We dreamt of doing something fun — maybe even a little crazy — for our first dance. My husband and I both love to dance. Salsa, bachata, Albanian valles, disco, even awkward attempts at country — you name it, we’ll try it.
So when it came to our wedding, we wanted something extra special.
Why a Viennese Waltz?
We’ve always loved the movie La La Land, and the planetarium waltz scene moves us every time. My husband, being his amazing “make-things-happen” self, said, “Why don’t we do it?”
The Viennese waltz is fast and has fancy footwork. It is also full of spins. We signed up for a few classes at our local dance studio to get the basics down. But my husband went all in and choreographed the entire routine for us after watching the movie scene a few dozen times. Weeks spent waltzing around the community tennis court, neighbors peering out the window wondering what the heck we were doing, was starting to pay off!
It Almost Didn’t Happen
If you haven’t read about our wedding dress mishap, let’s just say the dance almost didn’t happen at all. My un-hemmed dress was a full-on hazard. Luckily, my husband saved the day with a heroic last-minute safety-pin hemming session. Without that, there’s no way I could have danced to the waltz we so carefully practiced.
UNTIL IT DID!
Somehow, when the music started, the adrenaline kicked in, our nerves became more tenable and we just focused on having a blast together. Our DJ — the incredible DJ Niko (highly recommend him for your Albanian wedding!) — nailed the vibe perfectly. He timed the fireworks and smoke effects right on the beat, making our moment feel like straight out of the movie.
Why Albania Is Perfect for a First Dance
One of the best parts of doing a wedding in Albania is the venues themselves. These venues are built for weddings and large events. They are often palatial, elegant spaces designed to feel magical. Our ballroom had dramatic stairs and soaring ceilings, with a second level of seating, which made the whole experience even more special. Whatever you do for your first dance, Albanian venues will provide you a breathtaking backdrop. And they usually offer an all-inclusive meaning they will cover the décor, food, drinks, and service. So your first dance moment will be stunning no matter what.
We’ll never forget our first dance — surprising our friends and family with our attempt at a Viennese waltz to La La Land’s Planetarium theme, fireworks sparking around us, in one of the most beautiful wedding halls imaginable.
Watch our first dance below!
