Nestled in the rustic charm of Borgo della Marmotta, Kelsey and Kurt’s wedding was the embodiment of romance and elegance. Surrounded by 45 loved ones, they celebrated their love story under a canopy of Italian stars, blending the classic beauty of Umbria with the couple’s effortless style. For Kelsey and Kurt, an American-British couple residing in Amsterdam, Italy wasn’t just a wedding location; it was a dream realized, bringing together family and friends from the Netherlands, the UK, and the US in the heart of the Italian countryside.
Location: Spoleto, Umbria, Italy
Style: Classic, natural, effortless, romantic
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 45
Setting: Farm
Season: Fall
Kelsey and Kurt’s journey began in 2017, over a shared love for food, travel, and cycling around Amsterdam with their beloved pup, Bonnie. They first met at work and quickly found themselves inseparable, bonding over pasta at a cozy Italian restaurant. Four years later, in November 2021, Kurt proposed during a trip to Rome at the beautiful Tempio di Esculapio, overlooking a serene lake in Villa Borghese. It was a magical moment, followed by days of celebrating, immersed in the food, wine, and art of the Eternal City.
Rehershal Dinner
When it came time to plan their wedding, Italy was the obvious choice. They envisioned a weekend of warmth, intimacy, and elegance—a reflection of their love for classic, natural, and romantic settings. Borgo della Marmotta was the ideal setting for Kelsey and Kurt’s celebration. The farm resort’s timeless architecture and lush surroundings provided a tranquil backdrop for their wedding weekend.
The weekend began with a welcome dinner, where guests were treated to an Umbrian-style barbecue with views of the hillside. A long table draped in linen cloth and surrounded by fairy lights set the mood as golden-hour portraits were taken by their talented photographer, Matteo Crescentini, capturing the essence of the weekend in a warm glow.
“We wanted to share our favorite place with everyone we love.”
Bridal Morning
Kelsey prepared for her big day surrounded by her bridesmaids. Her look was nothing short of stunning, featuring an Oliviana dress by Enzoani, sourced from Bruidsmode Haarlem. The intricate floral lace details complemented her natural beauty, and her mother added a personal touch by stitching a small blue heart inside the gown as her “something blue.”
Kelsey completed her ensemble with Loeffler Randall’s Malia heels, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Oud Silk Mood perfume, and a cathedral-length veil that flowed gracefully behind her as she walked.
Groom's Fashion
Meanwhile, Kurt prepared himself in a bespoke dinner suit from Cad & the Dandy, perfectly tailored to reflect his elegant style. He paired it with a Marcella bib shirt, patent leather Oxfords by Morjas, and a bow tie from Cinabre. Completing his look was a Cartier Tank watch, engraved with the title of their wedding song, a subtle yet meaningful detail.
Ceremony
Their ceremony took place in the courtyard of Borgo della Marmotta, framed by lush florals from Sartoria Floreale. Kelsey and Kurt chose a symbolic, non-religious ceremony, making it uniquely personal. They opted to forego a first look, adding to the anticipation as Kelsey walked down a short aisle lined with delicate floral meadows that mirrored the altar’s arch.
The ceremony began with a beautiful string duo performance from Armonie Nuziali, setting a romantic tone. The couple exchanged vows, sharing their love story and hopes for the future in front of family and friends. A candle lighting ritual using the same candles Kelsey’s parents had at their wedding 47 years earlier added a touch of family tradition to the ceremony, underscoring the importance of heritage and lasting love.
"It was such a special feeling to see each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle."
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests were invited to a cocktail hour in the serene Italian garden, where they could mingle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside. The setting was both intimate and picturesque, with clusters of high tables scattered throughout the garden, allowing guests to savor their cocktails while admiring the lush greenery and florals.
Kelsey and Kurt had thoughtfully chosen signature cocktails for the occasion, bringing a touch of Italian flair to the celebration. The Negroni Sbagliato and Paper Plane were instant hits, capturing the couple’s love for classic flavors with a modern twist. The drinks, expertly crafted by the team from Tumbler-In, set the tone for an afternoon of relaxed elegance.
Private Moment
Meanwhile, Kelsey and Kurt stole away for a few quiet moments together, wandering around the estate. Away from the festivities, it was just the two of them, standing hand in hand amidst the timeless beauty of the Italian countryside.
Their photographer, Matteo Crescentini, joined them on this walk, skillfully capturing the golden-hour light that bathed the couple in a warm glow. Matteo’s talent for blending natural light with candid emotion brought out the pure happiness on their faces and the quiet tenderness between them. The resulting photos beautifully encapsulate these fleeting moments, preserving memories that Kelsey and Kurt will cherish forever.
“Having time to ourselves right after the ceremony gave us a moment to pause together, and the photos Matteo took perfectly captured the natural beauty of the venue and happiness we felt together right after saying ‘I do’.”
Decor & Setting
Dinner was set under a 15-meter vine-covered archway, with fairy lights twinkling overhead, creating an enchanting ambiance as the sun dipped below the hills. One long table, draped in off-white linen and adorned with blush and nude floral arrangements, set the scene for an intimate Italian feast. It was a vision of understated elegance, with Paige Tuzee Designs stationery adding a sophisticated touch.
Reception
Guests dined on a traditional four-course meal, enjoying local wines and heartfelt toasts from Kelsey’s father, Kurt’s best man, and Kelsey’s brother. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, allowing Kelsey and Kurt to engage with each guest, sharing laughter and stories as they soaked up the warmth of the evening.
After dinner, the celebration continued in the courtyard, where the DJ and saxophonist from DJ Remo Giugni played a mix of classic and contemporary hits, keeping everyone on the dance floor.
Kelsey and Kurt delighted their guests with a champagne tower, a fun and festive addition to the evening’s celebrations. As the glasses filled and bubbles spilled over, they toasted to their future together, sharing smiles and laughter with their loved ones. The cake cutting followed, where they sliced into a beautifully simple, yet elegant cake adorned with fresh berries, a nod to the natural beauty of the Italian countryside.
Kelsey and Kurt shared their first dance to “Strangers in the Night” by Frank Sinatra, a moment that felt straight out of a romantic movie. The energy was infectious as guests joined them under the stars, dancing late into the night.
Advice from the couple:
• A friend told us before our wedding to pick a few moments through the day and evening to step back together and take everything in. We did this during our wedding dinner and again once the dance floor filled up, and it was so special to step back, see all our favorite people chatting, enjoying, and soaking up each other and the love of the day.
PHOTOGRAPHER Matteo Crescentini | PLANNING & STYLING Elisabetta White Intimately Inspired Events | ACCOMMODATIONS, VENUE & CATERING Borgo della Marmotta & Villa della Genga | FLORALS Sartoria Floreale | DRESS Enzoani | SUIT Cad And The Dandy | MUAH Ruslana Regi | RINGS Rebus Rings | BAR Tumbler-In | STATIONERY Paige Tuzee Designs | WEBSITE & DIGITAL INVITES Bliss and Bone | RENTALS Preludio Noleggio | LIGHTING Wedding Music & Lights | MUSIC Armonie Nuziali | DJ DJ Remo Giugni | CELEBRANT Apulian Ceremony | CAR Slowhills
