This dreamy wedding weekend (in a castle!) interlaced romance with heartfelt traditions.
Even in destination wedding circles, Aleksandra and Michael’s “I do” was EPIC! Centred around a magnificent European castle, the opulent event drew on family traditions while celebrating a spirit of modern love.
Finding an extraordinary venue was key to it all. “Having shared our lives between two continents (Australia and Europe) for years, with relatives and friends all over the world, it was hard to decide where to hold our wedding,” explains Aleksandra.
Fate intervened during a European holiday, when the couple found a picture of a 500- year-old Polish castle with a stunning ballroom. “Although we were due to fly back to Australia the next day, we jumped in the car and drove four hours just to view it!” says Aleksandra. “We instantly fell in love with the place. It just seemed like a perfect setting for a romantic, elegant ceremony.
With family at the heart of their celebration, the couple booked a whole weekend to create more quality time with guests. “Polish weddings are usually two-day events” says Aleksandra. “So, we had a family dinner before the wedding night and a cocktail party in the castle courtyard the day after.”
The locale was also a sweet nod to Aleksandra’s heritage. “In my country it’s traditional to hold the wedding where the bride is from, and I know it meant a lot to Dad to have it back home,” she says. “I will never forget him proudly walking me down the aisle.”
While their ceremony was fit for royalty — majestic surrounds, adorable attendants, and traditional touches — Aleksandra says meeting her soulmate at the altar was incredibly intimate. “It still felt like there were just the two of us in the room,” she says. The Insta-ready moments just kept coming with a magical photo shoot in the castle grounds, Aleksandra’s party-ready second gown (just as stunning as the first!) and a breathtaking ballroom reception designed in decadent white and gold and freshened with greenery.
Their location may have been steeped in grandeur, but the couple’s reception was full of fun (and plenty of toasts!). “We loved how relaxed and comfortable our guests were,” says Aleksandra. “It just felt like a big family gathering, (with a few more tables!)”. Guests braving the language barrier also kept the mood light. “We found it quite funny to watch families from both sides get to know each other!” laughs Aleksandra. “We had a very interesting mix of Polish and Australian conversations!”
And as if planning a Polish wedding from Australia wasn’t impressive enough, Aleksandra reveals she managed without a wedding planner! “I know, what a rookie mistake!” she laughs. “A planner definitely would have made things easier! I struggled with not being able to physically be there and make sure everything was done the way we planned. But I was in touch with all our vendors and they were amazing and very helpful — and everything turned out great!” A real fairtytale ending.
The Details:
Venue: Historic castle in Rydzyna, Poland // Photography: Bajkowe luby // Gowns: First: Demetrios Platinum, Second: Viero Bridal // Honeymoon: US and Mexico
