Prior to Serenity Day, on 6-7 May 2025, we hosted special guests in Budapest and Daalarna Garden: our Austrian partners and some of the most prominent representatives of the local wedding industry were our guests for two inspiring, experience-filled days in the capital and Szentendre. The aim of the Wedding & Wonders – Budapest Edition event was to meet like-minded creative professionals with whom we could have a real dialogue about wedding trends, draw inspiration from each other’s work and together create something new and cutting-edge.
On the first day, we showcased the diverse world of Daalarna and Daalarna Garden – not only through the dresses and interiors, but also through an experience that appeals to all the senses. The sights, the smells, the flavours of the food and drink, the music and the emotions they evoked all came together in harmony to create a truly special atmosphere. On the second day, our guests set off to explore Budapest, focusing not only on the city’s stunning atmosphere, but also on its proximity to the Daalarna Garden.
Behind the scenes
The first stop of the day was the Daalarna workshop, where our guests got a glimpse into the heart of the brand. They were able to see how Daalarna clothes are made and observe the design and construction process first-hand. This experience allowed them to experience the precision, expertise and passion that goes into the making of each and every bridal gown – and which is the essence of the brand.
Tastes, smells, sights and ambience – a multidimensional journey
After the workshop visit, our guests embarked on a special gourmet tour of the magical Daalarna Garden. Each point of the themed garden offered a new experience: gastronomic stops were accompanied by carefully selected cocktails, gourmet snacks and Daalarna clothes to match the locations, each one coordinated with a distinctive detail of the garden.
This unique concept has given us the opportunity to show our international partners the diversity of the Daalarna Garden, which is perfectly suited to any wedding theme – whether it’s an intimate ceremony in the lavender garden, an elegant reception in front of the house or an extravagant ceremony by the pool. It’s a truly four-seasonal venue: ideal at any time of year, whether you’re dreaming of a big day in spring blossom, summer splendour, autumn golden lights or winter intimacy.
It is the perfect choice for those looking for the atmosphere of Tuscany or Provence – Daalarna Garden is a unique way to recreate this magic in Hungary, offering a unique yet accessible experience in harmony with nature, style and elegance.
And the Daalarna Garden team will also help you to make the experience even more personal and special – from the design of the venue to the gastronomy, from the accommodation to the colourful range of programmes. Even special requests can be accommodated with Daalarna’s unique solutions, such as the design of the bride, bridesmaids and guests’ dresses, individually tailored to the venue and the style of the event. In this way, not only the look, but the whole atmosphere becomes coherent and harmonious – just as the event was all about the perfect harmony of details.
The snacks and drinks served at various points in the garden were not only a sensual experience in terms of taste, but also surprisingly special in terms of visual appeal. Fragrances also played a key role: the natural smell of the garden after the rain was complemented by special notes such as verbena, rose or Japanese Yuzu, which could even be sprayed on cocktails – a unique, subtle detail that made the experience last.
The music was provided by the exceptional DJ Bootsie, with his carefully selected tracks perfectly matching the mood of the Serenity collection – subtly accompanying the events of the day while enhancing the intimacy and elegance of the atmosphere.
Fashion, nature, inspiration
As part of the programme, our guests were treated to a special presentation of Daalarna’s latest collection – not a traditional fashion show, but a more informal, personal experience. The models were free to move around or rest in different parts of the Daalarna Garden, allowing guests to admire the fine details, craftsmanship and use of materials in a natural environment. This more direct presentation allowed the character of the collection to be experienced more deeply, providing inspiration for future weddings.
The day ended with a special dinner, dreamed up and prepared by the Experience by Terra team. Here, too, forward-thinking flavour harmonies and spectacular plating played an important role – creating pairings that put gastronomy in a new light. The aesthetics, textures and flavours of the dishes perfectly matched the concept of the day and provided a fitting end to this special experience.
The dinner table decorations were created by Viola Violetta Florals, who decorated the spaces with unique floral and vegetable compositions. The centrepieces, which combined flowers and fresh produce in a unique way, perfectly reflected the natural, sophisticated atmosphere of the evening and provided a stylish setting for the experience.
Interview with Chef Mario – Experience by Terra’s special dinner at Daalarna Garden
The creator of the dinner, Chef Mario, gave us an insight into the inspirations and special details behind the menu:
What was your inspiration for the composition of the menu?
My inspiration came from the growing global trend of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and from recognizing the lack of well-crafted and sophisticated dishes for these audiences. I wanted to create something that not only met dietary needs but also celebrated vegetables in a creative and refined way.
What was the inspiration for the menu?
The menu was inspired by healthy, seasonal cuisine—aiming to highlight the best characteristics of each ingredient. By working with the natural rhythm of the seasons, I was able to craft dishes that are both nourishing and deeply flavorful.
What special elements did you use to prepare the dishes?
Thanks to the seasonality of the ingredients, we had access to some of nature’s finest produce. Spring, in particular, offers a bounty of premium elements such as white strawberries, green and white asparagus, fresh peas, morel mushrooms, and wild broccoli. These were paired with elevated components like truffles and house-made sauces to create a luxurious and surprising experience.
How many dishes did you serve at the event?
The menu consisted of four courses, with a total of nine distinct dishes served throughout the event. Each course was carefully curated to ensure balance, progression, and a sense of culinary storytelling.
Which dish do you think was the most special?
While all the dishes were crafted with equal attention and care, two stood out for me: the mini tartlet of white strawberries with buffalo mozzarella and tomato water, and the main course, which featured caramelized cauliflower, morel mushrooms stuffed with smoked tofu, wild broccoli, and our signature homemade teriyaki sauce. These dishes combined elegance, novelty, and deep umami flavors, creating a memorable impression.
What feedback did you get on the dishes?
Considering it was a fully vegetarian menu, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Guests were pleasantly surprised by how visually captivating and flavorful a plant-based experience could be. Many expressed how the dishes challenged their expectations of vegetarian cuisine and showed that vegetables, when treated with respect and creativity, can be just as exciting and indulgent as any traditional menu.
Anita Benes’ personal experience of the dinner
“Throughout the evening, we consciously tried to make sure that the experience would appeal to all our senses – the tastes, the smells, the sights, the mood, even the touch. But for me, the most surprising and memorable moment was when I realised at the end of the evening that the whole dinner was meat-free.
I’m not a vegetarian or vegan – although I eat relatively little meat, I don’t usually ask for a meat-free menu specifically, especially at a fine dining event where seafood or some kind of red meat usually appears. Here, however, the dishes were so creative, flavoursome and complex that I simply couldn’t think of any meat missing. I didn’t get the impression that something was missing, but quite the opposite: I felt that everything I could possibly want at a dinner like this was there. It was a great experience for me, and it was a pleasure to work with this fantastic team again.”
More than just dinner
The Experience by Terra team has created not just a four-course menu, but a carefully planned gastronomic experience in every detail, with flavours, aromas, visuals and personal touches. The special atmosphere of the meal was set upon arrival: each guest was given a warm hand towel scented with lavender essence, which was not only refreshing but also a soothing start to the meal.
During the bread service, guests had a choice of ten special pastries, freshly sliced for them – all complemented by one of the evening’s most creative elements: the butter candle. This was a real butter in the form of a candle burning with a flame, which, once melted, could be eaten dipped in fresh bread – a spectacular and delicious way to reinterpret an everyday item.
The menu cards were not the usual fare either: before each course, a calligrapher wrote the menu live on individual sheets of paper, creatively served. Some appeared hidden in a floral composition, others revealed the description of the next course from beneath a gilded scratchy surface – adding surprise and playfulness to the gastronomic experience. Other special features – such as a presentation of the own olive oil with QR code and edible paper, wine pairing by a professional sommelier, or fine dining plates – also contributed to the high quality of the evening.
During the two-day event, our guests not only got a glimpse into the world of Daalarna, but also discovered the magic of the capital and its surroundings. An important aspect was to show how close Daalarna Garden is to Budapest as an ideal wedding venue – so whether it’s a large, urban ceremony at Matthias Church or a cosy reception at Daalarna Garden, it’s easy to combine a weekend sightseeing or family day out, and the two venues can be quickly and conveniently connected by boat.
The Wedding & Wonders event was quite special, with a focus on details and sensory experiences. Thank you to those who were part of these unforgettable two days!
Photos: Eszter Anna Wedding Photography, Attila Boldog Photography, Réka Hegyháti Photography
