Location: Tuscany, Italy
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Fall
Wedding theme/style: Classic and elegant.
In the heart of Tuscany, an enchanting love story unfolded for a Brazilian couple, Gabriella and Felippe. Hailing from the vibrant city of São Paulo, this pair embarked on a journey that led them to an exquisite wedding in the picturesque countryside of Italy. Their story is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of unique, stylish celebrations.
Gabriella is a renowned interior designer celebrated for her impeccable style. The charm of Tuscany captivated her heart, and of course, there was no doubt that their dream of the perfect wedding would become a reality right here. What made her wedding extraordinary was her choice of venue—Viesca Toscana, nestled 45 kilometers from the historic city of Florence. Unbeknownst to many, this location was not the typical choice for destination weddings, making it all the more special. She wished that this day would reflect who they are, their story of many years filled with pain, happiness, achievements, and failures and that it would be about their love.
It’s impossible to imagine more stylish bridal preparations. Gabriella herself said that everything that happened on that day reminded her so much of Fellini’s films, and indeed, every shot taken by Nick Zharkov was like scenes from a movie – subtle, emotional, and sensual.
One of the defining elements of Gabi’s wedding was her wedding gown, a masterpiece inspired by the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn. Ana Luisa Fernandes, a talented Brazilian women’s clothing designer named ALUF, meticulously crafted the shift. The result was a dress that exuded grace and sophistication, paying homage to the legendary Audrey Hepburn. Gabi’s keen eye for style extended to her choice of bridal shoes, which were nothing short of remarkable. She adorned her feet with shoes from Manolita, a prestigious Brazilian shoe brand. The uniqueness and style of her bridal shoes added a distinct touch to her overall bridal ensemble.
Felippe radiated happiness and joy because this was one of the happiest moments of his life – the day he would call his beloved his wife. It was a truly moving day.
One of Gabi’s explicit wishes for her wedding was to capture natural, unscripted moments. She sincerely appreciated documentary-style wedding photography, favoring genuine emotions and candid interactions over posed shots. This approach allowed the wedding to tell its story, filled with moments of laughter, love, and pure authenticity. The photographer Nick Zharkov brought all her wishes to life in such a creative and professional manner. An interesting moment is how she found her perfect photographer. Gabi discovered him on Instagram through a series of recommended posts related to Tuscany.
From the moment Gabriella entered the church and saw Felippe she could say they were fueled by real love. They were aware of what it meant for each one to be there with them. She saw bonds form, others reaffirm, and she saw everyone surrender to the magic of feeling.
The couple’s wedding ceremony was a beautiful and heartwarming affair. The bride’s journey down the aisle towards him was filled with grace and emotion, every step a testament to their love. The moment when everyone came together in prayer was a touching and unifying experience, symbolizing the strength of their bond.
As they emerged from the church, the guests showered them with rice, wishing them a life filled with happiness and abundance. It was a magical and heartfelt gesture, symbolizing the well-wishes and blessings of their loved ones as they embarked on their journey together.
The wedding reception decor at the villa courtyard was incredibly stylish. The combination of gray tablecloths with matching chairs exuded sophistication, while the candles on the tables added a touch of romance and intrigue. The use of fruits as decor elements evoked the sense of the season and emphasized that the wedding was taking place in the abundant Italian countryside.
When the guests gathered at the table, Gabriella and Felippe made their entrance. Pleasant music filled the air as they opened the dance floor with their first dance. The guests watched in awe, captivated by this beautiful moment.
The moment with the wedding cake was particularly heartwarming. The chef, in full view of the guests and Gabriella and Felippe, adorned the cake, and they were able to cut it together. This moment felt like the beginning of the sweetest and happiest life. As the Italians say, “Dolce vita!”
The reception party was filled with music and lively dancing.
PHOTOGRAPHY Nick Zharkov, Irena Balashko | PLANNER Fernanda Rocco | VENUE The Grounds Events | FLORAL & DECORATION Fiori Etruschi | SHOES Manolita | BRIDAL DRESS ALUF | BRIDE Gabriella Decottignies | GROOM Felippe Carone
