Bathed in spring light and framed by olive trees, Charlotte and Jackson’s wedding at Tenuta di Rota in Tuscany unfolded like a weekend-long love letter to family, friendship, and Italian beauty. Captured by Emmylou Kelly on both digital and film, every image feels warm and real: a mix of timeless portraits and quiet, in-between moments that make you feel like you were there. The weekend carried an effortless rhythm: relaxed gatherings, heartfelt vows, and dancing beneath the stars.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Style: Elegant, Romantic, Intimate
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 50
Setting: Villa
Season: Spring
Charlotte and Jackson’s story began years before this Italian celebration. They attended the same high school but didn’t truly meet until college, where mutual friends introduced them. By 2018, they were inseparable. After six years together, Jackson proposed at sunset on the beach in Destin, Florida — a place that had become their shared escape. What Charlotte thought was just another evening by the ocean turned into the start of their next chapter, followed by a surprise celebration with family and friends.
For their wedding, they didn’t want grandeur. They wanted meaning: a weekend where every guest would feel part of the story.
Concept & Location
The vision was rooted in simplicity and the natural beauty of Tuscany. With planner Silvia Ciolli, Charlotte brought to life a setting that felt intimate, timeless, and grounded in the landscape. The couple skipped strict color palettes and instead embraced the spirit of an Italian garden party: guests arrived in spring colors, linens, and floral prints that naturally complemented the scenery.
White blooms by Mainardi Fiori lined the ceremony and reception tables, paired with soft greenery to echo the surrounding hills. Everything felt cohesive without feeling curated. The garden itself was the focal point, and Silvia’s touch ensured the day flowed with ease and warmth.
Welcome Day
The festivities began with a relaxed rehearsal dinner on the villa lawn, complete with checkered tablecloths, outdoor seating, and Aperol Spritz in hand. Friends and family mingled under the early evening sun, laughing and catching up after their travels. The sign read “The Night Before”, and it truly felt like the calm before the magic.
The evening carried that easy Italian charm: long conversations, simple food, and a joyful anticipation of what was to come.
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
Charlotte’s morning was slow and full of quiet excitement. She got ready in one of the villa’s softly lit rooms, its cream walls and wooden beams creating a serene backdrop. Her bridal look reflected her love for understated elegance and Vivienne Westwood aesthetic: a sleek Jenny Yoo gown with clean lines and a structured bodice, paired with a full lace veil that added romantic texture. Her lace heels by Betsey Johnson tied the look together beautifully.
For the evening, she changed into a second look: a custom two-piece by her friend, made from ivory Oscar de la Renta silk. The corset-and-mini-skirt design was playful yet chic, perfect for dancing the night away. She paired it with Dolce Vita platforms, a modern nod to effortless celebration.
Groom’s Fashion
Jackson kept it classic with a black tuxedo and custom cufflinks engraved with his initials, a gift from his father that made the look personal. The timeless choice matched the setting perfectly and balanced Charlotte’s minimal bridal aesthetic. Together, they looked both elegant and at ease.
Ceremony
Set among olive trees, the ceremony was emotional and serene. Just before Charlotte walked down the aisle, a brief rain passed over the garden. It was truly a poetic moment before the sky cleared and sunlight returned. The timing couldn’t have been more fitting; their flower girl and ring bearers walked in to “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.
Though they had a civil ceremony back home in Austin, this was the one that truly mattered shared with everyone they loved. A close friend officiated, blending heartfelt words and laughter. The couple honored family members who had passed and chose florals that blended into the natural scenery rather than overtaking it. Every part of the ceremony felt sincere and grounded.
Cocktail Hour
As guests moved to the terrace, the sun dipped lower over the Tuscan hills. Laughter and clinking glasses carried across the garden. Aperitifs and local wines flowed while music played softly in the background. It was a moment of pure joy, the kind of hour everyone remembers long after the party ends.
Private Moment
When the crowd settled into dinner, Charlotte and Jackson slipped away for a few quiet moments by the pool. Emmylou Kelly followed with her camera, capturing the stillness of the golden hour. Her use of both digital and film gave the images a depth that feels almost tangible: the soft light, the reflection on the water, the way they held each other with calm and gratitude.
Reception & Decor
Dinner was served in the upper garden, with two long tables overlooking the valley. Under strands of twinkling lights, guests enjoyed a traditional Italian three-course meal prepared by Il Sorriso Ricevimenti. White florals and simple glassware filled the tables, creating a sense of understated beauty. The music by Giulio Maddi – Mad DJ set a joyful tone that carried late into the night.
As speeches began, laughter and tears filled the air, from Charlotte’s father, the best man, and the maid of honor. Their first dance, to “Yellow” by Coldplay, took place under the string lights, surrounded by friends who swayed and sang along.
Later, Charlotte changed into her second outfit, and the dance floor came alive until 2 a.m. For everyone present, the night felt complete: not extravagant or staged, but full of connection and heart.
Looking back, Charlotte and Jackson remember their wedding as something more than a single day. It was a merging of two families, two circles of friends, and two worlds. “By the end of the weekend, it didn’t feel like two sides anymore,” Charlotte said. “It felt like one big family.”
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t let the stress take away from the joy! You only get this moment once, so truly enjoy it.
• Invest in a great wedding planner and a great photographer. The peace of mind and memories they provide are worth everything.
PHOTOGRAPHER Emmylou Kelly | PLANNER Silvia Ciolli | VENUE Tenuta di Rota | FLORALS Mainardi Fiori | CATERING Il Sorriso Ricevimenti | MUSIC Giulio Maddi – Mad DJ | LIGHTS Alberto Forzini
