Eleonora and Francesco’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration that beautifully reflected their unique love story and deep connection to their culture. With a vision to create an unforgettable experience, they dreamed of a vibrant, colorful wedding that would embrace the warmth and energy of their closest family and friends. Their celebration was infused with the rich traditions and passionate spirit of Italy.
Location: Abruzzo, Italy
Style: Italy-inspired, colorful, elegant
Time of planning: 1 year and 8 months
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Castle & vineyard
Season: Summer
Eleonora and Francesco, both from Pescara, Italy, met in high school in 2011 thanks to Francesco’s best friend. Over the years, they lived in different cities—Francesco in Bologna and Milan for his studies, Eleonora in Ferrara and Lisbon—before finally settling together in Milan. After four years, a new adventure took them to Barcelona with their dachshund, Marsala.
More than a decade later, Francesco proposed during a magical trip to Tromso, Norway. After hours of waiting for the northern lights, the sky lit up in a breathtaking display, making it the perfect moment for his proposal.
Vision & Photography
For their wedding, Eleonora and Francesco imagined a celebration that told their unique story and embraced the love and energy of their closest family and friends. They dreamt of a vibrant, colorful party in a historic location that truly represented their Italian roots. The day was beautifully captured by Giovanni Paolone, whose photos perfectly captured the lively spirit and love-filled atmosphere of their Italy-inspired wedding.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Eleonora wanted a bridal look that balanced femininity and sensuality with a hint of classic elegance, and she found it in a stunning Milla Nova dress. The all-macramé lace gown, featuring long sleeves and a deep neckline, was both delicate and daring, enhanced by its beautiful transparencies. She paired the dress with Aldo shoes, diamond earrings, and the signature scent of Gucci Flora perfume.
Her makeup artist highlighted her eyes, while her hair was styled in a sleek low bun adorned with a decorative clip. The finishing touch was her bouquet, a soft arrangement of astilbe and lilac roses that perfectly complemented the romantic vibe of the day.
Francesco opted for a sleek, total dark blue look, all from Carlo Pignatelli, including the suit, shoes, vest, and a classic bow tie. His boutonniere resembled the bridal bouquet, while silver cufflinks with his initials added a subtle personal touch. To add a touch to his look, he completed it with colorful socks. He wanted a simple and elegant style, and he nailed it perfectly.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a beautiful garden, surrounded by a vineyard and olive trees, with a charming bell tower in the background. “We wanted a semicircle of flowers behind the ceremony table,” Eleonora and Francesco shared, choosing a vibrant mix of delphinium, allium, gypsophilia, and gerbera. They also requested a path of petals for their walk down the aisle, adding a whimsical touch to the moment.
As they stood together, nervously reading their vows, they couldn’t help but feel the emotion in the air. “We were expecting a moving ceremony, especially with speeches from our closest friends,” they said. What made the day truly unique were the heartfelt speeches from their friends and the fact that the ceremony was officiated by a dear friend. And it was exactly that—everyone, including their wedding planner, was deeply moved by the heartfelt words.
A special moment came when their dog brought the rings down the aisle, adding even more warmth to the ceremony. The songs they chose from Sigur Rós played in the background, and the white paper umbrella and colorful dresses of the guests perfectly completed the magical atmosphere.
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour took place in a stunning rose garden, where the newlyweds and their guests sipped champagne and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, eagerly expecting the celebration. It was the perfect moment to relax, mingle, and start the evening in style.
Moments Alone
Just before dinner, the newlyweds stole a few quiet moments to themselves, savoring the tranquility of being alone together. Meanwhile, their photographer, Giovanni Paolone, captured stunning portraits that beautifully reflected their love and connection.
"For both of us, the most memorable moments were those between the different phases of the event in which the two of us ended up being alone for a few minutes, in which we could slow down for a second and realize what was really happening."
Reception Decor
After the cocktail hour in the garden of roses, the celebration moved to the enchanting secret garden behind the castle, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Maiella mountains. Guests were seated at three grand imperial tables, each adorned with the same flowers from the ceremony and vibrant, colorful candles.
A canopy of lights was added overhead to enhance the magical atmosphere. Dinner featured a modern take on traditional regional dishes thoughtfully crafted by the chef. Each wine was thoughtfully matched to a course and paired with a selection of wines from Cantina Masciarelli, the castle’s owners.
The Dinner
The newlyweds chose a band that truly understood their music tastes and those of their guests, providing live music throughout the day—from the ceremony to the aperitivo, dinner, and party. The energy of the evening began with their grand entrance into the dinner garden, set to “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” by ABBA, and the celebration only picked up from there. For their first dance, they chose “True Love Waits” by Radiohead.
To top off the night, an all-white Lambeth cake was served, marking the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable day.
"All the guests, from the youngest to the most elderly, were involved in all of the phases of the wedding, from the ceremony to the dances."
Advice from the couple:
• Choose reliable vendors and trust them during the process. It is important to get along with all of them, particularly with wedding planners and photographers, who will be with you most of the time and have to tell the story of your wedding. All the people involved in the realization of this day were really professional and knew how to make everything work.
PHOTO Giovanni Paolone | VENUE Castello di Semivicoli | PLANNING Vento d’Eventi | FLORALS La Primula | MUA Marsino Makeup | HAIR GiDiGi Parrucchieri | DRESS Atelier St. Claire, Milla Nova | SUIT RENTALS Corazzini | SIGNAGE Aputea Graphic Lab | CAKE Degusto Eventi | CATERING Degusto Eventi | LIVE MUSIC Back to the Swing
