Emma and Aidan, who live in Dubai, dreamed of a wedding that would unite the sophistication of their modern life with the warmth and natural beauty of the Istrian landscape. Emma, a passionate professional in the world of premium beverages with a sharp sense for detail and atmosphere, wanted every moment to be filled with genuine emotion and carefully crafted touches. “Their love for authenticity and elegance infused the entire event, and their goal was to create not only a celebration but an experience that would remain engraved in the hearts of everyone present”, says Antun Bauer from Cvit Happens, the floral design team, for Vogue Adria. “Although they lived thousands of kilometres away from Istria, they wove their dream into every stone, every olive branch and every candle on the table, transforming a distant location into a place that radiated warmth and a homelike atmosphere.”
I learn from the organizers, Serendipity Weddings, that planning a wedding of this kind on a private and demanding estate lasted more than a year. By harmonizing logistics and style, they overcame the challenges of a remote location and private property and succeeded in making the entire experience flawless. “Every detail, from technical aspects to the finest stylistic nuances, had to be aligned perfectly to ensure the day unfolded without difficulties and their story could be told in the most beautiful way possible.”“Guests received personalized pizza boxes and cocktail glasses with initials, and custom made scarves in the wedding colors hinted at what was yet to come”, says Antun, continuing with the description of the ceremony location held in the parish church of St. George, situated on a square in the old part of Oprtalj. “This historic sixteenth century church exudes authentic beauty and the impressive steps leading to the entrance further highlight its majestic appearance. This very space offered the perfect backdrop for their most intimate and significant moment, filling it with silence, dignity and timeless elegance.”
Three days of magic among the Istrian olive groves
In the heart of Istria, on a private estate surrounded by olive trees and a view stretching toward the sea, Emma and Aidan celebrated their wedding, described as “a three day celebration of love, attention to detail and understated elegance”. Serendipity Weddings also emphasizes that the standards were crystal clear from the beginning, with no compromises. “The organization had to be precise and the experience refined to perfection.” The celebration began with a pre wedding pizza party in the town center, in the ambiance of the city Loggia privatized exclusively for this occasion.
“Guests received personalized pizza boxes and cocktail glasses with initials, and custom made scarves in the wedding colors hinted at what was yet to come”, says Antun, continuing with the description of the ceremony location held in the parish church of St. George, situated on a square in the old part of Oprtalj. “This historic sixteenth century church exudes authentic beauty and the impressive steps leading to the entrance further highlight its majestic appearance. This very space offered the perfect backdrop for their most intimate and significant moment, filling it with silence, dignity and timeless elegance.”
The main day, the wedding day, took place in front of the villa on the estate. On the middle terrace, guests were welcomed with drinks and an atmosphere enriched by saxophone music. “But the key scene unfolded among the olive trees, on the lower terrace, where a forty meter curved table with one hundred and ten cross back chairs stood”, Antun explains about the central romantic element of this unforgettable wedding, adding that the dance floor was located on the upper terrace of the property.
“The wooden dance floor paid tribute to Istria, creating an ideal space for the evening celebration and the afterparty that lasted until the early morning hours.” On the third day, after waking up to views of olive trees and the sea, Emma, Aidan and their guests relaxed by the pool, while fresh cocktails and a selection of Istrian canapé delicacies ensured that the magic of the previous days was never forgotten, not even for a moment.
A long table that follows the landscape
Earth tones, natural textiles, sunset shades, olives and a view of the horizon became the key references, and Antun from Cvit Happens points out that Istria was the central inspiration for creating a warm and natural setting. “Every arrangement reflected the spirit of the place, the colors and the moment.” The wedding took place in the charming Istrian town of Oprtalj, on the estate of Aidan’s father, whose luxury villa sits on cascading terraces surrounded by olive groves. “Each terrace had its own role in a story that unfolded in perfect rhythm. On the middle terrace, accompanied by a saxophonist, the gathering began with a welcome drink, while on the lowest terrace, among the olive trees and under the open sky, a scene unfolded that became the signature of the entire celebration.” The most impressive element of the evening was the forty meter curved table, designed to follow the natural contours of the terrain.
“The newlyweds wanted the table to feel like a part of the landscape rather than just an element placed within it. The result was a scene that amazed everyone present, a table that literally flowed through the olive grove and created a complete sensory experience”, Antun highlights. Draped beige fabrics, vintage silverware, artichokes, fresh pears and grapes, and a lavish arrangement of large white hydrangeas, Anthuriums and green Amaranthus intertwined along its length. Hundreds of candles cast a gentle warmth, while strings of bulbs above the table created an intimate and almost magical atmosphere, further emphasizing the natural earthy tones and the authenticity of Istria. “Emma and Aidan’s wedding was not only a celebration of love. It was an experience that subtly celebrated the space, tradition and togetherness. The combination of Istria, design and intimate moments transformed their three days into a story they will carry in their hearts for a long time”, Antun concludes and adds that Marija Laća from Laca Weddings captured the true atmosphere, emotion and entire setting of the wedding in her photographs. “From the first rays of morning sun to the dance floor under the stars, everything felt like something out of a romantic fairy tale.”
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