So we've been featuring quite a few Italian weddings recently.
It's not on purpose, we're not trying to convince you to scrap your plans and book a flight to Tuscany, Rome or the Amalfi Coast – honest!
But when weddings are as gorgeous as Marcelle and Joseph's chic, rustic Tuscan affair, we simply can't help ourselves falling for the good life, every single time.
And working with a dream team of Sandra Van Reikhoff of Divine Day Photography and Silvia Galli of SposiamoVi Wedding Planning, this is one wedding that was always going to be a bit special.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Borgo Santo Pietro, this weekend party had lashings of outdoor elegance, an abundance of rustic charm, and just the right amount of luxurious glamour.
Combining designer attire with DIY decor details and beautiful countryside with world class vendors, Marcelle and Joe created their perfect day by bringing together their style, their passions, and that quintessential al fresco Italian atmosphere.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Wedding
The perfect romantic garden dinner party. Rustic, Tuscan chic, twinkling lights and delectable food.
A mix of old and new.
The Dress
Simple elegance. I wanted something that I knew Joseph would like me in and that suited the occasion.
I remember seeing Carolyn Bessette’s ( John F Kennedy’s Jr’s wife)’ dress when I was younger, her understated beauty spoke to me.
The Venue
We always wanted to get married in Europe or New York. London wasn’t an option and a weekend away allows for the wedding party to create friendships and more meaningful memories.
We chose Tuscany as we both spent time living in Italy, and because we got engaged in Florence.
Borgo Santo Pietro, I fell in love with the venue the first time online and fell deeper when we visited.
It is an outstanding boutique property, that captures all that is good about the Italian way of life – the perfect bohemian boutique escape that was all ours for three days.
It allowed us to have a garden party on the Saturday, and every aspect of the wedding was held outdoors: the ceremony, reception, dinner, dancing, and after party!
The Decor & Details
The bride purchased wooden platters, oil bottles, table numbers, large sparklers for the dance floor.
She made her own confetti bags and created the order of ceremony programmes.
As the wedding cake, we chose a traditional mille foglie, done live on the dancefloor.
The Music
Our first dance took place under the moonlight Chaka Khan cover Ain’t Nobody by J Thompson that mixed in to the original Chaka version at ‘I make my wish upon a star and hope this night will last forever.’
Music was an important part of the wedding – Joseph has been collecting 1000s of records for the past 20 years.
Sophie plays all over the place so could blend her passion for music while appealing to the broader audience.
We didn’t want a wedding band, and The Baker Boys have released their own albums, tour internationally, are being remixed by YamWho and Ashley Beedle, so were the perfect choice for the live experience. Two hours of funk and disco!
Isn't it just fabulous? I just love how low key and rustic the decor is, alongside such luxe style and glamour. And how stunning is Marcella's Tom Ford wedding dress? Wow!
Thanks so much to Sandra Van Reikhoff of Divine Day Photography and of course, the gorgeous Marcelle and Joseph for sharing their dreamy Tuscan wedding.
Be inspired for your own big day with more spectacular destination weddings.
