Not even a Hallmark movie could capture or explain a love like Cole and Kaley’s. Their story has all the makings of a great story, Instagram connections, a chance winery encounter, and a spark so obvious even Kaley’s bestie called it right away. Add in their shared love of family, food, and travel, and you’ve got a couple who were destined to say “I do” somewhere as magical as Croatia.

What makes their wedding so special is how it wasn’t just about the pretty backdrop (though, hello, the Adriatic Sea is basically a Pinterest board come to life). It was about weaving their personalities, her Nantucket roots, his Croatian heritage, and their love of wine and music into every single detail. From oysters and hydrangeas to four-course wine pairings by the sea, nothing about this Croatia destination wedding was cookie-cutter.

How They Met

Kaley and a friend had followed @Hans_happenings (spoiler: it’s Cole’s sister!) on Instagram and decided to drive three hours to check out a thrift sale at her family’s winery. “He gave us the full experience and even let us taste out of the barrel!” Kaley laughs. By the end of the day, they were hanging with Cole’s whole family. He even invited them to dinner (which they had to decline because of the long drive home)—but the spark was undeniable. Kaley’s friend even snapchatted a photo of him to her mom on the way home with the caption: “I think I just met my husband.”

Falling for Croatia

Fast forward to Croatia: Cole explains, “While visiting with my family in 2023, I walked by Beach Club Hvar and thought tomyself, ‘When I get married, that is where I would like to get married.’ So we made it happen.” And yep, it really was that simple. Bliss!

Making it Their’s

Kaley tells us, “We wanted to keep colors and design elements fun and lively to keep in line with our personalities.” Mission accomplished. Think hydrangeas and oysters (a nod to her Nantucket roots) mixed with the breezy seaside energy of Hvar. The result? Coastal glam with a playful, joyful twist.

And the food? Let me say, these two did not hold back. Instead of a cookie-cutter menu, they threw a full-on four-course wine-paired dinner that celebrated Cole’s passion for winemaking and his family heritage. “For dessert, we paired Fritule with Prosek,” the bride says, explaining that the traditional Croatian pastry is one Cole grew up eating with his grandma. Aww, right? Family, tradition, and incredible flavors—yes, please.

The couple also sprinkled in personal details everywhere. Cole skipped the traditional suit for custom-made high-rise pants and wore Kaley’s late grandmother’s pins as his boutonniere. Kaley, meanwhile, accessorized with Dalmatian red coral and pearl earrings she picked up right before the ceremony. “I did my own hair and makeup so it allowed for a smooth and slow-paced morning that was extremely relaxing for us before we partied the night away,” Kaley says. Low stress and high vibes—the dream combo.

Oh, and the dance floor? Elevated by a live saxophonist to bring Cole’s love of retro 40s–60s music to life. Talk about an unexpected twist that got everyone moving.

The Couple’s Best Decision (Aside From a Destination Wedding)

Looking back, the couple says their best decision was hiring a local planner. “100% hire an on-site planner from that area,” they advise. Between the time zones, language, and logistics, their planners at Promessi Weddings made everything seamless—and gave them the freedom to just soak it all in.

From a thrift-sale-turned-love-story to hydrangeas, wine pairings, saxophones, and seaside views—Kaley & Cole’s Croatian wedding was personal, intentional, and ridiculously stylish.

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