This two-day celebration in the heart of Tuscany was a perfect blend of timeless elegance and relaxed charm. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Locanda Rossa, the wedding weekend was thoughtfully designed to feel like an intimate getaway for the couple’s loved ones. With Italian-inspired touches, chic details, and an atmosphere of effortless sophistication, the celebration beautifully captured the romance and joy of the occasion.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Style: Chic, romantic, Italy-inspired
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 59
Setting: Farm House
Season: Summer
Melissa and Samuel, a lively and adventurous couple from New York, share a deep bond built on a mutual zest for life and the close-knit friendships that brought them together. Their relationship thrives on a shared love for new experiences, whether immersing themselves in NYC’s vibrant culture—trying trendy restaurants, exploring museums, hosting gatherings, or finding balance through yoga—or escaping the city’s buzz to explore exciting destinations around the globe. For them, life is about fun, adventure, and creating meaningful moments, weaving their passion for travel with their undeniable love for each other in everything they do.
Location & Planning
For their wedding, Melissa and Samuel envisioned a chic, joyful, and effortlessly relaxed wedding—more like a vacation than a traditional event. They dreamed of bringing their loved ones together to stay on one property, where every moment, from the ceremony to the festivities, would feel intimate and unforgettable. Drawn to the modern yet laid-back elegance of Locanda Rossa, they knew it was the perfect setting to bring their vision to life. To ensure every detail was flawlessly executed, they entrusted planners at Marigiulia Sella Weddings, whose expertise and creativity promised to craft a weekend that would not only reflect the couple’s style but also create lasting memories for them and their guests.
Welcome Day
The wedding weekend started with a Welcome Day that fully embraced the charm of Italy. Vibrant colors, delicious pizza, creamy gelato, and signature drinks set the tone for a festive celebration, all under the golden glow of the Tuscan sun. It was an unforgettable start to the weekend, filled with warmth, laughter, and the perfect blend of Italian flair and joyful anticipation.
"It was important to us that all of our guests stay together, on one property, where we get married. We may not have this time again where we are all together on vacation, so it's important to us that this wedding feels like just that - a memorable trip for all."
Melissa about the wedding
Wedding Day
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Melissa was a vision of timeless elegance and modern sophistication on her wedding day. She wore a breathtaking Katherine Tash gown, designed with a meticulously crafted lace corset that highlighted her figure beautifully. The gown’s flowing silk satin crepe draping added a romantic, contemporary twist to its classic silhouette, striking the perfect balance between grace and modernity.
To complete her ensemble, Melissa chose glamorous Aquazzura plateau heels, which added just the right touch of sparkle. Linda Lynn masterfully did her hair and makeup, embracing a natural and chic aesthetic, enhancing Melissa’s radiant beauty with understated elegance. Her minimalist calla lily bouquet paired perfectly with the sleek lines of her gown, capturing the essence of their special day.
The groom wore a tailored black suit paired with sleek velvet loafers, striking the perfect balance between classic and modern. His white shirt and watch added subtle touches of elegance, reflecting his refined yet effortless style for the big day.
Ceremony
Melissa and Sam’s ceremony was a beautifully intimate celebration that blended simplicity with chic elegance. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows and rings in a setting that perfectly reflected their minimalist and modern aesthetic. Officiated by Sam’s uncle, David, the ceremony was deeply personal, adding a heartfelt and meaningful touch that made the moment even more special.
Live music enhanced the atmosphere, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the day. The blooms were thoughtfully arranged to create a sense of movement and balance, framing the ceremony area with subtle sophistication. Melissa and Sam’s vision of understated elegance shone through in every detail, resulting in a celebration that was as unforgettable as it was effortlessly stylish.
Reception Decor
The concept for Melissa and Sam’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of Melissa’s passion for fashion, interiors, and art. Her love for the balance of contrasts—modern and vintage, masculine and feminine—shaped the design, intentionally steering clear of anything overly glamorous, ornate, or excessively romantic. MaryPoppies, the talented floral designer, played an important role in bringing Melissa’s vision to life by thoughtfully selecting blooms that blended effortlessly with the venue’s palette, opting for complementary tones over traditional red and green to subtly elevate the space.
"The planning process was an extensive collaboration, with months spent curating every detail to ensure the design felt like a piece of art."
The Planners, Marigiulia Sella Weddings
“For the wedding day, we embraced a neutral color palette—white, cream, beige, and green—which perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the Tuscan surroundings. Melissa wanted the venue to speak for itself, so our goal was to enhance the existing charm of Locanda Rossa without overwhelming it. We aimed to create a setting that was chic and modern yet still warm, inviting, and full of life,” shared the planners at Marigiulia Sella Weddings. Their thoughtful approach ensured the celebration felt effortless yet undeniably stylish, perfectly aligned with couple’s vision.
Reception
Melissa and Sam’s reception perfectly balanced sophisticated minimalism with lively celebration, creating a day full of thoughtful details that left a lasting impression. Subtle Italian influences were woven throughout the event, enhancing the charm of the celebration without overwhelming the chic, refined atmosphere. Dinner was hosted under magical string lights in the Piazzetta, where two long tables encouraged connection and conversation among the guests. The tablescape has dynamic floral arrangements at varying heights, adding visual interest and creating a warm, inviting setting for everyone to relax and savor the moment.
Entertainment was a highlight of the evening, starting with an incredible acoustic performance by an Italian live band whose unplugged style brought authentic and vibrant energy to the dinner. Their lively tunes got guests dancing while maintaining the elegant tone of the evening. DJ Remo Giugni seamlessly took over as the night progressed, turning the celebration into a full-fledged dance party. Espresso martini shots added an energetic twist to the festivities, while a traditional midnight pasta served in true Italian fashion delighted the guests. Melissa and Sam’s reception captured their vision flawlessly—a chic, joyful celebration filled with sophistication, connection, and unforgettable moments of pure fun.
"Overall, the wedding was a perfect blend of Melissa and Sam’s style, the natural beauty of Tuscany, and the warm, inviting atmosphere they wanted to create for their guests.“
Marigiulia Sella Weddings
PLANNER & DESIGNER Marigiulia Sella Weddings | PHOTOGRAPHER Dos Más en la Mesa | FLORALS Mary Poppies | VENUE Locanda Rossa | MUAH Ardeu Linda | BRIDAL DRESS Katherine Tash | BRIDAL SHOES Aquazzura | RENTALS Viola Morlino , Vittorio Insalata | STATIONERY Catalina Amor | DJ & WELCOME EVENT MUSICIANS Remo Giugni DJ | WEDDING DAY MUSICIANS Boys 4 Road, Musicontacts