Location: Tuscany, Italy
Setting: Villa
Season: Fall
The number of guests: 66
Wedding theme/style: European destination wedding with personal touches.
Justine and Stefan’s journey began in Toronto. Stefan proposed while walking their dog, Stark, through the historic St. George campus of the University of Toronto. This location, where Justine completed her graduate degree, holds many fond memories for them. Despite his best efforts to keep the proposal a secret, Stefan’s excitement was palpable. He enlisted a friend to set up champagne and flowers in front of one of the oldest buildings on campus, capturing the proposal on video.
“In retrospect, one of the funniest parts of the day was watching footage of a stranger discovering the hidden setup and snapping photos seconds before we arrived. It was a close call, but it all added to the charm of the day,” the bride recalls.
Their big day marked the culmination of their dream—a European destination wedding that was intimate, elegant, and steeped in history. By selecting the September long weekend, they allowed their guests to extend their stay, transforming the wedding into a potential ten-day Italian getaway! This thoughtful decision ended up being a win-win situation for everyone involved.
The decision to host their wedding at La Foce was an easy one. Expanding their search to France and Italy, countries close to their hearts, led them to Tuscany. Historic gardens and the picturesque Val D’Orcia offered its guests the desired amenities and encapsulated the European architectural splendor and stunning landscapes. With the expert planning and styling by La Fete, every detail of their wedding was meticulously curated to create an atmosphere of relaxed luxury and heartfelt celebration.
"Our fantastic wedding planner, Charlotte, based in London, was fluent in both Italian and French, making her the ideal liaison between us and our dream destination."
CIVIL CEREMONY
The wedding was part of a three-day celebration, starting with a civil ceremony in Chianciano Terme. Officiated by the town’s Mayor, this intimate event was attended by Justine’s brother, her cousin, and his partner, who served as the legal translator. This small, private ceremony laid the foundation for the grand celebration at the villa.
Canadian stylist Rachel Dunford curated Justine’s other outfits for the welcome dinner, reception, and civil ceremony, ensuring each look perfectly fit the occasion and her style. The bride looked stunning in a chic white lace dress, perfectly blending modern elegance and timeless style. Stefan complemented her effortlessly in a sharp blue suit. The couple’s arrival in a vintage red Alfa Romeo added a touch of classic Italian charm, making the moment even more unforgettable.
WELCOME PARTY
At the welcome party, guests were treated to a taste of Tuscan hospitality. This gathering set a relaxed and joyous tone for the festivities, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Justine and Stefan greeted their guests in style, with Justine donning a striking white off-shoulder dress that perfectly captured the essence of effortless elegance. At the same time, Stefan complemented her in a smart, casual ensemble that exuded sophistication.
WEDDING DAY
On the morning of the wedding, Justine embraced a moment of solitude, enjoying her breakfast and coffee on a bench overlooking the gardens and the Val D’Orcia. This peaceful start allowed her to finish writing her vows and set a serene tone for the day. The bridal suite excitedly buzzed as close friends dropped by, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
The bridal gown was a masterpiece from Galia Lahav. Its original design featured ultra-feminine tulle sleeves, replaced with custom-designed pointed sleeves to match Justine’s bold, edgy style. The sheer illusion of the gown perfectly balanced unexpected edginess with the romanticism of a Tuscan garden wedding.
"When I first saw this dress at a Galia Lahav trunk show, I instantly knew it would be a top contender. The moment I put it on, I was hooked. Overall, it was super exciting to wear such a stunning creation that so many people had put so much hard work and love into making."
Stefan looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, perfectly tailored to fit him well. He paired it with a crisp white dress shirt and a black bow tie, adding a touch of traditional elegance. His choice of loafers added a modern twist to the outfit. The white flower boutonniere matched Justine’s bouquet, tying their looks together seamlessly.
Surrounded by his groomsmen, who were also dressed in sharp black tuxedos, Stefan enjoyed toasts. Gentlemen gathered in the elegant library of La Foce, filled with antique charm, creating a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
"Not having Stefan see the dress before the first look was a big deal, especially because he knew there was a lot of effort and stress that went into customizing the sleeves. His reaction at the first look was perfect - he immediately exclaimed, "this is the coolest dress I've EVER seen." That will forever be a core memory for me."
The photos taken in the well-kept gardens of the villa were truly magical. Tall cypress trees and perfectly trimmed hedges created a beautiful backdrop. The lovebirds looked like characters from a fairy tale as they walked hand in hand through the lush maze. Justine’s stunning gown, decorated with delicate floral designs, perfectly matched the natural beauty around them. The sun added a golden glow to the scene, making the moment even more dreamlike.
The ceremony was a deeply emotional affair designed to reflect Justine and Stefan’s personalities and love story. Their families accompanied them down the aisle, and their closest friends stood by their sides. The officiant, a dear family friend, delivered a multilingual welcome, weaving anecdotes from friends and family into the narrative of their relationship. The vows the couple penned were a heartfelt reflection of their journey together.
"Emotion can encapsulate so many feelings, and we certainly experienced a wide range. Love was a given, but there was also an abundance of gratitude and humor. Let's face it: not everything goes according to plan, and sharing a laugh about the hiccups was one of the highlights of our day. Case in point: a rogue gust of wind made off with a page of my vows mid-ceremony, leaving me - usually quite eloquent in unscripted speeches - fumbling for words in a hilarious attempt to recall what I'd written."
As the ceremony concluded, guests were welcomed into the cocktail hour in the stunning gardens. Dressed in their finest attire, they exuded an air of sophistication and style. Ladies donned chic dresses in various shades, with various textures and silhouettes highlighting their tastes. Gentlemen looked dapper in well-tailored suits, some opting for classic black while others chose lighter hues to complement the Tuscan setting.
Inspired by the couple’s favorite flavors, signature cocktails inspired by their dog, Stark, were served along with a selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Laughter and clinking glasses echoed through the gardens as guests mingled and posed for photos, capturing the moment’s joy.
Set in the villa’s enchanting gardens, the reception zone was adorned with lush greenery and delicate white flowers, creating an ethereal ambiance. Elegant chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm glow that mingled beautifully with the twilight sky. Each place setting was meticulously arranged with ornate charger plates and crystal glassware, accented with black and white linens for sophistication.
The dining experience was exquisite, with long banquet tables inviting guests to enjoy the culinary delights in an intimate, communal setting. The flickering candlelight and elegant decor reflected the couple’s refined taste, creating a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere.
From forgoing traditional elements that didn’t resonate with them to incorporating personal touches, every aspect of the day was thoughtfully curated. The newlyweds honored Stefan’s Serbian roots with traditional rosemary sprigs for guests and selected a team of women-owned businesses for various services. The stationery, designed in Scotland, paid homage to Justine’s heritage, adding another layer of personal significance.
Justine and Stefan’s first dance was to “And Then Some” by The Arkells, a song that held special significance for them. Having attended a live concert of the band together, the song symbolized their shared experiences and love.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the champagne tower, a cascade of sparkling crystal glasses that shimmered in the ambient light. The bride cheered with delight as the groom poured the first bottle, and the crowd erupted into applause. The tower overflowed with bubbles, symbolizing the effervescent joy of the occasion.
With glasses in hand, guests took to the dance floor, where fine music set the tone for an unforgettable night of fun and celebration. The rhythmic beats and melodies encouraged everyone to dance the night away, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
After the wedding, Justine and Stefan spent a few days traveling with family before heading to Hvar, Croatia, for a private getaway. Their official honeymoon, planned around the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, promises to be a thrilling adventure, combining their love for sports with the excitement of the games.
Advice from the couple:
• By focusing on our intentions rather than themes or traditions, we could shape the day into a beautiful blend of all the things that define us—our backgrounds, values, and favorite things. In essence, we crafted a celebration that wasn’t bound by tradition but was deeply meaningful and personal to us. And looking back, we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
PLANNER & EVENT STYLIST La Fete | VENUE La Foce | PHOTOGRAPHER Theresa Kelly | VIDEOGRAPHER Gattotigre | FLORALS Stiatti Fiori | STATIONERY Laura Elizabeth Patrick | MUAH Lara Navarrini | CATERING Delizia Ricevimenti | DRINKS Brindapino | MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Diletta Landi, Amelia Sharp | RENTALS Preludio Divisione Noleggio | GOWN Galia Lahav | STYLIST Rachel Dunford | COUPLE Justine, Stefan
