From the moment guests arrived at the 13th-century Villa Catureglio in the sun-drenched Tuscan hills, it was clear that April and Andrew’s wedding would be an immersive experience of style, soul and storytelling. Surrounded by olive trees and sweeping Tuscan vistas, the couple created a celebration that was deeply personal yet effortlessly elegant. Every detail, from the softly glowing string lights to the wild, unique floral arrangements, reflected a vision grounded in romance and authenticity. April’s ethereal silk gown, paired with tabis, exuded timeless sophistication with a hint of edginess, while Andrew was stunning in beige and black vintage look. It was a masterclass in curated event design, where every aesthetic choice served to enhance the joy, connection and profound beauty of the occasion.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
It was an unassuming, quick date at a local bar. We had both just started new chapters in our lives and were simply out to have some fun. Much to our surprise, we hit it off so well that our second date was planned before the first one even ended. By our third date, I asked April if I could follow her to the East Coast, where she was planning to move—it felt that right.
The Proposal
This one had me stumped for a while—I considered doing something extravagant, but ultimately, I knew something meaningful to us would be the most special. Travel has always been a big part of our relationship, so the airport, of all places, felt like the perfect setting. Once I had the ring, I realized I could catch April off guard, so I proposed right there in the airport terminal. It was late, she was in sweats, and I told her I’d follow her anywhere, no matter how far we had to travel. She, of course, said yes.
The Engagement Ring
We found the ring at Lang Antiques in San Francisco—a 1920s brown diamond with an Art Deco design and a mystical feel that reminded April of an elven ring from The Lord of the Rings. I told her it was probably out of our budget and that we should keep looking, but I already knew it was the one. When she saw it marked “sold” online, she was devastated, thinking someone else had bought it. She couldn’t believe what I had pulled off when I proposed—and honestly, it made the surprise even sweeter.
Our Wedding
The Vision
We wanted an intimate yet elegant celebration that felt warm and personal without too much fuss. It was important to us that our guests felt truly welcomed—like they were part of something meaningful, not just witnessing it. We always knew we wanted a wedding that was just as much about our loved ones as it was about us. Italy felt like the perfect setting and the perfect excuse to bring everyone we cherish together—to travel, share incredible food, dance, and celebrate love in the most unforgettable way.
Our Team of Vendors
Our wedding planners, the brilliant Marilù Sipione and Laura Ferrari, were our essential guides to everything Italy. We couldn’t have asked for more expertise and support—from connecting us with our amazing caterer, Olivia Catering, who made our food dreams come true, to introducing us to our celebrant Gemma, who understood us deeply. We found our florist, Maria Borriero, ourselves and couldn’t be happier. She beautifully transformed our vision with her unique style, especially through April’s bouquet and the table décor, exceeding our wildest dreams. Lastly, we also found our photographer, Nicole Plett, on our own. As a fellow Canadian, she was the perfect choice to join us in Italy, capturing our day with a documentary style, focusing more on film than digital, truly bringing our vision to life.
The Location
We chose Villa Catureglio in Borgo a Mozzano, a historic estate dating back to the 13th century. With several cottages on the grounds and a villa just up the hill, it meant all our guests could stay close by, within walking distance.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony took place in the villa’s courtyard, with minimal decorations—we didn’t need much, as the setting was already stunning on its own. With our guests following the “Dress to Impress” dress code, they became part of the décor, adding to the beauty of the day.
The ceremony itself was short but full of heart, with our celebrant, Gemma, capturing the essence of our relationship in a way that felt personal and sincere. We closed it with Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones—setting a perfect tone for the celebration to come.
The Reception
The reception was held in the villa’s back garden, nestled among olive trees strung with soft, glowing lights. For the tablescape, we leaned into spontaneity rather than a perfectly curated look—no two floral arrangements were alike, each one thoughtfully crafted by our florist, Maria, to feel unique and slightly wild. We also wove in décor we’d collected from local markets during our travels through Italy, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the setting.
Our caterers served elevated traditional Italian dishes—simple, seasonal, and so delicious that guests were asking for seconds. Local wine flowed freely throughout the night, adding to the laughter and warmth around the tables. After a dinner filled with stories and joy, we moved to the villa’s barn to dance the night away. Alongside a local DJ, our childhood friends Soj and Justin curated the perfect mix of throwbacks and feel-good favorites, setting the tone for an unforgettable party. The night ended the only way it could—with a group of late-night stragglers (us included) skinny-dipping in the pool, waiting for the sun to rise.
The Special Touches
One of the most meaningful elements of our wedding was the memorial chair our florist, Maria, created in honor of April’s late mother, Jennifer. It was filled with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and placed at the front of the ceremony, then later moved to the head of the table for dinner—ensuring her presence was felt throughout the day. Another detail that made the wedding truly special was that the celebration spanned three days. Having that extra time meant our families and friends really got to know one another, creating a more open, relaxed vibe where everyone felt free to be themselves. That spirit of connection led to spontaneous moments—like the impromptu karaoke session during cocktail hour—that we’ll never forget.
Our Favorite Moment
During cocktail hour, rain threatened, but instead of a storm, two stunning rainbows stretched across the sky. As the sun set during dinner, a third appeared. Rainbows, often seen as a bridge to the spiritual realm, felt like a quiet blessing from April’s late mother on our wedding day. It was as if the universe itself was celebrating with us, marking the day with something truly spectacular.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
April wanted a timeless, romantic look that would age beautifully. After searching for a vintage gown with no luck, she found an off-white silk dress by London designer Paula Nadal on Instagram. Her Etsy veil was altered and dyed by friends, and she completed the look with Maison Margiela Tabis and jewelry from her late mother. For the reception, she changed into a playful Acne Studios mini dress with ballerina heels by Madomorpho.
The Groom Looks
I wanted a classic Italian-style suit but couldn’t find the right tailor in Toronto, so I turned to vintage instead. I found a vintage off-white Gucci dinner jacket and Alexander McQueen trousers, building the look with a LU’U DAN silk shirt, an Etro scarf, and Toga Virilis loafers. For the reception, I switched to a vintage tasseled Claude Montana jacket, cowboy trousers by Needles, and another pair of loafers—comfortable and sharp.
Our Advice
For the Planning Process
Dedicate time—more than you think you’ll need. Everyone naturally puts time into planning, but the more space you give yourself to sit with your vision, the more intentional your day will feel. Really invest in your mood boards, your inspiration, and how you want the day to look and feel—you only get to do this once. If you can, don’t make compromises on what matters most to you. Lean into your personality and the energy you want to create.
For On the Day
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Accept that not everything will go exactly as planned, and try to embrace the imperfections; they often lead to the most meaningful moments. Most importantly, be present. Take a breath, look around, and really feel it all—from morning coffee with your partner or friends to the very last drink of the night. It truly does fly by.
For Post-Wedding
Soak it all in—but also, collect photos and videos from friends immediately. If you’re like us, your phone won’t leave your bag for days, and you’ll end up with nothing of your own. Get those memories while they’re fresh, or prepare to become a full-time detective chasing them down later.
Vendors
Bride: April
Photographer: Nicole Plett
Wedding Planner: Laura Ferrari Weddings
Venue: Villa Catureglio
Florist: Marypoppies
Cake & Catering: Olivia Catering
Celebrant: Gemma
Music: Sojisoj
Style
Bridal Dress: Paulanadal
Bridal Shoes: Maison Margiela
Engagement Ring: Lang
Groom: Gucci, Alexander McQueen, LỰU ĐẠN
