Some settings need no extra embellishment, and Borgo Stomennano in Tuscany is one of them. With its historic villa, cypress-lined driveway, and rolling hills in the distance, the location provided the perfect stage for Marissa and Braden’s summer wedding. Planned by Moments Lab and captured by Kseniya Palchik, the day blended romance with understated luxury, creating a celebration that felt like an authentic Italian dream.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Style: Romantic, Elegant, Timeless
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 75
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Marissa and Braden grew up just a few streets away in the same hometown. They attended the same high school but didn’t truly meet until the final weeks of Braden’s senior year. Years later, Braden proposed in front of friends, family, and even Netflix cameras at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders “Meet the Team” event in AT&T Stadium, where Marissa was performing. It was the perfect surprise, blending a milestone in her career with a milestone in their love story.
Their vision for the wedding was clear from the start: romantic, elevated, and authentically Italian. With Marissa’s family roots in Italy, the couple wanted a celebration that felt connected to place and heritage while reflecting their own style.
Wedding Day
Bridal Fashion
For getting ready, Marissa wore a Belvedere Couture robe while her bridesmaids wore matching pajamas from Piyama Co.—a playful and relaxed start to the day.
Marissa then changed into the “Luna” gown by Katherine Tash, a dress with modern lines and an elegant drape that fit seamlessly into the Tuscan setting. She carried a bouquet designed by Puscina Flowers, a mix of white blooms with hints of blush and deep fuchsia that echoed the villa’s gardens.
She paired the gown with Bella Belle Shoes, jewelry from Verstolo, and a soft bridal look created by The Styling Stewardess, who also styled her hair. Her perfume came from Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, adding a subtle nod to local tradition.
Braden wore a classic black tuxedo from The Black Tux, paired with black crocodile Tecovas cowboy boots that gave his look a personal twist. The bridesmaids wore sleek black gowns, their bouquets limited to long-stemmed white calla lilies for a bold, sculptural effect.
First Look
The couple’s first look took place in the villa’s gardens, with the Tuscan hills as the backdrop. Braden’s emotional reaction made the scene unforgettable, capturing the excitement and tenderness of the day ahead.
The memory was beautifully preserved by Kseniya Palchik, who worked with both digital and film photography. Her ability to balance classic portraiture with candid emotion gave the images a timeless quality that the couple will cherish forever.
Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded between the cypress trees that line Borgo Stomennano’s driveway, a natural aisle that seems made for wedding processions. Marissa walked through the historic gates, surrounded by florals from Puscina Flowers, who created a design of white blooms accented by touches of deep fuchsia and soft pink.
The couple’s brother-in-law officiated, adding a deeply personal element to the ceremony. Guests sat under the Italian sun, surrounded by lush arrangements climbing the villa’s gates and lining the aisle. Their vows felt heartfelt and unpretentious, and as the couple shared their first kiss, petals filled the air.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests moved to the villa’s gardens for cocktail hour. Set against panoramic views of Tuscany, the space was arranged with parasols and elegant lounge areas. Catered by Il Sorriso Ricevimenti, the hour was filled with Italian wines, local appetizers, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
From above, the garden looked like a painting: clusters of guests mingling under the golden light, music by Britpops Band floating through the air.
Private Moment
Amid the festivities, Marissa and Braden stepped away for a few quiet minutes together. In the villa’s secluded corners, they were photographed once more by Kseniya.
Her use of film lent these portraits a soft texture, contrasting the vibrant energy of the reception with moments of stillness. This pause allowed the couple to take in the magnitude of the day before returning to their guests.
Decor & Flowers
The reception table stretched in a single, dramatic line under a canopy of trees, echoing the couple’s vision of an elegant Italian dinner party. Crystal chandeliers hung above the table, lit by I Light You, while floral arrangements by Puscina Flowers added depth with their mix of whites, greens, and deep tones. The setting struck a balance between simplicity and luxury — nothing felt overdone, yet every detail contributed to an atmosphere of celebration.
Menus, signage, and invitations came from Creationari and Details Decided, tying together the visual identity of the wedding. Each guest found their place at the long table set with glass chargers, tall taper candles, and refined details that reflected the couple’s romantic theme.
Reception
Dinner was a feast of pasta and Italian wines, followed by heartfelt speeches and laughter that carried late into the evening. One of the highlights was an Italian wedding tradition where the couple made their cake in front of their guests. Marissa and Braden dusted their berry-topped cake with powdered sugar, a playful and interactive moment that became one of their favorite memories.
The dance floor, a black-and-white checkered design, came alive with Britpops Band leading the party. Marissa later changed into a Belvedere Couture party dress, perfect for dancing beneath the Tuscan sky.
Another memorable highlight came when she surprised guests by performing with her fellow Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Pom-poms in hand, they brought the energy of the stadium to Tuscany.
Braden also joined in the fun, sabering a bottle of champagne as sparklers lit up the night.
As the evening ended, the couple looked back on a day that brought together history, heritage, and their personal story. The setting of Borgo Stomennano, the artistry of Moments Lab, and the photography of Kseniya Palchik all combined to create a wedding that felt timeless yet personal.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kseniya Palchik | VIDEOGRAPHER Giuseppe Piserchia Films | CONTENT CREATOR Unveiled Content Co. | PLANNER Moments Lab | VENUE Borgo Stomennano | FLOWERS Puscina Flowers | BRIDE & GROOM Marissa & Braden | GOWN Katherine Tash | PARTY DRESS & ROBE Belvedere Couture | SHOES Bella Belle Shoes | JEWELRY Verstolo | MUAH The Styling Stewardess | TUX The Black Tux | BOOTS Tecovas | BRIDESMAID PJS Piyama Co. | CATERING Il Sorriso Ricevimenti | MUSIC Britpops Band | LIGHTING I Light You | INVITATIONS Creationari | SIGNAGE Details Decided
