Location: Florence, Italy
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 90
Wedding theme/style: Italian-chic, intimate, modern, timeless.
Danielle and Jarrod, both from Chicago, have been together for nearly nine years before getting married. They met at their first job and shared a deep love for travel, with Italy holding a special place in their hearts because of Danielle’s family connections and their shared experiences there. Jarrod proposed in Florence, knowing it was the perfect backdrop for their engagement, given their profound connection to Italy. “We knew that is where we wanted to get married,” shared Danielle.
The welcome dinner was held in a historic villa in the center of Florence, creating an immediate “WOW” moment for the guests. It featured unique touches like live portrait paintings of all the guests, which were both memorable and personal. This event set a fantastic tone for the weekend, mixing Italian charm with personal flair.
On their wedding day, Danielle and Jarrod, along with their guests, arrived at Villa Gamberaia. As their loved ones explored the expansive grounds, the couple spent the morning getting ready. Danielle chose a custom Ines De Santo dress, tailored with sleeves to better reflect her personal style, while Jarrod opted for a cream custom suit complemented by brown suede Gucci loafers.
Their first look was a tender moment filled with emotion. Held in the secluded gardens of the villa, the couple shared their vows to each other, setting a heartfelt tone for the day.
The ceremony took place in the villa’s ethereal grotto, surrounded by natural florals that seemed to grow from the grounds themselves. “We wanted the ceremony to feel ethereal,” the bride told. “We kept the ceremony short and sweet, and the tone was very lighthearted, funny, and sentimental.” The setting was intimate, with the bride’s brother officiating, adding humor and warmth. The mood was light and joyful, with everyone engaged and smiling while throwing rose petals in the air.
At the cocktail party after the ceremony guests enjoyed hand-tied mozzarella and freshly shaved prosciutto, alongside delightful Florentine bites. The atmosphere was lively, enhanced by the stunning views, bright guests’ attire, and the exquisite taste of local cocktails. “My vision for the wedding was to create an atmosphere that was more of a fancy summer dinner party than a wedding,” Danielle explained.
While the guests enjoyed cocktails, Danielle and Jarrod took a private moment on the villa’s grounds. Elisabetta Riccio, the photographer, captured their joyful laughter and intimate dances in the gentle light of the setting sun. She skillfully photographed the couple showing off their wedding rings, smiling broadly against the villa’s stunning backdrop. Elisabetta also took lively, vibrant photos of the guests and detailed decorations during the day. She made sure to vividly capture every moment, from the couple’s quiet glances to the brilliance of the day.
The wedding reception was held outdoors, with long tables adorned with beige tablecloths, crystal glassware, and elegant china. Lush white floral arrangements and tall candles added a romantic atmosphere. Overhead, strings of fairy lights cast a warm glow to the evening setting.
The reception was a highlight, featuring incredible food and lively music that kept everyone entertained. The dinner felt like a chic, intimate party under the stars, with guests frequently raising their glasses for toasts, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter and shared stories. “Gelato carts at all events around the villa were a must-have,” the bride highlighted.
The evening was filled with memorable moments: a champagne tower added a touch of glamour, the cake cutting was fun and interactive, and the dances were full of energy. Everyone enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere, making it a night to remember. “The wedding cake was a massive millefoglie cake which was constructed in front of everyone and we helped with the finishing touches in front of all the guests, while “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin played,” remembered Danielle.
Advice from the couple:
• Take your time with wedding planning and focus on what truly matters to you. Prioritize the overall experience for you and your guests rather than getting caught up in the small details. Identify your top three priorities and allocate your resources there; for us this was food, venue, and music. Everything else will fall into place.
• Enjoy the planning process and dont stress out too much over the details. Be intentional about making the planning process fun for you both!
• Remember to cherish the moment during your celebration, especially since it goes by so quickly. Consider taking a moment during the event to just observe and savor the presence of your loved ones. It’s an experience you’ll remember forever, and you might even find yourself wanting to renew your vows later!
PHOTOGRAPHER Elisabetta Riccio | VIDEOGRAPHER 2become1video | PLANNER Lusso Events | VENUE Villa Gamberaia | FLORAL Flowersliving | CATERING Galateo Ricevimenti | STATIONERY Peg & Co | MUAH Alena Bezrodna | DRESS Ines Di Santo | SHOES Gucci | BRIDE Danielle Varga
