Bold, stylish, and bursting with personality, Valeria and Andrea’s Milan wedding was anything but ordinary. Set against the backdrop of the city they love, their day blended cinematic flair with modern elegance, from a burgundy-toned moodboard to surrealist touches inspired by French films. Every detail, from the custom illustrations to the sculptural florals, reflected a celebration that was deeply personal, art-driven, and unapologetically expressive.
Location: Milan, Italy
Style: Urban, minimalist, elegant, stylish
Number of guests: 90
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – cultural center
Season: Fall
Valeria and Andrea are true Milanese at heart, so much so that their love for the city became the very theme of their wedding. Stylish and expressive, the celebration embraced elegance with a bold emotional touch, breaking through the typical cool with warmth and personality. Inspired by ‘L’amour Fou’ by André Breton, the wedding carried a poetic, cinematic flair. A rich burgundy palette set the tone for the day, echoing the intensity of their bond. At the center of it all was the concept of the hug, symbolized by a single-line logo the couple designed themselves.
Bride's Look
Valeria got ready for her big day in the couple’s elegant penthouse. Surrounded by light and design details, she prepared for the celebration in a space that felt meaningful to her. The bridal look was a perfect balance of sophistication and charm. She wore a sleek, sculptural gown by Antonio Riva, characterized by clean lines and captivating elegance. Her Aquazzura heels added a playful touch, delicate yet bold, just like her.
Valeria’s voluminous curly hair was styled in an up-do by GRANT Hairdresser, while makeup artist Greta Agazzi highlighted the bride’s radiant beauty with a fresh and luminous look. The result was a confident and expressive bridal style, minimalist in silhouette, but rich in character.
Groom's Fashion
Andrea got ready at a close friend’s house, surrounded by warmth and quiet anticipation. His look was a perfect reflection of the wedding’s expressive spirit, as he wore a custom-tailored suit by May Faber Milano, impeccably cut to enhance his silhouette with clean lines and a refined structure. Paired with polished Prada shoes and a crisp white shirt, the look was effortlessly elegant. A sleek black tie and a delicate boutonnière, echoing the romantic tone of the day, completed his ensemble, along with a pair of classic round silver cufflinks.
Ceremony
The religious ceremony was held in the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia in Milan, a historic and atmospheric church that perfectly matched the refined, soulful tone of the day. True to their artistic vision, Valeria and Andrea transformed the entrance into a poetic prelude to the celebration. Guests were welcomed by sculptural floral arrangements by Collateral-Beauty, a modern composition of white hydrangeas, orchids, calla lilies, and airy textures cascading over soft ivory drapery, alongside a striking creative touch: a custom newspaper titled ‘Wedding Times.‘
Surrounded by the basilica’s striped arches and warm light, the ceremony unfolded with deep emotion and effortless grace. Valeria walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, radiant in her sculptural gown and holding a striking bouquet of calla lilies. Andrea stood waiting for her at the altar with a soft, steady gaze.
The wedding bands were brought out by one of the littlest guests, a gesture so sweet it melted every heart in the room. With emotion in their voices and radiant smiles, Andrea and Valeria read their vows from beautifully illustrated vow books before exchanging the rings in a moment of pure joy.
As the ceremony came to a close, the surprises began. Stepping out of the church, guests were greeted by a charming gelato truck from Gusto17, offering a refreshing array of flavors. Well-dressed friends and family mingled, shared congratulations with the newlyweds, and savored the sweet treat. It was a vibrant and relaxed moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
Private Moment
Valeria and Andrea slipped away for a quiet moment in the heart of Milan, just the two of them, hand in hand, walking along the tram tracks as the city moved gently. Captured both in timeless black and white and color, the photos by Gradisca Portento felt like stills from an old film: cinematic, spontaneous, and full of unspoken emotion.
The photographer embraced the couple’s creative spirit, crafting editorial-style visuals that still felt vibrant and full of life. Valeria and Andrea became the stars of their own story, bold, expressive, and unforgettable, with every frame capturing the unique energy and undeniable charm of their wedding day.
Cocktail Hour
The classic Italian ‘aperitivo’ took place on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, a stylish, open-air space that perfectly reflected the couple’s modern vibe. Draped in rich burgundy fabric and accented with sculptural floral pieces, the setting felt both bold and intimate. With the skyline in the background and design-forward details all around, it was a space where art, architecture, and celebration seamlessly came together.
Valeria let her curls down, setting the tone for the evening. With a glass in hand and a radiant smile, she toasted with Andrea, surrounded by laughter, cheers, and the warm buzz of the conversations. It was a moment of pure happiness, marking the beginning of a festive, love-filled celebration.
Reception
The reception took place at BASE Milano, a versatile and evocative space that effortlessly embraced the couple’s bold vision, all beautifully brought to life by the talented planners from Collateral-Beauty. From the moment guests arrived, every detail told a story. At the entrance, a custom photocall echoed the iconic pattern of the wedding invitations.
The dinner was held in a space with a subtly brutalist, industrial character, white columns, raw textures, and a minimalist aesthetic softened by layers of flowing white fabric suspended from the ceiling. An installation with an oriental flair welcomed guests, leading them into a room where a long imperial table stood at the center, refined in its simplicity. Each setting featured muted plates and beautifully illustrated menus bearing the couple’s embrace-inspired logo, while sculptural anthuriums rose from modern vases as centerpieces.
To the side, a thoughtful corner offered welcome gifts featuring The Milaneser prints, which by the end of the evening transformed into a charming flower bar. Relaxation lounges invited guests to linger and chat, all enveloped in the gentle, luxurious scent of Diptyque’s Roses, a final touch that made the entire space feel like an immersive, art-driven dream.
Guests gathered around the long table, sharing stories, laughter, and a beautifully curated dinner by Insieme Restaurant that felt as intimate as it was elegant. The evening continued with desserts by Oslo Made in Heaven, delighting everyone with their colors, surprising textures, and bursts of flavor.
The cake moment was as bold and beautiful as the rest of the celebration. A striking tart from Pasticceria Gattullo was covered in vibrant raspberries and deep burgundy blooms. It stood against a rich velvet backdrop, echoing the wedding’s signature palette. Valeria, now in a chic white dress by Giorgio Armani, and Andrea cut the cake together. Their kiss afterward sealed the moment with the same passion that defined the entire day.
As the night unfolded, the energy only grew. Valerio Vaudano, the DJ, set the perfect tone with an eclectic mix that had everyone on their feet, dancing beneath the soft drapes and lights. Valeria, radiant in her party ensemble, and Andrea, glass in hand and smile wide, led the celebration with pure joy, a night full of music, movement, and unforgettable style.
PHOTOGRAPHER Gradisca Portento | PLANNER & DESIGN Collateral-Beauty | CEREMONY VENUE Basilica of Sant’Eufemia | RECEPTION VENUE BASE Milano | FLORALS Collateral-Beauty | MAKEUP Greta Agazzi | HAIR GRANT Hairdresser | CEREMONY DRESS Antonio Riva Milano | CEREMONY SHOES Aquazzura | RECEPTION DRESS Giorgio Armani | SUIT May Faber Milano | SHOES Prada | ICE CREAM Gusto17 | CATERING Insieme Restaurant | DESSERT Oslo Made in Heaven | CAKE Pasticceria Gattullo | STATIONERY Collateral-Beauty | PRINTS The Milaneser | DJ Valerio Vaudano | LIGHTING JDEvents
