It was bright, beautiful June day, the summer sun beaming over one of the most beautiful, intimate, and luxurious hotels in Florence, Italy: Villa Le Fontanelle. The centuries-old Villa, once the spot for a royal get away, was now a 4-star Hotel and a gem among the Tuscan countryside for the incredible views of the rolling green hills, the proximity to the city center while still being immersed in natural beauty, and the restored, gorgeous gardens, terraces, and spaces in and out of the hotel. On this day though, there was an air of excitement, and as the floral geniuses of Floricanto carefully arranged flowering vines teeming with roses and carnations and astilbe over the stone arch of the charming ancient Chapel entrance corridor that overlooked the hills, everyone could see that there would be an incredible celebration taking place!
This celebration – the most special day for Nicollette and Lucas, the soon-to-be newlyweds – was a destination wedding planned to perfection by the expert team at The Tuscan Wedding. The couple had always known they’d wanted to get married in Italy, and when it came time for the biggest decisions, Nicollette and Lucas knew the most important choice was to go with the best team of wedding experts in the region, with so many years of experience, recognized professionalism and attention to detail, and connections to some of the best venues and vendors within Tuscany. With their help, the couple could relax and focus on the most important thing: their family, friends, and especially each other on their big day.
When the hour arrived, the talented musicians of the String Duo played sweetly as Nicolette stepped forward onto the white cloth laid along the grass, white flower petals scattered and gorgeous arrangements of white and pale pink roses, blue stock, pink astilbe, and pale-yellow carnations framing her path. Dressed in an eye-catching white gown with a sweetheart neckline, stain bodice and tulle shoulder bows, Nicollette glowed with happiness as she walked forward, her soft tulle cathedral train trailing softly as their wedding party smiled and snapped photos, her bouquet of dusky pink and white roses, white and pink astilbe, pale blue stock flowers, blue thistle, and pink dandelions in hand.
Once she’d arrived to a glossy-eyed Lucas who couldn’t keep the smile off his face, their celebrant Sofia of Tuscan Pledges led them through their vows, their words drawing laughter, smiles and even a few sentimental tears before the groom finally kissed his new bride. White flower petals rained over the newlyweds as they walked down the aisle once more in unison, and as guests retired to the gorgeous reception held in the courtyard terrace in front of the villa overlooking the hills, Nicollette, Lucas and their family stole some time with the incredible Olga Makarova, their photographer. Of course, they had to take advantage of the glorious weather and grounds to take some wedding party photos in a beautiful white vintage Volkswagen convertible rented from Maggiolino, parked right at the entrance and decked with bunches of flowers and a big tulle wedding bow.
Meanwhile, their guests were talking, laughing, and enjoying sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and artisan cocktails in the front courtyard balcony of the villa among the fountains and gardens, while the tables for the later dinner were set under a canopy of beautiful twinkling fairy lights and shimmery sheer pale rose gold fabric, all decorated beautifully by Wedding Music and Lights. The tables were set with elegant white tables with rustic wooden chairs and lanterns hanging from above, golden candleholders carrying long white candles, and a long flowering vine as a table runner, mixing rustic chic with effortless elegance.
When dinner came, the couple’s guests smiled at the delicate blue flowers on each of their beautifully decorated hand-painted plates, and Nicollete and Lucas couldn’t help but grin as their friends and family commented on the incredible menu served by Galateo Ricevimenti catering, as well as the gorgeous millefoglie served as their wedding cake. Guests lit sparklers and took photos as Nicollete and Lucas cut their cake, the sun barely beginning to set when it was finally time for the first dance held under a twinkling canopy of lights shining in the early evening.
It was incredibly romantic, the newlyweds lost in each other as they swayed, twirled, and danced to the music, a fairytale moment as the couple sharing a loving kiss to the cheers of all. Night finally falling, the dancing moved into a large antique hall fitted with a huge, twinkling disco ball as the party really began! DJ Matthew made sure to get the music started as Nicollete escaped and changed into a backless, fitted halter top white dress, and when she returned, she laughed when she saw Lucas had shared her idea and taken off his black suit jacket as well. Together, they joined their dancing guests and sang along to the music- one of the most fun, incredible, memorable, and truly special nights of their lives!
