A Spring Intimate Wedding on the Italian Riviera

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Location: Lerici, La Spezia, Italy
Setting: Italian Villa
Season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
The number of guests: 65
Wedding theme/style: Classic, intimate, romantic, Italian.

Minji and Jacopo met during their MBA at The Wharton School. Their friendship blossomed over phone calls across coasts, eventually leading to romance in the quaint town of Lerici, Italy. Their path from friends to life partners sped up during the COVID-19 pandemic when they started living together. A unique underwater proposal in St. Thomas during diving brought not only a ring but also laughter because of the funny photos and joyous moment, sealing their adventurous spirits together.

Their chosen location, Lerici in La Spezia, Italy, is a picturesque coastal town on the Italian Riviera, where Jacopo used to spend summers in his childhood and where their love with Minji sparkled.

“Not only did it really have tremendous sentimental value to both of us, but it felt like an amazing opportunity to share a less tourist-heavy area of Italy with our friends and family. We loved to be able to share a more “local” experience.” – the couple shared.

The spring wedding took place at Villa Marigola, on a hilltop with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Poets. Desiring an intimate affair, they planned their day to be a heartfelt gathering with the closest people, reflecting their journey and shared passions.

Minji embodied elegance in her lace wedding dress with a classic boat neckline, inspired by the timeless Grace Kelly. She aimed for a look that resonated with the villa’s romantic charm without overshadowing its beauty. Minji’s hair, styled in romantic waves, complemented her simple yet radiant makeup, capturing her natural grace.

Jacopo looked dashing in his tailored black tuxedo, a perfect match to the elegance of the day. His attire was both classic and sophisticated, complementing Minji’s stunning attire. Together, they presented a vision of timeless style and grace.

In the quiet grandeur of the villa, Jacopo waited for Minji. When they finally saw each other, their first look was filled with tears and joy, setting the stage for the lifetime commitment ahead.

Nina Wernicke’s photography at the wedding was exceptional. Each image was more than a picture; it was a story, rich with emotion and beauty. Her ability to capture the depth of feelings made our job selecting photos for the article incredibly challenging, because all photos are amazingly heartfelt. Every shot shows her skills, leaving us with a strong sense of the moment and a few tears of our own.

The ceremony itself was held in the stunning gardens of villa. The intimate setting allowed for a personal and moving experience, shared with their closest friends and family. The couple listened to warm speeches from their loved ones, before exchanged vows and rings against the backdrop of the serene gulf.

The cocktail hour provided a relaxed atmosphere for guests to mingle and take in the stunning surroundings. It was an opportunity to celebrate the newlyweds’ union with fine drinks and light-hearted conversation. The custom hand fans offered a breath of fresh air under the warm Italian sunset.

Amid the festivities, Minji and Jacopo found time for a private moment of their newlywed joy. Away from the crowd, they shared reflections and dreams, creating memories just for two.

The reception was set deep in charming garden, what gave the sense of privacy. Above the long table, elegant chandeliers hung from curved frames, adding a soft glow as the evening settled in. The tables were decorated with white flowers and hints of purple blooms added a touch of color. Candles flickered gently, creating a serene and romantic environment.

As the evening unfolded, the reception started under the stars. Friends and family stood to share touching words that echoed with love and laughter, often moving the gathering to tears with hopeful toasts to the future.

Among the guests was Arthur, the couple’s beloved dog, who captured everyone’s hearts with his charming bow tie, adding a touch of joy and playfulness to the occasion.

As evening fell, the bride changed her look for the third time: she stayed in the full length ball skirt over the mini dress through dinner and swirled out of it once the party really got going.

The day was marked by joyous dancing, heartfelt speeches, and a delightful cake cutting and ramen tasting under the stars. “I did have to add at least one nod to my Korean heritage in what was otherwise a very Italy-centric day. Instant ramen — a classic late night food for Koreans. Plus, it was so fun to see Jacopo’s family trying it for the first time!” – Minji said.

Advice from couple:

• We didn’t have a proper wedding planner for the event, because of miscommunication with the venue. If you’re planning a destination wedding, absolutely make sure you get a proper full-service end-to-end wedding planner who speaks your language plus the destination’s language. Make sure they are solution oriented and committed to making your vision come to life, we frequently felt frustrated by certain limitations set by the venue, but a great wedding planner would have gotten creative and helped you find solutions instead of just saying no.

• Also, keep in mind that a year of wedding planning doesn’t mean you have to spend time wedding planning every single day of that entire year. No one tells you there’s so much down time in between, so we felt like we were missing something! Beyond landing your vendors upfront, we found everything happens in the last 2-3 months leading up to the day anyway, so don’t stress during the months in between.