Philadelphia couples Ashton and Zachary Smith found themselves at the center of a joyous crowd when a group of Croatian soccer fans crashed their wedding photo session outside City Hall in June. The unexpected moment quickly went viral, and the couple was later invited by the Croatian National Tourist Board and the fan group Mi Hrvati to experience a “second honeymoon” in Croatia.
From Philadelphia streets to Split waterfront
After the surprise photos, the Smiths traveled to Split, a historic city on the Adriatic Sea. There they joined a fan‑led march along the waterfront ahead of Croatia’s UEFA Nations League match against Spain. A live band played, chants echoed, and the newlyweds blended seamlessly with the enthusiastic supporters, recalling the energy they felt back in Philadelphia.
Exploring Croatia’s coastal gems
The itinerary, arranged by Mi Hrvati, also took the couple to the coastal town of Šibenik, where they enjoyed a sailing excursion and toured the stunning Krka National Park. On Friday they headed to Dubrovnik, the famed medieval walled city, before concluding their trip in the capital, Zagreb.
Warm hospitality highlighted
Daniel Pedisic, a spokesperson for Mi Hrvati, said the spontaneous reaction to the Philadelphia wedding demonstrated the “warm, hospitable” nature of Croatian fans. “We were with them that day and now we brought them to Croatia,” he added, noting the group’s tradition of carrying a 100‑meter Croatian flag at international matches.
Couple’s reflections
Ashton Smith described the experience as “amazing” and “immaculate,” noting that the fans’ energy matched what they had felt in Philadelphia. She called the trip a “second honeymoon,” contrasting it with their more relaxed, pre‑planned honeymoon earlier in the year. Zachary Smith expressed surprise at the opportunity, saying he never imagined visiting Croatia but now considers the trip unforgettable.
Local relevance
While the story is international in scope, it underscores the power of community connections and cultural exchange—values that resonate with readers across the United States. The Smiths’ experience illustrates how a simple act of shared celebration can forge lasting friendships across borders.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
