Paulo proposed to Nikica in Ljubljana after a weekend in Lake Bled, and on top of the castle looking out across Ljubljana. He revealed that he had intended to get a boat to the middle of Lake Bled and propose there… but the weather was so windy that he couldn’t hire a boat!
The first thing to be booked was Nikica & Paulo’s venue. They had a lot of international guests coming that were working to a budget, so finding the venue was key. They started looking at churches and pubs in London, but when the quotes came in they were staggered! Eventually they found St Audries and were were really excited that they could have a country English wedding within budget!
Living in London made St Audries quite a difficult choice due to location. Nikica and Paulo actually booked their wedding before even visiting St Audries. They explain “We just had a gut feeling and trusted it, and we were right too. When we first saw it we were blown away by it all (as were our guests on the big day). It was above and beyond what we could have expected. For us, it was the history and the people”.
Nikica is OBSESSED with wild flowers, But really… their “MUST HAVES” were getting married, and feeding the hoards! Because St Audries was so affordable they were really able to have their dream wedding. Paulo was desperate for the fireworks… but their budget wouldn’t allow so Nikica saved up secretly and organised them as a surprise.
Nikica explains “We wanted to go classic, mixing in the times and looking at Edwardian English Countryside with a modern twist. We did most of it ourselves, and our cake was made by my Mum. We had a 3 tier fruitcake that was decorated with wild edible flowers, and then my Mum also made 3 sponge cakes for those who don’t like fruit cake; chocolate, carrot and a gluten-free Orange blossom almond cake with a fig jam”.
Nikica ended up with a dress that she didn’t expect (as always!). She wanted no structure, lace, vintage, Edwardian style dress, and eventually found it… in budget! A sumptuous slinky Claire Pettibone dress that made her feel like a princess. “My parents loved it as did I. Then I tried on the dress I ended up buying, just because my friends had told me to try on all the styles. So I did, a Maggie Sottero simple McCall dress”.
Paulo was very clear about what he wanted to wear. With all his groomsmen living abroad, his best man living in Toronto and his Mum in Vancouver, Paulo took Nikica’s Dad shopping for a black tux. He went with Ted Baker for the style & fit… and it is also his Mum’s favourite brand. He looked incredibly handsome and smart.
Nikica had a maid of honour and a flower girl. The Maid of Honour had a specifically modern taste, and never wears long pretty dresses so it took a while to find something that worked. The key was that she was comfortable, so when they found a dress she really liked AND it was comfortable, then we were winning!
Nikica and Paulo had a a cellist and violinist, and we had an organist too and married at St Etheldreda’s Church which is in the grounds of St Audries. They had 2 readings from their oldest friends on each side. Paulo’s friend read the famous Winnie the Pooh/Piglet piece, and Nikica’s childhood best friend read “Love is Patient” in honour of her grandmother.
After leaving the Church……
A short journey back to the Main House……..
On arrival everyone enjoyed Pink Sparkling Wine and Canapes….and some group photos.
And then for the wedding breakfast they had Seabass for their main course. “We were really impressed with the food and with the portion sizes. All of the speeches were memorable. My father gave a beautiful speech that touched everyone and inspired us too. My sister had organised a video from all our loved ones, including those who couldn’t make it. It still makes me cry. My husband gave a wonderful speech about his mother, his brothers and me. And the best man was hilarious and warm. It was just wonderful; like out of a fairytale”.
Nikica explains “My family are really into music, so were very keen on having a band… and we did. We went for a Folk Band “The City Folk” and they were really incredible. They worked with the DJ to make sure that there was always music and switched between the two. We offered them buffet and drinks and also gave them a lot of cake to take away! They were all wonderful”.
“Lynne, our Personal Wedding Manager was quite possibly the most incredible human being there is out there. She went above above and beyond, and I can not thank her enough. Our day would have been great without her, but my, having her make all the different. She is truly a special woman.”
And as Nikica & Paulos day drew to a close they ended with a magical Firework display as a treat for Paulo and all their guests. Asking the happy couple if they had any special tips to which they explained ………
“Don’t lose track of what the day is about and who it is for. Don’t lose track that this is a day for you both and you both have to enjoy it. Don’t worry about the guests so much; they will enjoy it as long as you’re happy and they are fed.”
Suppliers:-
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Coast
Cars: Premier Carriage
Photographer: Maria Assisa
Band: The City Folk
