Some weddings feel like a trip, others like coming home, and Leila and Sam’s was both. Their week in Hvar unfolded with friends arriving by speedboats to Laganini Beach Club, music that mixed Persian, Latin, and Croatian rhythms, and heirlooms that carried generations of meaning. From the turquoise-and-gold jewelry passed down by Leila’s grandmother to the multicultural music that carried through the island nights, every scene reflected who they are. Planned to perfection by Promessi, the celebration intertwined island glam with heritage, transforming Croatia’s coastal beauty into a living mosaic of cultures, laughter, and love.
Location: Hvar, Croatia
Style: Island Glam, Elegant, Chic
Time of planning: 16 months
Number of guests: 66
Setting: Cathedral, Restaurant
Season: Summer
Leila, a first-generation Croatian-Iranian from Virginia, and Sam, with Persian and Guatemalan roots, met most unexpectedly through a mutual friend’s Uber ride in Washington, D.C. A conversation about Croatia, where Leila spent her childhood summers, set the tone for everything that followed. “Culture is everything to us,” Leila shared. “It’s a big part of what brought us together.”
Their relationship grew around shared values: family, travel, wellness, and a love for new experiences. When Sam proposed on the cliffs of La Jolla, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the moment mirrored the Adriatic coast that had long been Leila’s heart home. “It reminded me of being on the Jadran,” she said. “The sound of the waves, the peace, the view — it was a feeling I’ll never forget.”
Concept & Location
Hvar’s natural radiance and historic charm inspired the couple’s entire vision: Island Glam with a soul. Working closely with planners, Leila and Sam created a celebration that balanced grandeur with warmth and honored their blend of Persian, Croatian, and Guatemalan heritage.
“Our goal was to bring all our worlds together in a way that felt organic and meaningful,” said Leila. The design was rooted in a soft color palette of whites, mauves, blues, and greens — tones reminiscent of Persian gardens and the Adriatic coastline. Florals by Floranita Wedding Design brought this to life through lush hydrangeas, garden roses, lisianthus, ranunculus, and cascading amaranthus.
The team at Promessi guided the 16-month planning journey across time zones, turning a complex destination wedding into something beautifully seamless. Every event, from beach gatherings to the church ceremony, reflected their artistry, precision, and calm energy. “Planning a wedding with a nine-hour time difference could have been overwhelming,” Leila said. “But Ivana and Nikolina made it joyful. Their warmth and attention to detail made us feel at home.”
Laganini Day
The wedding week began with a sun-soaked pre-party at Laganini Beach Club on Palmižana, a favorite hideaway just off Hvar. Guests arrived by private speedboats, greeted with Hugo Spritz cocktails and the sounds of summer. The afternoon drifted between swims, Aperol toasts, and a coastal lunch of oysters, pata negra, ceviche, and sushi. “We wanted it to feel exclusive but laid-back. Just like a real Croatian summer — slow, sunny, and filled with joy,” added the bride.
Captured beautifully by Love & Food Wedding Photography, the photos reflected the easygoing, sunlit vibe and that unmistakable Hvar aesthetic. The “Island Glam” dress code set the tone for the weekend, and every detail carried that polished yet relaxed energy.
All White & Blue Welcome Party
The next day, the celebration continued at Beach Club Hvar, where Sam’s parents hosted an all-white-and-blue welcome party inspired by the tones of the Adriatic. Guests lounged on sunbeds with cocktails in hand, dipped into turquoise water, and enjoyed a Dalmatian-style lunch under the Mediterranean sun.
Personalized welcome cards titled “Dobrodošli u Hrvatsku” greeted each guest alongside a playful “Phrases to Know” guide — a thoughtful touch that reflected Leila and Sam’s love for sharing Croatian culture. The day blended coastal chic with heartfelt hospitality, perfectly curated by Promessi to ease everyone into the weekend’s island rhythm.
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
Leila’s morning was filled with laughter, music, and a sense of calm before the ceremony. Surrounded by her mother, mother-in-law, and closest friends, she felt deeply present in every moment. “I remember waking up and thinking how lucky I was,” she said. “I was in my favorite place in the world, about to marry my best friend.”
Her gown, the Desert Rose by Reem Acra, was a modern romantic masterpiece. “Truly, it’s a gown that felt like walking through a rose garden in the desert at golden hour,” added Leila. The luminous Mikado silk caught the sunlight, while hand-embroidered floral appliques added texture and grace. She paired it with ivory lace Dior heels and turquoise-and-gold heirloom jewelry passed down from her Persian grandmother, creating a look that beautifully bridged her dual heritage.
Soft waves and glowing makeup by Estera Tolusic and Hair Studio Institut completed her timeless look, enhanced by Valaya by Parfums de Marly — a scent as soft and radiant as the Adriatic morning light. Her bouquet of Playa Blanca roses mirrored the understated beauty of her gown.
Groom’s Fashion
Sam chose a white Bonobos tuxedo with black trousers and Ferragamo loafers, pairing the classic combo with a playful modern edge. His look was sharp but relaxed, perfect for an island celebration. Silver cufflinks, a black bow tie, and the warm notes of Althaïr by Parfums de Marly tied it all together. For a touch of personality, he added a sleek watch that belonged to his grandfather.
“It felt surreal. Having everyone I love in one place — my friends, family, and Leila’s — on this island felt like the best crossover episode ever..”
First Look
The first look was a quiet, intimate moment. Leila shared special moments with her parents before seeing Sam, exchanging tears, smiles, and family heirlooms that spoke to generations of love.
When Sam finally saw Leila, his reaction said it all. “He smiled and walked straight to me,” she said. “It felt peaceful, like everything aligned.” Sam gifted her a custom 18K yellow gold ring inscribed with a line from Rumi: “I was dead, I became alive. I was tears, I became laughter.” It became the perfect symbol of their love and the new chapter they were beginning.
Ceremony
Held at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the ceremony honored both faith and heritage. The location held deep family significance — Leila’s late grandfather shared the same name as the cathedral’s patron saint. Inside, the grand architecture was softened by romantic florals in white, blush, and touches of blue. The aisle was lined with blooms that echoed Persian garden symmetry: abundant, organic, and full of life.
As the couple exchanged vows, the moment carried quiet power. “It surpassed my expectations,” the bride said. When they emerged from the cathedral as husband and wife, the square erupted in cheers. Guests toasted with traditional rakija as Croatian klapa music played, turning the cobblestone piazza into a spontaneous celebration.
“It was just magical. I will never forget looking out at our crowd of people and seeing my Croatian family and my Persian family, and Sam’s Guatemalan and Persian family all in one place, there, to celebrate with us. That is an image in our heads we will never forget.”
Private Moment
After the church festivities, Leila and Sam slipped away to the Spanish Fortress overlooking Hvar’s old town. The sunset bathed the stone walls in gold as they exchanged personal vows, just the two of them with the Adriatic below. “That moment was everything. It was quiet, emotional, and real — just us,” recalled the couple.
Captured by Karmen and Leon at Love & Food Wedding Photography, the images from that golden hour feel cinematic — the essence of a Mediterranean fairytale distilled into timeless frames.
Decor & Flowers
For the reception at Hotel Park Hvar, the team at Promessi and Floranita transformed the terrace into a scene of elegance and intimacy. Long L-shaped tables were draped in soft linens and layered with abundant floral runners: a mix of hydrangeas, roses, and amaranthus that spilled gracefully over the edges.
Crystal chandeliers hung above, each one reimagined with cascades of fresh green amaranthus, creating an ethereal, almost garden-like canopy. Candlelight flickered through tall glass cylinders, while gold-rimmed mirrors and crystal glassware reflected the glow. The design perfectly mirrored Leila and Sam’s personalities: refined yet warm, elegant yet full of life.
Reception
The evening began with a grand entrance to “Places to Be” by Fred again… It was a nod to their engagement trip soundtrack, before moving into their first dance to “Vjeruj Mi” by Oliver Dragojević, Croatia’s most beloved singer. The moment was tender and cinematic, set against the Adriatic night sky.
Dinner was served family-style, honoring Croatian tradition with pasticada and sea bass fillet paired with local wine. The atmosphere was electric, blending laughter, heartfelt speeches, and an unforgettable mix of music: American classics, Persian dance hits, Latin rhythms, and Croatian favorites curated by Urbani Eventi.
Signature cocktails paid tribute to their roots, from the HvarGarita to Azizam Espresso Martini. Each drink carried a story, much like the evening itself.
Later, guests witnessed the traditional Raghs-e Chagoo, or Persian knife dance, before the couple cut their cake — a millefoglie masterpiece topped with figs. The dessert table continued the cultural story, featuring kiflice, noon khamei, pomegranates, and grapes, styled to resemble a Persian feast. Nearby, a tower of tiramisu served as a sweet tribute to both of their grandmothers.
When the clock struck midnight, the celebration shifted downstairs to Central Park Club, where an after-party awaited with an open bar and DJ set. Leila changed into a Nadine Merabi feathered mini dress, perfect for dancing into the early morning. “We had a surprise Persian dance performance that we’d secretly practiced over FaceTime,” she laughed. “It was such a hit — everyone loved it.”
The dance floor stayed full until 4 a.m., with music, laughter, and the kind of joy that only comes from being surrounded by every person who matters most.
The Team Behind the Magic
None of it would have been possible without the creative direction and care of Promessi, whose vision and professionalism elevated every element. “They weren’t just planners — they became friends,” said Leila. “Their warmth and dedication made the entire journey unforgettable.” From the florals by Floranita to the seamless flow of music and lighting by Urbani Eventi and LSD Production, every vendor played their part with heart.
“We were incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such talented, kind, and passionate people who brought our vision to life with so much care and joy. We truly can’t wait to see them all again soon.”
Advice from the couple:
• Be present and savor every second. The day truly flies by. Take a breath, slow down, and smile as you take it all in — those quiet moments will stay with you forever.
• Take time researching and invest in a good wedding planner/photographer/videographer.
PLANNERS Promessi | PHOTOGRAPHER Love & Food Wedding Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Ivan Crnjak Weddings | VENUES Hotel Park Hvar, Laganini Beach Club, Beach Club Hvar | FLORALS & DECOR Floranita Wedding Design | MAKEUP Estera Tolusic | HAIR Hair Studio Institut | DRESS Reem Acra | SHOES Dior | AFTER-PARTY DRESS Nadine Merabi | STATIONERY Sweet Paper Weddings | CAKE Sweets Pastry Shop Hvar | MUSIC Urbani Eventi | BRIDE & GROOM Leila Ghaemi & Sam Keith | LIGHTING LSD Production
