Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor, a creative director, and David Macklovitch, a musician from Chromeo, embarked on a journey of love that culminated in a lavish wedding on a picturesque Sicilian island. Their romance, spanning years, was marked by a distinctive Art Deco engagement ring and a deeply personal proposal. They meticulously orchestrated their special day at a beloved location in Salina, off the coast of Sicily, choosing to infuse every detail with their unique style rather than relying on a conventional wedding planner. The celebration was a vibrant affair, highlighted by an impressive lineup of eight DJ sets, perfectly reflecting their shared passion for music and creating an unforgettable experience for their guests.
The couple's enduring connection, kindled within the indie sleaze scene, blossomed into a profound bond. Their engagement, which spanned six years, allowed them ample time to craft a wedding that truly mirrored their personalities. By foregoing a traditional planner, they invested their resources and energy into curating an event rich with personal touches, ensuring that their destination wedding was not just a ceremony, but a genuine expression of their love story. This approach underscored their desire for authenticity, making their union a bespoke celebration that resonated deeply with them and their close circle of friends and family.
The Unconventional Romance and Heartfelt Proposal
Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor, a creative director, and Chromeo musician David Macklovitch, both embedded in the indie sleaze scene, found their paths intertwining over many years. Their connection deepened, leading them to consider marriage. Atlanta discovered a distinctive Art Deco ring at a vintage jewelry store, which Dave later subtly acquired and upgraded, showcasing his thoughtful nature. The proposal itself was an intimate, New York-style affair at their home in 2019, captured on video. Dave surprised Atlanta with candles, roses, and their dog, Acorn, carrying the ring on its collar, culminating in a heartfelt question that solidified their commitment after years of knowing each other.
Their initial acquaintance from the indie sleaze circles eventually led to a chance encounter at an LA party, sparking their romantic journey. As their relationship blossomed, discussions about their future together naturally included the prospect of marriage. Atlanta’s discovery of a specific Art Deco ring, notable for its unique setting rather than its size, subtly guided Dave’s later actions. His discreet return to the store to personalize and enhance the ring underscored his deep affection and meticulous attention to detail. The proposal itself, characterized by its understated elegance and personal significance, occurred during a quiet weeknight at their residence. This private moment, enriched by the presence of their beloved dog and documented on video, perfectly encapsulated their authentic and unpretentious bond. Atlanta’s surprised but affirmative response, “Are you sure?!”, added a touch of endearing humor to this pivotal moment in their six-year journey towards matrimony.
Crafting a Personalized Sicilian Island Wedding
Choosing the perfect wedding date and location presented initial hurdles for Atlanta and David, primarily due to their musical careers and the need to align busy schedules post-COVID. After considering New York City, they ultimately selected their beloved “secret spot,” Hotel Signum in Salina, off Sicily’s coast, a place with deep sentimental value. Their decision to plan the wedding without a professional planner allowed them to channel their budget into creating a highly personalized experience for their 85 guests. This included hiring a fashion photographer and Dave's tour photographer, enlisting Dave’s art direction partner for custom graphics, and scheduling eight DJ sets instead of a traditional band, reflecting their unique musical connections.
Despite the complexities of coordinating a destination wedding across various time zones and busy professional lives, the couple was determined to infuse their celebration with personal meaning. Their dedication to a DIY approach meant taking on all aspects of planning, from the exciting parts like shopping for attire and mood-boarding florals to the less glamorous tasks of managing invoices and accounting. A crucial figure in easing the logistical burden for their guests was Cath Roberts, tour manager for Atlanta’s father’s band, Duran Duran. Her expertise proved invaluable in navigating the challenging travel arrangements to Salina, ensuring a smooth journey for everyone involved. This collaborative effort, particularly with Dave taking over planning responsibilities when Atlanta’s schedule became demanding, highlighted their partnership and commitment to realizing their vision for an intimate, vibrant, and unforgettable wedding experience on their cherished island retreat.