Having your wedding in the place where your first trip together took place is a dream for many. Anastasia and Stefano had a wonderful bridal experience at a stunning villa in Tuscany on the hills overlooking Florence. An outdoor ceremony and reception, an abundance of white flowers in the décor, live music — read below and learn about a destination wedding planning from the bride.
Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?
Stefano and I crossed paths in our beloved city of Milan, where we both live and pursue our careers. He works in finance, and I am a fashion digital creative at @offtomilano. We arranged to meet for lunch “al fresco“ just one day before another lockdown hit Italy in February 2021, and have been inseparable ever since.
Can you share your engagement story?
Stefano proposed a few days before Christmas during a vacation in Trentino in 2022. We were in our chalet, ready to go out to dinner, when suddenly he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was an intimate moment just for the two of us, unexpected and very moving. To design the perfect engagement ring, Stefano teamed up with my best friend Eline, who works in the jewelry industry and was the first one to learn about his proposal plans. I’m thrilled that she played a part in the process! My ring is custom-made, featuring a cushion-cut diamond in a pavé setting. They both know me so well, I couldn't have chosen better myself.
Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?
We knew we would get married in Tuscany, that's where we took our first trip together, it's our happy place. However, finding the right location turned out to be more difficult than we expected. We visited at least 10 different villas. Nothing really impressed us until Villa Gamberaia, a beautiful 1600s Tuscan villa nestled in the hills overlooking Florence. The view was very special, and there was something so powerful about that place surrounded by imposing cypress trees. We also liked the idea of having both the ceremony and the reception outdoors. The villa's countless spaces would allow us to continually surprise guests with something new as they moved from one area to another throughout the evening.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
The villa was our biggest source of inspiration. To highlight its natural beauty, we chose a single-flower theme for the entire wedding, focusing exclusively on white delphiniums. A somewhat unusual choice, but certainly with character. For the setup of the ceremony area, we created a spontaneous delphinium garden. We aimed for a floral arrangement that looked natural, as if those flowers had always lived and grown there. Instead of a traditional floral arch, we decorated the Dionysus Nymphaeum with cascading delphiniums, creating a splendid backdrop for the wedding vows.
How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?
Since we both wanted to get married in 2023, we started planning our wedding shortly after the engagement. Managing timelines and securing the perfect date was one of the most challenging aspects. For a popular destination like Tuscany, it's best to start preparations about a year and a half in advance, especially if you have specific date in mind. We managed to pull everything together in just nine months, thanks to the guidance of our wonderful wedding planner Stefania Guastini.
How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?
We had an intimate wedding for 70 guests. For the mise en place, we opted for a large imperial table, positioned next to the Italian garden, decorated with white candles of various heights in glass vases with delphinium spikes. Above the table, there was an installation of cascading delphiniums.
Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles have you tried?
Both of my dresses were designed by Vivienne Westwood and were among the first ones I tried on. The Grace dress that I wore for the ceremony was all about the amazing fit: the bodice that cinches the waist and highlights the neckline and shoulders. I felt elegant and feminine wearing it. I paired it with a cathedral-length veil from Zuhair Murad, white Gianvito Rossi slingbacks and minimal pearl and diamond earrings from Mateo. The second dress featured an open back and was covered with white sequins all over. I accessorised it with embellished silver Aquazzura sandals and asymmetrical Swarovski crystal earrings that echoed the asymmetry of the dress. Transitioning from one gown to the other felt natural; the first one for the ceremony was more classic, and the second one, playful and sparkling, was perfect for the evening. Stefano was wearing a three-piece custom-made dark blue suit accessorized with a light-blue Marinella tie and Cartier cufflinks.
What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?
We kept it simple and elegant opting for the timeless melody of "The Way You Look Tonight".
Did you have any special performances or entertainment?
We love live music, so we decided to invite a band to play throughout the entire party. Jazz tunes were played during the cocktail hour, while dinner was accompanied by Italian music. The dancing started long before the guests finished dinner, when the saxophonist made his entrance.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
The day was filled with unforgettable moments, from my grandfather walking me down the aisle, to the heartfelt speeches delivered by our mums and friends, and the breathtaking sunset that brought everyone together on the terrace. Yet, one of the absolute highlights was our entrance to dinner, when we saw the table for the first time. Candles, music, flowers cascading from the sky, and of course our friends and families around a single table, it was absolutely magical! As we made our way around the table to greet each guest, they welcomed us swirling napkins in the air, in keeping with the joyful tradition of Italian weddings.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Choosing the wedding coordinator is crucial in the planning process, and working with Stefania, who transformed our vision into a beautiful reality, was an absolute delight. She also introduced us to the Andrea Patrizi Floral Designer team, who, for one day, crafted our own enchanting delphinium garden, turning our wedding location into a fairytale come true.
Did you make a gift for guests, and what was it?
We offered our guests hand-painted matryoshka dolls containing a small bottle of Vin Santo, a typical tuscan sweet wine, symbolising the merging of our origins.
What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
Trust your intuition when selecting vendors for your event. If something feels off, it likely is. Take the time to explore their websites and social media profiles, ensure their style and aesthetics align with yours.
What helped you cope with the anxiety before the wedding?
Remembering that it's a unique lifetime moment that goes by so fast! Soak it all in and make sure to enjoy every bit of it!
Bride: @offtomilano
Groom: @stefanocrbt
Wedding planner: @GuastiniStyle
Venue of the ceremony: @villagamberaia
Photographer: @davidbastianoni, @alessiafrancophotographer
Videomaker: @waterfallvisuals_videography
Flower design: @andreapatrizifloraldesigner
Catering: @galateoricevimenti
Band: @goodvibeslivemusic
Light: @energy_events
Celebrant: @lb_celebrazioni
MUAH: @nevzorovamakeup
Bridal dresses: Vivienne Westwood
Veil: Zuhair Murad
Bride’s shoes: Gianvito Rossi, Aquazzura
Groom’s attire: Sartoria Deplano
Jewelry: Mateo, Swarovski, Cartier
