So far our 2015 weddings are having a decidedly destination feel.
On Friday (and Saturday) we saw the photos and film from a French Chateau celebration, and today, we're setting our sights on the other end of Europe, for Andrea and Martin's Croatian wedding day.
Croatia might not be a place associated with winery weddings but as planner, Milda Urbonaite of Dalmatia Events says, the region of Istria is referred to, as the Tuscany of the country.
And judging by these stunning photographs by Maja Jokic, (who has such a dreamy style) the area is just as glorious a wedding backdrop, as its Italian counterpart.
Martin and Andrea's destination wedding in one of their favourite holiday spots – with special family ties – was an intimate and casual affair, with idyllic town and countryside locations setting the tone.
Craft paper, baby's breath, rosemary and cute signage were the only adornments to an otherwise, simple, rustic, and natural decor style.
A gorgeous couple, a meaningful setting, and breathtaking photography, be inspired by this very special Croatian celebration…
Wedding Day Snapshot
From The Planner
Andrea and Martin – a multinational and multicultural couple from Switzerland, together share Dutch and Croatian roots and have been coming to the Istrian region of Croatia for holidays many years.
No surprise – Istria is often called Croatian Tuscany with its vineyards, wineries, scenic landscape with hilltops and valleys and of course picturesque villages on top of those hills.
Groznjan is one of those villages with only around 800 inhabitants.
Surrounded by vineyards this gorgeous little place charms with the small narrow streets, squares and historic buildings . It is also a place where many local and other artists have their galleries and get their inspiration to create.
Andrea and Martin had their hearts set on Groznjan and we found a perfect venue for them – the old town loggia.
With their friends and family who came from the Netherlands and Switzerland they said their I Dos surrounded by laughter, history and Bob Marley music.
Andrea wanted a simple, but beautiful bouquet, so a large bunch of baby breath was the way to go. The guests had baby breath buttonholes too.
The couple also hoped for a laid back, vintage style that had connection to the local ambience and as one of the elements, so we used dried lavender instead of confetti.
After the beautiful photo session Andrea and Martin took their red beetle and made their way to the family-owned local tavern located literally in the middle of the vineyards and on top of the small hill.
The same neutral and soft style followed here, with bunches of pink pastel, green and white flowers, personal and custom made stationery – menus, seating plan, table numbers – and of course a hint of rosemary. Later in the night we've used candles and fairy lights to create a little bit of intimacy.
The evening started and continued with amazing local foods – cheese, homemade chutneys, charcuterie, gnocci, braised meats and of course Istrian delicacy – truffles… It has finished with a beautiful coconut, vanilla and carrot naked cake.
The crowd then went on partying with the dance and loads of photos in the impromptu photobooth.
Our Wedding
We wanted to have a wedding in which we could give our guests the opportunity to get to know lovely Istria and have an amazing wedding.
In a small group of closest family and friends we said “I Do” in the lovely town of Groznjan.
After that we wanted our guests to enjoy the wines at the Morgan vineyard , while Croatian music was playing. In the meantime we were having an amazing photoshoot.
All and all we had a relaxing day, at amazing places in Istria.
Bohemian style, romantic, and using the amazing scenery of Istria to create a great atmosphere.
The Ceremony
I walked down the aisle to the Bob Marley song, Could You Be Loved.
Some of our favourite moments were our little daughter making it all a little less official. She brought some moments of laughter to the day (like throwing the rings on the floor!)
The Attire
Andrea wore a dress from Rembo Styling from the vintage collection, the top was adjusted as the bride didn't want a strapless dress.
Martin wore a custom made “gilet” and was dressed casual chic.
The Photographer
Maja Jokic created amazing pictures with a bit of an “art” feel to them, and a lovely seventies atmosphere.
Decor & Details
We chose romantic, natural looking decor with wooden details and baby's breath everywhere.
The Refreshments
We had wine tasting to start off the evening at the vineyard. Dinner was full of Istrian specialities, cheese, prosciutto, and truffles accompanied with lovely wines from the vineyard.
Our cake was A naked wedding cake, with three tiers of coconut, chocolate and carrot cake layers.
Advice for Other Couples
Keep the wedding small, and only invite closest family and friends, this way you have more time to enjoy the ones that are there.
With a wedding planner like Milda, there is no need for any pre-wedding stress. She understood completely what we had in mind.
Such an effortless, unfussy, and beautiful wedding. And what romantic photography!
Thanks so much to Milda of Dalmatia Events, Maja Jokic Photography, and of course, the wonderful Andrea and Martin for sharing their special Croatian wedding with us.
For more destination inspiration, take a look at Real Weddings Abroad.
