“We had our own speed boat arrival deck, a separate ‘secret garden’ style bar area to serve arrival cocktails and canapés and we dined overlooking the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.”
The couple: Fiona & Michael Gibson
Wedding Date:19th July 2013 | Wedding location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photographer: TomiKriste
Wedding planner: Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings
– www.dubrovnikluxuryweddings.com
We met… on a plane! We were both travelling solo after holidaying in Ibiza.
Our proposal… It was on our Anniversary and I had been banished from the apartment we were living in at the time. Michael cooked me a five course meal by candle light with a wine for every course. As each course was presented he gave me an introductory menu card. We ate until just before midnight and as Michael started to look quite shifty he left and returned to present me with the ‘final course’ which was a four verse poem he had written. As he nervously read out the last lines he got on one knee and proclaimed ‘Fiona, I have been waiting for this moment all of my life… will you marry me?’ My initial response was ‘have you asked my mum?!’ – he had and so of course I said ‘yes’!
What our bridal party wore… The groomsmen gave a handsome display in their made-to-measure navy suits with detailed lining, Hermes ties and Crombie pocket squares. The bridesmaids channelled Grecian casual in their individually styled sugar pastels floor length dresses, silk and crystal posies and vintage hearts.
Our ceremony… took place in the Patron Saint of Dubrovnik’s’ – St Blaise Catholic Church, as we wanted to pay homage and respect to the beautiful city that was the host of our special day .
Our wedding style… My dress was ‘Shaylee’ by Soterro&Midgley and my hair was relaxed, glossy and loose. It was styled by Davor on recommendation from Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings. Michael looked very handsome and dapper dressed in a grey Ted Baker suit with quirky lining and a light pink Hermes tie and Crombie Pocket Square.
We chose our photographer because… he came well recommended by the team at Dubrovnik Luxury Wedding and we were floored by his portfolio demonstrating a spontaneous and relaxed style whilst also using the beautiful back drop of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and its people.
We chose our venue because… after many tasting sessions and many venue visits, the Grande Villa Argentina stole our hearts. It is one of the most historic, classic and yet relaxing venues to spend an afternoon and sunset meal with your nearest and dearest. The area in which we dined was perfect for us. We had privatisation, our own speed boat arrival deck, a separate secret garden style bar area to serve arrival cocktails and canapés and we dined overlooking the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
My favourite part of the wedding day… all of it! But the moment I walked into the church and heard the string quartet play ‘Stand By Me’ by Ben. E. King and we saw each other with tears in our eyes, will be a moment we will never forget.
Our honeymoon… we spent a few days after the wedding digesting the day itself and having some well-deserved down time in Dubrovnik. We then flew to Turkey to Honeymoon at the 5* Gloria Serenity Resort Hotel in Belek.
We chose our wedding coordinator because… nothing was too much trouble from the word go. They (Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings – www.dubrovnikluxuryweddings.com) really did provide us with expert advice and were always available via email or Skype and on inspection visits with collection from the airport too. We did not feel that they were trying to ‘up sell’ but that they really had our best interest at heart. It takes a lot to trust people you have never met and who do not speak the same first language as you but DLW certainly did earn our trust and we cannot recommend their service enough. Their brides and grooms become their friends and they still care about the ‘happy ever after’ too, not just making a profit on the ‘before’.
Our menu… was to die for! Theirry, the head chef, was so passionate about his creations. Each course was designed by ourselves and Thierry worked with us to create our perfect menu. As my father was a chef, the food was very important to us and we were not disappointed!
My piece of advice for other brides… To communicate clearly and trust other people and wedding suppliers, it is hard to let go sometimes but they are professionals and are there to help. Don’t be pressured into making a rash decisions and ask for help.
