Wedding in Opatija Maša & Marin

It has all started around 4 years ago by innocent meeting at one club in Rijeka. Already after a year we realised: that’s it and we moved in together. We shared everything, we were decorating our home step by step and dreaming about everything nice that was expecting us. Next year, accidentaly, somewhere before Chirstmas we bumped into a little abandoned puppy. We agreed immediately: we are taking this cute puppy home, our Luna (later you will see how charming she is)! I am not sure if we’ve found her or she has found us but one thing is sure; it was the best decision we have ever done, it has changed our life in every sense and it enriches it every day. Somehow, everything went well and then, on our 4th anniversary we got engaged. As you assume, our Luna had the main role at this event too..she carried a ring on her collar and that was the way Marin and Luna made me infinitely happy! Parents from both sides were overwhelmed as well as our godparents. We knew long time ago that this honor will go to our best friends, Petra and Goran. From then, planning, reservations and preparations started…We decided we want our „the day“ celebrate in Opatija, beautiful town near Rijeka. Very soon, the band was solved, decorations, photos and video (here we had no doubt whom we wanted), catering, invitations, lights, bow for Luna and other details were also arranged very soon.The choice of wedding gown and groom’s suit followed. No matter it sounds as a delicate task, when you put on yourself the right thing, you feel light tingling and believe me, you just know it is it! Regarding rings, no dilemma either, we have chosen white gold wedding rings engraved with our fingertips inside – so except in the heart we carry each other on a hand too. It has all passed in a moment and after all those preparations, wishes and excitment, finally, our unforgettable, June 14, 2014., has arrived. We were afraid of the rain because it was raining whole week but the day was sunny and beautiful as it was telling us: the sun is shinning for you, just relax and enjoy! We avoided some traditions (we were making our own ) so that morning I have kissed my groom for good luck and left our appartment for a make up and hair styling. First part of the celebration started at our place then on a big terrace at Marin’s parents house. After that, all guests started to gather at my parents’ home accompanied by sounds of klapa singers…We left the guests to enjoy on their own for some time while Marin and me went for a shooting with our godparents and One day studio team. We were walking in Opatija, soaking up its magic and smell of the sea, having fun with our godparents, laughing with random passengers while One day studio team has already captured all those moments, totally relaxed and insensible. The most solemn moment followed – the St. Jacob Church, warm speech of the priest, sounds of „You raise me up“ song performed by Dino Antonic and my dad and me walking towards the altar. With a tear in his eye, but proud, he handed me over to Marin and our emotional ceremony has begun. We were pronouncing our vows, Marin cried and all the guests supported him with huge applause. I think we all cried a bit that day, touched, happy, satisfied. After the church, all 140 guests proceeded to amazing green park Angiolina where we toasted with chapagne and then walked to hotel. We survived first dance (timeless „When a men loves a women“ performed by Davor Radolfi) and we really enjoyed it. We watched all those dear faces of people who surrounded and supported us and we knew there is a night to rembember upon us. Line of dance, fine meals and out of nowhere the midnight has arrived! It was godparents’ turn… their speeches we will remember forever. The whole restaurant was listening to them breathless…they were so wonderful, special, honest,…The wedding cake followed, then fireworks outside with fire heart…bouquet throwing, garter throwing…you know how it goes…and after that, fun, fun and just fun!!! All together, I know it sounds like a cliches, but it really was a dream wedding! Now, some time after the wedding has passed, with a smile and proud we turn back on each detail and memory of our unforgettable day. Recently we found out that our little familly will be increased by one more member and we can’t wait to show photos and videos of mummy’s and daddy’s special day to a fruit of this huge love. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thanks to all who participated and helped us in making come true this special day of ours! Without you, it wouldn’t be the same! Maša&Marin Video from Maša&Marin see HERE Photos by Danijela
Stunning Wedding on Island Vis, Croatia

After we have posted video „Vis Wedding – Tanja&Rafa“, we didn’t have the chance to thank you for all these wonderful comments, messages and supportive emails. We fell in love with this amazing place and this beautiful couple. You must visit Vis! And now, enjoy the story told through our photos! Rafa and I wanted an intimate and relaxed wedding, under the blue sky, surrounded by trees, sea and closest family and friends. As we had many guests traveling from abroad (from 19 different countries!) we decided to make it into a little holiday getaway and sail everyone onto an island. Vis island is one of those well-kept Adriatic secrets. It has been a military base for many years, closed for tourists, and as a result of this seclusion, it resisted over-development and mass tourism, and remained a simple and authentic fishing and winemaking paradise. This peaceful oasis of raw, unspoilt natural beauties and rich history, 2 ½ hours boat ride from Split, and worlds away from the tourist hustle and bustle, was perfect for our little circus of love! WARM-UP Since our families never met, we organised a beach gathering a day before the wedding for everyone to get to know each other. We chose a private little beach in Stoncica bay, with abundance of shade and a sandy area for children to play in. It was a pure fun day of laughter, indulging in sea, sun and delicious local grilled delicacies from a beach restaurant, under the palm trees. THE CEREMONY Probably one of the first things that you will see when you sail into bay of Vis, is a small, gorgeous peninsula with a Church and a Franciscan Monastery from 16th century. This is where we got married. Inside the walls of a little stone church of Saint Jere, built inside the remains of an ancient roman theatre.We kept the Church very simple and romantic, with colourful wild flowers tied around benches and candles lied down on the stone floor, leading up to the altar. We had the cutest little two-year-old flower girl, Sophie, who was carrying a heart-shaped wooden sign hand carved by my brother, saying: “Tio Rafa, here comes the love of your life”. My father walked me down the aisle with melodies of Jack Johnson’s “Angel”, played on ukulele by my close friend Matko. I didn’t know about this part, it was a surprise organised by my Maids of Honour and Matko… Hearing this very special song to us both, and seeing Rafa just staying there, calm and patient as always… waiting for me to join him at the altar, and into the life… I swear – time just stopped for a glimpse of a second. I felt like I took one deep breath in and didn’t exhale until I touched his hand and made sure this is real. Incredible moment to cherish forever. We managed to find a lovely Colombian priest who actually lives in a tiny village, deep inside Dalmatian hinterland. We talked him into coming with us to the island, and performing the ceremony in half Spanish half Croatian. This was a surprise for all guests, especially our Colombian family who were in disbelief when don Carlos started the ceremony in local Colombian accent. Rafa and I said our vows in both languages, which was a nice gesture and was appreciated by our families (as mine speaks only Croatian, and Rafa’s only Spanish) OUTFITS The dress is made of a beautiful vintage-like Spanish lace that we re-styled, added sleeves and cut the front (brand: Novia d’Art, model: Pekin, rented from Glamour Sposa in Split). After midnight, I changed to a short, cream, backless lace dress (brand: ASOS) that allowed more freedom on the dancefloor. Rafa was wearing Ted Baker’s mix and match – navy chinos, a light blue jacket, a delicately patterned grey waist coat, with a simple white shirt. He also had a pink handmade bow tie, sewn by our friend Rob (brand: Hound London). Maids of Honour were wearing identical short, lacy daffodil yellow dresses (brand: ASOS). Best Men were wearing traditional Colombian guayabera (white linen, plated shirt) and cream chinos. JEWLERY Rings were made two days before the wedding by my cousin, a talented jewellery maker from Split. They are both identical in shape and size, polished light gold, with engraved dates on the back and a special word for both of us. I wore vintage gold earrings that I got when I was born from my Godmother. Around the neck I had a beautiful golden Burning Sun necklace with a very special meaning about strength and eternity, given to me by my two amazing Maids of Honour on the day of the wedding. SHOES For the ceremony, I had simple sandals from Accessorize and boys were wearing white Startas – legendary Croatian handmade canvas trainers. Girls also changed into Startas later on, for the dancefloor, but in red colour. FLOWERS I was wearing a white gypsophila flower crown made by a local Vis florist. This incredible lady did a great job and made all the flower arrangements for the day. All flowers were picked from the island, mix of wild and grown, different shapes and sizes, very colourful, happy and summery. THE VENUE http://www.fortgeorgecroatia.com/ When we first saw Fort George, there was no doubt in our minds that this is where we want to hold our wedding celebration. This absolutely magical 200 years old, medieval English fort is built on a hill, hidden behind thick pine trees, somewhat 3km from the town Vis. It overlooks nearby islands and boasts breath-taking views of endless Adriatic sea. On the top of the fort is a massive stone floor terrace where we had our welcome reception where we served finger food, our homemade “rakija” aperitif drinks and with Klapa singing. Later on, the guests were moved to Garden area, a beautiful green patio under the starlight and pine trees. Centre point of the venue is an incredible drained stone pool