I’ve been meaning to write up this post for a long time now, but I guess the fact that I’m just doing it is a testament to how quickly this year has passed. I have so many pictures and details from our wedding that I have been eager to share all of this time. It’s hard to believe that it has already been a whole year of married life, and an entire year since the best day/week of our lives! Thinking back on these precious memories, and the feeling it gives me, is still something I have trouble putting into words–although, here I am trying.
Tyler and I were engaged for about a year and a half, and it felt like the wedding day would never come! It’s crazy how the planning process seems to take forever, but it’s all over in the blink of an eye. When we first started throwing around the idea of a destination wedding, I’m not sure that either of us thought it was something we could pull off. It was really important to us that our immediate family members would all be there, so once we got them on board we just went with it. For a long time we didn’t know how many of our friends or extended family members would be able to make it, and the turnout ended up being better than we could have hoped. To have so many of our close friends and family fly all the way to Europe to be with us on our special day was absolutely moving. Of course there were those special people we wish could have made it, but we definitely felt their love from afar.
In the days leading up to the wedding we were busy finalizing wedding details and meeting up with guests as they arrived. It was so much fun getting to hang out with everyone in Bled. The evening before the wedding, we finally got to meet our photographer/videographer dream team. We got in touch with our photographer, Jonny of Jonny MP Photography, in the first stages of planning which was the biggest blessing. He had previously shot a wedding in Bled and completely eased our nerves about trusting someone with our wedding photos. When we enquired about a videographer, Jonny put us in touch with Liron Erel of Echoes & Wildhearts. After watching a few of Liron’s videos we were completely blown away by his work. Be sure to check out their websites; they are both so nice and talented. We couldn’t be happier with our photos and video.
We woke up to the most beautiful day the morning of our wedding. All of the bridesmaids came to the suite at Grand Hotel Toplice to get ready together while the guys hung out at Vila Mia. Thank you to my lovely bridesmaids Sydnie, Mel, Callan and Jessica for making this morning one to remember. Tyler and I decided to do a first look; I’m really happy that we had a few moments together before our ceremony. It worked out well because it was so hot and we were able to get some pictures right away. Slovenia was having record heat waves and it ended up being a scorching 93 degrees–yikes. The heat didn’t interfere with how perfect every moment of the day felt though. There were little mishaps along the way, but honestly the day of you realize that none of that matters very much!
Part of the fun of having a destination wedding is embracing the local culture. In Bled, it’s customary to first have a civil ceremony and then head to the church for a blessing. After we had the first ceremony on the terrace at Toplice, all of the guests were rowed over to the island for the church ceremony. Church bells were rung, champagne was toasted, and there were a lot of smiles before leaving the island. Tyler and I then took a carriage ride around the lake while the guests were rowed back to Toplice for the reception. The fun was just getting started.
If there’s one thing I really love about a European wedding–it’s how late the party lasts! The dinner at Grand Hotel Toplice was incredible. It was a four course meal followed up by kremΕ‘nita and our delicious layered wedding cake! All of this was complemented by wine and it was safe to say no one was leaving hungry. Two highlights of the reception were the first dance and some conveniently timed fireworks over the lake. I then learned that my new husband was a star on the dance floor. Once we got everyone out dancing, parents included, it was so much fun! Just in case anyone had worked up an appetite, another soup was served at midnight. After this, the entire room was opened up to the terrace. One of my favorite memories is how surreal it felt to finally see all of our guests enjoying themselves as I gazed outside at the castle lit up over the lake. The music and dancing was still going strong through two in the morning. I’m not even sure what time it actually ended; all I know is that it was the best day of my entire life.
I linked any items I could think of at the bottom of the post. Also, I will be writing some tips for planning a destination wedding soon. If you have any questions be sure to let me know so that I can answer them next time!
WEDDING DATE: AUGUST 7, 2015
LOCATION: BLED, SLOVENIA
PHOTOGRAPHER: JONNY MP PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEOGRAPHER: LIRON EREL
VENUE: GRAND HOTEL TOPLICE
WEDDING PLANNER: PRIMAVERA BLED
WEDDING SONG: SILHOUETTE, ACTIVE CHILD FT. ELLIE GOULDING
WEDDING PARTY
BRIDAL GOWN: BERTA BRIDAL
BRIDAL SHOP: ULTIMATE BRIDE CHICAGO
BRIDE’S VEIL: ETSY
BRIDE’S SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
BRIDE’S ROBE: BHLDN
GROOM’S TUX: J CREW
GROOM’S SHOES: COLE HAAN
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: FOR LOVE & LEMONS, BHLDN, BHLDN, DAVID’S BRIDAL
PRE-SHOOT DRESS: J CREW
DECOR & ACCESSORIES
INVITATIONS & PROGRAMS: WEDDING PAPER DIVAS
GUESTBOOK: ETSY
SWAN RING HOLDERS: BHLDN
LUGGAGE TAG SEAT FINDERS: ETSY
VOW BOOKS: BHLDN
“REASONS I WANT TO MARRY YOU”: BHLDN
TABLE NUMBERS: RIFLE PAPER CO.
Wow!! LOVED READING THIS POST, MORGAN! I love Destination weddings And your wedding is by far the best one I’ve ever seen. So breathtakingly beautiful! Such a stunning place. i loved all the pictures. Truly a fairy tale! Such a lovely couple! You look wonderful! <3 That video is so so lovely! <3
Thank you Kavya!!! I was so excited to finally share more from our wedding and it makes me so happy that you enjoyed looking through it π You are so sweet!!!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
What an amazing post about your fairy tale wedding. Truly enjoyed reading it. Love each and evry details. SPECIALLY LOVING YOUR DRESS. BEAUTIFUL PICK. You are looking beyoud gorgeous. Pictures and location are just perfect and very romantic. Happy anniversary to both of you!!!
Rita | http://STYLEROUNDTHECLOCK.COM
Thank you so much, Rita!!! That means a lot π I was really lucky to find my dream dress on the first try! Hope you have a wonderful week, and thanks for reading.
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
Morgan! I am obsessed with your wedding, dress, photos, everything! What a magical day! <3
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com
Thank you so much Kate!! I really appreciate that π it truly was magical!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
You made a stunning bride! Looks like it was a magical day!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Thanks so much Jennifer!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
It must be a really, really amazing evening π Lovely photos (γ»Ογ»)
* Le blog de la Licorne *
Thank you!! π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
Wow, such a dreamy wedding! Loved all these photos and you are so cute together!
http://violettedaily.com/
Thank you so much!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
Your dress is divine and you look so amazing together! congrats on the wedding!
Newest post on the blog: http://remisabbah.com/blog/
Follow @remisabbah on Instagram for more fashion
I appreciate that, thank you so much!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
You are such a beautiful couple and you look so happy together. Also what a beautiful place to have your wedding, that church looks dreamy. Destination weddings are kind tricky, as you said you don’t know how many would make it, but in the end having the closest family and friends is the most important bit. You look absolutely gorgeous and I really like everything about your bridal look (I wish you had posted this before my wedding ha ha π ) I got married in Germany and I was surprised to find out that there’s no end time of the celebration, when we went to bed, it was like 4 am in the morning.
http://www.elabellaworld.com/summer-lipstick-colours/
Ela, I remembered that you got married in Germany. Your wedding seemed lovely from what you posted. I agree, it’s so great having a longer celebration and I think having a destination wedding makes everything that much better:) Thanks for your kind words!!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
OMG your wedding photos are just truly beautiful. Thank you SO much sharing them!!! You looked amazing and I am absolutely in love with your BErta gown. SO beautiful.
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com
Thanks Meghan, that’s so sweet of you to say! π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
What a fairy tale wedding! You look beautiful <3
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
Thank you Edye!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
wow you looked stunning !! i love this entire post
http://www.carolinapinglo.com/
Thanks so much!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
Wow these pictures are amazing!! You look soo beautiful, congratulations,
Fowzia|Crazy4ties
xoxo
Thank you π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
I really enjoyed looking at all your beautiful pictures. Everybody happy, nice setting, it is perfect! Best wishes to you.
Xo, Christianne
http://simplychristianne.com
Thank you so much Christianne! It was a wonderful day π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
wow just wow!! YOU’RE such a gorgeous girl. He’s a lucky man. I wish you guys the best on your MARRIAGE and happy life! your video is beautifully made as well! congratulations
Thenewgirl.me
You are so sweet, thank you for the kind words!! π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
What a fairytale wedding, absolutely gorgeous and stunning. Not only the location but also the details, your dress and a destination wedding. you look so lovely together, wishing you all the best! XX
http://www.thefashionfolk.com
Thank you!! π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
OMG.. your wedding is SUPEr fantastic DARLING!V yOU LOOK ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! cONGRATULATIONS! i’M SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!
Thanks for sharing!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Awe, thank you Len!! Hope your week is going well π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
you look stunning in all the outfits. and you look just so in love xx
Yukova Blog
Thank you so much!!
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com
wEDDINGS GOALS? mOST DEFINITELY! yOU LOOKED SO STUNNING AND THE LOCATION COULDN’T HAVE BEEN MORE PERFECT…CONGRATULATIONS!!
-Victoria
http://www.victorialauren.com
Thank you for the kind words Victoria! That’s so sweet of you π
Morgan | https://www.monde-et-mode.com