Location: Florence, Italy
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 250
How long did the couple plan the event: 3 years for planning, 5 months for organization
Wedding theme/style: A classic wedding with a touch of glamor.
Six years ago, in the bustling city of London, a chance encounter at a restaurant would set the stage for a love story that would span continents and culminate in a dream wedding. Mariasole, the creative director of the accessory brand Les Petits Joueurs, and Olivier, a businessman dividing his time between London, Brussels, and Buenos Aires, were brought together by a mutual friend. Their connection was instantaneous.
Mariasole and Olivier fell head over heels in love in the romantic city of Venice. Their decision to stay together led them to the enchanting town of Milan, where they continue to reside. However, their journey was far from over. The couple had their hearts set on a wedding that would be as extraordinary as their love story.
After three years of meticulous planning, Mariasole and Olivier’s dream wedding finally became a reality. The first attempt in July 2020 had to be canceled due to obvious circumstances, but their determination prevailed. The wedding took place in Mariasole’s hometown, Florence, and was a memorable celebration.
The morning sun stretched its golden rays over Florence, gently awakening the city from its slumber. But in the luxurious confines of La Gemma Hotel, a different kind of awakening was taking place – the beginning of Mariasole’s wedding day. Her closest friends had gathered in the opulent suite, creating an atmosphere of laughter and anticipation. The air was filled with excitement and the sweet, delicate scent of flowers, setting the stage for a day of magic.
Finally, the time had come. Mariasole, resplendent in her exquisite gown, transformed into a vision of timeless beauty. Her custom-made Alessandra Rich dress, a collaboration that took four months to perfect, a masterpiece of lace and silk, captured the essence of romance and glamour. The intricate details whispered of dreams fulfilled, and the flowing fabric echoed the promise of a love that would stand the test of time.
With her friends and brother by her side, Mariasole embarked on the journey to the Basilica. The streets of Florence bathed in the soft morning light, seemed to honor this procession of love. Each step was a heartbeat, each breath a prayer, as they made their way to the sacred space where this couple’s love would be forever sealed.
In the heart of Florence, her hometown, the bride opened the most exciting and remarkable chapter of her life.
The religious ceremony took place in the historic Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The lush vegetation of Argentina inspired the floral decorations. Tanguy de Willencourt, a piano virtuoso and cousin of Olivier, graced the ceremony with soul-stirring melodies, including “Love of My Life” and “Only Time.” The liturgy, conducted in Italian and Spanish by Padre Fabian from Entre Rios, Argentina, added a multicultural dimension to the event.
Following the heartfelt ceremony, the lovebirds embarked on the next part of their special day in a glorious vintage car. Their exit was grand, as this iconic vehicle is an absolute symbol of enduring style and grace! Passersby couldn’t help but pause and admire the sight: the newlyweds, radiant in their joy, and the vintage car, a moving work of art against the backdrop of Florence’s timeless beauty.
The reception unfolded at Villa Palmieri, a picturesque and tropical villa in the Florence area. This stunning venue is renowned for its majestic palm trees, Italian-style garden, and romantic architecture. Every frame created by Elisabetta Riccio became a vivid testament to this momentous day. She skillfully immortalized the villa’s grandeur, preserving each intricate detail and the ambiance of romance.
The wedding was attended by 250 guests worldwide, making it a cultural potpourri. Each element of the wedding was thoughtfully designed to represent different aspects of Mariasole and Olivier’s diverse backgrounds. From flower children dressed as Argentinian gauchos to the bilingual Mass conducted in Spanish and Italian, every detail celebrated their unique love story.
Mariasole and Olivier made a grand entrance at their wedding dinner, setting the stage for a night of celebration and joy. As they entered the venue, the lively music beats filled the air, infusing the atmosphere with an irresistible energy. With each step, they moved in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the music, their smiles radiant and their love palpable. The applause of the guests echoed their excitement, a chorus of approval for the newlyweds.
The moment when the couple was congratulated by their loved ones was profoundly touching, bringing many to tears. Emotions ran high as heartfelt words of love and good wishes were shared. Photographer Elisabetta Riccio exhibited an extraordinary talent in capturing the romantic ambiance and exhilarating rhythms of this unforgettable soirée. Her camera lens seemed like a magical window, providing a glimpse into every emotion, tears of joy, and bursts of laughter.
As the night wore on, guests were treated to a captivating performance by the Alessandro Deangelis band. Artists worldwide joined in, and the guests danced the night away under the stars. The magical red circle lights and a giant disco ball further enhanced the atmosphere.
Valentina Nervi, founder of Nervi Milano, designed a sexy embroidered dress for the after-party, inspired by Cher’s iconic style. Mariasole, as the creative director of Les Petits Joueurs, also designed all the accessories herself. Olivier’s attire, including his morning tails and black tie, was meticulously tailored by the renowned Italian Sartorial Deplano in Milan.
The party continued in the villa’s courtyard, where a magnificent heart-shaped cake was prepared in front of guests. Elisabetta Riccio gifted the newlyweds and their guests with visual memories, allowing them to relive this extraordinary day repeatedly. Her talent and artistry transformed each photograph into more than just an image; they became genuine works of art destined to bring joy and memories throughout their lifetimes.
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy every moment. It goes by like a dream. We enjoyed what we learned about each other during the preparation.
PHOTOGRAPHER Elisabetta Riccio | EVENT PLANNING Savvy Event studio | VENUE Villa Palmieri Hotel La Gemma | FLORAL Il Giardino Delle Fate Flower Design | MUAH RafaelGruz | CATERING Galateo Ricevimenti | BAND Alessandro De Angelis | LIGHTS & AUDIO GB Audio | GROOM’S SUIT Sartorial Deplano | WEDDING DRESS Alessandra Rich | PARTY DRESS Nervi Milano | SHOES Les Petits Joueurs | BRIDE Mariasole Cecchi | GROOM Olivier Badin
