A Slovakian Fairytale: Couple Ties the Knot at Stunning Vineyard Wedding
Love bloomed in an unexpected place for Joni and Tomás. It wasn’t at a romantic Parisian café or during a breathtaking sunset walk – no, their love story began amongst summer campfires and pillow fights.
They first met in the summer of 2019 while both working as camp counselors in Missouri, USA. Joni, dressed as the lovable character Dobby from Harry Potter, caught Tomás’s eye.
"It helped break the ice," Joni grinned, recalling the interstellar start to their romance.
After a whirlwind courtship that spanned continents, Tomáš, who hails from Nove Zamky, Slovakia, popped the question on a picturesque beach during a vacation in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The fairytale continued on July 6th as Joni and Tomás exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family at a stunning vineyard venue called Chateau Ruban nestled in a peaceful village. It was a truly magical day.
"We had both our ceremony and the reception at Chateau Ruban,” Joni beamed, reliving the perfect moment. She chose a beautiful champagne dress from Say I Do in Midleton, one of the first she tried on, and knew right away it was "the one."
Adding a personal touch, Joni’s best friend’s mother, a skilled hairdresser, styled Joni’s hair, adding to the warmth and intimacy of their celebration.
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of cultures, reflecting the couple’s unique story. Held in both Slovakian and English, the ceremony allowed both families to fully immerse themselves in the day, understanding every important moment.
“It was really interesting for guests, and meant both families could understand everything,” Joni explained. Another cultural tradition they honored was having Tomás’s mother escort him down the aisle, as is tradition in Slovakia.
Following the ceremony, an outdoor reception unveiled under a beautifully draped marquee, bathed in fairy lights against the backdrop of rolling vineyard fields. The setting sun bestowed the perfect ambiance as the newlyweds danced the night away.
"It was a gorgeous sunny day so we had to make the most of the weather and have it outside," recalled Joni. Adding to the ambiance, "The venue is also in quite an isolated area so it meant at night-time we could see the stars which was great,” she added, highlighting another magical element of their special day.
The evening was filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. There was no shortage of surprises either. Joni’s cousins, who are competitive Irish dancers, put on an unforgettable impromptu show, showcasing their talent and adding to the festive spirit.
But for Joni and Tomás, writing and saying their own vows was the absolute highlight.
“We decided to write our own vows, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room by the end of them,” she shared, her eyes lighting up at the memory.
The wedding cake, a delicious secret kept until the grand reveal, was a delightful surprise, though not the only sweet treat.
"Thankfully, it exceeded all my expectations and was so delicious," said Joni. Their cake wasn’t the only sweet treat though, as they also had a cheese cake option for guests who prefer savory delights.
With music provided by The Ian Hendrick Band – Joni’s Father is the frontman of the band there was a sense of both
"The entire day was special,” concluded Joni, as they Non-stop fun and joy pervaded the event. Food, laughter, dancing, and dancing and dancing were the night away.
What was Joni’s wedding dress like?
## Interview with a Alex Reed at Joni and Tomás’s Wedding
**Interviewer:** “What a gorgeous wedding! Can you tell me a little bit about Joni and Tomás’s special day?”
**Alex Reed:** “It was truly magical! You could feel the love in the air. Joni looked absolutely stunning in her champagne dress. They chose this beautiful vineyard, Chateau Ruban, and it was the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding.”
**Interviewer:** “That’s wonderful. Did anything stand out to you specifically about the ceremony?”
**Alex Reed:** “It was so thoughtful that they had the ceremony in both Slovakian and English. It allowed both families to fully enjoy the moment, even those who might not have spoken the same language. It really brought everyone together.”
**Interviewer:** “That’s a beautiful touch. Did you know Joni and Tomás well before the wedding?”
**Alex Reed:** “I’ve known Joni for a while. She’s such a warm and bubbly person, and it’s clear how much Tomás adores her. They really compliment each other.”
**Interviewer:** “Do you have any other favorite memories from the day?”
**Alex Reed:** “It was all so wonderful. The food was delicious, the music was great, and everyone was dancing. But I think the most special moment was seeing Tomás’s mom escort him down the aisle. It was such a sweet tribute to Slovakian tradition, and it really showed how close the families are.”
**Interviewer:** “Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It sounds like it was a truly unforgettable wedding.”
