Jessica & James's Croatia Wedding

7 days ago

2 min read

A Santorini proposal, olive groves in Croatia and a dress with a new detail every time she looked

Jessica and James’s love story started the way plenty of good ones do: on a night out, introduced through mutual friends. It didn’t take long for things to get serious, and when it came to the proposal, James showed he doesn’t do things by halves. He popped the question in Santorini with a private dining experience. Hard to top, really.

Jessica and James holding hands on a stone path through olive trees at their Croatia wedding, Jessica smiling over her shoulder in her Maggie Sottero Takera wedding dress

And where better to say "I do" than Croatia? Picture a sun-drenched hilltop, the sea glittering below and a day that looks like it was lifted straight from a travel magazine. Jessica and James had their favourite people with them, and judging by the photos, the smiles barely left their faces.

Then there's the dress. Takera by Maggie Sottero is pure romance: lace, a corset bodice, sleeves that slip off the shoulder and a veil made for a proper entrance. Jessica says she found a new detail every time she looked at it, and honestly, so did we.

Jessica smiling with a white rose bouquet in her Maggie Sottero Takera lace wedding dress with detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves

Jessica & James's Real Wedding Q&A

Here's Jessica, in her own words, on how she put together her Croatia wedding.

1. How did you two meet?

We met on a night out through mutual friends.

2. How did you get engaged?

James proposed in Santorini in 2023 – he hired a private dining experience.

3. What was your favourite moment(s) from the wedding?

My favourite moments were the ceremony, speeches and the party!

Jessica and James sharing a kiss at their Croatia wedding, surrounded by white roses with the sea behind them

4. Tell us all about your wedding dress. What details do you love? How did it make you feel?

I loved everything about my dress. The details all over it were just beautiful. Every time I looked at it, I'd find a new detail I hadn't seen before.

5. What was the general decor for your big day?

We went for a very chic, Croatian theme with white/green flowers.

James lifting Jessica in her lace wedding dress among the olive trees at their Croatia wedding

6. Do you have any advice for future Bellissima brides?

Go with the dress you love! If it's not the one you originally thought you'd go for and you feel slightly out of your comfort zone, do it – you won't regret it!

7. Do you have any local suppliers you would like to recommend? A florist? Venue? DJ?

We got married in Croatia, so unfortunately, there are no local suppliers. The only one I would recommend as a venue is The Old Rectory in Sible Hedingham, Essex.

8. How was your Bellissima experience?

My experience was just perfect! Everyone was amazing, and I would go back every time. Thank you so much!