Location: Verbania, Italy
Setting: Church, villa
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Glam, fashion, romantic, elegant, the fabulous ‘30s.
Federica and Emanuel’s story began in 2012 when they were entwined within the same circle of friends. Their age difference was never a barrier, fostering a friendship that blossomed even as Federica was involved with someone else at the time. As seasons changed, their acquaintance warmed into a caring and deeper connection. Their friendship evolved into love, especially after Federica found herself single, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.
Emanuel’s marriage proposal was a surprise that unfolded in the cozy confines of their living room. Amidst a movie night, a simple yet profound moment turned into a milestone; Emanuel knelt, offering a ring and a promise of a future together. Federica’s affirmative “Yes, I do!” sealed their commitment, marking the beginning of their journey toward marriage.
As Federica and Emanuel embarked on their wedding journey, their paramount goal was to orchestrate a celebration that would leave an indelible mark on their guests’ hearts. Entrusting the planning to Silvia Carli, renowned for her expertise and experience crafting exquisite weddings, they found the perfect partner to bring their vision to life.
Federica’s wedding look was romantic and glamorous, accentuating her grace and delicate beauty. For the ceremony and cocktail hour, she chose a romantic silk organza gown with long puff sleeves and a train starting from the shoulders, lending her a glamorous allure. Her hairstylist, Ganna Nechainikova, crafted her hairstyle and created a soft, elegant updo adorned with a clip sprinkled with Swarovski stones. Makeup artist Katia Ivanova designed and applied the makeup, gently highlighting the bride’s Mediterranean features, tenderness, and romanticism. The natural, elegant makeup look enhanced the bride’s beauty.
In his pursuit of style and elegance, Emanuel chose a classic tuxedo from Atelier Santachiara sposi. This choice perfectly encapsulated his role as the groom, exuding timeless elegance and complementing the overall grandeur of the wedding.
Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Maggiore, a quaint church welcomed Federica and Emanuel’s wedding. They opted for a religious ceremony to seal their union. The entrance to the church was adorned with a beautiful floral arch made of white hydrangeas, baby’s breath, and soft peach roses. The aisle leading to the altar was also adorned with flowers and candles, creating a mystical and romantic atmosphere.
It was an incredibly touching ceremony. The groom was overwhelmed with emotion as his bride walked down the aisle of the church with her father. Accompanied by the beautiful music of a string quartet, she met her groom at the altar. Amidst tears and emotional outpourings from all in attendance, the couple vowed their eternal love to each other.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests were greeted at the venue by waitpersons dressed in white uniforms, each holding a glass of champagne. They walked through a corridor adorned with soft white curtains and flowers, leading into the magnificent garden of the villa, which was divided into two distinct areas.
The first area featured delightful white lounges with sofas, settees, and cozy armchairs, all decorated with floral arrangements of ash pink roses and white gypsophila. The second area offered a more modern touch with pink velvet benches, poufs, and essential tables made of golden metal.
Under a portico, a DJ booth was set up, complemented by live saxophone music to set the perfect atmosphere. At the far end of the garden, a beautifully arranged catering service area awaited, dedicated to buffet islands, offering a splendid array of culinary delights.
Silvia Carli shares her insights into the inspiration behind the grand affair: “For Federica and Emanuel’s wedding, the essence of their personalities and desires led us to a theme drenched in the glamour of the cinematic world and the opulent soirées of the 1930s. That era’s luxury and elegance set the tone with its crystal embellishments casting candlelight reflections. Icons like Greta Garbo and Rudolph Valentino influenced our approach, blending sophisticated style with flowing, elegant lines. Our palette centered on white, complemented by the warm hues of beige and sand, with gold accents punctuating every element, encapsulating the couple’s dream of a timeless and memorable celebration.”
The dining hall was graced by an imperial table surrounded by round tables at its center. Exquisite arrangements of roses and gypsophila enhanced the elegant mise-en-scène on these tables. Numerous candles cast a warm, romantic glow across the room. The transparent Plexiglas Chiavari chairs added a modern touch to the setting. Soft white curtains and free-standing crystal chandeliers were specially lit to further illuminate the ambiance, adding a layer of sophistication and light.
Once all the guests were seated, the bride and groom made their grand entrance, greeted with joy and warmth by everyone present. During the dinner, Federica and Emanuel chose to exchange their vows, creating a genuinely touching and emotional moment. This act moved the attendees and the planning team led by Silvia Carli, who watched secretly, tears rolling down their cheeks as the couple pledged their eternal love to each other.
A splendid three-tiered whipped cream cake, set in the villa’s garden amidst flowers and candles, welcomed the bride and groom and their guests for a moment of pure emotion.
The couple cut the cake and made a toast in the light of shimmering fountains behind them, rendering the scene even more spectacular. The cake was served in the garden, transformed into a lounge area for the occasion, right in front of the villa. This set the stage for the dance party to begin! On the first floor of the villa, in a large hall, a dance floor and an open bar awaited the bride and groom and their guests, ready to indulge in fabulous dancing and cocktails.
Advice from couple:
• Federica has navigated this journey by fully sharing her ideas with the vendors she chose for her wedding. She is pleased and satisfied that each of them has respected her ideas and made every necessary adjustment until the last minute. As an architect bride, she had the opportunity to view and analyze the project with a “professional eye,” offering astonishing insights. For example, the choice to add an extra touch of elegance with draped curtains on the ceiling and glass walls of the dining hall, along with specially created lighting effects and chandeliers, made everything more magical!
WEDDING PLANNER Silvia Carli | WEDDING PLANNER Marta Ippolito | VENUE Villa Frua | CATERING T’a Milano | RENTALS White Service | FLORAL DESIGNER Paolo Luppi | PHOTOGRAPHER George Novac | VIDEOGRAPHER Stefano Pompei | MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY Gli Archimisti | ENTERTAINMENT How Many Dj’s | SAX Paolo Parpaglione | OPEN BAR XXL Café | MUA Katia Ivanova | HAIR STYLING Ganna | BRIDE CEREMONY DRESS Idea Sposa | BRIDE PARTY DRESS Idea Sposa | GROOM SUIT Santachiara Sposi | STATIONERY Cristina Pi | FAVORS Quadrifoglio | DINNER LIGHTING Noiré | CAR RENTAL Vague | KIDS ANIMATION Tremendi’s Team
