When it comes to elegance beyond belief and a wedding both romantic and luxurious in every sense in the word, it’s hard not to think of Ilyssa and Nick’s incredible day. To celebrate their love, they both knew already that they simply had to have a destination wedding in one of the places that they both loved so much – Florence – because no other place could capture the timeless artistry of the renaissance, incredible history contained in every brick and stone, or the sheer romantic aura of the dream wedding day that they envisioned. After visiting the incredible Villa Cora – once the home of royalty and still considered the most beautiful residence in the Tuscan capital – there was no doubt in their minds that they had found their perfect venue. Yet could they really make their wedding at one of the most exclusive, luxurious, bespoke hotels in Florence?
With The Tuscan Wedding’s expert wedding planning team, that answer was a resounding yes, and beyond! Not only do they count on the five-star hotel as one of their luxury venues available for their couples, but the incomparable years of experience and professionalism, as well as incredible connections with some of the best vendors and players in the wedding industry in Italy. All this meant that Ilyssa and Nick could plan their special day with the very best in the business, and with a team that was attentive to every detail, and especially helped Ilyssa and Nick plan a wedding that beautifully incorporated traditional elements of a Jewish ceremony with their own personalities and vision.
A vision, is in fact, one of the best ways to describe just how lovely Ilyssa looked as she approached the alter with her parents; rockstar Hair and Makeup artist Valeriya Beauty had pulled back her blonde hair in a romantically swept back updo, showing off delicate flower-drop diamond earrings and a single gold necklace with a hanging diamond. Her A-line dress with delicate lace statement sleeves and illusion bodice was perfect for the November weather, and the soft tulle of her cathedral length train trailed behind her on an aisle made of white petals. The expert florists of Flowers Living absolutely outdid themselves on the floral arrangements of both Ilyssa’s bouquet and the square Chuppah where Nick and his parents waited; with eye-catching arrangements of burnt orange, bright peach and soft pink roses, ranunculus and carnations, with white Anemones and dendrobium and white stock woven into long emerald vines of Italian ruscus.
The ceremony was an enchanting experience for everyone as the couple lovingly incorporated specific Jewish traditions into their wedding while photographer Leigh Wolfe snapped picture after beautiful picture; from the circling tradition that left permanent smiles on Ilyssa and Nick’s faces, to the fathers of the bride and groom draping the symbolic Tallit shawl around their shoulders before Nick smashed a glass on the floor to the cheers of all.
The reception continued in an absolutely jaw-dropping space within Villa Cora known as the Hall of Mirrors, a room that would not have been out of place in the palace of Versailles with its antique gold decorative friezes inlaid throughout the room containing classic frescoes, stunning golden candelabra and Carrara marble antique furniture surrounding the long, sumptuously decorated tables. Pink candles burned in gold candleholders amongst abundant flower arrangements serving as table centers, crystal glasses and gold utensils sparkling in the candlelight. After an incredible dinner the party moved to another hall complete with a shining disco ball, and while DJ Matthew set up the music for the party, friends and family of Ilyssa and Nick celebrated them with the Hora-style dancing, lifting the laughing seated couple into the air as all cheered. Truly, an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, and a beautiful night in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
