Is there anything classier and more romantic than getting married in Italy? Tamara and Johns destination wedding took place in Tuscany and we are in love with every single detail! The couple exchanged their vows in a picture perfect location with a stunning view of the green gardens of the beautiful venue Lupaia, that certainly can take your breath away! The gorgeous photos by Vanessa and Ivo Photography are going to make you want to hop on a plane Italy-bound!
Captured by Vanessa And Ivo.
«We met in San Diego California. Our connection dates back to 2008 when our daughters were both part of the same competitive soccer team. They played together for a couple of years before taking different paths, leading us to lose touch for several years. However, fate had other plans, and a serendipitous encounter brought us back together nearly a decade later. The rest, as they say, is history» the bride shared with us.
«John chose the picturesque setting of Paso Robles, California, to pop the question. We were seated beneath the shade of a magnificent 100-year-old oak tree, nestled in the heart of a vineyard. Savoring a bottle of wine, he seized the moment and asked me to be his forever. The charm of Tuscany, with its reminiscent beauty, played a significant role in our decision to elope there, capturing the essence of the place where our engagement unfolded.»
When you have the rolling hills of Tuscany and the backdrop of Montepulciano as your ceremony backdrop you do not need much in the way of decorations, but we made sure that all the elements we did include were inspired by the rustic charm and natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside. We wanted simplicity yet elegance.
tamara, bride
«My favorite part of the decoration details was the private balcony off of our room that was turned into a Tuscan fairytale by our floral designer. We had olive branches and greenery from a Tuscan vineyard that was installed overhead on the balcony overhang with tons of hanging candles to create the most romantic lighting. The same olive branches, greenery, and candles were placed all around the balcony from floor area to our dinner table, the cake table, etc. »
We enjoyed reading Chic and Stylish Weddings and learning about the beautiful stories and weddings you featured. It inspired us to really be intentional about making sure our day was a representation of our love and our story.
tamara, bride
«I was originally inspired by the timeless and simple elegance of Carolyn Bessette wedding dress when she married JFK Jr. Although their wedding took place many-many years ago, her sense of style is a work or art, and her wedding dress is a timeless beauty… »
The bride’s advice: «Craft an experience that revolves entirely around your love story. Opting to elope and later celebrate with a grand reception back home allowed us to seamlessly dedicate the entire day to ourselves. Despite the intimate elopement, no corners were cut in terms of details or expenses. Every element typically found in a traditional wedding – exquisite decor, a stunning venue, and all the customary features – was present. However, the key difference was that it was just the two of us, relishing a moment of undivided attention and devotion. Having both experienced the grandeur of large weddings in our previous marriages, we recognized how easily the focus can shift towards entertaining guests rather than celebrating the essence of the couple. In contrast, our elopement spared us from such considerations, enabling us to channel 100% of our energy and focus exclusively on our love. Our decision to embark on a second journey into matrimony allowed us to curate an authentic experience tailored solely for us. The absence of external expectations meant we could truly immerse ourselves in the creation of a meaningful and personalized celebration. This was an opportunity to honor our love story in a way that felt genuine, profound, and true to the unique connection we share. »
From the Vanessa and Ivo: «They didn’t want a typical wedding. They dreamed of a day spent in an iconic Italian wine estate that made for their perfect celebration. When you’re getting married, it’s not just about the dress, the venue, and the cake. It’s about the story of how you met and fell in love, and what kind of life you want to create together. It’s also about your vision for your wedding day, something that captures your personality and reflects who you are as a couple. And for Tamara and John, that meant a celebration in Italy that would be unlike any other wedding they’d ever seen. The couple wanted something classic, but also unique – a day spent at an iconic Italian wine estate where they could celebrate while soaking up the rich culture of their favorite country. »
