Destination: Dubrovnik, By Iva & Vedran

When it came to planning their wedding, London-based couple Laura and Luke knew what they did and didn’t want.

“Our engagement was not what you would call ‘traditional’ and there was actually no proposal,” Laura explains. “We simply decided that we wanted to get married and we then had a custom engagement ring made. We aren’t really into all the traditional big white wedding or much fuss, to be honest, so we knew early on that a wedding abroad would suit us. I had never been to Dubrovnik, but Luke and some of our family had and they all loved it. After doing some research on the Internet, I could tell this was the place for us.”

Enter Croatian photographers Iva Potocnik Rihtaric and husband Vedran Rihtaric of Iva and Vedran Weddings, and their business partner, Katarina Miskic Sabljic of Dukata Events, who was the wedding planner and designer and who recommended the photographers to Laura and Luke.

The ceremony was held in the open courtyard of Dubrovnik’s Sponza Palace and the reception took place at the Grand Villa Argentina. “After the ceremony, we took a walk with our couple through the city for portraits and we also took photos in the garden of the famous Villa Sheherezade on the seashore,” says Iva. “They were all gorgeous venues.”

Apparently, the only big challenge that arose for the photographers was during the couple’s photo shoot in town. “At this time of the year [in May], the old town of Dubrovnik is overcrowded with tourists,” Iva explains. “It’s very hard to walk around easily and enjoy the ambience. It was also around 33 degrees Celsius [or about 91 degrees Fahrenheit], so when you mix that with crowds, it’s pretty difficult to take great photos. We knew the situation from our last shoot, so we explained to our couple that we had to be fast and make the best photos possible. Laura and Luke understood the situation and they were so kind, patient and relaxed. When we look back, it was very good teamwork.”

Says bride Laura: “All the plans were falling into place, and then we found out we were expecting a baby and the due date was 11 weeks before the wedding! It was full steam ahead and on the day, it was perfect having our son there with us. We could not have asked for a more special setting or place to get married. Our guests were absolutely wowed by the venues and the decorations, and the photos captured our memories of the day perfectly.” 

Laura continues: “Being a little untraditional, I decided on a dress with a sky blue tulle skirt. Our color scheme was blue, peach and grey with plenty of greenery and flowers. We had elevated hanging florals on the table and hanging tea lights. The band was amazing, the food delicious and we honestly could not have asked for anything more. We loved Dubrovnik and can’t wait to take our son back when he is older.”

GEAR OF THE DAY

Cameras: Nikon D750 (x2)

Lenses: Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G, Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4, Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 and Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G

Lighting: Nikon SB-910 speed light flashes (only at dinner)

VENDOR CREDITS

Wedding designer and planner: Dukata Events 

Flowers: Le Salon

Bridal dress: Rock the frock bridal 

Bride’s shoes: Nine West

Groom’s apparel: Ted Baker

Hair and makeup: Beauty Salon Bellissima

Submit your wedding to Rf editor-in-chief Jacqueline Tobin for a chance to get featured here.