From a fan celebration in Philly to Split: Newlyweds embark on their Croatian adventure

A chance encounter after their wedding turned into a lifelong memory — and now, it has brought a Philadelphia couple to Croatia.

Ashton and Zach Smith, newlyweds who found themselves at the heart of a massive Croatian fan celebration in Philadelphia, have arrived in Split, continuing a story that captured attention around the world.

From a Philadelphia street to a viral moment

Photos and videos of the couple celebrating alongside Croatian fans during the World Cup quickly went viral in the United States.

Freshly married, Ashton and Zach had stepped outside in Philadelphia when they unexpectedly encountered a large group of Croatian supporters celebrating on the streets.

It took only moments for the fans to embrace the newlyweds as one of their own. Surrounded by singing, laughter and enthusiastic celebrations, Ashton and Zach became part of an unforgettable spontaneous scene that quickly spread online.

Now, their Croatian story has a new chapter — this time in Croatia itself.

“We’re in Croatia now. It’s going to be crazy!”

“It’s going to be crazy”

Ashton and Zach arrived in Split yesterday afternoon on a visit organized by the Croatian National Tourist Board, with the support and partnership of the Mi Hrvati (“We Croatians”) fan association.

The couple made no secret of their excitement about finally visiting the country that had become part of their wedding story.

“We were so excited back in Philadelphia, and now we’re here in Croatia. It’s going to be crazy,” Ashton said.

Zach, meanwhile, recalled the unexpected moment that connected them to Croatia in the first place.

“We are grateful to the Croatian fans for embracing us and giving us such an unforgettable experience,” he said.

From Philadelphia to Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb

After being spontaneously swept up in the Croatian fans’ celebration in Philadelphia, Ashton and Zach will now experience Croatia firsthand.

Split is their first stop. During their stay, they will also visit Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

A story that began entirely by chance — on a street thousands of kilometres from Croatia — is now continuing in the country itself, bringing the newlyweds full circle.