The Wedding of
CRISTINA
&
SHAZEL
July 10-13, 2026
Moldova
Our Celebration Begins Here
We’re so excited to welcome you to Chisinau and the Moldovan countryside.
United by a love of great wine, we chose to celebrate in Moldova — Cristina’s home country and one of the world’s best-kept wine secrets — as the perfect setting to gather the people we love most.
Cristina and Shazel met in Chicago, where what began as a simple connection quickly grew into something lasting and meaningful. Over time, through travel, shared experiences, and a love for culture, traditions, and bringing people together, their relationship grew into the life they now share.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
THE WEDDING WEEKEND
We have planned the weekend as a celebration not only of our marriage, but also of the beauty, warmth, and spirit of Moldova. Each day has its own atmosphere, and we hope you will enjoy every part of it with us.
Friday, July 10th
Arrival & Welcome Cocktails
Guests will be arriving throughout the day, so Friday is designed to feel easy and relaxed. Take time to settle in, enjoy the city, and ease into the weekend before joining us in the evening for cocktails at Zaxi.
Set high above Chisinau, our welcome gathering will be the perfect beginning — with beautiful views, music, and the chance to celebrate together from the very first night.
Dress Code: Glam — cocktail lounge chic.
Saturday, July 11th
Discover Moldova
Saturday is devoted to the flavors, traditions, and charm of Moldova.
We will spend the day at a beautiful winery, where the experience will include local culinary traditions, wine tasting, music, and a generous Moldovan feast. It is a day meant to be joyful, immersive, and full of character — a true taste of the country we are so excited to share with you.
Dress Code: Vineyard Chic — elegant, effortless, and celebration-ready.
Sunday, July 12th
Wedding Day
Sunday begins with a religious ceremony in Chisinau and continues at Castel Mimi for the formal ceremony and evening reception.
From cocktails at golden hour to dinner, music, and dancing late into the night, the day has been designed as the centerpiece of the weekend. Guests staying overnight at the estate are warmly invited to join us again the next morning for a relaxed continuation of the celebration.
Dress Code: Formal / Black Tie Optional
Countdown to Our Wedding
THE WEDDING DAY
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Our wedding day unfolds across two beautiful settings — beginning in the city and continuing at Castel Mimi for an evening of vows, celebration, and unforgettable memories.
Religious Ceremony | 1:00 PM
Our day will begin with a religious ceremony at the Roman-Catholic Cathedral of Divine Providence in the center of Chisinau, where we will say "Yes" in front of God and surrounded by our family and friends.
Transportation to the reception venue will be arranged following the ceremony.
Guest Arrival at Castel Mimi | 4:00 PM
Following the ceremony, we will continue the celebration at Castel Mimi, a historic wine estate just outside the city. Guests are invited to arrive, take in the setting, and settle in before the ceremony begins.
Formal Ceremony | 5:00–6:00 PM
This is the moment we will officially exchange our vows and celebrate the beginning of our marriage together.
Cocktail Hour | 6:00–7:00 PM
Following the ceremony, join us for cocktails, music, and light bites as we celebrate the evening’s first moments together.
Dinner & Celebration | 7:00 PM–4:00 AM
The evening will continue with a long-table celebration of exceptional food, flowing wine, music, and tradition.
Moldovan weddings are known for their energy and spirit, often lasting well into the early hours — and we are thrilled to celebrate in that same joyful tradition with all of you.
Staying the Night
Guests are welcome to stay overnight at Castel Mimi on the night of the wedding, allowing for a seamless and relaxed close to the evening.
We have arranged a block of rooms for our guests. If you would like to stay at the estate, please let us know in advance so we may include you on the reservation list.
The Day After
For those staying overnight at Mimi Castle, we invite you to join us the following morning for a relaxed gathering to continue the celebration.
We’ll start the day with "Zeama", a traditional Moldovan soup famously known as the perfect cure for any hangover, followed by a casual poolside gathering and a winery tour for those who would like to continue exploring the estate.
Dress Code: Formal / Black Tie Optional
Join us for an elegant evening at Castel Mimi.
Our suggested palette draws inspiration from the setting — deep wine tones, soft champagne and rosé, and vineyard-inspired greens. Please consider it a graceful guide rather than a requirement.
TRAVEL & STAY
To fully enjoy the wedding weekend, we recommend arriving on Friday and departing on Monday. This will allow you to take part in all of the celebrations while enjoying a relaxed and comfortable stay.
Below you will find a few details to help make planning your trip as effortless as possible.
Getting to Chisinau
The closest airport is Chisinau International Airport (KIV), located approximately 20 minutes from the city center.
Several international airlines offer direct routes to Chisinau from major European hubs, and taxis and rideshare services are readily available from the airport for a smooth arrival into the city.
Where to stay
We recommend staying in central Chisinau from July 10–12, where you will be close to restaurants, cafés, parks, and the heart of the city.
On the night of the wedding, July 12, guests also have the option to stay overnight at Castel Mimi, allowing for a relaxed end to the evening and an easy transition into the next day’s gathering.
A few recommended hotels are listed below for your stay in the city.
Staying at the MIMI Castle
Guests who wish to stay at Castel Mimi on the night of the wedding are warmly invited to do so.
We have arranged a block of rooms at the estate. If you would like to be included, please let us know in advance. Guests staying overnight will also be invited to join us the following morning for Zeama, a relaxed poolside gathering, a winery tour and time to continue enjoying the property.
Transportation During the Weekend
Transportation will be arranged for key moments throughout the weekend.
On the wedding day, shuttle service will be provided between Chisinau and Castel Mimi. Additional transportation details will be shared closer to the celebration.
Travel Notes
Currency
The local currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and most shops in Chisinau, though carrying a small amount of cash can be helpful for taxis or smaller establishments.
Language
Romanian is the official language. Russian is also widely spoken, and English is commonly understood in hotels, restaurants, and central areas of the city.
Weather
July in Moldova is typically warm and sunny. We recommend light summer attire for daytime and elegant evening wear for the celebrations.
Getting Around
Taxis and rideshare services are widely available and generally very accessible throughout Chisinau: Yandex, iTaxi.
Visa Requirements
Travel requirements may vary by nationality, so we recommend checking the latest entry information in advance of your trip.
Power Outlets
Moldova uses European-style outlets (Type C and F, 230V). International travelers may wish to bring an adapter if needed.
THINGS TO DO
If you have some extra time during your visit, we encourage you to explore Chisinau and discover a little of what Moldova has to offer.
Explore the City
Take a walk through Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard, the main avenue of Chisinau, lined with historic buildings, cafés, and parks. Nearby you’ll find Cathedral Park, Stefan cel Mare Park, The Valley of the Mills park, the city’s most beautiful green spaces.
Famous Wineries
Moldova is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, and several renowned wineries are located just outside the city.
Milestii Mici – Home to the world’s largest wine collection, recognized by the Guinness World Records.
Cricova Winery – Famous for its vast underground wine cellars and guided tasting tours.
Poiana Winery – A charming winery offering beautiful views and excellent wines.
Cafés & Restaurants
Chisinau has a vibrant café culture and a growing restaurant scene. Enjoy everything from traditional Moldovan cuisine to modern European dining.
Wine Bars & Tasting Room
A visit to a local wine bar is one of the best ways to experience Moldova’s incredible wines and discover some local favorites.
Cigar Lounges
For those who enjoy cigars, Chisinau offers a few elegant lounges where you can relax with a drink and a fine cigar.
Cocktail Bars
The city has several stylish cocktail bars where talented bartenders create excellent drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Shopping
If you feel like browsing, Chisinau offers a mix of boutiques, local markets, and shopping centers where you can find everything from fashion to local products.
GIFTS
Your presence at our wedding means the world to us.
For those who wish to honor the occasion with a gift, we’ve created a few funds to support the next chapter of our life together — from the memories we’ll make on our honeymoon, to the home we’ll thoughtfully build, to a wine collection we’ll enjoy and grow over the years.
Honeymoon
Help us continue the celebration as we explore and create new memories together.
Home Essentials
Help us build a home we love—filled with meaningful pieces we’ll choose over time.
Wine Collection
Help us start a collection of wines we’ll open to celebrate life’s special moments.
