Former model booker, Amelia McGahan, is well-acquainted with the artistry of capturing picture-perfect moments, and when she exchanged vows with fashion photographer, Žiga Mihelčič, their wedding day unfolded as a celebration of timeless elegance – a testament to their shared appreciation for beauty.
The couple’s love story began in 2017, orchestrated by mutual friends. “Žiga was one of the photographers we frequently booked for shoots. My colleagues insisted he was the perfect man for me, however, I wasn’t looking for a relationship at that time, so I didn’t think much of it.” Amelia tells Dream Weddings. The pair were subsequently invited to a party where it quickly became apparent they were the subjects of an ingenious matchmaking scheme. “It was a little awkward at the beginning of the evening as everyone knew it was a set up, but once we got talking, we didn’t stop.” In the weeks that followed, Amelia and Žiga met up on several occasions with Amelia confessing she swiftly realised Žiga was the one. “He made me gluten and dairy-free pancakes on our third date. He researched a recipe and surprised me with the delicious treat. In that moment, I knew he was the one for me!”
Fast forward to the summer of 2023, Žiga chose the enchanting landscape of Iceland as the backdrop for his surprise proposal. “We’d been planning the road trip since pre-Covid, and we’d spoken about visiting a specific beach called Stokksnes. It’s a stunning spot we discovered online that looked incredible. We knew we had to find it.”
As the day of the proposal dawned, Amelia was completely unaware of the significant moment that awaited her. “We were walking around the sand dunes of the beach in search the perfect spot for a photograph – Žiga, as ever, was intent on discovering the best location for his photos and drone footage. Iceland is a photographer’s dream come true. I was taking a video on my phone, and Žiga kept encouraging me to go higher up the sand dune. When I turned around, I could tell he was a little teary. My initial assumption was that he’d crashed his drone, but then he got down on one knee and asked the question I had long envisioned, presenting my dream engagement ring. It couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Following a civil ceremony in Abu Dhabi, the couple celebrated their nuptials on September 14, 2024 at the magnificent Štanjel Castle in Slovenia, the groom’s cherished homeland. “From the outset, I imagined an outdoor wedding, complete with the charm of a vineyard and a picturesque courtyard. This venue perfectly encapsulated that vibe, and upon first glimpse of the courtyard, I fell in love.” Amelia recalls.
The bride walked down the aisle alongside her father to a version of the Elvis Presley classic, Can’t Help Falling in Love, by Kina Grannis. Swathed in a strapless ivory gown, its pleated bodice capturing the essence of timeless elegance, she teamed her ensemble with a delicate veil and lace-trimmed gloves. “The earrings I wore belonged to my mum, serving as my something borrowed. She had treasured them for many years and held onto them for my wedding day. My necklace was the first diamond Žiga ever gifted me, and I wanted it to be a part of our special day.” The bride’s beauty look was effortlessly chic, characterised by neutral make-up and soft, cascading waves.
The ceremony was officiated by the groom’s father.
Following the heartfelt “I dos,” the newlyweds enjoyed a delightful evening filled with a sumptuous dinner, lively dancing, and moving speeches. In a remarkable display of thoughtfulness, British-born Amelia astonished her husband and their guests by delivering her sentiments in Slovenian. “Everyone was completely shocked. Some of our guests do not speak English, and I wanted them to feel included in the festivities.”
Reflecting upon the day, there’s nothing about the wedding Amelia would alter (including last minute changes due to bad weather), apart from wishing she could do it all again. “I’ll admit, I found the run-up to the big day a little stressful, however, I ensured I was so present on the day of the wedding. I even had a second gown to switch into, but I was having so much fun that I couldn’t bring myself to step away from the party to change.”
“One of the highlights for me was having my three grandparents there to share our special day.” Amelia reminisces. “After the wedding, we had a mini honeymoon in Croatia with my entire family. We rented a huge villa so we could all be under one roof. I’ll cherish those memories forever.”
DRESS & VEIL: Ilume
SHOES: Dior
ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS: Cara Jewellers
HAIR: John Meighan
MAKE-UP: Maja Drab
GROOM’S SUIT & SHOES: Fab Tailors
EVENT PLANNER: Karin Čemažar
VENUE, CATERER, & CAKE: Grad Štanjel
PHOTOGRAPHER: Aluna
VIDEOGRAPHER: Miloš Milosevic Films
FLORIST, PROPS & FURNITURE: Cara Creative Co.
