Anna and Lewis’s wedding was a heartfelt, authentic celebration of a crazy love story, beautifully captured by the talented team at Romavera Films. Over three unforgettable days on the idyllic Hvar Island in Croatia, their union became a vibrant blend of tradition, culture, and unbridled joy. From stunning locations to thoughtful details and Mediterranean-inspired food, this celebration left a lasting impression on everyone lucky to share.
Location: Pitve, Hvar Island, Croatia
Style: Rustic, authentic, romantic
Time of planning: 17 months
Number of guests: 50
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – villa
Season: Summer
Anna and Lewis’ love story began in the most unexpected of places — a nightclub on the Costa del Sol, Spain, where they both happened to be on vacation at the same time. Fate intertwined their paths from a fleeting connection on a dance floor to a serendipitous meeting at the same venue two days later. “It was then, to my genuine surprise, that one evening, or morning, I’m not sure which, to lock eyes with a total stranger from across a dance floor, a thousand miles from home, who eight magical years later would become my wife.”— added the groom.
In January 2023, Lewis orchestrated a magical moment in Norway that felt like a scene out of a fairytale. In a secluded treehouse surrounded by pristine snow, Lewis proposed to Anna with a heartfelt video and the perfect backdrop of a frozen river.
"It took me nearly 2 hours to approach you that night but only 2 minutes to fall in love with you."
Location & Pre-Wedding Drinks
Hvar Island, known for its untouched beauty and vibrant culture, was a dream location for the couple. The celebrations began at Hora Hvar, a historic winery and restaurant in the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain. Guests enjoyed refreshing local wines and delicacies against a backdrop of vineyards and lavender fields, marking the start of an extraordinary weekend.
"First and foremost, it had to be authentic, away from the tourists & multi-million dollar yachts of Hvar Town that often sees weddings during the high season on a daily basis. Our wedding took place on the island's north side, a quieter, more beautiful region that captures the true heart and soul of the island."
The setting was a nod to Anna and Lewis’s love for natural beauty. Wooden tables with wildflowers complemented the venue’s rustic charm, while the golden hour light created a tranquil atmosphere. “This place felt like home,” added the bride.
Bridal Fashion
For the ceremony, Anna chose a classic princess-style ballgown by Milla Nova. The intricate lace detailing and sweeping train exuded timeless elegance, perfectly suited to the historic Croatian backdrop. “I always planned to have a Ukrainian designer for my wedding dress, and totally fell in love with this gown.” — shared the bride.
Her jewelry from Liberty in Love and Kalista Pave Earring by Shashi was minimal yet impactful, perfectly complementing her radiant beauty.
Her reception dress, a shimmering hand-embellished creation by Chosen by Kyha, showcased a more modern and glamorous side. The fitted silhouette highlighted her radiant smile as she danced the night away. Anna’s styling team, including makeup artist Estera Tolusic and hairstylist Tomislav Gelo, ensured her look remained flawless throughout the day despite the summer heat.
Her bouquet — a vibrant mix of coral, lavender, and blush hues — was carefully crafted to reflect the surrounding landscapes and add a personal touch.
“The perfume I chose for our wedding day was Chanel Chance Eau Tendre. Lightweight, floral, and feminine — it was the perfect addition to the look,” added the bride.
Groom's Fashion
Lewis complemented Anna’s elegance with a forest-green linen suit from New & Lingwood. The tailored fit, paired with a paisley tie and Gucci loafers, balanced sophistication and comfort.
Adding a sentimental touch, Lewis wore his late grandfather’s gold watch, a family heirloom with deep meaning. His classic yet relaxed look mirrored the rustic setting, making him the perfect match for Anna’s radiant style.
Ceremony
The wedding ceremony took place at the Church of St. James in Pitve, the oldest village on Hvar Island. The v Catholic traditions paid homage to Anna’s heritage, blending seamlessly with the serene atmosphere of the historic church.
The air was filled with emotion as Anna walked down the aisle, accompanied by soft violin melodies. Guests were captivated not only by the vows exchanged but also by the venue’s beauty, with its intricate frescoes and warm golden light streaming through the windows. “Some guests stated it was the best week of their entire lives,” added the bride.
"The first time seeing Lewis after spending the morning apart was the most incredible feeling. I couldn’t wait to see the day we had dreamt of together unfold and enjoy it together."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, the newlyweds took a moment for themselves, escaping to the quiet hills of Pitve in a convertible buggy. With the breeze in their hair and panoramic views, it was a chance to reflect on their special day. Their photographer, LouLou Memphis, beautifully captured every tender glance and stolen smile, ensuring these private moments would be cherished forever.
The couple’s favorite moment came as they paused to watch the sunset together. Surrounded by nature, it was an intimate reminder of the journey they had taken to reach this beautiful milestone — a scene brought to life in stunning detail by the cinematic artistry of Romavera Films.
Cocktail Hour
The reception began with a lively cocktail hour at Konoba Dvor Dubokovic, a family-run Mediterranean gem nestled in the heart of Pitve. Guests sipped on signature cocktails like strawberry mojitos and Aperol spritzes while enjoying live music that set a celebratory tone for the evening.
Reception & Party
Dinner was held under the stars at a long wooden table, elegantly adorned with simple floral arrangements by Fior Weddings. The decor, coordinated with the help of the talented planning team at Wed Our Way, reflected Anna and Lewis’s preference for understated charm — delicate flowers in soft hues complemented the rustic beauty of the venue.
The menu, featuring freshly grilled fish, vibrant salads, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, was paired with exquisite regional wines, creating an authentic culinary experience. “Finding somebody to cater for 50+ people in an abandoned (hundreds years old) village up a mountain road was a challenge,” shared the groom. But their perseverance resulted in a dining experience that truly resonated with their vision.
Adding a sweet note to the evening, the couple cut into a simple yet stunning cake topped with fresh berries, perfectly in tune with the relaxed and natural vibe of the day. Surrounded by their cheering guests, they laughed and shared a playful moment as they made the first slice. It was a picture-perfect moment that fit seamlessly into the magic of the evening.
As the night fell, the celebration moved to Villa Humac, a charming venue combining rustic Croatian aesthetics and stunning ocean views. The lively beats of DJ Luca Goya kept the energy high, with guests joining the couple on the dance floor for hours. The outdoor setting, illuminated by fairy lights and lanterns, created a magical ambiance that amazed everyone.
Thanks to Romavera Films every unforgettable moment, from the heartfelt toasts to the couple’s first dance under the stars was perfectly captured.
Recovery Day
The festivities concluded with a relaxing Recovery Day on Zecevo Island. Guests were ferried to this secluded beach bar for a day of sun with plenty of coffee, sea, and great company. It was the perfect way to relax, with casual conversations and refreshing cocktails bringing the weekend to a satisfying close.
"We didn’t want ‘just another wedding’ for ourselves and our guests. We wanted it to be a unique cultural experience for everybody involved. A wedding that represented us both as a couple."
Advice from the couple:
• Embrace the chaos.
• Whatever your budget is, expect to double it.
• Don’t splash out eye-watering amounts of money on something you can easily do yourself with better results. For example, our guests and I hand-tied lavender to napkins for the afternoon reception dinner. This saved us a whopping 500 euros!
• An open bar should be a major priority for any wedding.
• It is all 100% worth it in the end. All the time, energy, and money you pour into this day will come together so beautifully. It was a total dream for us and our guests, and we all have incredible memories to last a lifetime. However, you choose to celebrate your love, so make sure it remains at the forefront of everything you do.
VIDEOGRAPHER RomaVera Films | PHOTOGRAPHER Eliza Harrison at LouLouMemphis | PLANNER Wed Our Way | FLORALS Fior Weddings | MAKEUP Estera Tolusic | HAIR Tomislav Gelo | CEREMONY DRESS Milla Nova | RECEPTION DRESS Chosen By Kyha | ATELIER The Modiste | MUSIC Kvartet Fascination | DJ Luca Goya | CATERING Kristijan Rojnica
