Non-traditional brides take note from this hip & intimate Slovenian wedding

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 8

Non-traditional brides rejoice! Slovenian bride Katjuša is here to show us how to unapologetically be your own bride self, and celebrate in a fashion that best represents your love (and maybe, boho brides, you should fill it with monstera leaves?)

Knowing oneself is a powerful thing – particularly in wedding planning – and Katjuša knew she wasn’t a traditional bride. Forgoing the traditional bridal salon experience, she found her dream dress and designer online, all the way in Australia.

Behold the power of a bride with a dream, she wouldn’t settle for anything less than her own true style. The gown flew to New Zealand to meet her traveling friend, and eventually, Katjuša’s dream KWH dress (super chic bridal separates!) made it to Slovenia for the intimate, boho celebration.

And what a gorgeous party it was! Intimate, organic, featuring loads of greenery and olive green bridesmaids, even from afar we can tell the wedding was clearly “them.” Even the photos were not your typical wedding gallery, featuring sultry, moody tones from the talented Aljosa Videtic.

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 32

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 15

Our Love Story

We met in our high school years. He often went to the gym with his friends to see our volleyball training. He got my attention with really loud cheering which was really annoying but boys will always be boys.

Because we lived in the same part of the city we often met on the street or when I went out to party. There was something about him, but because I wasn’t sure what that was, I convinced myself that I wasn’t interested in him at all.

One nice evening when I went out to party with my girls and we met again. There was just something special about him, and I said to myself that I need to give him a chance. From that night forward, we’ve been inseparable.

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 33

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 3

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 14

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 19

The Dress

I saw myself as more of a non-traditional bride. I didn’t want to go to the wedding boutiques or stockists, so I started looking for a gown online when I found Karen Willis Holmes‘ gowns.

I immediately fell in love. The gown was so stunning (you know how it is if you are a future bride!) I just wanted that gown and no other. It took me a while, to make a plan, how to get my dream gown, and in the end, I succeeded.

From Australia, the gown was sent to New Zealand, where my best friend traveled. She took the gown from The Bride Space shop in Christchurch and brought it to Slovenia. My wedding gown basically traveled almost half of the world.

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 26

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 27

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 25

“For helping me realize my plan in getting my dream gown, I am really grateful to my best friends.”

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 17

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 16

The Venue

Villa Fabiani is hiding in our beautiful country, Slovenia. It is located in a small village called Kobdilj, in the heart of the beautiful Kras (Karst).

We wanted a quiet and intimate place, away from the city and masses of people. Villa Fabiani is definitely more than that. It is a place with very special energy, beauty and history. When we came to see the location for the first time, we immediately knew that this was it. Wonderful and unforgettable venue.

We wanted to have a small, modest, intimate wedding, with close family members and our best friends. We wanted to keep the day stressless, relaxed with lots of fun and I think we made it. Because of the constantly changing weather, we had to put the wedding venue in the interior, and I must admit, it was even more beautiful than the outside. We wanted boho, greenery and natural wedding style.

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 7

The Proposal

He invited me to a trip to the seaside in a little romantic town called Piran in Slovenia. I felt that something was happening because he was very nervous and he didn’t want to tell me any information. He had that “look”.

For a long time, we walked around and talked about everything. After a while, I had already forgotten that there is something suspicious going on. We arrived at the small church of Piran. We walked up, to the top of the hill, where a little church of Piran is standing. There was an amazing view of the old town and the sea.

To get an even better view, from the highest spot possible, we climbed at the top of the bell. I was looking at the magical view, breathing sea air, enjoying and then it happened. It was very emotional and unforgettable. I felt like I lost ground under my feet.

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 4

Favorite Moments

The day was full of good energy, and my favorite moment was when I was aware that we all were enjoying the wedding and that with a little love we can make a spectacular day.

The second favourite moment was our first look. It’s amazing how you can experience something so powerful and beautiful at one time.

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 23

Monstera Leaves & Artichokes; A Hip Slovenian Wedding | Karen Willis Holmes Bridal | Aljosa Videtic 6

The Flowers & Details

My dream bouquet, other flowers and greenery decor was made by wonderful florists from Sanjski šopek (Dream Bouquet). I wanted a natural, boho bouquet, with as much greenery as possible, but still noticeable.

My bridesmaids were stunning with their bouquets, and my daughter was even more beautiful with her flower crown. The table decoration has exceeded all my expectations.

Petra made a very delicious and charming cake. Flowers for the cake were also provided by florists from Sanjski šopek.