a real-life wedding CROATIAN CELEBRATIONS This was what they call their “big bash”. The Croatian wedding included pre-church celebrations at Ivan’s parents’ house with Croatian music and customs, such as boutonnières containing rosemary for good luck, while the bride and her friends were pampered at a salon, enjoying mimosas. The stunning Art Gallery of Hamilton was the reception venue that began with a champagne hour in the gardens. Dessert after the elegant dinner was decadent, a trio of petite Madagascar vanilla crème brûlée, chocolate mousse pâté and fresh berry compote. Guests penned best wishes into a children’s book that Saphia and Ivan plan to read to wee ones when they have children someday. A basket of pink and grey flip flops invited girls to kick off their heels and dance the night away. Ivan added his creative touch to a custom-designed photo booth that resembled a movie-première wall. Saphia tossed what looked like a traditional bridal bouquet, but in reality comprised twenty-four individual flowers, each with fun messages attached, so that every girl caught a bloom. In honour of Saphia’s maternal grandparents, who couldn’t attend the reception because of their diseases, Ivan and his bride made donations on their guests’ behalf to Parkinson Society and Alzheimer Society. 74 Wedding Essentials 2013