A Traditional Macedonian Wedding With A Unique Modern Flair

Nothing says “SURPRISE!” quite like an aeroplane flying around the beach, dragging a banner that says ‘ASHLEY WILL YOU MARRY ME?’

Whilst holidaying in Miami, Alex managed to secretly organise a beautiful and intricate proposal.

“He suggested we walk back to our hotel along the beach rather than on the road. I thought nothing of this as we were staying on South Beach. We sat down on the lounges and not long after I noticed an aeroplane carrying a banner.”

Ashley was so shocked by the proposal that she couldn’t even answer the question and Alex had to ask again!

When planning their wedding, Ashley knew that she wanted her big day to feel as unique as possible. Taking everything into her own hands, she styled the entire wedding herself.

“Although it was a lot to take on, it was such an amazing feeling seeing it all come together and my mental vision actually ‘work’!”

The happy couple wanted to include their traditional Macedonian culture as much as they could on their big day, whilst also maintaining a modern theme.

Incorporating Macedonian traditions such as the shaving of the groom, the making of the sweet bread, and the delivering of the shoes by the Best Man, gave this wedding a personal and unique element – everything the gorgeous couple had hoped for.

When choosing a dress, Ashley knew she wanted something jaw-dropping – the true centrepiece of the wedding.

“I knew I wanted a traditional big dress, as it was the only one day in my life I would get away with wearing a big dress, but then I wanted it to be unique too, so I chose a high neck line as I don’t see brides do that often.”

The gorgeous custom Alin Le’ Kal gown was more than Ashley could have ever dreamed of with a stunning high neck, gorgeous billowing skirt and intricate beading all throughout. She was truly a vision in white.

“Alin Le’ Kal took me to a fabric store and as soon as I saw this particular fabric, I knew that was the one. My favourite part of my dress were the pockets! I thought it gave it a fun and modern feel.”

Loving the custom dress so much, Ashley even used the same fabric in the flower girl dresses, as well as using it to decorate the ceremony candles.

“My cake designer even based the cake panelling off the same design as my dress fabric too.”

With a white and gold theme, Ashley matched the venue interior and exterior and added touches of marble in the reception hall and a custom-made vinyl decal in marble print for the dancefloor.

The funniest moment of the day was when Ashley was walking down the aisle. With violins playing her favourite song, ‘Bittersweet Symphony,’ and her dad walking with her, Ashley forgot about the candles arranged at the end of the aisle.

“They were enclosed in glass cylinders, so I didn’t think anything of it … but my dress and train were so big that when I walked past the candles, it was so close to touching the flames. Luckily my mum and few family members noticed and moved my dress out of the way.”

Thankfully, that crisis was averted and made way for more memorable, touching moments.

With two out of eight grandparents not able to celebrate their special day, the newlywed displayed 6 gold frames of photos with images from their parents and grandparents wedding days. This beautiful idea gave a unique, loving and personal element to their celebration.

Congratulations Ashley and Alex!

All Photography by Image Haus weddings