Written in the Stars: Janina and Filip's Coastal Celebration at Maslina Resort

Love Story

Janina and Filip's love story is a true testament to the power of lasting connections formed during the carefree days of youth. Their journey began when they were just 18 years old, attending the same high school,where they fell deeply in love. As Janina reminisces, "We were not in the same class but the same grade and fell in love immediately :) and we‘re together ever since! This was 15 years ago."

Their bond only grew stronger with time, leading Filip to orchestrate a romantic and unforgettable proposal. "We were on a romantic weekend getaway on Lake Como," Janina recalls. "Filip then organized a surprised boat trip with a beautiful Riva boat and we watched the beautiful scenery all around the lake until we‘ve arrived at Isola Comacina,where we‘ve found a beautiful spot and he got on his knee :) later we found out that this was the exact Riva boat where also John Legend proposed to Chrissy Teigen, which is also seen on the music video of ‚All of Me‘." Janina confesses, "I did not expect any of all this to happen on this day."

Janina and Filip's vision for their dream wedding was a "modern fairytale," a celebration that would blend contemporary elements with a touch of enchantment. Their concept was to create something "modern, playful, but different from what has been seen before."

Inspired by the breathtaking natural surroundings of the Maslina Resort, their wedding unfolded as a three-day extravaganza on the idyllic island of Hvar, welcoming their dearest loved ones from around the world.

With 100 guests in attendance, the couple devoted a year to meticulously planning every detail of their special day, ensuring that their "modern fairytale" would be an unforgettable experience.

Morning details

The morning preparations were a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. Janina's sister, a talented graphic designer, took charge of creating the wedding stationery, including the invitations, imbuing each piece with a personalized touch that reflected the couple's style.

Janina's jewelry held a deep sentimental value, as she adorned herself with heirlooms inherited from her mother's family. "All my jewellery was inherited from my mom‘s family. She already wore it to her wedding," she shared.

Bride getting ready

The search for her perfect wedding gown had been a journey of its own. At her very first bridal boutique, Janina found herself amazed by a Galia Lahav creation. “I found it at my first ever visit to a bridal store," she recalls with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with the same wonder as when she first laid eyes on the exquisite gown.

As she prepared for her grand entrance, Janina added the finishing touches to her bridal look, including a breathtaking veil by Galia Lahav, exquisite Acquazzura shoes, and lingerie from the iconic Agent Provocateur.

Her bouquet was carefully crafted by the talented florist Maja Starek from the Showroom, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic of the wedding decor. “I wanted a modern and minimal flower bouquet. Our designer then decided to go for a modern orchids bouquet, matching the rest of the venue‘s decoration,” she shares.

Joined by her sister, who served as her maid of honor, and her father, who would accompany her down the aisle, Janina savored these precious moments of anticipation and joy.

Groom getting ready

Meanwhile, Filip was preparing for his role as the dashing groom, donning a meticulously tailored tuxedo designed by a dear friend and local designer from Zurich, Quaglia Zurich. Surrounded by his father and brother, Filip basked in the excitement of the day, no doubt eagerly awaiting the moment when he would lay eyes on his breathtakingly beautiful bride.

First Look

The couple chose to share their first look at the church, creating a moment of pure magic and emotion. As Filip caught sight of Janina in her exquisite wedding gown, he was overcome with awe. “I was very nervous and had to keep my emotions under control somehow. Janina looked gorgeous in her wedding dress that reflected her character in total, being sparkly and modern,” he confesses.

Janina, too, was swept up in the gravity of the moment, admitting, "My first thoughts were actually not very much :) I was so nervous I couldn't focus on anything."

Photoshoot before the ceremony

While Filip and Janina chose not to see each other before the wedding ceremony, Janina took the opportunity to capture some cherished moments with her sister and father during the getting-ready process and on the drive to the church.

Ceremony

Janina's journey down the aisle began with the honoring of cherished traditions, each one imbued with profound symbolism and sentiment. “Birth ring from my mother, which she got from my father when i was born. Something new: hand-stitched handkerchief. Something borrowed: bridal jewellery from my mother. Something blue: garter,” she shares.

With these symbolic talismans in place, Janina made her grand entrance at the historic St. Stephen's Church in the city center, gliding down the aisle to the strains of "Eternal Source of Life" by Giorgio Friedrich Handel.

In a touching tribute to their loved ones, the couple had chosen the children of their cousins and friends to serve as flower girls, while Janina's cousin's son had the honor of being the ring bearer.

As they locked eyes and joined hands, exchanging their heartfelt vows, Janina and Filip were enveloped in a profound sense of love and commitment, creating a memory that would forever be etched in their hearts as one of the most special moments of their ceremony.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a photographic journey through the historic old town of Starigrad, capturing the essence of the island's ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The 16th-century Hektorović Fortress, once home to the renowned Croatian poet Petar Hektorović, provided a stunning backdrop for their intimate newlywed photo session, allowing them to bask in the magic of their union amidst the rich tapestry of Dalmatian history and culture.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Janina and Filip's choice of venue was a true masterpiece, an exquisite canvas upon which their dreams of a "modern fairytale" would be brought to life. The exclusive Maslina Resort provided the perfect setting for their envisioned three-day extravaganza, a wedding weekend designed to immerse their dearest loved ones from around the world in an experience unlike any other.

"By choosing Maslina Resort for our venue, we opted for exclusivity, mindfulness, and a one-of-a-kind experience set to embark on a journey of a lifetime," Janina explained. "We wanted an exclusive resort,where we had our full privacy. Maslina was our absolute dream location."

The wedding design, meticulously executed by Showroom Design, was a masterful blend of modern minimalism and relaxed elegance. "Soft layers of sand-toned fabrics combine white and black
details to achieve this look," the couple described.

The incorporation of white into the table design evoked a sense of serenity and tranquility, fostering a relaxed ambiance for their guests. The sandy hues, in turn, contributed to a feeling of warmth and belonging, creating an inviting and nurturing atmosphere.

Contemporary touches, such as acrylic clear chairs and mirrored surfaces, added a visually striking element, setting the tone for the event's contemporary design theme. But it was the evening ambiance that truly transported guests into a world of enchantment, characterized by the inclusion of lively elements such as disco balls, metallic spheres, a unique wedding cake formed from numerous spheres, and floating balloons, all of which infused the celebration with vibrant and eclectic energy.

The presence of Showband Link Entertainment and professional dancers further elevated the atmosphere, imbuing the event with an unforgettable party experience that seamlessly blended modern and Mediterranean influences.

Personalized touches, such as customized stationery, welcome bags, favors, and monogrammed napkins, added a touch of affection shared by the couple, creating a sense of warmth and invitation that made every guest feel truly cherished.

Attention to detail was paramount, and Rabbit Rock, in cooperation with Showroom, crafted a surreal ambiance within the venue that emphasized the glamour befitting such a special occasion. Clusters of candlelight adorned the tables, while a network of laser lights in subtle dot formations and illuminated cylinder glass vases containing candles complemented the evening setting, providing additional illumination and ambiance.

The utilization of light balloons served as an innovative and visually appealing element, while the play of light on the dance floor evoked the excitement of New York City nightclubs, but with a distinctly Mediterranean twist – a perfect reflection of Janina and Filip's vision of a "modern fairytale."

Reception

As the evening unfolded, Janina and Filip shared their first dance as husband and wife, swaying to the romantic melodies of "Story of a Lifetime" by Coldplay – a song that perfectly encapsulated the eternal love story they had just vowed to cherish for a lifetime.

The culinary experience was a true celebration of mindful luxury and local flavors. The couple had meticulously curated a five-course menu, executed with precision by the talented chefs at Maslina Resort. "Supporting Maslina Resort's Mindful Luxury philosophy, the culinary focus of The Restaurant embraces the UNESCO-protected Mediterranean Diet but adds a contemporary flair," the couple shared.

Each dish paid homage to the resort's commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with many components harvested from their very own 7,000 sqm Organic Garden.

To complement the exquisite cuisine, signature cocktails were served – the refreshing Paloma for the ladies and the classic Negroni for the gentlemen – adding a touch of sophisticated indulgence to the celebration.

The pièce de résistance, however, was the stunning wedding cake, a modern and artistic creation crafted by the acclaimed pastry chef Luka Pavić from Lemon Garden. This sweet masterpiece served as a visually stunning and delectable finale to the evening's culinary delights.

Amidst the revelry and joy, one moment stood out as particularly memorable for the newlyweds. "Our big entrance to the black tie event is a key moment we'll remember from our wedding," Janina reminisced. "It was such a beautiful sunset atmosphere, and everybody was expecting us and cheered when we danced out towards our table." This grand entrance, a true embodiment of their "modern fairytale" vision, was a moment that encapsulated the love, excitement, and support that surrounded Janina and Filip on their special day, forever etching itself into their hearts as a cherished memory.

As Janina and Filip reflect on their magical day, they cannot help but express their deep gratitude to the exceptional team of wedding vendors who brought their dream to life. "I couldn't praise them more!" Janina exclaims. "Just an amazing group who wants nothing but to make you happy on your big day, they all bent over backward to make the magic happen! This was the first wedding ever at this venue and with the professional guidance of Promessi W&E, our wedding planners and leading agency in Croatia, they performed meticulously."