Location: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Setting: Villa
The number of guests: 40
Wedding Season: Spring/Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
Wedding theme/style: Authentic Italian flair.
Sandra and Simon share a beautiful love story that started on Tinder. Despite the match, they avoided each other for three weeks. Simon, about to move to Munich, didn’t want a new relationship, assuming Sandra’s profile was too good to be true. However, after Simon’s farewell party with friends, he texted Sandra, leading to a first date where they discovered they were meant for each other. They decided to overcome the challenge of a long-distance relationship because it was worth a try.
A year and a half later, Simon returned to Stuttgart and moved in with Sandra. Together, they decided to renovate an old house to fulfill Sandra’s passion for design. The project was challenging but ultimately strengthened their relationship. Simon proposed to Sandra while they were taking a walk on the beach at Sylt. In a moment of nerves, he accidentally pushed her into the sea while trying to hug her – a relatable experience for most men. Instead of asking the question right away, Simon tried to calm down a frustrated Sandra, who was annoyed her feet were now soaking wet. Sandra mistook his actions for teasing and asked why he pushed her into the sea. Simon explained that he wanted to hug her because he had an important question to ask. It was then that Sandra realized what was coming.
Simon and Sandra found inspiration in the location and Italian lifestyle for their wedding weekend. Their shared love for Italian food, wine, and culture led them to travel to Italy almost every year. Simon, who has lived in Milan, even speaks Italian, making Italy a place close to their hearts and the natural choice for their destination wedding. Their planners at Stefanie Barz Events meticulously planned the event, ensuring every detail was perfect.
They also wanted to have a wedding where their guests could enjoy not only the celebration but also the time, the surroundings, the food—simply the Italian good life as they traveled so far to be with them. “That’s why we created a three-day event, focusing on the love and “Italian good life”—Dolce Vita & Amore,” shared the planners. The couple and their loved ones enjoyed a blend of elegance and authenticity in an Italian atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories.
A pre-party à la Dolce Vita was held the night before the wedding to start the celebration. Set in the estate’s backyard, guests enjoyed a relaxed picnic with a vibrant dress code and plenty of prints and colors facing the enchanting villa. The Dolce Vita party was all about Aperol Spritz, pizza, and laughter with their loved ones. Sabrina Licata’s vibrant photos beautifully captured the emotions and atmosphere of this Tuscany wedding.
Many say Emilia-Romagna is the new Tuscany. Sandra and Simon wanted to capture this Italian Dolce Vita vibe at their wedding, so they chose Roncolo 1888 Resort. This unique vineyard, which includes a boutique hotel and a high-end restaurant, is nestled among green hills and endless cypress avenues. This Mediterranean oasis perfectly captured the spirit of Italy.
On the morning of her wedding, Sandra exuded elegance and grace. She wore an exquisite A-line bridal gown by Nava Bride, adorned with a romantic floral lace print that harmonized beautifully with the wedding’s theme and setting. With its grand train and soft neckline, the dress was complemented by iconic pearl-embellished Jimmy Choos. Adding a sentimental touch, Sandra accessorized with classic pearl jewelry, including a necklace passed down from her grandmother and earrings from Bruna. Her soft gold makeup and an elegantly styled low bun completed her look.
Sandra’s journey to finding her perfect dress was surprisingly easy. After visiting only one bridal shop, she found “the one” with the fifth dress she tried on. The moment she saw the fabric, she knew it was perfect for the venue, embodying a blend of modern, elegant, and romantic elements. The dress’s silhouette and the intricate floral lace print made it the ideal choice, reflecting Sandra’s taste and the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
Simon, looking stylish in a black tuxedo, prepared for the wedding day with his groomsmen. His classic black suit, complete with a bow tie and a white boutonniere, complemented the elegant setting of the wedding. The groomsmen shared a moment of relaxation before the ceremony, enjoying cigars and drinks. The mood was light-hearted and joyful, with laughter and smiles all around.
Simon and Sandra’s wedding ceremony was held in the picturesque Italian garden of the Roncolo 1888 vineyard. The stunning setting was enhanced by the backdrop of Villa Manodori, surrounded by wine mountains, cypresses, and palm trees. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt emotions. The details of the ceremony were beautifully highlighted by the photographer Sabrina Licata, from Sandra’s bouquet to the exchange of rings. The couple joyously walked down the aisle, hand in hand, as their guests applauded and celebrated their union. The atmosphere was filled with love and happiness, perfectly matching the glamorous and romantic theme of their wedding day.
After the ceremony the newlyweds poured champagne into a glass tower, sharing smiles and laughter. This elegant moment captured their joy and the celebratory spirit of the day.
The scene was set against a backdrop of lush greenery, with sunlight filtering through the trees, adding a magical touch to the event. Guests mingled under a large umbrella, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. The reception was a wonderful way to toast to the newlyweds with lots of sparkling wine from the vineyard, a spectacular Champagne tower, elegant sweets, and local savory treats from Emilia-Romagna.
This Mediterranean weekend of “amore,” a celebration of love and life, was beautifully captured by photographer Sabrina Licata. She expertly conveyed the rich Tuscan colors, joy, and happiness throughout the wedding day. From the lively and vibrant pre-wedding festivities to the warm and wonderful celebrations at the restaurant, Sabrina’s photography perfectly encapsulated the essence of this special occasion. Her ability to tell a story through her photos made the entire event feel even more magical and memorable.
For the dinner, the couple moved to the restaurant “Limonaia,” where they were welcomed by a stunning setting. It was a sparkling sea of lights with candles and opulent floral arrangements that matched the color palette. The food combined high-quality Italian dishes with a touch of “alla nonna” charm.
“We incorporated the surrounding colors to create an elegant setting and authentic Italian flair that reflected the beauty of the place: orange/peach for the estate, green for nature, and white for the modern and clean interior,” shared their planners.
A special touch for the evening was Sandra’s outfit change. She wanted something more comfortable than her formal dress, which had a lot of fabric around the skirt. With her background in fashion, she decided to create her second look herself—a simple dress with a corsage and a draped skirt with a slit. Despite being busy with work and wedding duties, she finished the tailoring just three days before the wedding. It was a special piece with a special story behind it.
One of the highlights of the evening was the authentic Millefoglie, which was made in front of the bridal couple and their guests. This traditional Italian dessert added a special touch to the dinner, emphasizing the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna.
Emilia-Romagna is not only famous for its food but also for its automotive history, often referred to as the Motor Valley. In line with this theme, the couple included an Italian cabriolet, a red Fiat 124 Spider, in their celebrations. After a final sip of Champagne, they had a memorable photoshoot with the classic car, adding a unique and stylish element to their wedding day.
For her party look, Sandra wanted something fun and lively. She chose a sparkly, fringed dress embellished with feathers by Nadine Merabi. The party was filled with love, joy, and emotions, making it a truly unforgettable celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• Relax and hire a wedding planner. Try to enjoy the celebrations and invite only the people you really want to be with on a day like this.
Advice from the planner:
• If you’re having a destination wedding, try to put together a little program for the guests. They have traveled a long way and deserve some fun and action during the celebrations. In addition to the official pre-wedding party and wedding reception, we organized a pool party, wine, and Balsamico tasting and offered some free time with recommendations for things to do in the area. This gave the guests the flexibility to make the most of their trip while enjoying activities with Sandra and Simon.
PHOTO Sabrina Licata Photography | PLANNER Events by Stefanie Barz | VENUE Roncolo 1888 | CATERING Ristorante Limonaia | FLORIST Il Girasole Guastalla | DECORATION Tableset Rentals | DRESS Nava Bride, Nadine Merabi Bridal | SHOES Jimmy Choo
