From The Straits Times    |

EDM (electronic dance music) fans may be well acquainted with Dutch DJ and music producer Tijs ‘Tiësto’ Verwest. After three years of dating, Verwest, 50, and his model girlfriend Annika Backes, 23, have tied the knot in an utterly stunning desert wedding that we all aspire to in our Instagram feed.

The couple wed in luxury five-star Amangiri resort in Utah, booking the entire resort for their wedding party of 80 guests. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Love of my life 21-09-2019 ❤️

A post shared by Tiësto (@tiesto) on

 

“A city that we both love a lot is Las Vegas, so we started looking at venues there, but we soon decided we wanted it to take place somewhere remote,” Backes told Vogue. “We explored the option of throwing a party in the desert outside of Las Vegas. But when we got into that more, we knew it was going to be too complicated to pull off. That’s when we thought of Amangiri.”

“To be in a landscape that has hardly been touched by people is really special,” Verwest added. ”You can see all the stars at night, and the sunsets and sunrises are so special and unique. It’s pretty much the most romantic place on earth.”

The two pledged their vows underneath a mirrored arch decorated with wild, organic floral arrangements, which brilliantly reflected the stunning rock formations of their venue. The ceremony decor was designed by event planner Collin Cowie, who also designed the glamorous, moody reception setting, which took place at the main pool of the resort.

 

 

For the ceremony, the  bride turned to Berta, turning heads in a figure-hugging number that sparkled in contrast with the backdrop of the natural desert. She later changed into a floral A-line from Oscar de la Renta for the evening reception.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

That’s my husband ❤️

A post shared by Annika Backes Verwest (@annikaverwest) on

Tom Ford, whom Tijs has always favoured, was a go-to for the Dj’s wedding suits. His black and white ceremony ensemble was inspired by James Bond.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mr. & Mrs. Verwest 21-09-2019 ❤️ @annikaverwest

A post shared by Tiësto (@tiesto) on

 

The newlyweds also hired DJ Coleman for the occasion, who surprised the bride by playing an original song that was written and produced by Tiesto (but of course) called a Million Years.

Also read: 10 SONGS TO ADD TO YOUR WEDDING PLAYLIST IN 2019

 

Photo: Colincowie/Instagram

An astounding display of fireworks concluded the festivites with a bang. The couple also spent their wedding night sleeping under the stars – totally romantic.

“It was more beautiful and more special than I could have ever imagined,” Tijs said. “To see everyone I love there and then to see the love of your life walking down the aisle, it is the best feeling in the world.”

Also read: A CREATIVE COUPLE’S EFFORTLESSLY CHIC, MINIMALIST WEDDING AT THE CLIFFORD PIER