Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the enchanting Villa Cetinale set the stage for an intimate celebration filled with elegance and charm. Alexandra and Saffa, both architects, dreamed of a wedding that combined minimalist sophistication with the dramatic beauty of the countryside. The day was a true Italian celebration, where a private chef served authentic cuisine and Aperol Spritz flowed endlessly. The photographer, Serena Morandi, beautifully complemented the couple’s vision, capturing every detail with timeless elegance.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Style: Elegant, Intimate, Minimalistic
Time of planning: 15 months
Number of guests: 55
Setting: Villa
Season: Spring
Alexandra and Saffa’s love story began under the scorching sun of the Nevada desert, where they met while volunteering to build an art installation at Burning Man. What started as two weeks of collaboration and connection blossomed into a relationship that would take them around the world and, eventually, to the altar in Tuscany. Their shared love for architecture, travel, and timeless design naturally led them to Villa Cetinale, a historical estate that embodied everything they had envisioned for their wedding day.
Warm Tuscan Welcome
The couple’s celebration began with a pizza party the evening before the wedding. Set in the villa’s lush gardens, the event was a relaxed gathering where guests enjoyed in Italian delicacies. Alexandra wore a chic silk dress by Orseund Iris paired with Tony Bianco heels, setting the tone for an effortlessly elegant weekend.
"This was so special to have everyone there and meant everyone was able to bond ahead of the wedding day."
Bridal Morning
The wedding day began with yoga for some guests, led by a friend amidst Tuscany’s olive groves and rolling hills. Meanwhile, Saffa enjoyed a leisurely walk with his groomsmen, cigars in hand, soaking in the peaceful morning before the festivities began. Alexandra prepared for the day with the help of Roxy, her hair and makeup artist, who created a natural and radiant look. Her gown, a stunning creation by Jesus Peiro, featured pockets for a practical yet stylish touch, and her veil’s sequin embellishments mirrored the bridesmaids’ Needle & Thread dresses.
"I felt incredible in my dress. It was simple yet dramatic and flattering."
Saffa’s look perfectly complemented the event’s black-tie dress code. He wore a custom white tuxedo by New & Lingwood, paired with Crockett & Jones oxfords and a gold IWC watch gifted by Alexandra. His boutonniere by Susanne at Florence & Flowers, a single white anemone, tied into the monochromatic floral theme, emphasizing understated elegance.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place along the villa’s iconic stone statue avenue, creating a majestic setting with a breathtakingly long aisle leading to the altar. The couple’s young niece and nephew led the procession, adding a sweet and playful touch to the moment. As Alexandra began her walk, the sun emerged dramatically from behind the clouds, bathing the scene in golden light. Saffa’s tearful reaction upon seeing her captured the depth of their connection and left no dry eye among the guests.
A close friend officiated the ceremony, blending humor, heartfelt vows, and meaningful readings from the couple’s favorite book and childhood film. “Neither of us is religious. However, Saffas’s parents are Bah’ai, so we decided to include a reading that we had collated with our favorite Bah’ai readings,” added the bride. The personal touches continued with a ring-warming ritual performed by their families, creating an intimate moment that involved their loved ones in a profound way. The Italian Wedding Band brought the perfect vibe, playing Etta James’ ‘At Last’ as the ceremony ended on a heartfelt note.
"We always knew we wanted the ceremony to feel authentic. It felt completely genuine and special because of these touches."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Alexandra and Saffa took a quiet moment to explore the breathtaking grounds of Villa Cetinale. The lush gardens and dramatic architecture provided the perfect setting for a series of intimate portraits. These moments not only allowed the couple to reflect on the significance of the day but also resulted in stunning images that truly captured their love against the timeless backdrop of Tuscany. The photographer, Serena Morandi, brought the couple’s vision to life with her classic and elegant style. Her use of light and shadow emphasized the villa’s grandeur while capturing candid moments of joy and connection.
"The photography matched our vision perfectly, with Serena’s classic elegant black and white photographs capturing the emotions of the day."
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour unfolded in the villa’s gardens, where guests sipped Aperol Spritzes under the Tuscan sun. A spread of delicious Italian appetizers, including freshly made cheeses like Parmesan, set the tone for a relaxed and treat-filled experience. The lively atmosphere made it easy for everyone to chat and laugh, sharing stories while taking in the stunning garden views.
Reception & Decor
The reception was held in the Lemonaia, an intimate space that exuded understated elegance. The tables were beautifully decorated with olive branches and bay leaves, creating a natural and refined aesthetic. Elegant tapered candles added a warm glow, perfectly complementing the timeless charm of the villa. Guests were welcomed with a feast curated by chef Alessio Sedran, whose culinary creations delighted everyone—even vegetarians couldn’t resist trying the expertly crafted meat courses.
The centerpiece of the evening was a traditional Italian Millefeuille, which Alessio prepared live in front of the guests, accompanied by the enchanting melodies of the Italian Wedding Band.
Alexandra and Saffa’s first dance to David Bowie’s “Golden Years” was a playful performance filled with laughter and lifts. As the evening progressed, the dance floor came alive with tambourines and limoncello, ensuring the night ended with unforgettable moments shared among family and friends.
Advice from the couple:
• Be completely genuine.
• Spend money on what matters most to you. We prioritized the Venue and food, as we knew they were very important to us.
• Have who you truly want there by your side. Having an intimate wedding gave us moments with each guest across the day.
PHOTOGRAPHER Serena Morandi | SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER Francesca Angrisano | PLANNER Francesca at CloudEight | VENUE Villa Cetinale | FLORALS Susanne Twisden Peareth at Florence & Flowers | MAKEUP Roxy Bridal Beauty Italy | CHEF & CATERING Alessio Sedran | MUSIC Italian Wedding Band
