James and Anastasia’s wedding in the coastal town of Perast, Montenegro, was a celebration of timeless elegance and heartfelt intimacy. Inspired by the breathtaking landscape — a picturesque blend of Italy and Croatia — the couple embraced a refined, paired-back aesthetic that let the natural beauty take centre stage. Every detail, from the florals to the attire and the relaxed schedule, was thoughtfully curated to reflect their vision of a warm, intimate celebration shared only with their closest family and friends.
Location: Perast, Montenegro
Style: Classic soul with modern execution, minimal, tasteful
Time of planning: 8 months
Number of guests: 30
Setting: Waterfront hotel
Season: Fall
James and Anastasia’s journey began in the UK, where they met as university students and quickly fell in love. From those early days on campus, their bond only deepened as they built a life together—first in the heart of London, and later in the vibrant cityscape of Dubai. Their love story took a breathtaking turn when James planned a deeply thoughtful proposal at sunset, high above the clouds at Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint in Bali. Surrounded by panoramic views and the golden light of day’s end, it was a moment that captured everything they cherished: adventure, beauty, and each other.
Bride's Look
Anastasia got ready in a serene seaside hotel room at Grand Heritage Perast by Rixos, overlooking the Bay of Kotor, where the calm waters and distant islets created a dreamlike start to the day. Surrounded by her closest friends and family, the morning was filled with quiet joy, tender moments, and the soft anticipation of all that was to come.
The bridal look was the embodiment of timeless elegance, thoughtfully curated down to the last detail. Anastasia chose an Australian designer, Made with Love Bridal, wearing the Grayson gown — a breathtaking, backless silhouette with a high neckline, elevated further by an additional overskirt and delicate crepe ties. The dress was a true masterpiece: minimalist yet striking in its design, allowing her natural grace to shine.
To complement the gown, the bride wore classic pearl earrings, while Natalia Danilova styled her hair in a sleek, polished bun — a refined choice that highlighted the open back of her dress. The makeup was soft and radiant, in line with her everyday style. Glowing skin, delicately defined brows, and a subtle peachy blush brought warmth to the look. For the finishing touch, Anastasia slipped into iconic ivory Jimmy Choo heels with crystal-embellished straps — a nod to timeless bridal glamour, shimmering perfectly in the soft coastal light of Montenegro.
Groom's Fashion
James chose to forgo the traditional tuxedo in favor of a custom three-piece suit by Dubai-based tailors Collars & Cuffs. He envisioned a look that was refined yet relaxed, perfectly in tune with the intimate and elegant feel of their destination wedding. After multiple fittings and thoughtful decisions — from fabric selection to button placement, collar design, and cuff style — the result was a light beige masterpiece that struck a perfect balance between classic tailoring and personal flair. To complete the look, James wore dark brown leather loafers from Tod’s.
First Look
Set against the timeless stone walls of Perast, James and Anastasia’s first look was a moment suspended in joy. As James turned to see his bride, a smile instantly lit up both their faces — the kind of smile that comes from years of love and shared memories. Anastasia, radiant in her sleek, backless gown, held her bouquet close as they stood just inches apart, taking each other in with a mix of awe and affection.
Later the couple took a peaceful stroll along the sunlit waterfront — a moment of stillness and connection before the day unfolded. With the mountains rising in the distance and the sea gently glittering beside them, they walked side by side, sharing quiet smiles and a few last words as just the two of them.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the historic heart of the city, framed by the soft elegance of cream-toned florals and the timeworn beauty of stone architecture. A grand doorway became the natural altar, adorned with lush arrangements of white roses, hydrangeas, and cascading greenery that seemed to grow organically from the building itself — romantic, refined, and deeply in tune with the surroundings.
Guests were welcomed by a minimalist sign set against more white blooms and textured foliage, echoing the clean lines and gentle tones of the day. Golden chairs lined the aisle, each with thoughtful signage and floral accents, adding warmth and intimacy to the open-air setting. Every detail was carefully curated to reflect the couple’s timeless style and the serene coastal beauty of Montenegro.
The ceremony unfolded in the golden afternoon light, warm and full of emotion. Surrounded by the timeless architecture, Anastasia and James exchanged vows before their closest loved ones. The mood was intimate and joyfully serene, with guests dressed in elegant tones of beige, champagne, and soft pastels — a perfectly coordinated palette that echoed the couple’s refined taste. There was laughter, there were quiet tears, and above all, there was an overwhelming sense of love.
"It was incredibly important to the couple that the guests get to enjoy the beautiful views the outdoor had to offer, but also enjoy the ambiance created together with the wedding planner and most of all – had fun!"
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into the sun-drenched courtyard of the hotel for a cocktail hour that blended elegance with a playful twist. Laughter, hugs, and glasses of bubbly flowed freely as friends and family gathered to celebrate, the atmosphere light-hearted and full of warmth. Setting the perfect tone for the occasion, a talented women-led ensemble — Quartet Unique — played live throughout the welcome hour, ceremony, and cocktails, filling the air with graceful melodies.
To add a personal touch, James and Anastasia curated a custom cocktail menu featuring three of their all-time favorites: a refreshing watermelon margarita, a zesty Moscow mule, and a delicate botanical oasis. Each was served from a chic white bar adorned with the couple’s initials and set beneath a graceful umbrella — a charming focal point that added both style and shade to the scene.
This was also the moment when Vladimir Zakharov captured some of the most dreamy, light-filled portraits of the day. With an eye for both detail and emotion, he beautifully conveyed the essence of James and Anastasia’s intimate celebration — the heartfelt joy, the effortless elegance of the guests, and the breathtaking charm of the setting. As the light shifted from a soft coastal glow to the golden tones of evening, his images transformed with it: from breezy and sun-drenched to luminous and full of sparkle, telling the story of the day as it unfolded — naturally, and with grace.
Reception
The wedding dinner took place on the open-air balcony of the Grand Heritage Perast by Rixos, with a sweeping view of the bay and surrounding mountains. As the sun dipped lower, golden light danced across the tables, echoing the warmth and intimacy of the celebration. Anastasia had envisioned a timeless aesthetic — something the couple would look back on with joy decades from now. She and James carefully crafted a detailed vision board, which DSA Weddings helped bring to life with precision and care.
The result was breathtaking. Greenery-covered arches adorned with soft white blooms and elegant chandeliers framed the dinner setting, perfectly mirroring the floral choices seen throughout the day — from the ceremony backdrop to the bridal bouquets. Olive-toned greens and delicate whites created a natural, effortless feel that suited the waterfront setting beautifully. The tables themselves were styled with simplicity and grace: white linens, golden chairs, soft candlelight, and delicate arrangements that allowed the incredible setting to speak for itself.
Anastasia and James made their entrance to the reception — all smiles, hand in hand, and glasses of champagne in tow. Their guests, seated at elegantly dressed tables under cascading floral arches and chandeliers, greeted them with warm applause and laughter.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the reception came when Anastasia’s mother stepped forward with a beautifully presented tray — a playful nod to her daughter’s heritage. On it sat a vibrant matryoshka doll alongside traditional delicacies, including a bowl of glistening red caviar served in hand-painted lacquerware. It was a joyful and symbolic gesture, met with laughter and affection from the couple.
As night settled over the bay, the atmosphere shifted into something even more magical. Under glittering chandeliers and the soft glow of candlelight, the reception took on a golden warmth — full of clinking glasses, heartfelt toasts, and quiet laughter shared across the tables. The couple’s desire for an evening that felt just as beautiful as the day was fully realized in this intimate, glowing setting.
Later in the evening, Anastasia made a stunning outfit change into her second look: a custom, all-lace mini dress featuring a corset bodice and delicate long sleeves. The intricate lace brought a sense of timeless romance, while the shorter cut added a modern, playful edge — perfectly matched by her new lace-detailed heels. It was the ideal transformation for the celebration ahead.
The cake moment was sweet, simple, and full of joy — Anastasia and James cut their elegant one-tier vanilla cake surrounded by sparklers, candlelight, and cheering guests. It was an effortlessly romantic highlight. To carry the energy into the night, the incredibly talented DJ Sam Totolee took over, delivering an unforgettable set. With his busy schedule, having him at the wedding felt like a true gift, and his presence — along with the live music earlier in the day — made the celebration feel all the more personal and special.
PHOTOGRAPHER Vladimir Zakharov | VIDEOGRAPHER Andrea Tortora Films | PLANNER DSA Weddings | VENUE Grand Heritage Perast by Rixos | MUAH Natalia Danilova | DRESS Made with Love Bridal | SHOES Jimmy Choo | SUIT Collars & Cuffs | SHOES Tod’s | MUSIC Quartet Unique | DJ Sam Totolee
