A New York Chic Meets Coastal Croatia in a Summer Wedding

Featured Members:

Location: City of Split, Croatia, Europe
Setting: Villa
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 70
Wedding theme/style: Glamorous, fashionable, Mediterranean chic, timeless.

Jake and Sarah’s love story began on a warm summer day in Long Island, New York. Little did these 17-year-olds know that they were beginning a journey that would lead them to become high school sweethearts, filled with cherished memories. On a crisp November day, Jake proposed on the sandy shores of Newport, Rhode Island, which meant so much to them. Their journey led them to the historic city of Split, Croatia, where they exchanged vows in September at the exquisite Villa Dalmacija. Surrounded by 70 close friends and family, their wedding was a celebration of love and unity, showcasing a seamless blend of glamour, fashion, and timeless elegance.

Tina Ponos and her team at Promessi Weddings & Events played an important role in making the day unforgettable. They are known for their sharp attention to detail and a creative touch that shines through their work. Tina’s thorough management made sure everything went smoothly, perfectly realizing Jake and Sarah’s dream wedding in a way that felt both magical and incredibly personal.

Jake wore a tailor-made suit by Giorgenti New York and Gucci shoes, blending New York’s sophistication with Mediterranean flair.

Sarah looked elegant in her Jenny Yoo gown, complete with a sleek ponytail and a cathedral-style veil, adding a touch of grandeur. Her makeup was natural, with nude lips and subtle eyeliner accentuating her blue eyes.

After preparations, they met at the Archeological Museum: “Having a first look before the ceremony made the day even more special,” shared the bride.

The ceremony was held by the Adriatic Sea on Villa Dalmacija’s stone pier, which was decorated with serpentine floral arrangements by Hedera Design, enhancing the water’s edge. Sarah’s brother and a local priest officiated, making the ceremony both personal and grand. The setting and heartfelt vows moved the guests deeply.

The reception captured the couple’s exquisite taste: serpentine-style mirrored tables, elegant chandeliers, and soft drapery, creating a luxurious yet cozy environment. These arrangements added a touch of elegance and beautifully framed the picturesque settings.

The evening featured a Swan Lake ballet performance and music by the Link Entertainment band, ensuring every moment was engaging. This blend of classical and contemporary entertainment made the evening truly unforgettable.

Their first dance was highlighted by a little surprise: “Tina brought out sparklers and bubbles at the end of our dance, and it felt euphoric,” shared the bride. Following this, Jake shared a dance with his mother to ‘Forever Young’ by Rod Stewart, making this moment particularly touching.

Advice from the couple:

• Find a wedding planner you connect with and trust wholeheartedly. We were incredibly fortunate to have Tina Ponos from Promessi as our wedding planner leading up to the event and on the day itself. Tina is nothing short of magical! She took exceptional care of us, kept us informed when necessary, advocated for our needs, and brought our vision to life flawlessly.

• Believe that your day will be perfect, and it will be. Don’t sweat the small stuff. We chose not to include any traditions that didn’t resonate with us because we wanted the experience to be enjoyable for everyone, especially for us. This day is meant for you, and if you are happy, everyone else will feed off your energy.