Wedding cake tier tree.

The variegated one is the nicest. It does get to quite a size, and is tricky to prune, so they will need a good sized space. Cornus controversa variegata. Gorgeous!

Md I do have this one in my garden its still small but very beautiful.

What a lovely idea for a wedding gift.

I agree.....Cornus controversa variegata. I love that tree although, mine is doing nothing over the years.....but the specimens I have seen around the Island are breathtaking. I think it is a great idea for a wedding present if they have a large garden. They can watch it to grow and prosper (as their marriage) and will always remind them of this day.
Just a note that these trees grow very wide.

Mine is still small one and half feet.

I may even lift and try to bonsia in a pot since its still small.

Yes, it takes a few years to get going, but once it starts tiering it quickly needs a lot of space. One of the things I lve about it is the dark mahogany colour of the winter stems. beautiful in sunshine.

I can also recommend Exchorda " The Bride" Julia although the Cornus is magnificent !

There is cornus controversa 'Variegata' (the tree) which can get to thirty feet, also cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (the shrub) which reaches a more manageable ten feet (both dimensions from Bluebell Nursery website).
If you enter 'Foliage garden' in the GOY search box, the top entry is one of my blogs which has a photo of the shrub.

We bought the Cornus contr variegata a few years ago it is very slow growing and takes quite a time for the layers, it can be pruned but a bit tricky, a lovely tree to buy though, it is growing in our circle, I put a picture on the other day with the grasses.....

Hi Julia

I have cornus controversia variagata in my garden! It is sooooo gorgeous....love it love it love it. You may be a little more generous than me..... As its not cheap! - as others have mentioned its slow growing too so unless you find a real bargain your non gardening friends may not realise what a gem you have presented them with. I love the idea and the thought behind this as a gift. If it were me, I would opt for the shrub exchorda the bride as suggested by Rose. It would have more instant appeal and still convey the thought you have put into it. x.