Location: Florence, Italy
Setting: Villa
Season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 130
Wedding theme/style: Italian chic, glamour, and fun.
Valentina and Kyle, two beautiful souls, met in Washington, D.C. Their shared passion for fun and adventure sparked a vision for a wedding that would uniquely celebrate their love. Valentina is half Italian, so they set their sights on Florence as the perfect destination. She wanted to show their guests as much of the Italian culture she grew up with and made a story for them all to enjoy and remember. So their planning team of Matthew Oliver Weddings created a four-day celebration that perfectly blended the Italian flair with their party lifestyle.
Their first event was a welcoming cocktail at Hotel Continental on its rooftop terrace, ‘La Terrazza.’ Following the cocktail, guests were treated to a visit to ‘Villa Vittoria,’ an open-air nightclub where everyone danced the night away. The second event was the rehearsal dinner organized by Kyle’s parents. Before that, Valentina and Kyle took a stroll through the picturesque streets of Florence with Pablo Laguia, a renowned photographer. As they wandered, Pablo captured their love amid the city’s historic beauty.
For her 4-day celebration, the bride trusted The Porfirio team to ensure her skin looked flawless and the overall look was natural yet glamorous. And look at her fluffy brows! The Porfirio’s work always epitomizes chic elegance and the courage to embrace one’s true self, celebrating every feature and delighting in it.
Valentina chose the Caspian dress by Odylyne the Ceremony as an outfit for the rehearsal dinner day. This truly enchanting and angelic piece was crafted from the softest and lightest silk organza. The dress featured a high-neck collar adorned with a short, sweet ruffle, adding a touch of whimsy to the neckline. The waistline of the dress was shirred, creating a flattering silhouette that cascaded into a full mini skirt.
The setting was simply enchanting, with guests seated amidst the beauty of the courtyard, creating an ambiance of warmth and intimacy. The couple aimed for a relaxed but chic dining experience, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy themselves while sipping on refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktails.
The wedding day’s theme was Italian glamour. The ceremony was held at Villa Gamberaia, a breathtaking Italian Renaissance venue nestled in the hills of Florence, just a short drive from the city center. With its rich history, lush gardens, and majestic architecture, the villa provided the perfect backdrop for Valentina and Kyle’s special day and offered their guests a unique and unforgettable experience.
The day began with the bridal beauty preparations by professional makeup artists from The Porfirio. This Florence-based team is big on good taste, luxury, and sophistication.
The Porfirio team focused on creating a flawless base, using classic shades, and enhancing the face’s natural features. The bride’s eye makeup showcased a blend of cream eyeshadow and sparkles, creating a mesmerizing look that accentuated the eyes.
Fine contouring techniques were used to sculpt the face, while fluffy lashes were strengthened with eyeliner to add definition. The Porfirio team opted for a nude 3D effect for the lips, enhancing their natural shape and adding a touch of glamour to the overall look. As a result, Valentina exuded daring, glamorous, feminine allure—precisely what she needed for this memorable celebration.
The bride brought her hair stylist Nadine Matar from Washington, D.C., who is also one of her closest friends. With such a bond, she perfectly understood Valentina’s vision for each day’s hairstyle.
As for the wedding dress, Valentina chose a minimalist gown by Sarah Seven, boasting a plunging neckline and an open back. The dress cascaded gracefully like a waterfall, with a stunning train trailing behind her. Completing her outfit with distinctive earrings and chic Gucci shoes, her look embodied the elegance and Italian glam of the day from head to toe.
Villa Gamberaia‘s Italian Renaissance garden, a masterpiece often imitated and referenced in literature, served as a breathtaking backdrop. From the balcony overlooking the marvelous garden, Valentina awaited the ceremony’s start with anticipation.
Kyle went for a classic tuxedo with a twist—it featured a rich navy hue with black lapels. He rounded off his look with a white bow tie. Meanwhile, the groomsmen opted for sleek black suits. Needless to say, all the guys looked absolutely stunning!
From the planning team: “The couple and the venue inspired us when working on the wedding concept and decor. By blending their personalities with the villa’s aesthetic, we aimed to create a beautiful and cohesive story for the day.”
The ceremony was set under a majestic oak tree. The team of Matthew Oliver Weddings worked magic to integrate the florals seamlessly with the tree, creating a picturesque backdrop for the vows. Muted tones with a hint of Italian flair were used throughout the decor, adding an elegant touch to the festivities. A mirrored pathway leading to the aisle elevated the ceremony’s ambiance.
The cocktail hour was a delightful part of the wedding. As the guests reveled in the breathtaking views, the couple used this opportunity to have some beautiful and fun photos together.
“All their guests made it such a joyful experience for everyone. It was truly a magical weekend, and you could see how much people adored Valentina and Kyle. One of their best friends even sang a song during the cocktail hour, which was truly epic and emotional. It’s something we’ll never forget. It really drove home the point that it’s all about the people. Whoever is there, they’re there for you, and that’s all that matters!” says Matthew Oliver, the planner.
The dinner was on the side of the villa, offering panoramic views of Florence. Long wooden tables adorned with beautiful florals created an enchanting atmosphere, enhanced by festoon lighting above. The warm glow of the candles added to the mood, casting a romantic ambiance over the evening.
Before the dancing commenced, a special moment awaited the guests. Everyone was treated to espresso martinis, adding a delightful energy to the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the chef showcased culinary skills by preparing the famous Italian wedding cake, “Mille-feuille”. The couple added a touch of flair by popping a bottle of champagne with a saber, marking the beginning of a joyous celebration.
And look at how radiant the bride was until the end of the big day! Shout out to The Porfirio team!
As the day drew close, the joyful celebration continued with lively dancing. Valentina and Kyle, experienced in the art of American parties, knew just how to keep the energy high and the spirits lifted. Everyone partied until the early hours.
The day after their wedding, the newlyweds organized a delightful brunch on the banks of the Arno River in the ‘Rowing Club’. The event was executed with exquisite attention to detail, ensuring guests enjoyed a memorable and fun experience. Amidst the picturesque setting, loved ones gathered to savor delicious food and bask in the afterglow of the wedding festivities.
Advice from the planner:
• Don’t let the planning take over, and don’t let it all get to you; it needs to be enjoyable for you because you’re creating a magical experience for not just yourself but for everyone attending the wedding.
• Make sure you do something that you enjoy during the process—walks, spas, shopping, or anything that really makes you feel relaxed.
• Set up calls with the planner so you can know where they are and what is happening.
• Most importantly, don’t let people tell you what to do. It’s your day!
MAKEUP ARTISTS The Porfirio | HAIR ARTIST Nadine Matar | PLANNER Matthew Oliver Weddings | PHOTOGRAPHER Pablo Laguia | VIDEOGRAPHER HD Moments | VENUE Villa Gamberaia | DRESS Odylyne The Ceremony, Sarah Seven | VEIL Monvieve | EARRINGS A.B. Ellie Jewelry | SHOES Gucci | FLORALS Tuscany Flowers | CATERING Galateo Ricevimenti | PRODUCTION Kaleydo | STATIONERY Emily and Jo | RENTALS Preludio di Visionoleggio | DJ Jordi Ruz | SAX Juan Viera | DRUMMING SHOW Ivan Elena | SINGER Warren | TRANSFERS My Luxury Drive Florence | BRUNCH The Rowing Club Florence | GUESTS ACCOMMODATION Lungarno Collection | CLUB Villa Vittoria | REHEARSAL DINNER Obica Restaurant Florence | COUPLE Valentina, Kyle
