Beneath the warm Tuscan sun, where rolling hills stretched endlessly into the horizon, Dorothea and Max’s wedding at Villa di Ulignano became a celebration of everything that makes Italy magical. Their three-day festivities swept ninety loved ones into a world where ancient romance met modern luxury, where every moment felt like a scene from a beautiful film, and where the true spirit of la dolce vita came alive among the villa’s historic walls.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Style: Romantic, elegant, glam
Time of planning: 1.5 years
Number of guests: 90
Setting: Ceremony – garden, reception – villa
Season: Summer
What began in a university classroom 12 years ago blossomed into a love story that spanned continents. Their shared adventures took them across the globe, but Milan captured their hearts and became a significant chapter in their journey. Standing atop the Duomo di Milano, with the city they once called home spread beneath them, Max chose this meaningful spot to propose – making it clear their dream wedding would unfold in the country that had become such an integral part of their story.
Location & Planning
Working hand in hand with Wedding In Wonderland for over 18 months, the couple watched in awe as their dream Italian celebration took shape. Under Rosy’s expert guidance, every detail was thoughtfully curated to honor the villa’s historic charm and the couple’s modern vision. Her deep understanding of Italian culture and impeccable taste transformed Villa di Ulignano into something beyond their wildest dreams. The historic villa, perched majestically among endless Tuscan vineyards, became their perfect backdrop as Rosy’s team wove together moments of casual luxury with touches of timeless elegance, creating an atmosphere that felt both grand and intimately personal.
"We wanted our guests to feel the same sense of joy and relaxation that Italy had always given us."
Bridal Elegance
Dorothea chose a gown that combined classic sophistication with modern charm. The dress featured soft lace details and a striking open back, enhancing her natural grace. She kept her accessories deliberately minimal – natural pearl earrings allowed her engagement ring to take center stage. Her bouquet, a cascade of vibrant blooms, perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
Groom's Look
Max’s attire choices paid homage to their Italian love story. For the ceremony, he selected a white contrast tuxedo by Dolce&Gabbana, later changing into a luxurious black velvet tuxedo for the evening festivities. His father’s heirloom watch added a deeply personal touch to his ensemble.
Ceremony
Hearts stopped, and time stood still as the ceremony unfolded like a scene from a romantic Italian film. In a moment that took everyone’s breath away, Dorothea appeared at the top of the villa’s majestic 25-meter staircase from the villa to the garden.
As she began her descent, sunlight caught the delicate details of her gown, creating an ethereal glow around her. Each step brought her closer to the garden where her father waited, his eyes glistening with pride and joy. The path before them had been transformed into an enchanted garden, with countless flowers creating a dreamy passage that seemed to flow like a gentle stream toward the altar.
The live band’s melody floated through the warm Tuscan air, perfectly capturing the moment’s magic. At the altar, surrounded by the golden light of an Italian summer day, her brother and one of Max’s closest friends led an incredibly personal ceremony. Their voices filled with emotion as they shared stories and words that celebrated the couple’s love and the beautiful joining of their families and cultures.
Decor & Setting
The villa’s natural elegance provided the perfect canvas, with its weathered stone walls and climbing vines creating an organic backdrop to their vision. Working with their floral team, Luca Cozza, they filled the space with abundant blooms that seemed to have grown wild from the Tuscan earth. The strategic lighting cast of Wedding Central House created a warm glow across the centuries-old architecture, highlighting its timeworn beauty.
The dinner tables were masterfully arranged to take advantage of the sweeping views across the rolling hills. Each place setting told its tale of refined elegance – fine china paired with modern touches, while hand-calligraphed place cards guided guests to their seats. Overhead, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold and pink, creating a natural light show that no designer could replicate.
"We wanted every corner to tell a story."
Moment Alone
Amid the joyful celebration, the couple escaped to the villa’s ancient terrace for a moment of pure stillness. Overlooking the sun-drenched Tuscan landscape, they shared quiet reflections about their ceremony and the happiness of seeing their families unite.
These peaceful minutes, captured candidly by their photographer, Gloria Schwan, became cherished snapshots of their perfect Italian wedding day.
Reception
Below in the garden, laughter and clinking glasses floated through the warm evening air as guests enjoyed an aperitive that slightly transitioned to the dinner.
The celebration continued outdoors, with tables adorned in light blue linens and overhead chandeliers creating an ethereal atmosphere against the Tuscan sky. The couple’s grand entrance had guests waving napkins and singing “Sarà perché ti amo,” setting a joyful tone for the evening ahead.
Local Tuscan wines flowed as guests enjoyed regional delicacies, and a highlight of the evening came when their Millefeuille wedding cake was crafted live before the amazed audience.
The reception transformed into a celebration of music and movement as the newlyweds shared their first dance to the passionate notes of a timeless Italian love song. Between sips of regional wines and bites of Tuscan specialties, guests were treated to impromptu performances that added an element of delightful surprise to the evening.
Night Celebration
A tenor’s powerful voice added to the ambiance, while a champagne pyramid and sabrage demonstration brought theatrical flair to the festivities.
"One of the most special aspects of Dorothea and Max’s wedding was the way each part of the celebration unfolded in a different location around the villa. This allowed guests to explore the stunning estate, discovering new surprises at every turn."
Advice from the couple:
• Take a few minutes to be alone with your partner, soaking in the venue’s beauty and all the hard work that has made your day memorable.
• Schedule your first look and main wedding photos before the ceremony and guest arrival. This lets you enjoy your celebration fully, knowing all key portraits have been captured.
• Consider having a family member or close friend officiate your ceremony, especially if it’s symbolic. It adds intimacy and personalization, making the moment truly special and memorable.
PLANNER Wedding In Wonderland | VENUE Villa di Ulignano | PHOTOGRAPHER Gloria Schwan | VIDEOGRAPHER Annalisa Macchione Films | FLORALS Luca Cozza | MUAH Silvia Gerzeli | CATERING Roland’s | BAR Event In | STATIONERY La Precisina | FAVORS Laboratorio degli Eventi | LIGHTNING Wedding Central House | MUSIC The Cool Vibes | DJ Betty Dj Staff | RENTALS Noloparty
