Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj, - Slovenia - July 2026.

 After saying goodbye to Mark and Gayle the following morning, we left Udine for Slovenia, and they set off for a few days in Venice.

Our last breakfast at Udine Hotel. We're going to miss our breakfast buddies!

Having already visited the Slovenian coastal towns of Koper, Piran, and Poronoz before the wedding, we headed toward Ljubljana, where we had a two-night hotel reservation near the city center.

C

Crossing the border.

Ljubljana's City Center:  It was a pleasant afternoon when we took public transportation from our hotel to explore Ljubljana's historic city center - the capital's charming pedestrian district stretching along both banks of the Ljubljanica River.

Preseren Square, the center of Ljubljana Old City.

Franciscan Church of Annunciation at Preseren Square.

France Preseren Monument.


The orginal stone bridge at the heart of Ljubljana iconic triple bridge.

The stone bridge.

Triple Bridge, located right next to Preseren Monument.

The Central Market Building shimmering along the Ljubljana riverbank , designed by Slovenia's master architect, Jose Plecnik.

The iconic Art Nouveau Dragon Bridge.

Robba Fountain in Ljubljana Town Square with St. Nicholas Cathedral in the background.


Ljubljana Town Hall - located directly in the historic city center on Town Square.

Ljubljana Town Square with the castle on the hill in the background.


Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

Admiring the beautiful, intricate details and golden accents at Saint Nicholas Church.

We spent a full day to explore Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj from Ljubljana. Lake Bled was about an hour's drive from our hotel, and Lake Bohinj was another 45 minute further. Although the traffic got busy at times, the drive to these alpine lakes was rather easy and the beautiful scenery was quite enjoyable. 

Lake Bled: Known as Slovenia's most iconic destination, this emerald lake surrounds Bled Island, where historic landmarks are nestled beautifully against the backdrop of the Julian Alps.

An outdoor dinosaur-themed amusement park situated in a pine forest in a neighboring town of Lesce.

Post card views from the shores of Lake Bled. Behind us is the stately Grand Hotel Toplice. 

A leisure walk along the lake, with Bled Castle, on the clifftop in the background.

 Bled Castle, a medieval fortress, overlooking Lake Bled.

St. Martin's Church of Bled.

A traditional pletna boat carrying visitors across Lake Bled.

The storybook scenery that makes Lake Bled so famous.

The perfect resting spot along the lake.

Lake Bohinj : Slovenia's largest natural lake, nestled directly inside the famous Triglav National Park. It is frequently chosen by travelers seeking a wilder, more rugged, and natural Alpine landscape. 

Arrving at Lake Bohinj's eastern shore.

The double -arch St. John's Bridge, located right at the eastern head of Lake Bohinj with the historic St. John the Baptist Church standing in the background.

St. John the Baptist Church.

Jezernica River- one of the Slovenia's shortest- as it flows beneath St. John's Bridge.


Lake Bohinj: Pure alpine enjoyment on a summer days!

The Julian Alps framing the serene waters of Lake Bohinj.⛰️🌊


Road Gate at Bled Castle, a famous stone archway tunnel built into the side of the fortress hill.🏰

On our way back to Ljubljana from Lake Bohinj, we ran into some traffic around Lake Bled. However, once we passed the Bled Castle Gate Tunnel, the traffic eased up and we made it back to our hotel uneventfully. It was a wonderful day visiting the two famous alpine lakes. Bled and Bohinj are definitely not to be missed while you are in Slovenia!.

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Nathan and Margherita's Wedding - San Floriano del Collio, Italy - July 2026.

The evening before the wedding, the groom's parents, Kevin and Mary, hosted a Welcome Party in Udine Square. The delightful evening brought together family and friends, giving everyone a perfect opportunity to mingle and celebrate before the main event. 

The early arrivals in Udine Square.

The officiant, his wife and family members.


Bride-to-be Margherita and groom-to-be Nathan.  

The bride and friends.

The groom with his family and a close friend.

The happy couple surrounded by family and friends.

"The toast"🥂!

~~~~💕🎕🎕💕~~~~

On the wedding day of Nathan and Margherita, we met up at Baronesse Tacco, a historic 17th century farm house turned wedding and event venue, located on a hilltop in San Floriano del Collio. About 45 minute drive from Udine, this venue has breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling vineyards and offers a rustic, tranditional Italian charm.  


On our way to the wedding.


Gayle & Mark:  All dressed up and just arrived!. 


Ready to celebrate among the wedding guests!

The rolling hills of the Baronesse Tacco.

A perfect backdrop for an open-air ceremony. 

Here comes the bride🎕.

Just married 💖!

Eileen (cousin) & Joe, newlyweds of three months, among the wedding guests.


An "old married" couple playing "just married" - 45 years and counting...

Enjoying the view from the panoramic terrace.


With the handsome newlyweds.


The mother of the groom with the happy couple.

The family portrait.


"Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs.! 🥂 Their very first toast."

After cocktails and music on the terrace, the celebration moved inside to the Folador Hall,  a beautifully elegant space for the wedding dinner. 


The newlyweds making their grand entrance.

The menu.

The toast from father of the groom.

The beautiful sunset from the Folador Hall.

Continued the celebration out on the terrace for the cake cutting.


Night view of San Floriano del Collio, sparkling from the terrace 🌜.

 ~~~🎑~~~

By midnight, the celebration was still going on strong. After bidding farewell to the newlyweds, Nathan and Margherita along with their wonderful parents, family, and friends, we said goodbye to the rolling hills of Italy. We returned home with fond memories of a spectacular day that we won't soon forget 💖💖!!