DC residents Lauren + Darden combined a vintage aesthetic with traditional Albanian heritage for their destination wedding. Add in a little Florida flair and you’ve got yourself this garden beauty. Wedding planner Nicole Kaney brought it all together, and Hunter Ryan Photo got the deets on camera…
Something sparkly…
After a tough search for the dress, this romantic Rivini gown was worth the splurge.
They were so happy to have Darden’s fam fly in from Kosovo. Lauren says, The whole ceremony was translated into Albanian by Dardan’s brother, including ee cummings poems. He did a great job! I found out that I’d have to recite all of the vows in Albanian right before walking down the aisle. Talk about nerve-racking! The best part was that we got two first kisses, first when we were pronounced married in English and then again in Albanian.
For the reception, Lauren wore a 100-year old Albanian gown that has survived several wars, and has been passed throughout the women of the family. Everyone participated in a traditional circle dance too.
L + D celebrated both cultures with cake + baklava for dessert.
Coffee shop romance: Dardan and I met at Starbucks in Gainesville, FL where we were both attending University of Florida. Since final exams were going on, there were no seats but at the bar, so we ended up sitting next to each other and started to talk. I didn’t do as well on my final, but I did get a husband!
Congrats Lauren + Darden!
Photographer: Tiffany Tolmen of Hunter Ryan Photo / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Selby Gardens / Event Planner: Nicole Kaney of NK Productions / Florist: Flowers by Fudgie / Invitation Designer: Jessica Belvedere of 5 Thirteen Designs / Cake & Catering: Fete / DJ: Fitz Otis / Officiant: Grace Felice / Lighting Rentals: Affairs in the Air / Bride’s Dress: Rivini from Betsy Robinson Bridal / Bride’s Reception Dress: Albanian Dress from Groom’s Mother / Shoes: Menbur / Hairpiece: Betsy Robinson Bridal / Pin: Vintage Family Heirloom / Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank / Groom’s shoes: Cole Haan / Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy Group / Flower Girl Dress: Target
