Madisen & Tristan
dreamy wedding in istra, croatia
Madisen and Tristan chose Istria for their destination wedding, and honestly, they could not have picked a better spot. Late September in this part of Croatia feels like summer finally relaxing. Warm sun, clear air, bright blue sky. That perfect mix where you can still swim in the ocean during the week and then slip into something elegant for a vineyard wedding on the weekend.
Their day started with sunshine and excitement. A bit of cloud rolled in during the evening, but the weather stayed pleasant from start to finish. Forty of their closest humans flew in to celebrate with them, and it felt like everyone landed with the same energy. Supportive. Ready to cry. Ready to cheer. Fully present.
Updated: November 30, 2025
Getting Ready at Meneghetti Estate
Meneghetti Hotel is one of those places that already looks like a painting. Vineyards for days. Stone villas. Olive trees. A quiet calm that makes you forget you have a schedule. You actually feel like you're in Tuscany.
The two of them got ready in separate villas on the estate. Tristan spent the morning surrounded by friends who kept things light. Madisen got ready with her bridesmaids, who were fully committed to hyping her up. The energy in her villa felt like champagne bubbles. Joy everywhere you turned.
Her first look with her bridesmaids was a full moment. Big reactions. Big emotions. Then she took a breath and shared a quiet, meaningful first look with her dad. More tears. More love. An entire morning wrapped in anticipation.
madisen & tristan
If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in Europe, I cannot recommend Shawna enough. We are from Canada so it can sometimes feel anxious looking for vendors half way across the world but you have nothing to worry about with Shawna!
The Walk Toward Forever
Madisen and Tristan decided not to do a first look with each other. Instead, they saved that moment for the aisle.
When Madisen rounded the corner with her parents, Tristan’s reaction said everything. Pure happiness. Pure emotion. You could feel the love between them ripple through the guests. Their ceremony had this beautiful mix of laughter, soft tears, and a warm sense of "ahhh, this is real!" Officiated by the lovely Anja at Eventorica Weddings, it felt personal and intentional from the very first words.
Vineyard Portraits at Meneghetti
After the ceremony, we wandered into the vineyards where the light was soft and the vines stretched out forever. The whole setting looked like Italy, but with a little more space to breathe and a bit more room in the budget. Istria has that charm. Italian vibes. Croatian coastline. A lovely blend of both worlds.
Madisen and Tristan were a dream to photograph. Natural, connected, fun. You could tell how happy they were to finally be married, and that energy translated into every frame. They sank right into the moment and let the vines, the golden light, and the quiet of the estate wrap around them.
Celebrating with Their Favourite Humans
Their guests brought the best energy. Everyone arrived excited and left even more so. The day was soaked in love. Tears of joy at every turn. Friends crying. Parents crying. Happy couple crying. It was the kind of wedding where you feel like the universe lined up perfectly. A beautiful venue, perfect weather, great food, and a group of people who genuinely care about the couple.
As evening rolled in, the air cooled and the sky softened. Lights flickered on around the estate. Music started. Laughter grew. The dance floor warmed up despite the chilly breeze. It was the kind of night you want to bottle.
Why Istria Was the Perfect Choice
This wedding had everything couples love about the region. Warm September air. Endless vineyards. A quiet luxury vibe without the price tag of Italy. A venue that mixes Croatian charm with Italian elegance. Meneghetti Hotel is truly a gem for destination weddings.
Madisen and Tristan leaned fully into the experience. They stayed relaxed. They trusted the process. They let their people love them. And it created a day that felt natural and full.
FAQ
Is Meneghetti Hotel a good venue for a destination wedding in Istria
Yes. Meneghetti is one of those rare places that feels both luxurious and grounded. You get vineyards, olive trees, stone villas, quiet paths, and an estate that photographs beautifully at every angle. It has the charm of an Italian countryside villa with the relaxed energy of coastal Croatia. Perfect for intimate weddings and mid sized celebrations.
What time of year is best for a wedding in Istria
Late September might secretly be the best month. Warm days, cooler evenings, fewer crowds, and ocean water that still feels like summer. Light is softer. Weather is predictable. Vendors and venues usually have a little more availability than in July or August.
Can you swim during a late September trip to Istria
Yes. The Adriatic stays warm into early autumn. Even though Madisen and Tristan did not have a beach wedding, many of their guests enjoyed swimming during the week. It makes the whole trip feel like a little holiday.
Are vineyard weddings possible in Croatia
Absolutely. Istria is known for its wine region, and Meneghetti has rows of vines that roll out like a natural backdrop. You get that elegant countryside look without the busier atmosphere of more famous Italian regions.
How do we plan a wedding in Istria if we do not live in Croatia
Hiring a local planner is a huge help. Madisen and Tristan worked with Book Your Dream Wedding, who handled logistics, coordination, and vendor communication. That gave the couple space to actually enjoy their time in Croatia without stress. If you need recommendations, I am always happy to help.
Vendors Who Made It Incredible
Photography: Shawna Rae Photography
HMUA: @ivaberisic
DJ: @dj.kiki.b and @indy1401
Dress: @ritavinieris
Officiant: @eventorica_weddings_events
Planner: @bookyourdreamwedding
Videographer: @catpawvideography
Venue: @meneghetti.hotel
If you are dreaming about an Istria wedding or a vineyard celebration that feels relaxed and full of heart, I would love to help you plan it. Croatia has some of the most beautiful estates and hidden spots, and Meneghetti is one of my favourites to photograph. Reach out and let’s see where your story takes us.
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Shawna for our wedding in Croatia— and we can confidently say she exceeded every expectation we had.
From the very beginning, Shawna impressed us with her creativity, professionalism, and clear communication. She made us feel at ease and truly captured the essence of our day with such care and artistry. The photos we got back are absolutely stunning. They were even more beautiful than we had imagined — timeless, emotional, and and filled with the kind of small, magical moments you never want to forget.
What truly sets Shawna apart is how much she genuinely cares. She even helped us find our wedding planner, which led to the fairytale wedding we always dreamed of. On top of that, she sent us sneak peeks of our photos literally less than 24 hours from our wedding day— and they were breathtaking.
If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in Europe, I cannot recommend Shawna enough. We are from Canada so it can sometimes feel anxious looking for vendors half way across the world but you have nothing to worry about with Shawna! Her talent is unmatched, and her dedication is truly special. We’re so grateful to have had her as part of our day!
Testimonial by madisen & tristan
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