We helped numerous brides and grooms organize their destination weddings in Croatia. Gay weddings in Croatia are quickly gaining in popularity and we are proud to present the wedding of our wonderful grooms in Opatija.
From the First Date in Paris to the Wedding Arch in Istria
It is said that home is where the heart is. These newlyweds’ home is in USA, Croatia, France and Ghana. They follow each other wherever their life may lead them. Michael and Vlado’s story is a true fairytale. A few years ago, when Vlado felt a bit down, he took a short vacation and traveled alone to Paris. Destiny brought Vlado and Michael together and lead them to meet each other in a Parisian gay bar. They instantly clicked. So the very next day, at their first date, they visited gorgeous Versailles castle. But that was just a day before Vlado had to return to Croatia.
As Michael is a Navy officer, he was stationed in Paris at that time. However, there was a high chance that he could be assigned to Ghana. That was a huge obstacle for our newlyweds, because same-sex conduct and gay weddings are illegal in Ghana. That was a huge blow to their relationship. Michael and Vlado were faced with a hard choice. But their love prevailed. They decided to let nothing stand between them. They vowed to accompany each other wherever their lives may lead them. Soon Vlado moved in with Michael, and they remain inseparable ever since. Still, in accordance with their decision, Michael and Vlado needed to find a suitable destination for their gay wedding.
Choosing Croatia As A Perfect Gay Wedding Destination
Michael and Vlado had no reason to wait long before getting engaged. They started planning their wedding and the first step was to find a perfect venue. But this was not an easy task by any means! They are both accustomed to travelling all around the globe and they feel comfortable at each corner of the world. After an exhausting list of venues in many different countries, their hearts guided them to Vlado’s homeland, Croatia.
They wished to have a royal and elegant gay wedding. A wedding which would resemble the environment of their first official date. Opatija, a picturesque town on Croatian coast, ticked all their boxes. It had everything – long and rich history, architecturally enchanting villas with elegant and luxurious ballrooms, all along the most beautiful promenade in Europe near the crystal-clear Adriatic sea. Opatija perfectly reflected our newlyweds’ aristocratic taste.
Hotel Kvarner is the first hotel built along the Adriatic coast. The hotel is a historic property, often recognized as a standard for elegance and sophistication. Is there a better venue to organize Michael and Vlado’s wedding ceremony than hotel Kvarner? They decided to welcome their guests on the hotel’s terrace. Decorators did a magnificent job on the terrace. They decorated it with lots of greenery and white flowers. Decorators tied everything together by mixing in a few pastel blue elements, which matched the blue sea behind the newlyweds.
Personalizing The Ceremony By Having A Close Friend Officiate
Grooms’ mothers escorted them across the terrace towards the wedding arch. Vlado’s sister Muna is a talented singer. She gave them her blessing by performing Franz Schubert’s prayer Ave Maria as they walked down the aisle.
Newlyweds wanted to display their relationship and their feelings for each other through their wedding. Thus, they asked their close friend to serve as their officiant and to marry them. As their officiant knew them very well, he was able to prepare a beautiful heart-warming speech. On top of that, Michael and Vlado wrote their own vows. Their vows made every guest feel the passion and energy the newlyweds share. Even our hearts were moved. This was one of the most emotional moments we experienced at wedding ceremonies.
Energetic but Elegant Taylor-made Outfits
Michael and Vlado’s outfits exuded elegance and royal style. Honoring his duty, Michael wore a military tuxedo during the wedding ceremony. Later, both Michael and Vlado changed and put on suits by Ghanaian brand Jennis & Warmann. They were tailor-made according to newlyweds’ taste. It perfectly matched our grooms’ energetic, but elegant style in best possible way.
Bridesmaids wore beautiful white dresses. Each dress was different and unique, to accentuate bridesmaids’ individual personalities. Guests had a blue and ivory dress code. It was a perfect fit to the wedding concept.
In line with newlyweds’ plans, wedding reception and party were placed at a different venue nearby, in the Heritage Hotel Imperial. This is the second oldest hotel on the Adriatic coast. Hotel Imperial was recently completely renovated. Most of the renovation efforts were spent on its magnificent Golden Hall. This astonishing hall hosted Michael and Vlado’s wedding dinner and celebration. Such a decision is audacious because decoration simply must be au pair with the Golden Hall’s magnificence. This is a demanding venture for any decorator. This proves the amount of confidence that grooms placed in their vendors. It must be said that vendors did not disappoint, not even slightly! Studio Brzak tastefully decorated the Golden Hall with greenery, various flower arrangements and pastel-colored details. The decoration was highlighted by masterful lightning setup from dBoki studio.
Surprising The Guests With A Perfect Duet
Newlyweds’ first dance was not classic or conservative by any means. They didn’t have a choreography. Instead, they surprised everyone by singing a spectacular duet Perfect Symphony by Ed Sheeran & Andrea Bocelli. Without a doubt, this was the best moment of the wedding.
DJ Luca Goya made sure that guests don’t stop dancing whole night. Michael and Vlado researched many photographers and videographers. In the end they decided to go with Kušec wedding photography & videography team. Kušec team did a marvelous job recording, editing and making our memories of this wedding last eternally. Check out the whole photo gallery of Michael & Vlado’s wedding.
Congratulations To Our Wonderful Grooms
Congratulations to Michael and Vlado on their royal Croatian wedding. And a big thank you to all suppliers which are responsible for making this amazing wedding come together. It was a joy to be a part of it, and an honor to organize a wedding for such an amazing couple. These guys really know how to make the best out of every moment!
If you are dreaming about a gay destination wedding in Croatia, but are not sure how to approach the planning, team Flammeum has got you covered! From finding a perfect venue and allocating the budget all the way down to choosing flowers and organizing your sweet corner we will help you tie it all together. Simply gather all your wishes and expectations and reach out to us!
