CREATING DREAMS

AN INTERVIEW WITH RENOWNED WEDDING PLANNER JOSH TULLY

When it comes to turning dream weddings into reality, Josh Tully has had his fair share. With a career spanning over two decades, Josh has become synonymous with elegance, innovation, and unforgettable celebrations. In this interview, he shares his journey and the secrets behind crafting an unforgettable wedding.

What inspired you to become a wedding planner and what do you enjoy most about your job?

I stumbled into wedding planning about 12 years ago while working with Soho House. It was a happy accident that turned into a passion when I realized how naturally the process came to me. The big day itself never stressed me out—in fact, I loved every second of it. A few years later, I founded Josh Tully Management. It felt like a perfect fit, considering I never knew what I wanted to do when I was younger. Now, I have the privilege of creating magical moments and working with couples from all over the world. Recently, I've also had the opportunity to travel to fabulous places, meeting new creatives along the way. It truly is a dream job. I spend 9-12 months meticulously planning every detail with a couple, and then I get to see them and their loved ones enjoy it firsthand. It's a rare and rewarding position to be in.


How did your collaboration with L’IDÉE WOMAN come about?

I've always loved the brand—the colors, the choice of fabric, everything. When considering partnerships, alignment on many levels is crucial: the people behind the brand, its core values, and the creative inspiration it evokes. For me, L’Idee embodies simple elegance, a quality we often strive for in our curated weddings. Watching the brand grow over the past few years has been inspiring, and it was a true honor to be invited to collaborate on their recent shoot in Tuscany. I look forward to creating more magical setups for the brand in the future.


What is your favourite part of the wedding planning process?

This is tricky, but I think the most rewarding part is seeing everyone embrace the day and watching the emotions the setting brings out in people. I love focusing on the details that most wouldn't notice but are significant to me. Getting to know the couple is also a highlight—I'm still in contact with couples from over five years ago and receive updates about their babies and life events. However, the moment that never gets old is executing the entrance of the bridal party. Even after 10+ years, I still get excited and nervous, and I take a massive sigh of relief when I see the procession walking down the aisle, signaling the start of the meticulously planned schedule.

What are some of the biggest trends you’re seeing for this wedding season?

The biggest trend I've noticed is the use of fruit and texture, incorporating vibrant colours and diverse fabrics. I love all of it—the addition of fruit is fun and adds pops of colour without overwhelming the table design, creating a talking point for guests. I'm also seeing couples becoming more creative, experimenting with different fabric styles and custom stationery. This season, there's a real sense of elevation across the board.

Can you share your favourite wedding that you planned and what made it memorable?

It's almost impossible to pick a favourite, as I always have a new one, but one wedding stands out for a deeply personal reason. For many years, I organized weddings for traditional brides and grooms. However, as a gay man, I had never witnessed two men saying "I do" until July 30th, 2022, at a chateau in France. Standing there, watching two men get married for the first time, was an overwhelming experience. It resonated deeply with me, not only for personal reasons but also because of the immense progress that made this moment possible. It was a true honor to be part of that wedding, and it opened the door to many more same-sex weddings since. It just hit differently.


What are your three tips for booking a destination wedding?

Understand what you and your partner want from your wedding and choose a location that holds special meaning for both of you. Engage with a wedding planner to help you navigate the process, as it can be complicated and challenging. Lastly, don't get caught up in what you feel is expected of you—focus on what you want your wedding to be. Don't let the opinions of others cloud your judgment.

Is there a particular wedding destination you haven’t yet planned a wedding that you’d love to explore?

There are so many dream locations—but I ‘d love to plan a wedding on the Amalfi Coast for its classic scenery and ornate interiors, and also in Marrakech for its vibrant colours and rich culture. I'm manifesting these dreams for Josh Tully Management.

What’s a wedding trend you'd like to see make a comeback, and why?

To be completely honest, there isn't a single trend that stands out. The reason is that when a trend is popular, we're often asked to incorporate it into every wedding, which can become a bit tiresome after numerous events. Instead, I'm excited about pushing the boundaries of design and creating something truly unique that will inspire others.


How do you see the destination wedding industry evolving in the next five years?

I believe couples will increasingly seek out more remote locations. While France and Italy have always been top destinations, we're already seeing a shift. Places like Sardinia, the Greek Islands, and other less-traveled spots are starting to capture more interest.


Are there any future projects you’re working on that you can share with us?

We have an incredibly exciting season ahead for next year. At the start of the year, I set a goal to book weddings in a variety of stunning locations. In the summer of 2025, we'll be traveling to Corfu, Ibiza, Italy, Portugal, and Majorca. It's all very thrilling, especially with an intimate wedding of a well-known couple set to take place on a cliff—it's going to be truly special! I’m forever grateful for the trust couples place in us and for the opportunity to travel while creating these unforgettable moments.

TEAM CREDITS

WEDDING PLANNER: JOSH TULLY

FLORALS: AGNÈS LAY

HAIR: ELEVEN AUSTRALIA

MAKEUP: BRITTANY MASON & BROOK PARKER

PHOTOGRAPHER: JACQUELINE GILTROW

MODELS: SAMIRA PHILIPSEN, KSENIA AKSENOVA, MORGANA BALZAROTTI