If anyone knows the trouble of long distance it is Alex and Ana. Spending over two years apart (with Alex in America and Ana in Romania) it was very important to them they spent as much time together as possible on their wedding day, and on the run up to it. They planned together, DIYed together and when the big day finally came along, they just relaxed and enjoyed the lush surroundings and the company of each other and their small selection of guests and of course photographer Cristian Ana. Super inspiration for an intimate outdoor summer wedding, we're in love...
Alex and Ana met through mutual friends one summer when Alex came home to Romania for summer vacation. Alex was studying music at the time in California, whilst Ana was a literature student in Alex's hometown. Over the summer, they got to know each other, and soon couldn't quite imagine not being a couple. When summer ended, Alex returned to America for his final year of college, and kept up a long distance relationship with Ana. After finishing college, it took another year before they were finally living in the same place, soon got engaged and now live happily together.
The proposal happened in Alex's hometown, in a scenic garden where Alex had prepared a romantic boho tent complete with fresh flowers and Ana's favourite sweets. "We watched Wes Andreson's Moonlight Kingdom together and then he made a fire and we cuddled with blankets and wine, and that was the moment he showed me the ring and asked." Almost too good to be true...
The sweet and simple ceremony was held outdoors, and performed by a close friend of Alex's - a sentiment that meant to a lot to both Alex and Ana. "The ceremony was performed by a dear old friend of Alex, a mentor that was like a father to him, and we were extremely happy that he could travel from San Francisco for this event."
The simple reception was again, held outdoors just a minutes walk from the lush ceremony space.
Everything from beautiful bride Ana's draped Vera Wang gown, to her simple gold leaf headpiece and shoes were bought online. A risk for sure, but one that paid off beautifully.
The serene open space reception was decorated with furniture from Alex's parent's home, lots of bunting hand-made by both Alex and Ana and plenty of jars of simple Gypsophila.
All of the flower arrangements and décor were put together by Ana's creative cousin, who also arranged the potted plant wedding favours. The cute little natural favours were each wrapped in burlap with a name tag for each guests attached. The idea being "everything grows with love"
The tables were decorated in a similarly natural style, with sticks of cinnamon, small bottles, copper vases and old art history books which acted as table names.
This serene little wedding ended with gorgeous cake baked by Alex's aunt, and a musical performance by Alex's sister and her band. "Right before the cake, Alex's sister and her band performed. We even had another good friend who rapped as a surprise. It was a lot of fun, energizing and relaxing at the same time."
For their honeymoon, Alex and Ana went on a roadtrip across Romania with friends, before travelling to the Canary Islands for a surfing holiday. Congratulations to you both, and thanks so much for sharing your wedding with us.
A big thank you also goes to Cristian Ana for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. To see more photography by Cristian Ana head over to www.cristianana.ro/blog
The Wedding Details
- Venue: Nunta la Castel
- Wedding Dress: Vera Wang from David's Bridal
- Shoes: Francesca's
- Flowers, Favours & Décor: Root Design
- Bride's Headpiece: Pomp & Plumage
- Sweets: Have Your Cake
- Stationery: Zizula
- Reception Music: Beck Corlan