Location: Umbria, Italy
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 150
How long did the couple plan the event:7 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic, black and white, modern.
Jill and Jordan’s meeting was both exciting and fateful. Interestingly, Jill’s sister met Jordan a few weeks before the couple and advised him to download a dating app. As Jill admits, by a twist of fate, they matched and began dating. Their first date involved cooking Italian food together, and two years later, they were engaged and planning their wedding in Italy.
The couple found the perfect location for their wedding, a luxurious villa Chiesa del Carmine in Umbria that epitomized Italian aesthetics, nestled among green hills. This was the ideal spot, and the couple decided to get married there. Their wedding festivities lasted an entire week, with guests staying in neighboring villas, making it unforgettable.
The morning of the wedding was an exciting time for Jill as she prepared for the ceremony with her friends, who helped her dress, filling the atmosphere with cheerful and joyful conversation. The bride’s look was truly magical. Her exquisite, elegant dress by Ines Di Santo highlighted her delicate beauty, complemented by elegant Bella Belle Shoes. Jill chose a romantic hairstyle, letting her hair down in soft curls that flowed over her shoulders. Her subtle makeup emphasized her beauty and radiance, while a long, flower-embroidered veil added lightness and airiness to her entire look.
The groom was dressed according to the chosen style of the wedding. He wore a sleek black-and-white suit and gray patent leather shoes. His father helped him dress for the wedding, creating memorable moments between father and son.
Before the ceremony, the couple decided against a traditional first look but still met to recite their vows privately. This was an incredibly touching and memorable moment.
The ceremony occurred in the villa’s alley, among cypresses and a garden lush with greenery. A green arch decorated with white flowers served as the altar. The bride walked down the aisle to the altar, accompanied by her father, to the beautiful tune of “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” (Brooklyn Duo), which was instrumental by Trio Hubay. The groom’s father officiated the ceremony; it was essential for the couple that someone who knew them well married them. It was a touching ceremony where Jordan and Jill exchanged vows and became husband and wife.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds performed a beautiful Italian wedding custom by ringing a bell. This lovely tradition symbolizes joy and marks the beginning of their life together.
Guests gathered for a cocktail hour after the ceremony. They were surprised with a champagne tower, which the newlyweds poured themselves, adding a magical touch that brought fun to the occasion. Meanwhile, a band played music, and the newlyweds shared a love-filled dance. This moment was enchantingly beautiful.
The couple chose Carolina Sandoval as their photographer. Her photos are filled with artistic aesthetics, each like a separate piece celebrating beauty and love. She created incredible, beautiful wedding photos of Jill and Jordan, capturing the beauty of the location and atmosphere, creating an authentic visual narrative of this magical day.
The reception area was divided into several zones; the buffet area was located near a picturesque pool where guests gathered. The culinary experience was a highlight, with Apollinare Catering and Banqueting providing an immersive live cooking corner during the aperitivo and a seated dinner featuring local delicacies like potato gnocchi with saffron and black truffle. Guests indulged in traditional Italian sweets like tiramisu, cannoli, and a millefoglie cake, enhancing the authentic Italian dining experience. And the newlyweds delivered a touching speech, thanking everyone who shared this important day with them.
The reception area, set within the ancient walls of the villa, looked like a fairy tale come to life. Long table covered with white tablecloth decorated with floral arrangements and burning candles created a unique, cozy atmosphere.
The reception was heartfelt and filled with love. Warm congratulations were directed towards Jill and Jordan, moving them deeply. The musicians’ performance added a cheerful note to the evening, and every guest enjoyed these beautiful melodies.
In the evening, everyone moved back into the garden, where hundreds of lights hung under the open sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Guests danced and celebrated, sharing the joy of the evening with the newlyweds.
Then came the moment that was a highlight of the evening. The newlyweds performed the beautiful wedding tradition of cutting the cake. The cake was stunning, reflecting the aesthetics of Italian weddings, and was an actual work of culinary art. After this, the guests and the couple danced all night long.
Advice from couple:
• Don’t sweat the small stuff—everything will come together and turn out to be the best day. It rained on our wedding day, which changed our plans for an outdoor dinner and reception, but we just went with the flow, and everyone told us it was the best wedding they had ever attended (and the best food!).
PHOTOGRAPHY Carolina Sandoval | WEDDING PLANNER Alessandra Zucca | CATERING Apollinare Catering & Banqueting | FLORALS Sartoria Floreale | VENUE Chiesa del Carmine | BRIDE’S SHOES Bella Belle Shoes | BRIDE’S DRESS Ines Di Santo | GROOM’S SHOES Joseph Abboud | SUIT Jos. A. Bank | BAND The Italian Wedding Band
