Velka Šuran, an interior designer and native of Croatia, is a woman of unlimited energy and creativity.

Velka created the recognizable LF brand, an award-winning event and destination wedding planning service offering access to exclusive locations, luxury transportation, exquisite catering services and so much more. Over the last two decades LF has catered to many esteemed clientele such as members of the British Royal Family, international celebrities such as José Carreras, Sting and the Foo Fighters as well as numerous cultural and sporting events. When asked where Velka draws inspiration for LF’s unique and extraordinary events, she replies, “I am inspired by the beauty of my home, Istria Croatia. I am constantly striving to set trends, not to follow them, and by providing my clients with 5-star service in every aspect of their event, I am rewarded by their satisfaction and repeat business.”

Istria is a gem in the world of tourism and a true wedding and event oasis. With its ancient coastal towns on the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Istria boasts incredible gastronomy including the world’s finest olive oils, truffles, and Michelin star-rated restaurants. Exquisite wineries sprinkle the incredibly scenic landscape, as do Roman ruins and monuments. From castles to architecturally inspired 5-star hotels, Istria and LF are proud to create one-of-a-kind events that will leave most discerning clientele wanting to come back for more.

In 2022 Velka and LF weddings opened the door to new possibilities, including the idea of holding the first wedding in history inside the walls of the magnificent Arena of Pula, Croatia. Built in 27 B.C., the Pula Arena is one of the best preserved and largest Roman arenas. This extraordinary and historical location is sure to become a top destination wedding and events location of the world.

This month InStyle features bridal designs photographed by fashion photographer Joy Strotz inside the walls of the ancient arena of Pula. Designs are direct from the top bridal boutiques of Istria. Some of the featured gowns were created by local designers and crafted right in Istria. It is our hope that you enjoy this mix of beauty, fashion and history from the heart of Istria!

FULL SESSION CREDITS:

Photographer: Joy Strotz @joystrotz
Producer: Velka Suran @lf_weddings
HMUA: Valentina Stokovac @lebeautymansion & Nina Rabar @ninarabar assisted by Azra Musemic
Retouching: WEON @weon_graphicworld
Models:
@tijaramodelmanagement
@ivanacetina5
@valentina_horvat_
@sara.dilber
Production & Catering: @lf_catering & @arenahotels
Transportation: Bel’Istria @belistria
Location: Pula Arena @pula.arena, Archaelogical Museum of Istria @arheoloski_muzej_istre
Project supported by: Pula Tourism Office @visitistria, @southistria, @croatiafulloflife,
@pula_plus, @dwp_congress

VIDEO CREDITS:

Photographer & Videographer: Joy Strotz @joystrotz
Producer: Velka Suran @lf_weddings
For: InStyle Magazine @instyle.eu
HMUA: Valentina Stokovac @lebeautymansion & Nina Rabar @ninarabar assisted by Azra Musemic
Models:
@tijaramodelmanagement
@ivanacetina5
@valentina_horvat_
@sara.dilber
Gowns from left to right: @pronovias from @vjencanice_biba @vjencanice_angelswedding MillaNova from Boutique “Neva” @neva.vjencanice
Dress Boutiques: @vjencanice_biba, @vjencanice_angelswedding, & @neva.vjencanice Dress
Designers: @pronovias, @pollardi_fashion, MillaNova, @macduggal, Neva Vjencanice
Production & Catering: @lf_catering & @arenahotels
Transportation: Bel’Istria @belistria
Music: “Andromeda” by Victoriya @artlist.io
Location: @pula.arena, Archaelogical Museum of Istria @arheoloski_muzej_istre
Project supported by: Pula Tourism Office @visitistria, @croatiafulloflife, @pula_plus, @southistria, @dwp_congress