Julia & Emiljan: A Royal Fairytale Unfolds at the Legacy Castle - An Extravagant Celebration of Love
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 09/18/2022
- City: New York City
Julia and Emiljan, a couple whose love has blossomed and flourished over the past seven years, have a lovestory that's as enchanting as the surroundings in which it took place. The magical moment of their proposal was set in the breathtaking Oheka Castle, where the balcony of their suite overlooked a picturesque scene. On September 5th, 2020, which coincidentally was Julia's mother's birthday, their families orchestrated a surprise proposal under the guise of a birthday celebration. As Julia marveled at the beauty of the castle, she was led to the balcony where Emiljan revealed a "Marry Me" sign on the lush grass below, and presented her with the ring. As their families emerged to cheer for the newly engaged couple, the sun shone brightly, casting a perfect light on the unforgettable moment.
“I remember when we first met there was an instant connection. After, we used to meet 2-3x a week without really admitting to each other how in love we were. I still get excited as I first did for our dates.”
“I wanted to look and feel like royalty. I always envisioned getting married at a castle or on a hilltop somewhere. My heart was set on creating an environment so extravagant, so meticulous in every detail, that it would take the breath away from everyone present. I yearned for a celebration that would encapsulate the grandeur of my dreams and echo my love story in every corner.”
The couple spent a year and a half meticulously planning their dream wedding, a grand affair that would gather 800 guests to celebrate their love, creating memories that would be cherished for a lifetime.
Incorporating their personal touch into every aspect of the wedding, Julia took the creative reins and designed the invitations herself, adding a unique and intimate flair. When it came to choosing their wedding rings, Julia had always been captivated by the elegance of a simple oval diamond, a fact well-known to her friends and family.
With a helpful nudge from her sister, Emiljan effortlessly selected the perfect ring for his bride-to-be. For his own ring, Julia opted for a sleek and timeless Cartier love ring adorned with three exquisite diamonds.
The couple's individuality shone through in their special jewelry as well, with Julia designing her own necklace and earrings. Her sister, who runs a jewelry business called Liv & Leon Jewels, skillfully brought Julia's vision to life, creating bespoke pieces that embodied the essence of their love story.
“I had a very hard time finding a dress I liked. Everything I was trying looked nice but I never loved any. I ended up traveling to Kosovo to custom-make my dress from WaloneFashionGroup as I felt that they would understand what I wanted a bit more than here. I ended up with a custom-made satin dress. I bought my tight dress from Galia Lahav. For both dresses, I had an amazing experience.”
The getting-ready photoshoot, a cherished prelude to the grand affair, was held in the elegant ambiance of the Legacy Castle's Bridal Suite. This exquisite setting perfectly complemented the royal theme of the wedding, capturing the anticipation and excitement of the bride and her entourage as they prepared for the day's festivities.
The Bridal Suite, with its sophisticated decor and luxurious charm, provided the perfect backdrop for this special moment, preserving forever the morning's magic and joy in the form of timeless photographs.
Julia's final bridal look was a symphony of elegant accessories that beautifully accentuated her radiance. She wore the ethereal Constance Veil, which fell around her like a cascade of dreams, adding a touch of mystique and enchantment. Her footwear choices were as stunning as they were varied: Double Bow Silk Satin Pumps from Mach & Mach exuding timeless sophistication, and the Astrinodo 100 Embellished Ankle-Tie Sandals from Christian Louboutin adding a sparkle of glamour. A pair of exquisite satin gloves from WaloneFashionGroup graced her hands, while a striking headpiece from Bridal Styles Boutique crowned her look.
The choice of flowers for Julia's wedding bouquet reflected her refined taste and the sophistication of the occasion. She opted for the elegant White Calla Lily, a flower renowned for its graceful curves and pristine beauty. The exquisite bouquet was created by Sarcon Flower Couture, a florist whose exceptional skill and artistry Julia praises as the most amazing she has ever encountered. The Calla Lilies, in their pure white splendor, not only complemented Julia's bridal look but also added a touch of elegance and tranquillity to the wedding's ambiance.
Emiljan, the groom, exuded timeless elegance in a tuxedo designed by Giorgio Armani, specifically from the esteemed Bergdorf Goodman line. His attire was a perfect blend of sophistication and style, aligning seamlessly with the grandeur of the occasion. The pre-ceremony photoshoot was set in the stately Groom's Suite at the Legacy Castle, a fitting backdrop for capturing the anticipation and joy of the groom as he prepared for his big day.
The wedding ceremony unfolded on the scenic balcony of the Legacy Castle, a location that offered a breathtaking vista and an ambiance of royal elegance. As Julia made her momentous walk down the aisle, the soulful strains of "Can't Help Falling in Love" played on a violin filled the air.
“When I walked down the aisle and saw Emiljan waiting for me at the altar, I felt the warmest, most nervous feeling I’ve ever had.”
“Wow she looks like a beautiful angel”, thought Emiljan when he saw the bride.
“THIS is the guy that turned out to be my husband. I used to think about this all the time like who will be my husband? So when I saw him at the altar I got this warm feeling like “this is the one”, thought Julia.
The magnificent Legacy Castle was the exclusive setting for the couple's photo sessions. Their choice to capture their special moments within the premises was inspired by the castle's inherent grandeur and charm. This location, with its captivating architecture and lush, verdant surroundings, offered a variety of stunning backdrops that perfectly encapsulated the regal theme of their wedding.
The wedding color palette was a serene blend of white and light green, with delicate accents of light pink adorning the ceremony. This choice of colors conjured an ambiance of tranquil elegance and soft romance, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the Legacy Castle. The decor mirrored the couple's taste for sophistication and the theme of royal splendor that was woven into every aspect of their special day.
Choosing the Legacy Castle as the venue was an instant decision for Julia. From the moment she stepped foot in the castle, she was captivated by its regal charm and breathtaking beauty. It was love at first sight, much like her romance with Emiljan. The castle, with its enchanting architecture and scenic surroundings, was the perfect embodiment of her dream wedding venue, and the decision to host their celebration there felt as natural and destined as their union.
The wedding reception was a harmonious blend of modern elegance and traditional Albanian customs, a testament to the couple's rich heritage. The dessert selection was a delightful assortment of traditional Albanian sweets, including Baklava and Tulumba, alongside five other varied pastries and a wedding cake. These sweet treats offered a taste of Albania's culinary culture, adding a personal touch to the grand feast.
The wedding cake, a symbol of sweetness and prosperity, was crafted by the renowned Palermo's Bakery. Known for their exquisite designs and delicious flavors, the bakery created a cake that was both visually stunning and delectable, enhancing the joyous celebration.
The couple's first dance was a tender moment set to the soulful rhythm of Beyoncé's "XO." Their choice of song resonated with their love story, creating a captivating moment that embodied their deep bond and shared joy. As they swayed to the music, lost in each other's eyes, the newlyweds created a memory that would be cherished for a lifetime.