A Laid-Back Summer Wedding at a Historic Italian Villa

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Location: Tuscany, Italy
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 19
How long did the couple plan the event: Less than a year (but the venue was booked two years prior)
Wedding theme/style: Relax away from the city and noise, close friends and family parties, classic.

Who could have imagined two souls born and nurtured in the same city coming together and falling in love on an entirely different continent? Yet, that’s precisely what happened to Karolina and Nik, the couple whose story is about to be shared.

Karolina and Nik were born and raised in the vast landscapes of Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia. However, destiny had a different plan for them, and their paths intertwined in the enchanting city of Toronto, Canada. In the heart of that bustling metropolis, amidst the shimmering lights and diverse cultures, their love story began to bloom like a rare and exquisite flower, thriving in the most unexpected of gardens.

Karolina describe the genesis of their love in the following manner:

“Our story started with friendship; we celebrated birthdays, explored Toronto, and created memories at lively gatherings. Little did we know that after five years, our friendship was just the start of a love story. In 2016, our relationship status changed and transformed into an unbreakable connection to the point when it was impossible to imagine our lives without each other. Nik graduated as a software engineer, and I graduated from the University of Toronto. I decided to take a marketing path in my career. As our careers flourished, we acquired our second citizenship, a testament to our unity and shared dreams.”

As for Nik’s proposal, it had been in the planning stages since 2019. However, COVID-19 thwarted his plans on more than three occasions. His initial dream of proposing on the cliffs of the Faroe Islands was dashed when Denmark closed its borders. Later, he set his sights on Africa, but the Omicron variant forced them to cancel the trip again. Life’s lessons in patience led Nick to take matters into his own hands. He secured tickets for a trip to Portugal, a beacon of hope amid the uncertainty of the times. Even when the trip was canceled at the last minute, Nik declared, “We are going there no matter what.” Their journey along the coastline of Portugal led them to discover a breathtaking spot. On February 22, 2022, in the tranquil town of Porto Novo, nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Nik finally proposed to Karolina, sincerely apologizing for the wait. It felt like this place was destined for them, waiting, aligning perfectly with their dreams and visions, shaped through countless discussions.

Their wedding unfolded as an intimate affair, attended solely by their closest friends and family, spanning three enchanting days amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany. It became a symphony of joy, dance, and a heartfelt love festival. The Villa La Commenda Concordia, a place of unparalleled splendor, captured their hearts from the moment their eyes first beheld it. It’s a place where words fall short in capturing the indescribable beauty not only of the villa itself but also of the souls dedicated to its magnificence. If one seeks an intimate family celebration in the heart of Tuscany, they wholeheartedly recommend it.

Karolina’s morning began with enchantment, as the songs of birds echoed from the nearby forest. The sun’s gentle rays bathed the walls of her exquisite room, setting a mood that was uniquely romantic. The talented photographer, Alexandra Gera, skillfully captured the tenderness of these magical moments in each frame. Alexandra was a second photographer for this wedding, attending as a part of Zhenya Savina‘s team, which guaranteed an incredible result.

The bride’s wedding attire was discovered serendipitously on Instagram by Murashka Atelier, instantly capturing her heart. The champagne-colored dress harmonized perfectly with the villa’s interior. Another dress from the same designer proved ideal for their wedding dance. The only last-minute change, made just a day before the wedding, involved the earrings, stumbled upon by Karolina and her mother in a local store in Florence, perfectly complementing the dress.

Her first look with the bridesmaids overflowed with joyful emotions. Karolina truly resembled a princess in her magnificent gown, and her bouquet of summer flowers added an ethereal touch to her radiance.

Nik, too, was preparing for the ceremony alongside his friends. He donned a classic black suit with a flower in his lapel that perfectly matched Karolina’s bouquet. Beauty and love permeated every detail.

The ceremony unfolded in the villa’s courtyard, with an arch framing a view of the lush summer forest. When the doors opened, a radiant bride emerged, and for a moment, Nik was left speechless by Karolina’s sheer beauty. They exchanged vows surrounded by their loved ones who came from Canada and the US to share this precious moment – uniting their destinies as one.

Alexandra’s remarkable talent and expertise became the magical thread that wove together every smile and the tender exchange of glances between Nik and Karolina. She didn’t just take pictures; she seized fleeting moments. Each photo resembles a still frame from a movie, like inviting you to press ‘play’ and hear their laughter.

The outdoor wedding dinner was a dream, with the villa’s courtyard adorned in fairy lights and tables decorated with soft peach, white, and orange flowers and little candles, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Alexandra skillfully captured these moments, preserving the details of the decor. Looking at her photographs is like being transported to Italy; the joyous summer ambiance fills the heart.

Their wedding dance held a special place in their hearts, set to the very song that Nik and Karolina fell in love with after watching “The Greatest Showman.” Nik had first mentioned back in 2017 that this song would be the perfect choice for their wedding dance. Seeing them dance to this meaningful song, their loved ones couldn’t help but share in their joy. Their decision to dance to “Never Enough” reflected the time they had spent together and everything they had been through, a moment they would never forget.

In line with their shared desire for a lively party, they had the pleasure of hosting a local live band, BritPops from Tuscany, and Sergio, an incredibly energetic DJ. The highlight of the wedding day was the group plunge into the pool.

One unforgettable moment was the wedding cake. Karolina and Nik chose not just to cut the cake but to assemble it together under the guidance of the chef. They adorned it with cream and berries, and in the photographs captured by Alexandra, one can see the kaleidoscope of emotions on Karolina and Nik’s faces – their unbridled excitement and infectious laughter!

Advice from the couple:

• It is essential to pick the right team for destination weddings, so research before you start planning. We are grateful for the Happy Moments Collector team’s exceptional job organizing our Tuscany wedding. Our special day wouldn’t have been possible without their efforts, attention to detail, and support. They made the entire planning experience stress-free. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such talented individuals. And many, many thanks to our photographers Zhenya Savina, Alexandra Gera, and our videographer Leonid Smith, for capturing our wedding so beautifully! We are forever grateful!

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