Anja and Jan’s wedding was a masterpiece of romance and charm, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Cormons and Buttrio, Italy. Their celebration was a true feast for the senses, combining the delicious charm of various pasta dishes with a visually stunning accent. The result was an atmosphere brimming with elegance and warmth, where every detail invited guests to savor both the beauty and flavors of Italy. Every moment was expertly captured by their photographer, Kseniya Palchik, who beautifully encapsulated the essence of their love story through her lens.
Location: Cormons, Italy
Style: Rustic, authentic, romantic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Wineyard
Season: Summer
They say opposites attract, and for Anja and Jan, this couldn’t be truer. Anja’s introverted and grounded personality perfectly complements Jan’s free spirit and adventurous nature. Their journey began as two individuals with contrasting approaches to life, but their shared values created a bond that grew stronger over time.
Their engagement story was as captivating as their relationship. In October, during an escape to the Egadi Islands off the coast of Sicily, Jan planned the perfect proposal. After a day of exploring the island by Vespa and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, he surprised Anja on the highest point of a crumbling fortress as the sun set and the Hunter’s Moon rose. It was a private and breathtaking moment, setting the tone for the wedding they would soon begin planning. “Italy, not too far from our home country, emerged as the ideal location,” added the bride.
Bridal Morning
The bridal morning was an elegant affair, steeped in quiet excitement and preparation. Anja’s look for the day reflected old glamour with a modern twist. Her Milla Nova satin gown, paired with classic satin pumps. The Gucci Bloom perfume she chose added a delicate floral note, highlighting the romantic atmosphere. Slovenian makeup artist Maja Drab focused on flawless skin and emphasized her eyes with a cat-eye effect, while hairstylist Petra Potočnik crafted a sleek half-updo with Hollywood curls cascading down her back.
The bouquet Anja carried held deep personal meaning. White roses, a nod to her late grandmother’s garden, were paired with smaller blooms to create a refined yet understated arrangement. This simple, all-white palette aligned beautifully with the timeless aesthetic of the day.
Meanwhile, Jan embraced a modern take on classic wedding attire. His tailored black-tie suit from Boss featured subtle yet stylish details, such as a cummerbund and double-cuffed shirt from Suitsupply. Penny loafers from Doucal’s added a touch of Italian charm, while a white carnation boutonnière subtly tied his look to Anja’s bouquet. Together, they embodied timeless elegance with a contemporary edge.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the Duomo di Sant’Adalberto, a historic church on a Cormons hilltop. The approach to the church, with its centuries-old stone steps and sweeping views, created an atmosphere of reverence. “We loved the symbolism – with each step upward toward the church and closer to God, anticipation grew, mirroring the journey towards our sacred union,” added the bride. As guests climbed the steps, they were greeted with thoughtful touches like hand fans to combat the summer heat.
Inside the church, the couple’s choice of music set a unique and intimate tone. A live jazz band replaced the traditional wedding march with a saxophone melody accompanied by piano. The emotional resonance of “Ave Maria” and other personalized songs added depth to the ceremony, which was officiated by a Slovenian priest, making it both deeply meaningful and culturally significant.
A brief moment of improvisation added a layer of authenticity to the day. Anja’s bouquet was accidentally left behind at the villa, but the florists quickly created a new one using flowers from the church. It was a small hiccup that turned into a charming story, showing how their easygoing attitude turned a minor mishap into a delightful reminder to embrace the unexpected.
As they exited the church to the joyful peal of bells, Anja and Jan were greeted by cheers and a shower of petals. The scene perfectly captured the joy and love of the moment. Awaiting them at the base of the steps was a classic black Porsche, ready to whisk them away for a private escape before the reception began.
Private Moment
One of the most intimate parts of the day was the private moment Anja and Jan shared after the ceremony. The drive back to the villa in a vintage black Porsche was filled with laughter and joy as they soaked in the reality of their new status as husband and wife. With no phones, they navigated the 15-minute journey relying solely on memory. The lack of air conditioning in the classic car added to the adventure, making this simple escape one of their most cherished memories.
Once at the villa, the couple retreated to a private chapel to exchange handwritten vows. Their photographer, Kseniya Palchik, skillfully captured these touching moments, creating stunning cinematic shots that were rich with aesthetic beauty and storytelling. The ability to seamlessly shift perspectives and capture both wide, atmospheric frames and intimate close-ups added depth to these memories. It was a heartfelt pause before the celebration continued, showing that embracing the little moments and staying lighthearted made the day even more special.
Cocktail Hour
As guests arrived at the villa, they were greeted with sparkling wine and the smooth melodies of live jazz. The outdoor setting, with its lush greenery and rustic charm, perfectly complemented the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The breeze provided a welcome respite from the summer heat, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and ready to celebrate. The couple opted for a seamless flow, encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy the setting. Personalized seating charts, designed with elegant simplicity, guided attendees to their tables, each named after a type of pasta — a playful nod to Italian culture.
Decor & Dinner
The reception took place in the villa’s garden, transformed into an enchanting dining area under a canopy of string lights. Round tables adorned with white floral arrangements created an elegant yet understated look. The centerpiece design, featuring roses and smaller blooms by Cvetličarna Cvetje, echoed Anja’s bouquet and added a cohesive touch to the decor. The villa’s charming exterior, with its warm beige and rose tones, served as a stunning backdrop for the dinner.
Guests enjoyed a carefully curated menu of Italian cuisine by Catering Deluxe, paired with local wines, celebrating the region’s culinary heritage. The menu featured a variety of traditional pasta dishes, from creamy tagliatelle to hearty lasagna, each crafted with authentic Italian flavors. These delicious offerings added a touch of cultural richness and made the dining experience unforgettable. The ambiance was elevated by the soft glow of candles and the gentle strains of live music, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. The air was filled with heartfelt toasts, joyful laughter, and a few happy tears, making the evening even more memorable.
"We made a conscious decision not to be rigid with the schedule. This allowed the celebration to unfold organically, with no interruptions, and created a truly relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere."
Party
After dinner, the festivities moved indoors for the party. The couple’s first dance was a lively mashup of “Volare” by Domenico Modugno and “Mambo Italiano” by Dean Martin, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The dance floor quickly filled as the DJ Tadej Hari kept the energy high, blending classics with contemporary hits. Signature cocktails, including espresso martinis, were served at the open bar, while a “sweet corner” featuring designer cakes and a chocolate fountain delighted guests. A photo booth added an element of fun, with friends and family capturing playful moments.
The highlight of the evening was a picture-perfect moment with a champagne tower. The couple ceremoniously poured sparkling wine into the top glass, creating a cascading effect that was beautifully illuminated by the ambient lighting. The photographer skillfully captured this breathtaking scene, turning it into a cinematic memory full of elegance and joy.
Anja’s outfit change into a chic, short satin dress added a playful twist, allowing her to dance freely and enjoy the party. The celebration continued well into the early hours, a joyous culmination of a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Advice from the couple:
• Follow your intuition when organizing and choosing your vendors. We trusted our intuition throughout the planning process. This approach allowed us to create a wedding that was authentically us, even if it didn’t always fit the traditional mold. The intuition also led us to some incredible people who made our wedding day truly unforgettable.
• Take some private time for yourselves after the ceremony. We wouldn’t change this for the world. These precious moments alone together made our day extra special. Once the festivities begin, it’s easy to get caught up in greeting guests and lose sight of the moment. Take a few minutes to soak it all in and cherish your newlywed status.
• Dance the night away!
PHOTOGRAPHER Kseniya Palchik | VIDEOGRAPHER Neža Lajevec | PLANNER & DESIGN Tiziana Ferreti at Talento Weddings | VENUE Borgo Garzolini | HOTEL Le Fucine | FLORALS Cvetličarna Cvetje | MAKEUP Maja Drab | HAIR Petra Potočnik | CATERING Catering Deluxe | JAZZ BAND Jaka Kopač, Manca Fekonja | DJ Tadej Hari
