Kara and Zlaja married in the spring in perhaps the most picturesque location across the globe: Positano, Italy. Their mutual love of travel and adventure inspired their decision for destination nuptials, and the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast did not disappoint. 

“We wanted a destination with character and history,” the bride says. “When traveling from Sorrento to Amalfi, you’ll notice the vibrantly colorful homes and restaurants that were built into the cliffs of Positano. They have a look and charm of their own, and when we came across Villa San Giacomo, we just thought it looked like something out of a dream.”

For the couple, incorporating Japanese and Bosnian elements into their Italian wedding was important to them in order to symbolize the blending of cultures taking place by becoming husband and wife. The bride folded 1,001 origami paper cranes to string throughout the garden for good fortune — an homage to the Senbazuru tradition — and their families prepared homemade baklava for dessert. 

Neither Kara nor Zlaja had ever traveled to Positano prior to the wedding, but luckily for Kara, her background in tourism and event management came in handy. As the wedding planner for her own wedding, the bride handled currency exchange rates, time differences and communication with Italian vendors. The manager at Villa San Giacomo also assisted in ensuring everything went according to plan. 

“Planning a destination wedding comes with its own challenges, but overall, it is one of the most unique ways to experience your special day and blend families and friends together,” the bride says.

The intimate guest list of just under 30 of their closest friends and family members allowed the couple to optimize their budget to create “the vacation of a lifetime,” as the bride called it. This contributed to a smaller overall price tag than if they had stayed local for their big day. 

“It probably would have been a much larger wedding, more expensive and less like ‘us,’ as we share a passion for travel and culture that would’ve been harder to authenticate in the US,” the bride says.

Although hosting a destination wedding comes with its challenges, the couple couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else. For Kara and Zlaja, experiencing the essence of Positano together on their wedding day was the perfect way to say “I do.”

“It was so surreal having dinner with everyone on a 300-year-old terrace overlooking Positano,” the bride says. “I still can’t believe it happened, and we have very special memories that will be with everyone for a lifetime. It was truly magical.”

Vendors: Photographer: Cheers Babe Photo; Wedding Planner: Kara (bride) and Villa San Giacomo; Ceremony/Reception Site/Florist/Cake: Villa San Giacomo; Stationery: Wouldn’t it be Lovely, Lichen Ink and Romey Marie Design; Hair & Makeup: Piero Mansi and Zoe Graham; Gown Designer: Lazaro Bridal; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Indochino; Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Jenny Yoo