This wedding didn’t start with a concept board or a dramatic reveal. It began with a couple who already knew what mattered to them. French in spirit and confident in tone, Matteo and Maëlle’s wedding brought a sense of ease into a setting defined by Roman scale. Villa Miani set high above the city with sweeping views over the Vatican, became part of that story. Adrian & Irina at Grabazei Photography documented the day with a quiet editorial eye, following moments as they unfolded and letting atmosphere, movement, and connection lead the narrative.
Location: Rome, Italy
Style: Elegant, Glamorous
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Maëlle Rafalski and Matteo Guendouzi met through a mutual friend, and their relationship unfolded quietly. From the beginning, their connection was rooted in everyday life rather than grand gestures. Six months after they met, Matteo proposed in Paris, close to their home, during one of their familiar walks together. The proposal stayed simple and unexpected. That evening ended in a rooftop suite overlooking the Eiffel Tower, where they talked about the future.
Life moved quickly after that. The pandemic reshaped routines and priorities, careers evolved, and their family grew with the arrival of two daughters. Their wedding came six years into their relationship, not as a starting point but as a pause. Italy became the setting for a celebration that honored everything they had already built. The day focused on shared history, family, and the people who had been present throughout their journey.
"The couple wanted a wedding that reflected timeless elegance and sophistication. Together with their planner, Monica G, they curated each detail: from live music to white floral arches, every choice emphasized purity and refinement."
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
The morning unfolded without rush. Maëlle prepared surrounded by her closest circle, with Rome stretching out beyond the windows like a carefully composed film still. The atmosphere felt relaxed, marked by quiet conversations and moments of anticipation.
Maëlle never approached her bridal look with a fixed idea. She searched for lace, movement, and a sense of romance connected to Italy and her own story. After visiting boutiques in Paris, Rome, and Naples, she found her ceremony gown in Naples. The all-lace Berta dress balanced structure with softness. Long sleeves, a sculpted bodice, and intricate detailing created a confident silhouette that still allowed ease and movement.
Her veil echoed the same language, extending the lace without overwhelming the look. A sleek, classic low bun kept the styling clean and timeless, paired with a bouquet of white peonies by Ceccotti Flowers. Accessories were minimal, allowing craftsmanship and texture to remain the focus.
For the evening, Maëlle changed into a second gown by Milla Nova. Lace and pearls defined the look, lighter and more fluid, designed for movement and celebration.
Groom’s Getting Ready
Matteo’s preparation mirrored his approach to the day. His look leaned toward classic tailoring rather than trends. He wore a bespoke Christian Dior suit created specifically for the occasion. Clean lines, precise proportions, and an ivory tone reflected his refined style and complemented the villa’s pale architecture. A bow tie completed the look, aligning with the black-tie dress code while keeping the overall impression understated.
Together, Matteo and Maëlle embodied a distinctly French approach to formalwear. Their looks felt confident and composed, designed to work in dialogue with each other and with their surroundings.
First Look
The first look took place outdoors, framed by greenery and soft light. The moment remained private and unstructured, allowing space for genuine reaction.This pause offered distance from the schedule of the day. Without guests or ceremony structure, the couple shared a moment that felt entirely their own before moving forward together.
Ceremony
The ceremony was held in Villa Miani’s Secret Garden, overlooking Rome and the Vatican. A white half-moon platform anchored the space, flanked by clear Plexiglas pillars covered in delicate white florals. A sculptural floral arch framed the setting, creating an architectural composition rather than a decorative one.
Live musicians and singers accompanied the procession, guiding each transition with intention. The ceremony unfolded at an unhurried pace, allowing guests to remain present. Speeches from all four parents added emotional depth and grounded the moment in family and shared history.
When Maëlle and Matteo exchanged vows and rings, the atmosphere felt focused and still. The florals, music, and setting supported the moment without overpowering it. The ceremony perfectly balanced scale and intimacy.
"It was a deeply personal and magical moment — one they will carry in their hearts forever!"
Private Moment
After the ceremony, the couple stepped away briefly to absorb what had just happened. This pause created space before the reception began. Grabazei Photography followed them during this quiet interval, capturing laughter, relief, and connection as they moved through the villa grounds.
These moments became a visual bridge between the ceremony and the celebration that followed. The photographers found striking angles that held both the couple and the city in the same frame, allowing Rome to feel present.
Reception & Decor
As daylight softened into evening, the atmosphere shifted. The reception transitioned from refined elegance into something more expressive, without losing its sense of control. Planner Monica G Events guided that transition with a steady hand, ensuring the flow of the evening felt natural. Tables were dressed in soft neutral linens, layered with white florals and candlelight that warmed the space as dusk settled over the city. Ceccotti Flowers continued the floral narrative with lush arrangements that echoed the ceremony design while adapting naturally to the evening setting.
Dinner unfolded at a relaxed pace. Italian cuisine took center stage, with multiple pasta courses followed by fish and meat options. The flow encouraged guests to linger, talk, and settle into the evening rather than rush through it. Conversations stretched across tables, and the mood built gradually.
As music took over, the energy shifted. Live performers, an orchestra, and choreographed moments transformed the terrace. The first dance, set to Lost Without You by Freya Ridings, felt intimate despite the scale of the space. Low-lying fog softened the floor, creating a cinematic contrast against the structured tables and architecture.
As the night progressed, formality gave way to movement. Jackets came off, guests gathered closer, and the dance floor filled quickly. The arrival of the wedding cake by Le Relais Jardin marked a turning point. Dramatically lit and framed by fireworks, it became a bold, celebratory moment that drew everyone together.
Fireworks lit up the Roman sky as guests surrounded the couple, phones raised and glasses in hand. Laughter grew louder, the crowd tightened, and the city below became a glowing backdrop.
The evening closed with connection at its core. Friends stayed close, music carried late into the night, and Rome remained present in every direction. The wedding balanced grandeur and intimacy through clarity of vision, allowing each part of the day to unfold naturally and with purpose.
Advice from the couple:
• Take your time and let your love guide the day. Don’t rush, enjoy every stage of your story — from the proposal to the planning, and even the little unexpected moments.
• Surround yourselves with people who truly support and love you. Most importantly, make it personal — your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, your journey, and the love you share. The day will fly by, but the memories and emotions will last forever.
PHOTOGRAPHER Grabazei Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Benoît Sainte-Marie Films | PLANNER Monica G Events | VENUE Villa Miani | FLORALS Ceccotti Flowers | DRESS Berta | EVENING DRESS Milla Nova | ENTERTAINMENT AirPlay Events | CAKE & CATERING Le Relais Jardin | STATIONERY Girandolare
