You&Me Summer2012

You &Me Summer issue // 2012

Summer lovin’ M A N Y WAY S O F

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Just a few words...

Today we’ve had the hardest task. After we’ve had the whole magazine almost ready and we are so excited about the moment we show it to you, it was about time to write few words as an introduction. We thought – it’ll be easy, we’ll just write something about us, why we started the project and that’s enough. Yes, but how do we begin? We sit there for quite some time now, writing something, deleting it and then again.

That’s the magic of today’s technology. In the past times we would have to throw away each paper, on which was written a thought, which seemed so great at the moment we wrote it, but as soon as it was written down – it didn’t look that great anymore. Do you remember the times when you played with the other kids and pretended you were working in a post office, a shop or even a publishing house? When we were on vacation with our grandparents we were issuing a newspaper with the daily lunch menu, we wrote own books with magical stories and we didn’t even suspected that few years later we’ll get back to these child memories and we’ll start preparing a real magazine. But actually… why not? After all Lucie has a lot of experience in the weddings area thanks to her blog – “Originalni svatba” and Radostina has a great talent and sense for the details and design, which is visible on her blog – 79 Ideas. That’s why we decided that we will use our experience and skills to create something special. Another reason is that it is quite hard to find a quality wedding magazine, which not only fits our idea of such magazine, but mainly it is useful and interesting for you – its readers. Last but not least, we wanted to show you that with trusted vendors you can actually achieve the same results as you see on the pages of the magazines.

It was the end of May; we were having a cup of cappuccino and thinking about the first issue.

It was warm and maybe that’s how we decided that it should be a summer issue. Full of warming sun rays which will evoke smiles on each face and will contain gorgeous colors which are so inherent to the summer. We have to admit that choosing the people, you’ll meet in this issue, was a lot easier than writing the magazine itself. Maybe because we worked with them in the past we were so excited that we’ll meet them again. The same mood was all over the place also when we were shooting our elegant editorial. We wanted to create something unique for you, with a hint of mystery but at the same time something that will inspire you and open doors to a new world.

Lace, and only in black, looks like will be a hit in the next season not only related to weddings but also in general as a fashion element.

Elegant wedding in the spirit of the twenties will be competing with those made in vintage style. More or less this is what each future issue of “You&Me” magazine will contain. We will be making new things for you, we will be meeting you with new, young, talented and also proven vendors. Our aim is to make the preparation of your wedding day as easier as possible and make it the best day in your life – that’s how it should be. We already look forward to the next issue, but meanwhile we really hope you will like the current one.

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Contents

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Lucia Štofej and her wedding accessories

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Wedding full of great ideas {real wedding}

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Beautiful Croatia {real wedding}

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DIY Easy glitter decoration

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Love is in the air

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Stationary & Invitations alá La Petite

Colorful Wedding Bouquet by La Florista

DIY High heels with style

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DIY How to decorate a sweet corner

Moruška dizajn and their dreamy wedding

Sweet heart from Dulce de Leche

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Wedding with style and soul {real wedding}

T hese wonderful people helped us in creating this issue:

Veronika & Peter Velickí – Photographs

Lenka Vargová & Monika Rajzíková Vargová – Florists

Lucia Štofejová – Accessories

Eva Filipová – Stationary & Invitations

Ludka Grešková & Dáška Priedhorská – Wedding gown

Petra Andelová – Wedding & Event design

Martina Pintérová Bezáková – Desserts

Kateřina Arnoldová – Florist

Olívia Norovská – Visage and hair styling

From the bottom of our heart we would like to thank all of you, who believed in us, in our abilities and our little project for last few months. Thanks to you, right now lot of people can flip through our own first issue of the You&Me Magazine. Thank you for your support, your patience and we appreciate opinion of every one of you. Thanks to our loves, families, friends, puppies and all knowns and unknowns. You are amazing!

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It seems to me like we are already familiar with Lucka whole eternity.

Perhaps it is because countless exchanged emails, to a few meetings, the happy bride and pleasant atmosphere in a café, where we introduced to her our little project and hers enthusiastic “Sure, you can count with me.” And not only that, what makes Lucka exceptional. But also her individual approach to every customer. And she also proceeds this way to our conversation. It is definitely worth to read it.

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How did you start with making accessories?

When I was young I was enjoying art a lot and the most I liked to illustrate my own mini books, where the main characters were my friends.

During high school I was excited making jewelry and my excitement was growing each day.

I started to improve technically and to try new ways of creating things. During the university studies there was already interest of what I was doing and I started to create things under my own brand “lulu.bijoux”. When I finished university we went with my husband for half a year to Great Britain where I taught in elementary school. Every day I came back home tired and exhausted. I didn’t have energy for creating things and I missed it a lot. And then came the crazy idea to do what I liked the most full time, for a living. Today I can’t wait for each “working day” to start and I can’t believe what is going on around me.

How did you start with producing wedding accessories?

I was somehow pushed to make wedding accessories by people visiting my ETSY shop. It was about a year ago. Gradually the number of brides asking me for accessories either for them or their bridesmaids was increasing. So these requests influenced the direction of my art, which I only appreciate. When I was planning my own wedding I spent hours reading blogs about “handmade” weddings. Now at least I have an excuse when doing it.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I find inspiration in everyday life. It could be old movies, blogs about the latest trends or trips in the mountains with my husband, my dog and friends. Everything around me is a constant impetus for me to create. Sometimes it is even hard to turn off all these “voices”. Impressions and experiences are turning into creations.

Sometimes I feel like the days are too short to realize all the ideas. When creating one thing often another one comes to my mind, so I have to take notes and sketch it so I can get to it later.

Even though I am making accessories I find inspiration in many strange places. It could be foreign bazars or small hidden antique shops.

Sometimes I don’t even have to travel and ideas come only when I find old dress in my grandmother’s closet. She always knows how to make me happy by a “treasure” she dug out for me.

You said you follow trends. What do you think will attract brides in the next wedding season?

In the next wedding season “2013” the mint colors will continue to rule. This soft pastel mint will be felt in the bouquets, invitations, dresses, decorations and accessories. The popularity of that shade is probably related to the vintage trend. In the middle of the last century it was the favorite color in the American households – from tiles to typewriters. The famous designers just brought it back to the catwalks. I also caught up also that the bright, vibrant colors of the rainbow will be popular. Also the movie “The Great Gatsby” will hit the theaters and it is expected that it will increase the interest to the elegance of the 20th century. In the acces11

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sories we’ll see more rhinestone, hats and wide headbands with lace. I tried to take all trends into consideration while making my new collection. Clips, headbands and hats are glittering gorgeously thanks to the rhinestone ornaments.

I have combined them with French lace, gentle pearls and crinoline - a substance often used in millinery. In the color scale used you can find also pastel colors besides white and ivory.

What do you consider to be your greatest success so far?

Some time ago I was contacted by a French lady via my ETSY shop. She wanted to buy few vintage headbands with lace. We’ve exchanged a lot of mails and I was excited not only about the successful sale, but also about the fact that my products will go somewhere to Toulouse. I am a passionate Francophile and I admire the French culture. When the products arrived the lady was impressed and she offered me further cooperation. She wanted me to create, exclusively for her, a collection of accessories using precious old materials coming from Slovakia. So now you can find my creations in her boutique “Atmosphere Mariages”. This is what I consider the greatest success. Even more I am excited of the fact that she has chosen only few authors, so my products are amongst those of my idols like „Lo Bohemie“ or „Atelier Rousseau“.

What are you afraid of when you are creating wedding accessories?

My biggest fear is that the product won’t fit the client’s expectations. Most of the time my clients are brides, for who even a smallest detail can either complete or ruin their wedding day.

Most of the customers write me back as soon as they receive the package and I blush while read-

ing the kind comments. It is like a balm for the soul and thanks to it my work has a meaning.

The cherry on top of the cake is when I see their wedding photos and they wear an accessory made by me.

If you can create any kind of accessory for a daring bride, what will it be?

I am not much of extravagance fan, so when I create things I give advantage to the softness and simplicity. That’s one of the reasons why my customers approach me. A delicate accessory could impress a lot more than a bold one. I wish there were more daring brides, who’d give advantage to handmade products. For example I’m planning to create vintage wedding hats with lace, which were popular in the twenties and thirties of the last century. I am not sure though if these products will find their owners in Czech Republic or Slovakia. Hopefully I will be positively surprised.

Do you prefer working for orders or according to your own imagination?

I like the most when I can turn my ideas into products. It is a small miracle when a pencil sketch turns into a product standing in front of me. But working for orders is a bigger challenge.

It is preceded by getting to know the customer, conversations about the wedding, colors and topic of the day. And I enjoy it. It is very inspiring and it helps me to move forward. My fantasy works on full throttle during the communication phase and the result is several drafts.

Then I can’t wait to see which draft “wins”.

For more information: Lucia Štofej

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DIY

Easy glitter decoration

If you like the glitter heart, which the bride holds in our editorial, we will show you how easily you can create it. You’ll need the paper hearts, glitter powder, glue, tape and thin sticks.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Cut out hearts from the thicker paper, or use heart paper punch.

Prepare a glitter powder.

Apply glue on the heart and sprinkle with glitter powder.

Attach heart to the stick with tape.

If you want to have a double-sided heart, use another glitter heart and glue it together.

Now you have your glitter heart decoration. You can use it as a shooting prop, or even as a dessert or wedding cake decoration or topper.

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Evka with Michal made a great point with their wedding.

That is why it was full of beautiful, fancy but also perfectly matched details.

Photography: Peter & Veronika VelickĂ­ Concept & Styling: MoruĹĄka dizajn

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Evka met Michal really long time ago. She was 16 years old and she met Michal at a dance floor, in a dance club. For a long time they were just friends until a few years later when their friendship became something more.

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The proposal It was a really beautiful story of one stay at the cottage in Kråliky, Slovak Republic. When the rest of the friends were on a walk, they both stayed in the cottage all alone. Michal pops the question, and the Evka´s reaction was very spontaneous. There were even a few teardrops.

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The dress For the bride, the dress choice was absolutely clear - lace, lace and again, lace. No corset and no dress which looks like a huge wedding cake. The true inspiration for her was Grace Kelly’s wedding gown and bride’s favorite dress from The Godfather movie. And what about Martin? Despite he could not see the gown before wedding; Martin devotedly drove his wife-to-be from one wedding salon to another.

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The bouquet From the beginning of the wedding planning, Evka dreamed about soft pastel color palette for wedding decorations and also flowers. Amazing team from Moruška design fulfilled her dreams to the last detail and prepared a beautiful surprise for her.

They fill in the wedding bouquet with some poppy heads and this way they made this bouquet like a real dream to bride.

The windmills The assignment of the creative bride to the wedding agency was clear. Since the ceremony will take place outdoors, they should include something that can be moved by the breeze during the ceremony into wedding decorations. And the windmills idea was born. Nice thing about that was a great surprise for the groom, because he didn´t know about that wedding decoration until the moment of arrival at the ceremony.

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Colorful sneakers It was a very spontaneous idea for wedding photography. Originally sneakers were designed for the wedding of their friends.

The design was made by the groom himself. But they eventually decided to take them to the photo shoot and it was a great idea.

And the beautiful retro bike from photographer Veronika Velickรก fitted perfectly together with other beautifully hand-made props from other Evka Zentko, colorful sweaters, so hilarious wedding portraits came alive.

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Evka for Michal There are lots of reasons why Michal. With him I am totally happy all the time. We laugh a lot together and for me, he is my greatest support.

Michal for Evka At the ZochovĂĄ, close before the wedding, lady receptionist asked whether I am stressed. I answered: „I am totally sure; I have no reason to be stressed.“ You meet a partner who fits you so much only once in a lifetime. And I am that lucky.

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Eva has had a wonderful and original wedding.

That was the first time she caught our attention over a year ago. When we found out that the success with her own wedding invitation encouraged her to start designing it, we were more than delighted. So there was no question about asking her for cooperation. And when she came with her designs for our special summer issue, we were speechless. Fortunately Eva, La Petite was able to answer a few questions.

How long have you been designing wedding invitations?

I have been designing wedding invitations for a year and a half. Everything started with my own wedding in June 2011. I couldn’t find any invitation that I would love. Being a graphic designer, I want to have everything as I like it, so I made a few designs on my own. A few turned out to be twenty and I really enjoyed that. Actually I am still enjoying it.

What does inspire you the most at your work?

My fantasy, imagination, things and people

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around me, or even wedding photos. When designing custom made invitations, the most important role play the wedding couple and their ideas. So it is a combination of my vision and their expectations.

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What do you consider to be your greatest success?

My greatest success and a pleasure at once is when people come back again – for birthday card or christening ceremony invitation for instance. And of course I really appreciate offers for cooperation that I have already got.

What are you concerned about the most when designing wedding invitation?

If you can create any wedding invitation, what will it look like?

When designing? Nothing, I guess. It’s like a game where you can always reset and start again.

I’m trying to create all of my works witty and smart. Timeless, clear and unique. Surely I’d like to start using intaglio more. Sometimes I miss it at my work.

What does the place where you work look like?

For more information: La Petite

It is a rented flat in Kutna Hora. Desk with a computer in a bedroom. Not even a printer. Just a pile of papers and sketchbooks. Maybe a bit rough conditions for serigraphy, but I have our 40

cat Moe and the best husband in the world here.

I have a full-time job in a theatre, so sometimes I have to refuse cooperation or an order. My dream is to have an atelier in Prague and dedicate all my time to La Petite.

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{

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} Croatia

Beautiful

Photography: Štěpán Vrzala

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{

BARBORA

♥

SRDJAN

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B

arbora met Srdjan eleven years ago. It was a

coincidence and also a nice story. Srdjan came to visit his friends to Prague, Czech Republic, befo-

re the end of the school year. And his friends were friends with Barbora. So this is how they met each other. Srdjan back then said that he will probably return to Prague to study, but it was not certain.

There was a school party in the fall and Barbora was not really sure, that she wanted to go there.

When she was almost ready to leave home, she saw Srdjan. In that moment, she quietly moved back to the bar, waiting for him to stop by. Since then, they began to see each other as friends; they solve things around their previous relationships. That’s how their beautiful ten year long relationship began. They went together through a lot of traveling, a distance relationship, living together in a foreign Asian country, but everything was worth it.

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n 2009 Srdjan proposed Barbora in her beloved

France. It was a romance, as it is for every girl. And then came the planning of their beautiful wedding in Dubrovnik.

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{

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CEREMONY

}

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S

ince a lot of close friends and families from all over the world were invited, Barbora and Srdjan deci-

ded to hold a wedding celebration for a few days.

They started on Tuesday and the actual wedding took place on Saturday. Every day there was a program prepared for wedding guests, from city tours, cruises around the islands, swimming, to a party with DJ. Well, they just took it to the maximum.

The ceremony took place in the historic center of Dubrovnik, in the Sponza palace. Even few drops of happiness fell from the sky during their ceremony. Then they all moved to the little island for a dinner and party, which was held in the beautiful villa Růža. Everything turned out perfect. Even some dolphins arrived to greet newlyweds and the sunset was really touching together with the speeches of fathers and best man.

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{

W E D D I N G PA RT Y

}

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hat day was arranged into the white and blue co-

lor palette. Barbora chose the hydrangea, which is

a typical flower for Dubrovnik, for her main flower.

And everything fitted perfectly with the beautiful historic places in the city center and the old villa on the island. These five beautiful days will stay in Barbora’s and Srdjan´s hearts forever.

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Colorful Wedding Bouquet

I met Katka (La Florista) on the second attempt. But it was worth it, because Katka is excited about weddings as much as I am. And when we shared with her the idea to participate in the first issue of our magazine she accepted without hesitation. She prepared for you a recipe for a untraditionally colorful bouquet.

La Florista: Summer mood and sun attracts to choose yellow color. And not just yellow, you need to brighten and illuminate whole bouquet. That is why I specially choose pink. Bouquet in yellow and pink shades is summery and cheerful, full of optimism and inspiration. This season colorful flowers in pastel shades go hand in hand with fashion trends. That is why you cannot be bored from this combination.

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Few interesting facts about the flowers, which Katka used to prepare the wedding bouquet:

Red Hypericum and its berries are widely used as a decorative addition not only to wedding bouquets.

Bouvardia came to use from the distant Mexico, but it took its name after the French doctor Charles Bouvard, who was personal doctor of Louis XIII. Freesia is among the best-scented flowers. Even a small flower can scent the whole wedding day.

Carnations and their mini version are becoming again quite popular amongst flowers. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Eustoma comes from Texas, and is one of the first choices among brides these days. Either alone in bouquets or in various combination with other flowers.

Asocenda is a kind of orchid which was created by mixing the Ascocentrum and Vanda genera, which is characterized by a large number of long-lasting flowers.

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DIY

HIGH HEELS WITH STYLE Is it hard to find the right shoes for your wedding day? Be creative and add a little bit of style and sparkle to your wedding shoes.

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s i e v o L r i a e in th

Photography: Peter & Veronika Velickí Concept & Styling: Tím You&Me

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Black has always been “new black” and also the sign of elegance. Each of us knows the right meaning and importance of „Little Black Dress“ and immediately imagines a perfectly fitting Audrey Hepburn’s black cocktail dress in the Breakfast at Tiffany‘s.

Elegance and nobleness in combination with the unusual black on wedding day were our main inspiration for the creation of this editorial. We were little by little adding details that would reflect our idea of a stylish celebration of love of two unique people in a unique location.

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Where else could you imagine the combination of elegance, style and gentility in one place than in the stunning Kempinski Hotel, Bratislava, Slovakia? You feel like in heaven there, far above the clouds, where love is in the air.

Photography: Peter a Veronika Velickí | Concept & Styling: Tím You&Me | Location: Hotel Kempinski, Bratislava | Wedding gown and accessories: Salón DIVA | Makeup & Hair: Olívia Norovská, Splendor.sk - with cosmetics Clinique | Accessories: Lucia Štofej | Flower Design: Ateliér Papaver | Desserts: Dulce de Leche | Wedding cake: Cukráreň Arriba

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DIY Do you like the way we have decorated our table with wedding cake? You can decorate your with similar style and it is really easy to do.

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Moruška dizajn and their dreamy wedding Photography: Peter a Veronika Velickí Concept & Styling: Moruška dizajn Text: Moruška dizajn

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During creating this shooting we were inspired by

Where do you look for inspiration and what in-

this season, the magical sunset, the scent of bloo-

spires you the most in creating wedding design?

ming meadows and ripening fruit. This apple tree

Our ambition is to bring to every wedding, which

is my beloved place, and I wanted for such a long time to create some shooting right here...

and originality. Inspiration is all around us, you

What was your way to the wedding design and

just need to feel it and discover it. Important part

how long have you been doing this?

of our inspiration is the bride and groom and the

We have been designing weddings since our own

location. That is why we always tailor wedding de-

wedding planning stage. We were so fascinated

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passes through our hands, the dose of uniqueness

sign to the specific couple and area in which the

with the atmosphere of planning, creating, con-

wedding takes place.

necting of details into a harmonious unit and with

Wedding design is a seasonal thing. What was

the will to turn the dreams into reality, that we de-

“trendy” this season and what do you think will

cided that our own wedding was not our last one

be “in” the next season?

when it comes to planning.

We definitely follow current trends, but they are

not determining for us. Because trendy doesn’t al-

the plan, will the weather be good in case of the

ways mean unique and original.

outdoor wedding? Will the staff in wedding venue

What do you consider to be your greatest success?

cooperate with us the way we need them, will all

Each and every wedding which meets the expectations of our clients is our success. It’s amazing when we get text message or a phone call from the bride even during the wedding. So far, the most emotional experience for us was when the groom

of our subcontractors do everything according to the agreement? But our biggest concern is always whether the results meet the expectations of the wedding couple.

If you had that chance, what would you like to

seeing the decorated room wept.

do?

What is your greatest fear few days before the

With the greatest enthusiasm we create weddings

wedding?

Before every wedding, we have the same concerns and the reasons are quite prosaic. For example, were we able to prepare everything according to

where we can use a lot of our imagination and creativity, where the cooperation and communication with the couple is smooth, and where the wedding venue has an atmosphere and friendly staff.

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When did it come to your mind for the first time to share your great-looking and delicious culinary creations on the blog with the whole world?

I have never considered the idea to have a blog.

When my friend Janka came with this idea, I started to think about it a lot. And I don’t even know how, but the blog became a reality. Today I am grateful to Janka, because my blog has become part of my life. It is my virtual place where I share my passion for food and photography and I hope this spreads around and fills other lives.

When was the first time you came across with wedding desserts?

The first time I came across with wedding desserts was our own wedding. It wasn´t the best idea to do it myself. I disabled my back baking the day before the wedding. Fortunately everything went well and I was glad that I could host our wedding guests with a piece of my sweet passion.

Where do you look for the ideas for sweet temptations?

I seek my inspiration mainly in wedding photos from abroad. Then I process this inspiration in my mind and transform it for Slovak and Czech 106

customers.

What do you prefer, small desserts or wedding cakes?

I prefer various small deserts. Because of its small size it always looks so cute. I literally enjoy the baking and especially decorating this mini deserts.

If you have no limitations when preparing desserts, what will you like to do?

I like all desserts. That’s why I prefer to have a free hand for the preparation of the whole sweet bar.

This is exactly what makes me happy. When I can harmonize the color of cakes and deserts with the wedding decorations or theme of the wedding.

Place it on the beautiful trays and enjoy the magic of the details.

This year we had wedding macarons. What do you think wedding guests will enjoy the most in the next season?

I feel like macarons will stay popular for a while.

After all, in the Slovak Republic this trend did not burst so much. But Cake Pops may surprise us this season - mini desserts, straight into the mouth.

For more information: Dulce de Leche

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Theďż˝ say that love is sweet. Martinka transforms these words into reality.

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Martinka served heďż˝ guests with a great homemade caramel ice cream and chocolate muffins.

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Who could resist heďż˝ cupcakes?

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Each dessert that leaves her kitchen has own soul and looks beautiful.

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Photography: Peter a Veronika VelickĂ­

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WEDDING

WITH STYLE AND SOUL

Photography: Peter Lukačovič

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How They Met Miška and Ivan met through their friends already long time ago. Face to face they saw each other again at market in a small town. Miška cheerfully called him laud with full name across the whole street. That time she had no idea, he will once became her husband. Then she accidentally ran into him the next day and the next one too and the next again...

The Proposal After some time spent together, she started to feel that Ivan may propose to her one day. But she could not image any man to choose the right ring for her. It all finished differently and she never got the engagement ring. When it happened and he asked her the question, it was all very romantic, under blue sky and with original handmade necklace.

The Dress To choose the right dress was not easy. The bride wanted to find the wedding dress, which would be interesting, stylish and fit her the best. When she found the right one, it was the perfect cut, fabric combination and especially the bow which made her to decide.

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The Bouquet Wild meadows in bloom fascinated Miška always more than well maintained gardens, so they fast became an inspiration for her wedding bouquet. She asked skilful girls from Atelier Papaver to make her wild and playful meadow wish come true and she could not choose any better.

Wedding Invitations The bride to be was in charge of the wording and they both were trying to find the best visual form of the wedding invitations. Once they had the final version and printed it out, they felt there was something missing and were not totally happy with it. At the end they changed their mind at the very last moment and the final and perfect invitations were created by Ivan over only one evening.

Photo Shoot Their friend came with the idea to take the wedding photo shoot in the old castle, he was renovating. They left all the initiative on the photographer and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Even though it was not planned, the castle and the veteran car happened to fit perfect into the wedding style.

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Miška for Ivan And why Ivan? Because he says I am a cosmic dog and he can always find hidden meaning and point in my words.

Ivan for Miška There is one thing I love about Miška. Her brain.

Photography: Peter Lukačovič | Additional photos: AlafetaPhoto | Flower Design : Ateliér Papaver | Stationary and invitations: the bride Miška

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See you in Novembeďż˝.

Since then you can follow us on Facebook, or send us a message info@youandmemag.com

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