Katie and Dale are in the habit of celebrating by breaking out their passports. After Katie passed the Bar Exam, the two backpacked through Europe for a month. “We drove down the coast from Split to Dubrovnik and fell in love with Croatia’s small coastal towns and wonderful people,” says Katie. After their experience there, they knew a Croatia destination wedding was the perfect choice. “Of all the places we traveled, Dubrovnik was our favorite, hands-down.” When the time came to say “I do,” the couple couldn’t imagine celebrating their union anywhere else.

Throughout the planning process, there was one rule the couple abided by, no matter what. “We decided from day one that we wouldn’t do anything that didn’t feel like ‘us’ for the sake of keeping with tradition or because someone said we had to,” says the bride. The most important part of the couple’s wedding vision was that their event be calm, meaningful and intimate. With lots of friends and a large extended family, a destination wedding was the perfect solution. When the wedding weekend finally arrived, Katie and Dale were accompanied by just 15 guests.

Old Town Dubrovnik consists of ancient, winding stone streets and the bride was concerned about navigating her way through the crowds en route to the ceremony. “As we started walking the streets, we were overwhelmed with love,” reminisces the bride. “People from all over the world stopped what they were doing to watch us pass, showering us with well-wishes in all different languages, taking photos and videos, and cheering as we walked by. It was as though everyone we crossed paths with knew and understood the importance of the day…”

The well-wishers lined the streets of Old Town all the way to the ceremony site at Sponza Palace. “When my dad and I took our first steps to enter the palace, the whole crowd cheered,” says Katie. “As soon as those big, beautiful doors closed behind me, the whole world went silent and all I could see was Dale waiting for me at the other end of the aisle.”

It’s ironic that the couple wanted an intimate wedding above all else, but ended up celebrating with the entire town in tow. It was the perfect demonstration of the local culture the couple first fell in love with and it all added up to a day they will never forget.

Vendors: Photographer: Dyanna LaMora Photography, Wedding Designer & Planner: Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings, Ceremony Site: Sponza Palace, Reception Site: Villa Orsula, Florist: Le Salon, Videographer: Mihoci Studios, Bride’s Gown Designer: Atelier Pronovias, Groom’s Clothing Designer: The Black Tux, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Dessy Collection, Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: The Black Tux, Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin & Makeup: Maris Makeup 

This article can be found on page 94 of the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Destination I Do magazine.