests?

Photo from Chelsea's Côte D'azur Wedding

Answer:

"When it comes to luxury destination weddings, the magic is in the layers.  It’s not just about a beautiful location, it’s about how every element works together to create a sense of place, pace, and presence for the couple and their guests. Thoughtful design, of course, sets the tone.  But, the main element to elevate the experience is hospitality.  The way guests are welcomed, cared for, and surprised along the way.  From the moment they land, it is about creating touchpoints that feel intentional and generous - a welcome drink that nods to the local culture, an itinerary with space to breathe, a design that feels rooted in the surroundings, and a seamless flow.  Luxury is often felt most in how effortless things appear. When timing, service, and atmosphere are in sync guests can fully relax and experience the weekend, not just attend it."

Question: What destinations are trending right now for couples looking to host a truly unforgettable wedding?

Answer:

"Mallorca is absolutely still having a moment.  I’ve noticed it continuing to surface over the past few years - not just in inspiration but actual inquiries.  It’s become this beautiful alternative for couples who are drawn to the romance of European weddings, but want something a little less expected. There’s a raw, natural elegance to the island that feels both relaxed and elevated.  It offers the charm and soul of Europe, but with a slightly different rhythm and a little more edge, than the more traditional destinations like Italy or France."

Photos from Mallorca

Question:  How do you create a seamless guest experience when planning a wedding abroad? Any travel or hospitality tips?

Answer:

"Over communication. When we are planning a destination wedding, we are not just managing a celebration, we are hanging movement, logistics, and expectations for dozens of people.  Guests should never be left guessing.  

We repeat travel details, timelines, dress codes, etc. multiple times across multiple formats.  It’s not about being redundant, it’s about being clear.  And, that level of clarity is what allows guests to fully relax and enjoy the experience.

This is where partnering with a travel concierge, like Le Sol Travel, becomes invaluable.  While we focus on designing a thoughtful, immersive celebration, they ensure the personal travel side of the experience -flights, transfers, hotel bookings -is just as seamless. Together, we create a weekend that doesn't just feel like a destination wedding - it feels like a vacation, one where every detail has been considered, every need anticipated.  That’s what takes the guest experience to the next level."

Question: What’s one under-the-radar destination that you think more couples should consider for their wedding?

Answer:

"Montenegro. It gives you European elegance without the obviousness.  It feels like a discovery - which makes it all the more special.  The landscape is stunning, dramatic coastlines, historic architecture, and this cool understated energy that feels completely fresh. Not to mention, hotels like Aman and One & Only bring world class luxury to a setting that feels intimate and untouched."

Photos from Montenegro

Question: What’s the most over-the-top wedding experience you’ve ever helped plan? Any unique details that stand out?

Answer:

"A wedding we helped produce in Paris, brought on by our incredibly talented friends, GRO Designs, comes to mind. From the start, the setting did a lot of the talking - Paris has a way of elevating everything.  The weekend began with a private picnic experience in front of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a bridal brunch at the iconic Plaza Athenee, and a welcome party on the Seine complete with champagne, French Jazz, and the Eiffel Tower lights.

The wedding was held at Musee Rodin, transformed with multiple tent structures, layered design moments, and one unforgettable entrance – a local parisian marching band parading down the lawn as part of the best man’s speech.  There were performers painted head-to-toe in grey, posing as statues among the museum's sculpture garden, blurring the line between art and guest.  And, later, a tent turned nightclub featuring disco ball headed dancers sealed the night with the kind of energy only Paris can pull off."

Question: For couples looking to infuse local culture into their wedding, what are some ways they can do that while still keeping it luxurious?

Answer:

"Infusing local culture doesn’t mean losing luxury – it’s actually what creates it, when done right.  It’s about intentionality.  The goal isn’t to replicate a tourist experience, it’s to interpret the culture in a way that feels elevated, personal, and design-forward. Start with the senses - incorporating elements through design, flavor, and atmosphere rather than clichés.  That might mean sourcing local linens or ceramics for the tabletop, or incorporating local ingredients in a modern chef-driven menu with a refined twist.  Music is another powerful layer - not just a local band for the sake of it, but someone who understands how to bridge tradition with taste. When the above is done thoughtfully, it elevates the celebration rather than overwhelming it."

Question: If you were planning your own dream destination wedding, where would it be and why?

Answer:

"Ha, this changes often.  It would be somewhere bold, a little off the beaten path, – the kind of place that doesn’t need to be overly styled because the energy is already there.  A place with substance and style."

Chelsea Wenner by Jennifer Lawson