With a dream in mind to elope to Croatia, Frana and Patrick knew that they wanted to tie the knot legally first. They booked the Sydney registry office, invited just their nearest and dearest, and did just that in perfect Sydney style, right down to the floral print dress that is so worthy of The Flowers Issue!). “Trust your instincts when you plan your day” advised Frana “We love being guests at big weddings and tearing up the dance floor but when it came to our wedding, it wasn’t for us. Design your day to suit both of your needs and wants – those who love you will understand.”

It was a romantic new beginning for these two, in utterly relaxed style – something that turns out to be a common theme for their life together, including the proposal which occurred over a Sunday beach walk, tells Frana, “It was an early Sunday morning in November on our usual walk with our French bulldog, Fred at Little Austinmer beach. Simple and relaxed – just like us.

Patrick designed the engagement ring with Lewis Joaillier – an exquisite rose gold ring with Australian Argyle diamonds. Patrick was so excited to tell me about his amazing experience with Lewis and he even took my dad with him to the city to pick up the ring.”

Frana had one special surprise ins store for Patrick, hiring a vintage Ford Falcon to transport the couple to the wedding.

Frana’s floral print gown was by Aje and was accessoried with Christie Nicolaides. “Eloping doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself and have a beautiful bridal dress. For the Sydney ceremony, I wore a white and watercolour floral dress by Aje with statement earrings by Christie Nicolaides.”

For the Croatian wedding, I wore a Christie Nicole Bridal mini. The experience with Christie was great – the dress was customised to my measurements and I changed a few features of the dress. Christie was so personable and it was a great experience to be able to work with and support an emerging Australian designer.” Patrick donned a black tuxedo from Politix.

Sweet Pea Botanica created Frana’s bright and beautiful bouquet. “I sent Nikki from Sweet Pea Botanica a photo of my dress and said I’d like some bright florals.” She tells “She created the most perfect bouquet and table pieces with minimal direction from me, they were beautiful.”

On the way to celebrate, the newlyweds stopped with their guests at a very sentimental location, Frana explaining “Our favourite photos are probably the candid pictures where we are having a drink at the pub Patrick and I went on our first date – Paragon Hotel Circular Quay.”

The couple loved working with their photographer. “Brooke Ford Photography took our Sydney photos – she was so relaxed, just like a mate coming along for the day with a camera. She was exactly what we needed, a photographer who was happy to go along with our “let’s see what happens” attitude.  Truly, all of our vendors were amazing – Sweet Pea Botanica, Cafe Sydney and Brooke Ford Photography. It just all came together so perfectly.”

Frana and Patrick joined their guests for a sunset dinner to celebrate in a private room at Cafe Sydney.”The food, service and view was phenomenal” remembered Frana. “Our family ended up at Marble Bar in Sydney dancing till 1 AM. We did not plan this and it’s those organic moments I’ll remember forever – dancing with my dad and brother in a nightclub to Shaggy and Ja Rule on my wedding night.”

Congratulations to you both Frana and Patrick! Thank you for sharing your day with us and congratulations on your marriage. Thank you also to Brooke Ford Photography for sharing this story!