Gim and Calvin are both from Singapore and first met at a friend’s party. Years later, their love story came full circle when they got engaged in the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, Italy. It felt only natural to return to the country that held such special meaning to them for their wedding celebration. Their wedding was everything they had dreamed of, a three-day wedding weekend in Italy, where family and friends gathered to celebrate not just one day, but a series of unforgettable moments filled with love, laughter, and the joy of being together.
Location: Nocera, Umbria, Italy
Style: Elegant, Timeless
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 40
Setting: Backyard
Season: Summer
The couple envisioned an intimate celebration shared with their closest friends, a wedding that felt simple and stylish, set amidst the beauty of the Italian countryside and surrounded by nature. Every detail reflected their understated aesthetic and love for meaningful experiences, while Hakuna Matata Weddings beautifully captured the spirit of the entire wedding weekend. Looking back on the celebration, the couple later shared, “Truly the absolute best team we could have asked for… we’re beyond blessed to have you and the dream team capture our special day. Thank you so, so much!”
Welcome Party
The welcome party was all about slowing down, sharing pizzas, and spending quality time with the guests who had traveled from afar to celebrate with the couple. Their beloved dog was by their side throughout the evening, making the gathering feel even more personal and special.
Live musicians set the tone with a relaxed yet joyful atmosphere, while delicious food and flowing drinks brought an extra layer of vibrancy to the celebration. Filled with laughter, heartfelt reunions, and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones, it was the perfect start to a wedding weekend designed to savor every moment together.
Brunch
The wedding day began with a leisurely brunch that carried the same easygoing spirit as the rest of the weekend. Designed for slow moments and easy conversations, the gathering invited guests to simply unwind and savor the weekend. Disposable film cameras were scattered throughout, encouraging everyone to capture candid memories from their own perspective and adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration.
Fashion
Fashion played a thoughtful role throughout the celebration, with both grooms opting for suits tailored in London that perfectly reflected their refined and understated style. The looks were elevated with iconic Tabi shoes and vintage Cartier watches, bringing together contemporary edge and timeless elegance.
Adding an even more personal touch, the couple shared the same wedding scent from Le Labo, a subtle detail that became part of the memories they created together and a fragrance forever tied to their wedding weekend in Italy.
Ceremony
Set against the rolling hills of Umbria, the ceremony took place entirely outdoors, with nature providing all the scenery they could have asked for. Despite having no real backup plan, the couple decided to trust the forecast and their instincts. Halfway through the vows, a drizzle began to fall. Instead of disrupting the moment, it made it unforgettable.
Guests, dressed head-to-toe in black, reached for the black umbrellas placed nearby, creating a scene that felt almost surreal. Against the muted countryside and soft rain, the monochromatic palette became even more striking. As Gim and Calvin exchanged vows, emotions ran high. Tears flowed freely, not just from the couple, but from nearly all the guests.
Then, almost magically, the rain disappeared. Just as the ceremony came to a close, the clouds parted, and sunlight flooded the hillside, casting the most incredible glow over their petal-filled recessional. It was fleeting, emotional, and impossibly beautiful.
Cocktail Hour & Private Moment
The cocktail hour that followed the ceremony unfolded beneath the most incredible post-rain light. As the sun broke through the clouds, guests gathered on the terrace, savoring cocktails and canapés while live music filled the air and drifted across the Umbrian countryside.
Reception & Rain
The reception is something the couple will never forget, mostly because, until the very last moment, they had no idea if it would happen the way they had imagined. Just as dinner was about to begin, the skies opened up. What had started as a few drops quickly turned into a full-blown summer storm, with heavy rain pouring over the Umbrian countryside. For a moment, everything paused. They kept looking at each other, wondering if they would have to abandon their plans and move the celebration indoors.
But their incredible venue and vendor team encouraged them to wait a little longer. Instead of rushing to Plan B, everyone gave the weather a chance. Dinner, originally planned for sunset, was pushed back until after dark, and somehow, that unexpected change made the evening feel even more magical.
Then came a moment no one could have planned. As the rain continued to fall and the sun dipped lower, a rainbow appeared. Not just a faint arc, but a full rainbow stretching across the Umbrian sky. Guests gathered to take it all in, almost unable to believe what they were seeing. It felt like nature was putting on its own show.
Celebration
It almost felt unreal. By the time dinner was ready, the storm had passed, and everything had fallen into place. Against all odds, the couple was able to celebrate exactly as they had envisioned, outdoors, beneath the stars. Keeping things understated was always the goal, and they put complete trust in their florist at Leandro Flowers, who brought the setting to life beautifully. White blooms with subtle touches of yellow softened the tables, while wicker chargers, crisp white linens, and wooden chairs complemented the rustic charm of the Borgo.
Dinner unfolded slowly, with endless conversation and laughter filling the night air. After all the uncertainty, sitting down together with their favorite people under the stars made the moment feel even more special.
After dinner, everyone gathered in another part of the estate for the cake cutting. Friends lined up with sparklers in hand, creating a glowing pathway for the couple to walk through. Waiting for them was a traditional Italian millefoglie, assembled fresh before their eyes with layers of pastry cream, whipped cream, and berries, finished with an abundance of berries and delicate gold flakes.
And then, just as they cut into the cake, the night sky lit up. A ten-minute fireworks display took everyone by surprise, turning the moment into pure celebration.
Skipping a formal first dance altogether, the couple headed straight into the party. Their DJ set the tone with a mix of pop favorites, and the dance floor filled instantly. Hours later, with burgers and fries making their midnight appearance, no one was ready for the night to end. Shoes came off, drinks kept flowing, and the celebration carried on well into the early hours.
PHOTO & VIDEO Hakuna Matata Weddings | LOCATION Borgo Castello Panicaglia | FLORALS Leandro Flowers | DJ Paolo Fabri Music
