READING TIME: 5 min 12 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/11/2026
Some wedding planners focus on logistics. Others focus on design. For Lisa Victoria Smith, founder of Isla & Smith, the magic lies in bringing both worlds together — seamlessly blending creativity, energy, and precision to craft destination weddings that feel effortless yet extraordinary.
With more than 13 years in the wedding industry, Lisa has built a reputation for designing celebrations that are vibrant, stylish, and deeply personal. From Ibiza to Bali, the South of France and beyond, her weddings reflect not just beautiful spaces but the spirit and personality of the couples she works with.
Before weddings entered the picture, Lisa’s creative career began in an entirely different world.
“Way back when, I actually worked in fashion styling and window dressing for luxury fashion companies such as Harvey Nichols.”
Her early work in fashion helped shape her sense of aesthetics, spatial design, and visual storytelling. At the same time, she explored a completely unexpected academic path.
“I also, randomly, completed a degree in Chinese medicine on the side. I guess that’s where my love of good energy and awareness of flow comes from!”
Though unconventional, the combination of these experiences ultimately influenced the way she approaches events today — with attention not only to visual beauty but also to atmosphere and emotional flow.
After graduating, Lisa realized that what truly made her happy was transforming spaces.
“I realised I was happiest in making spaces look and feel more beautiful and seemed to be the go-to girl for friends of stylish places to visit.”
Sometimes careers begin with careful planning.
Sometimes they begin with a leap of faith.
Lisa’s journey into the wedding industry started with one spontaneous decision.
“Taking a little risk, I contacted one event planning company in Australia who just happened to be looking for someone like me to cover maternity leave.”
Working in Australia exposed her to a completely new creative landscape.
“The industry over there was unlike anything in the UK or Europe at that time — it was very progressive and creative.”
Inspired by that experience but drawn back to Europe, Lisa returned home with a vision to bring that fresh perspective across the ocean.
Her first weddings quickly followed.
“The first one being in Ibiza and the second one over in Bali. The rest, as they say, is history!”
At the heart of Isla & Smith lies a simple yet powerful philosophy.
Our philosophy has always been ‘Be the energy you wish to attract.’
For Lisa, enthusiasm is contagious. The energy she brings to each celebration naturally influences the couples she attracts.
“Our enthusiasm and excitement for an event really does know no bounds.”
The weddings she loves most are those where clients share that same spirit.
“The weddings we love the most are when our clients are the same and are just so fun to work with — their weddings are just like a dream.”
This shared creative energy often leads to bold, imaginative design concepts.
One of Lisa’s favourite parts of wedding planning is the moment when all elements begin to align.
“Fitting all the puzzle pieces together from a design perspective as well as the logistical side.”
Designing a celebration, she explains, often feels like an artistic process.
“Painting a vision in a space — sometimes it feels like our mind is dancing when a couple lets us be free with the designing!”
This freedom allows her team to create weddings that feel immersive, vibrant, and completely unique.
Unlike planners who offer multiple planning tiers, Isla & Smith works exclusively as a full-service planning team.
“We only work as a full service planning team.”
Even when couples already have a venue secured, the team steps in to oversee the entire process from that point onward.
“Sometimes couples come to us with their venue already booked and that's not an issue, but then we take over from there.”
This approach ensures that every detail is managed carefully and that the vendor team is cohesive and reliable.
“We can only work this way to make sure there are no holes in the planning and that the team we pull together are super reliable.”
Lisa’s weddings often take place in breathtaking locations around the world.
“A lot of sea view, historic venues and private villas.”
The South of France remains one of the most popular destinations for her upcoming seasons.
“Lots of places in the South of France for the 2027 season.”
These picturesque settings create the perfect canvas for the team’s design-forward approach.
Even the most experienced planners encounter challenges.
For Lisa, one of the most difficult situations arises when venues fail to meet expectations.
“Venues letting the couple down with their food and service.”
Moments like these require quick thinking and careful management to ensure the couple’s experience remains positive.
Budget management is one of the most important parts of wedding planning, and Lisa approaches it with both structure and flexibility.
A loose but thorough budget projection to start with really helps couples not to veer off track.
One common issue arises when couples independently discover vendors online.
“Couples who have gone beyond their budget have often pulled in their own suppliers who they've seen on TikTok or Instagram.”
However, Lisa explains there is often a reason those vendors were not initially recommended.
“There is a reason why we haven't suggested them — and that's because we know they won't fit the budget!”
When asked for advice, Lisa shares a refreshingly honest perspective.
“Try to stay off TikTok!”
She laughs when saying this, but her point is meaningful.
“I say this partially in jest as sometimes it's great for researching venues etc. However the sheer volume of 'noise' can be incredibly overwhelming.”
Instead, she encourages couples to find inspiration in places that feel more timeless.
“Take to magazines, books, art and travel for inspiration instead — it's much more genuine.”
This approach often leads to more thoughtful and authentic wedding designs.
Looking back at the early days of her career, Lisa’s advice is simple and empowering.
“Don't overthink it... just do it!”
She believes that too much planning can sometimes hold people back.
“Sometimes you can get caught up in business plans and knowing how to get from A-B.”
Instead, enthusiasm and kindness often open more doors than rigid strategies.
“If you're enthusiastic, eager to learn and gracious to everyone you approach — you can't go too far wrong!”
Despite planning weddings in stunning destinations around the world, Lisa still has several dream locations on her bucket list.
“We would really love to do something spectacular in Oaxaca, The Maldives and South Africa!”
Each of these places offers a unique cultural atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes — perfect for unforgettable celebrations.
When asked to recommend vendors, Lisa laughs at how impossible the task feels.
There are so many amazing ones it's impossible to choose!
Still, a few names quickly come to mind.
“Plus Two are amazing videographers. Alice Mahran, Fluida Design, La Dichosa, Benjamin Wheeler, Tobi Films, Les Vacques, Flavia Florist... so many I could go for days!”
These collaborations are part of what makes each wedding unique.
At its core, Isla & Smith is about more than just beautiful events.
It is about energy — the energy of creativity, connection, and collaboration.
By combining thoughtful design, international inspiration, and genuine relationships with clients, Lisa Victoria Smith continues to create weddings that feel joyful, stylish, and deeply unforgettable.
