A Cross-Cultural Love Story in the Heart of Kraków: Two Ceremonies, One Unforgettable Day

When an American couple decides to marry in Poland, you expect something extraordinary. But Olga and Daniel’s wedding wasn’t just extraordinary — it was operatic in scope, cinematic in vision, and rich in emotional and cultural nuance. A day that unfolded like a symphony, it spanned two powerful ceremonies - one Catholic, one Jewish - and took place in two of the most iconic venues in the country: Kraków’s majestic St. Mary’s Basilica and the legendary Juliusz Słowacki Theatre.

The Love Story: From New York City to Kraków

Their journey began where all good love stories do - with a spark. They met during New York Fashion Week in Brooklyn in 2019, where Olga, a law student, responded to a post calling for volunteers at a fashion show. Daniel, deeply rooted in the creative scene, was already part of the brand. A chance meeting turned into late-night conversations, postponed dates due to the pandemic, and eventually, a relationship forged across states, screens, and road trips. Their bond grew stronger through FaceTime marathons, shared puzzles, cross-country moves, and ultimately, a proposal at McGill University in Montreal.

But it was a trip to Poland - Olga's family homeland - that planted the seed for their wedding vision. Wandering through the streets of Kraków and falling under the spell of its rich cultural layers, they knew this was where they’d one day say "I do."

The Fashion: Vintage Glamour with Personal Touches

Olga’s gown was a masterclass in understated elegance. Inspired by the fluid silhouettes of the 1930s and 1940s, it featured a floor-length, pleated skirt in ivory silk satin, cut on the bias to softly hug and flow around her figure with every movement. The bodice was sculpted, with subtle lace detailing at the neckline and sleeves, a quiet nod to vintage couture. But the true sentimental showstopper? Olga wore her mother’s original veil from the 1980s, its fine embroidery and soft tulle blending seamlessly with her modern vintage aesthetic.

Her bridal look was both nostalgic and editorial, an homage to old-world glamour with a thoroughly modern soul. Perfect for a celebration that was, in every way, a bridge between generations, styles, and continents.

An Old-World Aesthetic with a Modern Soul

The styling of the day was rooted in a love for the past — for textures, tones, and traditions that speak in quiet elegance. Think: the gentle romance of a Polish countryside manor, reimagined through the eyes of a design-conscious couple. Olga and Daniel wanted their guests to feel like they were stepping into an intimate family gathering from another era — a dinner hosted by artists, philosophers, and dreamers.

Creamy linens, cut crystal, soft candlelight, and seasonal fruits on the tables all played their part, floral arrangements nodded to the unruly gardens of childhood summers.

A Wedding in Two Acts: Sacred and Theatrical

The day began with a solemn and soul-stirring Catholic ceremony at St. Mary’s Basilica, Poland’s most emblematic church, a Gothic masterpiece towering over Kraków’s Main Market Square. Beneath the vibrant blue starry ceiling and the towering altarpiece by Veit Stoss, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by echoes of centuries of Polish history. The formality and grandeur of the mass were balanced by a warmth that radiated from every guest — many of whom had traveled from across the U.S., Europe, and Israel to witness this union.

But this was only the first act.

In the late afternoon, the second ceremony took place — under a handmade huppah, in the center of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, Poland’s most treasured playhouse and architectural gem. A place where Polish modern theatre was born, its stage became the couple’s chuppah, with Henryk Siemiradzki’s famous curtain as the backdrop — a painting that depicts Apollo surrounded by artists and muses. It was poetic, profound, and breathtaking. The huppah was crafted from apple and birch wood — symbolizing the couple’s surnames — and decorated in a way that honored both Jewish tradition and Polish heritage. The symbolism was intentional and deeply personal: two souls, two cultures, one shared history.

The Reception: A Feast for the Senses

The celebration continued at Pałac pod Baranami, a Renaissance palace known for its artistic legacy and bohemian spirit. The concept? Recreate the warmth of an old Polish bourgeois home — rich in textures, history, and joyful imperfection — right in the heart of Kraków.

The tablescapes told a story of their own: embroidered napkins in vibrant colors, delicate crystal inherited from Polish family traditions, seasonal fruits and wildflowers reminiscent of Olga’s childhood summers. A large fireplace held framed wedding portraits of the couple’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents — a poignant tribute to their roots and the generations of love that came before them. Even the seating chart was unconventional: instead of numbers, tables were marked with old wedding portraits from both sides of the family, creating a family tree built of love and memory.

A klezmer band played traditional Jewish melodies during the cocktail hour in the theatre’s foyer, echoing off frescoed walls and golden balustrades. Later, one of Poland’s top DJs took over, blending American hip-hop with retro sounds that filled the dance floor until morning. The couple’s first dance — to Chopin’s Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2 — was achingly romantic, an elegant waltz that seemed to suspend time.

Love Without Borders

At its core, Olga and Daniel’s wedding was a celebration of something far greater than aesthetics or tradition — it was a testament to the boundless nature of love. Raised in different faiths, from different parts of the world, they brought together Jewish and Catholic rituals with grace, intention, and deep mutual respect. Their union didn’t erase their differences — it honored them. In a world often defined by divisions, their wedding was a reminder that love doesn’t ask for sameness. It asks for connection, curiosity, and courage. And on this unforgettable day in Kraków, that love knew no borders.

Thank you!

Here is the list of vendors who made this wedding possible:

  • Wedding Planner: Dlugo i Szczesliwie Weddings
  • Photographer: Damian Zurowski
  • Videographer: Michal Sikora
  • Venue: Palac Pod Baranami
  • Stationary: Dywia Ma Plan
  • Catering: Modern Catering
  • Flowers: Petite Fleur
  • Makeup: Kaya Pavlik
  • Sound and Lighting: DJ Damson
  • Cocktail Service: Champion Bartender Quality
  • Live Music: Bohema Trio

Thank you so much for your time. If you need more information about the wedding or about me, here are my contact details:​

And here's the link to a selection of photos from Olga & Danny's wedding that you can download:​

Link to the photos

This is my website: www.damianzurowski.com​

Instagram: @damian.zurowski​

Best regards.