Julia and John Zadroga’s wedding was a vibrant and romantic celebration set against the stunning backdrop of Tuscany’s Dievole Wine Resort. Surrounded by 68 of their closest friends and family, the couple embraced the vibrant colors and intimate atmosphere of the venue. With a carefully curated design that complemented the beauty of the location, the day was filled with heartfelt moments—from their outdoor ceremony overlooking the vineyards to the lively reception that kept everyone dancing under the Tuscan sky.
Location: Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
Style: Vibrant, romantic, cozy
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 68
Setting: Wine Resort
Season: Summer
Julia and Johnny are college sweethearts. They met in Boston during a night out and have been inseparable since. Currently residing in San Diego, the couple enjoys beach weather, following an active and outdoorsy lifestyle. Another thing they love is hosting dinner parties.
Johnny planned a romantic surprise proposal during the couple’s trip to Hawaii. He got on one knee early in the morning when the sweethearts had a private moment watching the sunrise. Another thoughtfully planned surprise was the company of Julia’s friends, who had flown out to celebrate the couple.
"For the wedding, we fell in love with Tuscany, so we wanted to plan the perfect getaway for all our friends and family to celebrate with us."
Location & Planning
Julia and Johnny were captivated by Tuscany’s picturesque landscapes and rich Italian heritage. Eager to create an unforgettable experience for their friends and family, they contacted planner Giulia Alessandri to bring their vision to life.
The ceremony and reception took place at Dievole Wine Resort in Castelnuovo Berardenga, a region known for its exceptional wines. With stunning views as the backdrop, the resort provided the ideal setting for their romantic celebration. The design centered around vibrant florals in the bride’s favorite colors, with the reception decor seamlessly complementing the overall palette.
"We never distort the place that hosts us but always try to integrate it with details, flowers, and decorations that become part of the environment. We took Julia's preferred colors as a reference, and from there, we created an intimate and romantic atmosphere that is simultaneously vibrant in palette, scents, and ambiance."
Wedding Fashion
The bride wore a long, off-shoulder dress by Galia Lahav that she fell in love with at first sight. The sparkly lines and tiny flowers on the fabric added playfulness and character to the elegant silhouette of the gown. Iconic Badgley Mischka stiletto heels with sparkly straps were Julia’s accent piece. The sheer veil allowed the floral accessory to be seen even during the ceremony, creating a deeply romantic look.
Julia’s hair was styled in relaxed beach waves and decorated with a flowerpiece, matching the bridal bouquette. Natural makeup elevated the bride’s look and lets her natural beauty shine. The bouquet created a warm summery palette with an unusual combination of peonies, roses, chrysanthemums, and camomiles.
"I wanted my wedding outfit to feel as romantic as Tuscany, so when I saw the lace and beading of the dresses, I fell in love!"
The groom, Johnny, looked effortlessly stylish in a custom dark green suit that added a modern touch to the day’s romantic setting. He paired it with a white shirt and a light beige tie, completing his look with a delicate boutonniere of white and green florals. Johnny’s choice of sleek Ferragamo shoes added a polished finish to his outfit.
His groomsmen complemented his style with a range of neutral tones, including beige and light gray suits, adding to the relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
Ceremony
The ceremony was a breathtaking display of elegance and natural beauty created by Giulia Alessandri. The decor was filled with vibrant and romantic hues, as soft pinks, oranges, and yellows adorned the arch and lined the aisle. Chairs were arranged in a simple, intimate layout, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene surroundings, with touches of greenery completing the picturesque scene.
Set amidst the rolling hills, the couple exchanged vows under a delicate floral arch that framed the stunning views. They chose one of their best friends to officiate, adding a special layer of intimacy to the day. Julia and Johnny wrote custom vows, which they recited under the Tuscan sun. After sealing their vows with a kiss, the couple walked down the aisle to a shower of petals, surrounded by the joyful cheers of their guests, marking the start of their new life together in the most romantic setting imaginable.
"Being outside in the Tuscan hills while saying ‘I do’ is something we’ll remember forever."
Moment Alone
After the ceremony, Julia and Johnny took a private moment to enjoy their new status as husband and wife. During this time, they walked through the Vine Resort territory, taking pictures and observing their wedding design come true. Everything turned out above expectations, and soon, the joyous newlyweds joined their guests.
Wine Hour
The pre-reception drinks were served in a lush garden, offering guests the chance to soak in the warm summer breeze and take in the breathtaking views of the winery’s landscape. The serene sounds of live cello and piano music added a touch of Italian romance to the moment.
Instead of traditional cocktails, Dievole curated a special lineup of their finest local wines for a unique tasting experience. Sampling the wines right where they were grown and learning about their flavors and history became a true highlight for the guests, making the moment unforgettable.
Decor & Setting
The setting for Julia and Johnny’s reception was nothing short of magical, held in a garden under a canopy of twinkling lights. Long tables, dressed in white linens, stretched across the lawn, creating an inviting and intimate space for their guests to gather.
The decor centered around vibrant floral arrangements in soft pinks, peaches, and yellows, perfectly complementing the natural beauty of the Tuscan landscape. Each arrangement was thoughtfully placed in the center of the tables, adding bursts of color against the neutral tones of the tableware.
Touches of citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, added a fresh Mediterranean feel to the decor, while tall, pastel-colored taper candles in glass holders lent a touch of elegance and warmth to the evening setting.
The stationery, with its warm peach and orange tones, mirrored the vibrant color palette of the decor, featuring modern and playful typography that captured the joyful spirit of the day.
Each detail, from the carefully designed table settings to the floral accents, came together to create an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and full of life. The space was a perfect reflection of the couple’s vision: romantic, colorful, and effortlessly elegant.
"We got to spend a few minutes alone to see the tablescape and take photos. It felt so special to have this moment of quiet."
Dinner
The reception dinner was heartfelt, filled with toasts, speeches, and laughter. The guests celebrated the newlywed couple and shared their impressions of the stunning set design. Julia and Johnny received endless affirmation and appreciation from their beloved guests.
"The speeches strike me the most. I still tear up thinking about our parents' words and how supported and loved I felt."
Cake
As the evening festivities came to a close, Julia and Johnny gathered their guests for the much-anticipated cake cutting. The chefs artfully prepared the cake on-site, adding an interactive element to the celebration that guests loved. Under a sky filled with twinkling lights, the couple stood surrounded by friends and family, ready to make their first cut as husband and wife.
With dramatic sparklers lighting up the scene, Julia and Johnny shared a moment of joy and laughter as they cut into the cake, their smiles radiant under the glow of the fireworks. It was the perfect way to conclude a day full of love and celebration. The live band continued playing as guests danced the night away, making memories that would last a lifetime.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t sweat the little things; you won’t even notice them on the wedding day.
• Also, one day is a short time in the grand scheme of things. Take a breath and soak it in.
PLANNING & DESIGN Giulia Alessandri | PHOTOGRAPHER Serena Genovese at The Genovese Studio | VENUE & CATERING Dievole | FLORALS Luca Cozza | MAKEUP Ilaria Borgioli | HAIR Feli Boccardi | DRESS Galia Lahav | SHOES Badgley Mischka, Ferragamo | AUDIO & LIGHTING JDEvents | MUSIC FixTheMusic | STATIONERY Chiaramada Studio | RENTAL VESPA Slow Hills
