A Chit Chat with Bruce Russell - British Luxury Wedding Planner
Bruce Russell is an internationally-acclaimed wedding and event planner based in both the UK and the US. With offices in the Hamptons, New York, San Francisco, California, and London, he has been designing the inspired unimaginable for clients and couples around the globe for over a decade.
Named one of the "Top Wedding Planners in the World" by Harper's Bazaar US, Bruce also co-starred on primetime wedding reality show, My Big Day Home or Away, on Ireland's RTE2 Network.
Canadian born, UK and US-based, both French and English-speaking, Bruce understands the unique sensibilities required to honor traditions from cultures around the world. His background as the first wedding consultancy for hotels prior to launching his event planning career means he has an invaluable perspective from both client and company. That experience, paired with his delicate charm welcomes guests to multi-day destination celebrations fit for royalty from any country. His professionalism, strategic counsel and unparalleled access ensure that Bruce Russell delivers six-star, unforgettable experiences every single time. On a more personal side, he has a passion for entertaining at home, traveling the globe, and reading a gripping crime novel on a Cornish beach.
HOW DID YOU START IN WEDDING PLANNING AND WHY?
I spent over 15 years in the luxury hospitality industry, with Fairmont and Raffles hotels globally, including at The Plaza in New York and The Savoy in London. I have a passion for hosting and entertaining - it’s part of my DNA.
Weddings and special events allow me to express that passion and bring my clients' vision to life for their celebrations. It’s even more exciting when you combine that with destination travel!
WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN WEDDINGS YOU ARE NOTICING IN THE INDUSTRY?
I’ve never been someone who follows trends. I prefer to be led by my clients - what are they passionate about, looking at their personal styles, their likes and dislikes. This allows me to create a celebration that is unique to them.
Today I think the rulebook has been thrown out the window. We are overwhelmed with content on social media, as are our clients. Everybody wants something different, and I want to create something memorable and special for them and each one of their guests.
WHAT ARE THE TOP LUXURY WEDDING YOU EXECUTED THAT ARE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?
In 2021 I planned a 3 day wedding in California, which was postponed from 2020 in Europe. Due to pandemic travel restrictions at the time, I had to relocate to the US for 3 months. I don’t think I fully realized what that meant for me personally and professionally when I embarked on this adventure.
It was one of the biggest challenges of my career, but what transpired was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever produced, for a very special couple and their families. It led me to setting up a US business, but more importantly, I still have a very close personal relationship with the bride & groom and both their families. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
WHAT IS THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS THING A COUPLE HAS ASKED REQUESTED FROM YOU?
Nothing specific comes to mind, and I think that’s because every request, no matter how crazy it might sound initially, eventually gets sorted.
My perspective is that if it’s physically possible, if it’s legal, and if the clients want to pay for it, then I’ll make it happen!
Whether that’s being asked to order MacDonald’s for 300 guests at 4 am, or turning up the air conditioning in a Museum (that doesn’t have air conditioning!)... Anything is possible!
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH COUPLES?
Don’t let social media content take over your wedding - it’s YOUR wedding, not someone else's.
Of course I would also advise them to hire a wedding planner who understands what they want to achieve as a couple, and someone they feel they can trust. This is a big business decision.
