When you think of Croatia as a wedding destination, it’s easy to think of beautiful beaches and romantic old towns. Maybe even some of the iconic scenery from Game of Thrones. It’s not a location too many couples consider when planning an elopement, but as today’s real couple will show you, it’s an amazing place to elope!
A Summer Elopement In Hvar in Croatia
Emma + Matt / Hvar Summer Elopement from Matija + Marina Weddings on Vimeo.
Tell Us About How You Met
Matt and I met in 2015. Matt was in Gallipoli with his parents on a cruise commemorating the 100 years of ANZAC and I also happened to be on the same cruise with my mum. For the first week of the cruise, we didn’t meet even though there were only 300 Australians and New Zealanders on board a ship with the capacity of 1300. The second week of the cruise after ANZAC day we travelled around the Greek Islands and on Santorini Matt and I finally met. Well you know the old saying “love at first sight”. I knew right then and there Matt was the one and Matt even told his parents on the cruise that he would one day marry me! Writing this down sounds like some really corny love story but it’s what actually happened!
Tell Us About The Proposal
In April 2018 Matt and I were on a road trip travelling towards the Daintree in northern Queensland. On the way, we stopped overnight at the picturesque Mission Beach. We decided to get up early the next day to watch the sunrise from the beach. As we walked along Matt as usual pocked around the rack and mangroves with a stick. Ever since we met Matt always joked about how he would one day find some treasure washed up in amongst the all seaweed and driftwood. Having heard this statement a hundred times I didn’t really pay much attention. After walking half an hour we sat on a fallen tree and watched as the sun started to come up over the horizon. Matt suddenly got up and announced “I have to pee” and walked off. A few seconds later after the quickest pee in history, he was back, knee bent in the sand and asked if I would marry him as he pulled out a beautiful sapphire ring. Not really comprehending what was going on because I had no idea this was planned I looked at the ring in surprise and asked: “did you just find that?! we need to find the owner!”. A few seconds later everything clicked and I silently kicked myself for being so daft! Matt pulled off a perfect proposal and the rest of our trip was spent as a newly engaged couple.
How Did You Choose Your Wedding Location?
We visited Croatia in 2017 and fell in love with the place. When we got engaged in 2018 we decided that we wanted an elopement or a very small ceremony. Matt suggested we go to Croatia and then after a quick google search I found the island of Hvar. The island was just off Split so easy to get to and it looked like an amazing place to visit and get married. Our wedding planner, Antonia forwarded a few location suggestions and we immediately loved the idea of getting married on St Nicolas Mountain.
How Did You Find Your Main Vendors?
We found Matija and Marina ( photographer/videographers) online and immediately fell in love with their style and artistic flair. Matija and Marina went above and beyond in every way leading up to the day and on the day itself. The photos and video they did of our day were amazing. Every time we watch it takes us back.
I found Antonia after I tried to contact the registry office in Croatia to organise the ceremony. There were a few translation difficulties and in the end, the lady on the phone said “no, you get planner” and hung up! haha. Antonia was great to work with she was so organised, had great ideas, fantastic with communication and nothing was too much trouble. Antonia suggested the restaurant Zori and lined up our translator Maja, the celebrant Luci, the florist Mirella and the hair/makeup artist Veronika. All were lovely to work with and provided great service and product.
I found my dress in the first store I looked in. Ange had a no-nonsense and “I have been doing this for x amount of years so listen to what I say” approach. This was great for me who had an idea of what I was after but needed a firm hand to guide me. Fashions By Farina, Sydney have a great range of dresses and the ladies are very experienced, friendly and helpful.
What Was The Inspiration Behind Your Wedding Day?
Adventure, The Outdoors, Nature, The Ocean, Travelling, Hiking, Mountains
What Was Your Favourite Moment From The Day?
We can’t pick a favourite moment out because all the moments added up to one amazing day!
If You Could Do It All Again, Would You Do Anything Differently?
Nothing! Everything happened as it should have including the few little hiccups along the way.
Any Advice For Other Couples?
Your wedding is your day as a couple so don’t try and please other people by doing what they want you to do.
- Enjoy the moment!
- If you find a dress you like, go with it! Oh and apparently 6 months out from the wedding date to get a dress is cutting it fine!
- Go with the flow. There will always be a few hiccups on the day but it always works out.
- See and do as much as you can in life!
Any Honeymoon Plans?
After we were married Matt and I hopped on a 10-day cruise around some of the Croatian Islands. Following that we travelled parts of Italy for 3 weeks and then visited some friends in Palma Mallorca before flying home. It was a big trip but when you fly all the way from Australia you have to make the most of it!
Credits
Photography & Videography - Matija and Marina Weddings
Wedding planner - Antonia Radovančić Something Blue Weddings
Dress Designer: Rosa Clara Dress
Florist - Mirella wedding and floral design
Celebrant: Luci Nizetic
Translator: Maja Radojković
Hair and makeup: Make up Veronika
