Bride of the month: Aluna Desta

A little bit about me... 

Hi! I’m Aluna, a 31 year old Seattle native with a love for adventure. By day, I work in finance, but when I’m not crunching numbers, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen, exploring hiking trails, golfing, or challenging myself in personal training. Travel fuels my soul - I’ve explored over 20 countries and am always planning my next escape. I met my husband in freshman year of high school, and we’ve been best friends ever since. After 10 amazing years together, we’ve built a bond that only gets stronger with time. We share our home with two quirky cats, who bring endless joy and laughter into our lives. Life is truly an incredible journey, and as Maya Angelou says best, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Our approach to planning the wedding was… 

Our approach to wedding planning was all about creating a romantic, fun, and effortless experience. From the beginning, we knew we wanted a destination wedding, and when we found Ios Club in Greece, it was love at first sight! The Aegean Sea as our backdrop was everything - elegance meets natural beauty, with a side of WOW. We went with the flow, staying spontaneous and letting the joy and excitement we feel every day shine through in every detail. Our goal was to create a celebration that felt intimate, full of life, and totally true to who we are.

Looking back on the day we are so glad that we… 

Looking back on the day, we couldn’t be happier we chose a destination wedding - it truly felt like a dream come to life! By stepping away from the expected and focusing on what felt right for us, everything fell into place. We tossed out the traditions that didn’t resonate and created our own, making every moment feel personal, meaningful, and totally unforgettable. We are so glad that we took the time to truly enjoy every moment and soak in the love that surrounded us. Being surrounded by our closest loved ones made it even more special, and honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing! Plus, we’re beyond grateful for our amazing photographer and videographer (highly recommend), who captured every single moment in the most beautiful way. It’s like we get to hit replay on the best day ever, over and over again – a memory we’ll cherish forever!

The most unexpected part of the day was… 

The most unexpected part of the day was how completely effortless everything felt. It was like the universe was on our side, making sure every moment unfolded perfectly. There was no stress, no worries - just pure joy. Honestly, even if something had gone a little off track, we were so immersed in the magic of the day that nothing could’ve thrown us off. Time seemed to slow down, and all that mattered was the love and the incredible energy that filled the air.

When I look back on the day now I feel… 

When I look back on the day now, I feel a mix of joy and gratitude. It’s such a beautiful feeling to know that we created something truly special, just for us. Every detail, every emotion - it all comes rushing back, and I can’t help but smile. The love, the connection, the celebration – it was everything we dreamed of and more and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It was a day that felt like it was meant to be, and it’s amazing to think about how perfect it all turned out.

A word of advice to new brides would be... 

My advice to new brides would be - don’t stress the small stuff! All those little details you’re stressing over? Trust me, when the big day comes, the only thing that will truly matter is the love you’re surrounded by. Stay by your partner's side and savor every moment. And most importantly, make time for just the two of you, away from hustle and bustle. Those quiet moments, where you can breathe and take it all in together, will be the ones you treasure forever. Trust me, the day will fly by, so make every second count.

My Homebodii moment was special because and I wore… 

My Homebodii moment was everything and more! I wore the Helena Robe, and let me tell you - WOW! From the gorgeous lace details, to the way it just flowed so effortlessly - it was both timeless and sexy. From the moment I put it on, I felt stunning, like an absolute goddess. It wasn’t just a robe, it was a part of the whole experience. Those quiet, intimate moments before the wedding, when I truly felt like a glowing bride – they were unforgettable.