Location: Lazio, Italy
Style: Classic, glam, vintage
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 150
Setting: Historic Castle
Season: Summer
Giuseppe and Caterina met seven years ago in their hometown of Terni, Umbria. From the very beginning, their connection was instant. After a romantic courtship from Giuseppe, they quickly realized they couldn’t be apart, and less than a month later, they were already living together. Giuseppe even had the date of their first meeting tattooed on his arm as a forever reminder of the day their love began.
Six years later, on the night of Caterina’s graduation party, Giuseppe surprised her in the most meaningful place, their own home. With a ring in hand and a heart full of love, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, turning their beautiful story into a lifelong promise.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Caterina shared that she truly felt like a princess on her wedding day, everything was exactly as she had always dreamed. Her gown was custom-made by Morena Mampieri Showroom. Designed especially for her, it featured a loose lace silhouette with a petticoat and a low-cut bodice, worn with a lace bolero and a delicate drop veil for the ceremony. Later, for the reception and cake cutting, the bolero was replaced with dreamy lace balloon sleeves and a high lace collar, transforming the look into something even more romantic. The designer herself guided Caterina through the entire process, affectionately calling her “a modern Grace Kelly.”
Ilaria Varazi styled her hair in a romantic braided semi-updo with soft waves for the ceremony and reception, then loosened it into glamorous, large waves for the cake cutting. Makeup by Virginia Posati remained natural and timeless, with warm, rosy tones that highlighted Caterina’s features. She carried a bouquet of oversized, beautifully lush white roses, which was the perfect final touch to her bridal vision.
Groom's Fashion
Giuseppe wore a custom-made dark blue suit by Banderari Terni with a matching waistcoat, a light tie, and a white shirt. His look was completed with a classic white boutonnière and elegant black shoes, also by Banderari, a look that perfectly complemented the bride’s romantic style.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a small, intimate church in the village of Castel Giorgio, adorned with beautiful frescoes that gave the setting a timeless charm. White roses decorated the altar, and two elegant half arches framed the entrance. Guests were welcomed with fans with the Latin phrase “Ubi tu, ibi ego” – “Wherever you are, I will be with you.” This ancient Roman phrase, traditionally spoken by the bride to the groom, symbolizes devotion and the promise to share a life together, always side by side.
The most emotional moment came with Caterina’s entrance into the church, where Giuseppe, visibly moved, waited at the altar. Their vows were exchanged with deep sincerity during a traditional religious ceremony. It was especially meaningful as the service was celebrated by Giuseppe’s cousin, together with Caterina’s high school religion teacher. Surrounded by the love of their families and friends, the couple sealed their union before God, declaring the words, “Yes, I do.”
Cocktail Hour & Moments Together
The reception took place in a breathtaking Renaissance castle, a magical and prestigious historic residence in the heart of central Italy. Guests were welcomed with an aperitif in the castle’s Italian garden, where the beauty of gardens and timeless architecture created an unforgettable atmosphere. At the center of the garden stood the tableau mariage, elegantly displayed on a fabric banner and framed by delicate white roses, adding a romantic touch that perfectly complemented the setting.
During this time, Ortica Wedding captured breathtaking portraits of the newlyweds, their love glowing in the golden light of the setting sun. The moment was pure magic, as the couple shared quiet, intimate moments amidst the enchanting castle gardens.
Reception Decor
Then the celebration moved to the castle’s upper floor for dinner, held in a stunning gallery adorned with frescoes, statues, and marble. An imperial table was set with candles, candelabras, and white roses arranged by Valentina Battistini, echoing the theme of purity, elegance, and romance, just like the bride’s dress. The entire event was flawlessly coordinated by Wedding Planners Francesca and Martina of Alchimia Studio, working closely with the couple to bring their vision to life.
"On the most beautiful day of our lives, I felt like a princess, as you imagined as a child, and I couldn't wait to marry the man of my life.”
Reception
The most thrilling moment of the evening was undoubtedly the couple’s grand entrance to dinner. Guests played tambourines in a joyful mix of international, Italian, and traditional Neapolitan music, honoring the groom’s Neapolitan roots. The newlyweds entered to the timeless tune of “You Are My First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White, joined by guests waving tambourines adorned with their initials. The celebration continued with enchanting live performances by Marino Rana Entertainment, including a soulful saxophone.
The evening culminated with a vintage wedding cake and lively dancing back at Torre Alfina Castle, where the couple had prepared earlier. Surrounded by the laughter, music, and love of their guests in the breathtaking frescoed gallery, every moment was filled with tears, joy, and pure magic.
PHOTOGRAPHY Ortica Wedding | WEDDING PLANNER Alchimia Studio Events | LOCATION Castello di Torre Alfina | CATERING Apollinare Catering | FLORIST Valentina Battistini | BRIDE’S DRESS Morena Mampieri | HAIR Ilaria Varazi | MAKEUP Virginia Posati | GROOM’S LOOK Banderari | MUSIC Marino Rana | BAR CATERING FBS Bar Catering | PARTY FAVORS New Diffusion
