Set in the heart of Tuscany, Zhu and Ricardo’s wedding was a celebration of love, history, and Italian charm. Their ceremony took place in the stunning San Galgano Abbey, where the ancient ruins served as the perfect backdrop for an intimate gathering of family and friends. From the bride’s elegant gown to the rustic decor, each detail reflected their vision of a day filled with warmth and connection.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Style: Intimate, elegant, rustic
Time of planning: 6 months
Number of guests: 65
Setting: Farm
Season: Summer
Zhu and Ricardo’s love story began in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where they met during Ricardo’s daring Mongol Rally charity adventure. Their connection deepened over the years, culminating in a romantic proposal at Brno’s Spilberk Castle, where Ricardo asked Zhu to marry him under a setting sun.
For their wedding, they envisioned an intimate celebration in the Tuscan countryside, with a focus on elegance, simplicity, and the love of those closest to them. Despite planning from afar, the couple had the unwavering support of their families, who helped bring their dream to life.
Bridal Morning
The morning began with Zhu and her bridesmaids enjoying time by the pool before preparing for the ceremony. Zhu chose an exquisite gown from La Sposa di Firenze, selected during a whirlwind trip to Florence. The gown featured intricate lace detailing and a flowing train that mirrored the elegance of San Galgano Abbey.
Zhu completed her look with a long, graceful veil, while her hair was styled by Soldani Alessandra, who added a romantic touch to the bride’s timeless appearance. She carried a bouquet crafted by Il Papavero, a beautiful combination of white roses and lush greenery, perfectly complementing her elegant attire.
Ceremony
The couple’s ceremony took place at San Galgano Abbey, a historic 13th-century church known for its unique open-roof design and cross-shaped architecture. Sunlight poured in through the Abbey’s arches, casting a warm glow over the stone walls and adding a touch of timeless beauty to the setting.
Floral arrangements by Il Papavero featured sunflowers and delicate white roses and sunflowers, bringing fresh color to the Abbey’s rustic stone backdrop. Wooden chairs were arranged along a simple white aisle, lined with lush greenery that echoed the natural surroundings. The decor enhanced the Abbey’s historic beauty without detracting from it, creating a serene and elegant ambiance for the ceremony.
During the ceremony, Zhu and Ricardo exchanged heartfelt vows as family and friends looked on. The atmosphere was filled with emotion, and their words of love and commitment resonated through the ancient space. As the couple shared their first kiss as newlyweds, a wave of applause filled the Abbey, marking the start of their new life together.
Zhu and Ricardo chose a Prague-based photographer Vitalie Varvarynets, whose work they admired, and he made the journey to Tuscany to capture their special day. Despite needing to return to Prague immediately after for another wedding, his dedication to capturing Zhu and Ricardo’s celebration was evident. His photos encapsulated the historic beauty of the abbey and the intimate joy of the day, providing the couple with lasting memories of their love story. His ability to frame the couple against the historic arches and capture the vibrant emotions of the day truly showcased his artistry.
Reception
After the ceremony, guests traveled to Fattoria Il Santo for a reception under the Tuscan stars. The venue’s rustic charm provided the perfect backdrop for an al fresco dinner under the Tuscan stars. A long wooden table was set with golden linens and surrounded by string lights that twinkled in the evening sky, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Each place setting featured elegant glassware, candles, and personalized stationery wrapped with simple ribbon, adding a thoughtful touch to the decor.
The florist decorated the table with fresh arrangements of sunflowers and white roses, infusing the setting with vibrant colors that echoed the ceremony’s decor and mirrored the surrounding landscape. The reception decor captured the essence of Tuscany, blending natural elements with touches of sophistication to create a warm and welcoming space.
Guests were treated to a traditional Tuscan feast, complete with local wines that celebrated the flavors of the region. As the meal concluded, family and friends shared heartfelt toasts, recounting memories and offering well-wishes to the newlyweds. Under the soft glow of the string lights, Zhu and Ricardo shared their first dance to the sounds of live guitar music, their movements filled with grace and joy as their guests looked on.
The celebration continued into the night, with music, dancing, and laughter filling the air. The warmth of the evening and the love shared by those gathered created an atmosphere of joy and connection that would be remembered by all, thanks to the heartfelt photos captured by Vitalie Varvarynets. His images preserved the essence of each moment, allowing everyone to relive the magic of that unforgettable day.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Vitalie Varvarynets | CEREMONY VENUE San Galgano Abbey | RECEPTION VENUE Fattoria Il Santo | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE La Sposa di Firenze | SUIT Wilvorst | SHOES Ferragamo | FLORALS Il Papavero | BRIDAL STYLIST: Soldani Alessandra
