First and foremost, a huge blogger shout out to Jen Huang of Jen Huang Photography. She’s raised the bar on what would otherwise be a mundane Tuesday and transformed it into a day of style, fusion chic and quite simply: Beautiful photography. It also doesn’t hurt that the couple is so lovely to photograph.
Setting: A Charming estate in Long Island, NY.
Heroine & Hero: Aina, our determined Toronto bride of Filipino descent, and her groom John – a globe trotting NY Pilot, of Croatian Descent.
Scene 1: The Bride and her gorgeous entourage…
(Above: Bridal Gown by Amsale; Hair & Make up by Danielle Nafte of Metamorphosis; “Valentine Peep toe” Shoe by Grazia Bridal Shoes;Vintage Cartier Earrings from Matron of Honor; Groom’s Suit from Bell Formal Tuxedo; Flowers by Richard Biancavilla)
Scene 2: The Ceremony
With a guest list of over 214 family and friends, journeying from far and wide as Vancouver, Texas and London, it was clear from the onset of planning their formal wedding, that Aina & John would have their hands full. Fortunately, they had a savy team of planners to help from over at Chateau Briand, owners of Perfect Wedding Planners. Aina’s weekly commutes to NY to deal with details was part of the package as well. In spite of all the long distance arrangements, both bride and groom were able to keep certain requirements well orchestrated as part of their traditional mass ceremony.
“We had to incorporate the traditional dressing of the veil and cord over John and myself, plus the coin blessing,” Says Aina, “From John’s Croatian side, we had to give both our mother’s single roses prior to communion, and give the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary a bouquet of flowers.”
(Above: Ceremony at Sacred Heart, Bayside)
For other ideas on Croatian wedding traditions, check here. Or if you missed our feature two weeks ago on possible Filipino wedding customs, visit Helene and Carlo’s Wedding.
Scene 3: The Reception
By hiring a band that was well versed in Croatian music among many other popular styles, every one of their guests was able to feel relaxed and entertained. Enough even, to get the groom to do an Elvis cover, Live!
(All Images by © Jen Huang Photography; Reception & Catering by at Chateau Briand, Long Island; Live Music by Band: Freedom)
What I love most about featuring modern fusion weddings, is getting insights on the challenges faced as well as the creative solutions. Let’s face it, unless you’re Trump’s wife, most brides today are not only practical, but very hands on in their planning approach and need to blend cultures in a way that’s harmonious and still very much genuine and reflective of personal taste.
Challenge: How do you plan a long distance romantic wedding that pays respect to Filipino marriage customs with Croatian traditions?
How they Did it? : 1. Pick one or two elements from both sides to celebrate equally during the ceremony. This makes the union balanced and respectful. 2. Know your limitations. If it’s a long distance wedding, there’s no need in stressing out over details that you could easily delegate to an on site planner., 3. Envision your dream palette, and work the customs around that. Not the other way around. 4. Trust your gut. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially with very styles. Go with your first instinct, because that’s usually right. For example, Aina witnessed many melt downs at NY bridal stores that could have been avoided. She on the other hand, chose to go with her gut and pick the first dress that made her feel beautiful: the Amsale A-line gown that totally complemented her glow on their wedding day, instead of trying on a gazillion. 5. Culture and heritage is all about spirit, essence and the culmination of little details. There’s no pressure to go over the top, unless you really want to…and that ‘s another sexy and bold style, in itself.
Congratulations to A & J on tying the knot. And to Jen Huang, I’ll have to quote Aina, who phrased it best:
“I”m so grateful for the beautiful photos Jen Huang took. She is truly the Goddess of Wedding Photography”
Spicyhugs,
Fri
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
The bride looks so happy. She must be in love:-) WHo did her veil?
I will find out. That, and who did her white feather headpiece as well…
As a planner specializing in South Asian and Inter-cultural weddings, it is always a pleasure to see such great pics detailing other Fusion weddings! Weddings by themselves are so much fun…. a Fusion wedding brings in even more excitement to the day!
Elegant, beautiful wedding. Everything seems exquisite. An ideal wedding that a woman would dream of. Aina you look so beautiful in your wedding dress.
Hi,
I just stumbled on this site…your wedding was beautiful – love the venue.
Do you still have by any chance have information for the band? A friend is getting married and is looking for a Croatian band in NYC.
Thank you!
I’ll see what I can find Nives. In the mean time, we had a featured Filipino/ Croatian ceremony that you might want to check out here: http://weddingnouveau.com/?p=19035
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