“We love and respect each other and we love nature,” shares the bride. “We are our wedding – without extra tinsel or an entourage. Just two people in love: nothing else.”
One usually expects business trips to yield career-centered benefits, but for Russian couple Albina Kaziaieva and Vladimir Slastikhin, the rewards were far more personal. “We had studied together, but our first conscious meeting and conversation took place on a work trip in Krasnodar, Russia,” reveals Albina. “Vladimir was so kind and optimistic – and very communicative. I was charmed by his blue eyes and his smile.” The pair was soon an item. When it came time for Vladimir to propose, he decided to do so at a rock concert in the same city where they’d first met, and “on my birthday!” smiles the bride. Immediately, the newly engaged couple knew they didn’t want traditional nuptials. “We were never looking for a big wedding with dozens of people – I realized it would be too complicated for us and our parents,” explains the bride. Instead of a grand affair, they planned a “wedding day just for two.”
During their six-month engagement, they elected to host their special day entirely outdoors. “We focused on the landscapes,” tells Albina. “We wanted to get beautiful photos – just us, the sea, the rocks, and freedom.” On July 29, 2016, the bride donned a flowing light blue gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves, striking crystal earrings, bold cobalt heels, and a colorful headpiece in the style of a twisting vine in preparation for her “I dos.” Vladimir opted for a trendy grey suit with periwinkle accents to match the ensemble of his beloved. Additionally, he carried a bouquet to present to his wife-to-be during their sweet, clifftop “first look” made up of blush, blue, and ivory blooms as well as scattered foliage – complementing his chic boutonniere.
After snapping many awe-inspiring photos around the mountain, the couple and their photographer headed down toward the sea for the vow exchange. “We stood on the sea cape without an arch – instead, we had the Black Sea and the sky – on the Southwest point of Crimea: nothing else but us and our feelings,” gushes the bride. Following their simple and heartfelt ceremony, the newlyweds treated themselves to a delicious one-tier, chocolate-and-cream-cheese naked cake topped with fresh blueberries and rosemary. Albina advises other brides to “trust the professionals and wear comfortable shoes.” For the new Mr. and Mrs., the day was an idyllic representation of them as a couple. “We love and respect each other and we love nature,” she remarks. “We are our wedding – without extra tinsel or an entourage. Just two people in love: nothing else.”
See photos from Albina and Vladimir’s elopement below:
Bridal Gown by Dream & Dress; Bridal Stylist: Yulia Pashchenko; Bridal Accessories by White Pearl; Floral & Event Design by Two Bees; Invitations & Calligraphy by Manya Gamaniuk; Cake by Iavka Zusmana
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