Marcela far exceedes expectations!
Where to begin? Our wedding turned out to be a fairy tale come true thanks to Marcela Ban and her expert team. A portrait of poise, courtesy and such refined taste, Marcela is truly a master at making dreams come true. When we first imagined hosting a wedding overseas, our heads were filled with excitement and romantic visions of faraway locations. Warm turquoise waters, stunning lush coastline with a European flare. Our hearts were set on the magnificent Dalmatian coast of Croatia. But where to begin?
We were quickly inundated and intimidated with the daunting task ahead, all the moving parts of trying to organize an event for friends and family in a foreign country where we had not been before, did not speak the language, many time zones off our daily schedule. The cons quickly piled up against us and we became disheartened. Not to mention doubts from all corners that we could pull this off in time the way that we’d envisioned it.
We dreamt of a grand villa for all our family to stay at together that would serve as a homebase for a week of fun-filled activities. Of exciting daily excursions to explore the exotic seascapes, relaxing boat trips to sunbaked islands, exhilarating beach clubs and cove-side cafes, stirring ancient ruins. We wanted it all. And for a price that we could afford.
Enter Marcela Ban. We had interviewed several wedding coordinators who knew the region well and had put together many events there. Thanks to my wife’s uncanny intuition, we decided to work with Marcela. What a stroke of good fortune! Simply put, she is an artist. There is nothing beyond her grasp, her tireless work ethic is in infectious. And her vivid imagination knows no bounds. As high-maintenance Americans, we are admittedly demanding and expect the very best from people, the work they perform and an utmost measure of commitment. Marcel does not disappoint.
There was not the tiniest iota that she had not thought of and seen to with ease and passion. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to seamlessly juggle so many endeavors, vendors, locations, rentals, etc. is almost super-human. And we came to trust her and her instincts implicitly.
First, she suggested a stunning estate, Villa Bruna that turned out to be the oasis of our dreams. A private hideaway a mere short walk from Old Town Dubrovnik, it’s powdery beaches and intimate rocky grottoes and lively cafes. The villa was awash with vibrant color from the lush gardens, a vast glimmering pool and many comfortable bedrooms, so deftly divided to either side of the house with their own bathrooms and staircases so both sides of our family could enjoy their own space to themselves. And right next door to a quaint café that baked us fresh croissants each morning!
Marcela organized a day out at sea aboard our own vintage vessel to explore the surrounding Elafiti islands that was simply enchanting. The rugged coastline with all it’s hidden bays and sparkling channels amazed us all, stopping for hours at a time to stroll the quiet islands and explore the pristine beaches together at our own pace. Similarly, our rehearsal dinner was a dining extravaganza right at the port at a cobblestone plaza overlooking the bay with a doting staff who catered to our every whim.
Our wedding was beyond our wildest expectations. We were married in a 16th century Renaissance palace right in the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik. The setting was straight out of a Vanity Fair shoot with it’s ornate floral arrangements, elegant furniture, rich drapes and runners and wide open canopy that filled the ancient space with sunlight and cool breezes.
While my wife and I took photos and captured footage with a friendly stills and video team whose work seems right out of a Cannes-quality commercial shoot, Marcela had arranged the guests to enjoy another cruise around the harbor to take in the sights over glasses of Prosecco.
A fleet of shiny new black Mercedes sedans and mini-buses awaited us at the Old Town’s gate and swept us up into the hills to yet another dazzling villa, impeccably decorated for our reception and catered dining. The scene was straight out of a Fellini film where a friendly staff poured cocktails and our party took in the sprawling gardens and a view of the glimmering Adriatic below that left everyone speechless. We dined together at a long table with garlands and candlelit votives and enjoyed a multi-course dining experience with wines and sparkling champagnes from an award-winning chef whose dishes were simply exquisite, picturesque masterpieces, some of the finest cuisine we’d ever tasted. The DJ played our favorites and our friends and family danced the night away on the stony plaza in between laughter and heartfelt moments together on the towering promontory and it’s hypnotizing vistas of the crystal blue Mediterranean and ancient terracotta skyline.
As avid travelers, we have been fortunate enough to see much of the world and it’s hidden beauty. And while we expect much from our carefully planned trips, we’ve learned valuable lessons over the years. That it is the unexpected that truly inspires us. That meeting friendly special people along the way who share their vision and lifestyle with us is the true currency of making your dreams come true. We placed our trust in Marcela and it’s been a reward that we will cherish for the rest of our days. No matter what the occasion or where in the world you decide to pursue, having Marcel at the helm will make timeless memories what will last a lifetime.
Thank you, Marcela. For spinning our simple little trip into a timeless tale of romance and happiness for all.