The Hello! bride

Hannah Bailey, 37, owner of a recruitment consultancy, married businessman James Horler, 43, in Italy last month

We spent £100,000 on our wedding and it was worth every penny. Everyone wants their day to be special but my husband and I were after more. We wanted the same things we get from our holidays – something luxurious, bespoke and exclusive.

It was second time around for both of us, but if anything, that made us want to go for it even more. We chose Italy as we love the culture and I had seen beautiful photos of celebrity weddings there in Hello!.

Getting married abroad is complicated so I hired a wedding planner; a good one makes you feel like a film star – they hover discreetly, making sure everything is perfect.

Ours organised every last detail, from the travel arrangements for the 17 guests we flew out to a welcome party on a boat, a seven-course wedding meal and a spectacular midnight firework display.

Most of our budget went on accommodation and flights for our guests, but we also held a party for the 200 people we couldn't take to Italy at The Sheraton when we got home.

It was the most beautiful few days and we've already booked to go back next year for our first anniversary.

Hannah and James's wedding was organised by Joelle Edwards of Love & Lord ( www.loveandlord.com)