Chiara and Alessio’s wedding in Italy was a celebration of timeless elegance, enriched with Sicilian charm and hosted in one of Piedmont’s most historic villas. Designed and brought to life by Erica Canova, the day unfolded with refined details, a glowing all-white palette, and a moving ceremony under the shade of a grand tree. From the emotional vows to the spectacular dinner under twinkling lights, every moment was crafted to offer guests an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Location: Piedmont, Italy
Style: Elegant, classic, chic
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 80
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
When Chiara and Alessio met, they quickly discovered a shared love for beauty, tradition, and meaningful experiences. After they got engaged, they envisioned a wedding that would feel both timeless and personal, with a strong emotional connection for their guests. Chiara, proud of her Sicilian roots, dreamed of bringing touches of her heritage into the day, and together they imagined a celebration that would be elegant yet heartfelt, blending history, light, and the warmth of their love into one unforgettable experience.
Location & Planning
Nestled in the hills of Piedmont, Villa Cimena offered the perfect backdrop for Chiara and Alessio’s vision — a place that felt suspended in time, with antique furnishings, frescoed halls, and a natural grandeur that matched their refined taste. They dreamed of a wedding that radiated elegance, with a pure white palette and subtle Sicilian touches woven through the details, honoring Chiara’s heritage.
Bringing their vision to life, Erica Canova curated every element with exceptional care. Her thoughtful approach combined creative direction with emotional sensitivity, turning the couple’s ideas into a fully immersive experience. Every corner of the celebration reflected her ability to design with both aesthetic and feeling, allowing Chiara and Alessio’s dream to unfold exactly as imagined.
Bridal Morning
Chiara got ready for the day in one of the villa’s richly decorated suites, surrounded by her bridesmaids. They helped her into her gown, adjusting every detail with care, while soft morning light filtered through the tall windows. Chiara couldn’t stop smiling, holding hands with her friends. The vintage interiors, pastel walls, and ornate mirror frames added an old-world charm to every photo — a quiet prelude to the elegance that was about to unfold outside.
She wore a timeless white gown from Pronovias, with a structured bodice, full skirt, and delicate belt at the waist — a classic silhouette that matched the refined setting perfectly. Her hair, styled by Patrizia Alladio, was pulled into a classic low bun, framing her face and allowing her pearl-drop earrings from Boite d’or to shine. Chiara wore white heels by Elata, and for her scent she chose the iconic Chanel No. 5 — a detail that added timeless glamour. Her bouquet, composed of preserved white roses and baby’s breath, felt as delicate and thoughtful as the rest of her look.
Groom's Fashion
Alessio got ready in one of the elegant rooms of the villa, where warm wood tones and antique details added a timeless atmosphere to his quiet morning. He wore a deep blue suit with a textured vest and classic tie, completing the look with polished black shoes and refined cufflinks that added a subtle touch of personality. His boutonniere, made of small white blooms, echoed the floral palette of the day.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the lawn in front of the villa, under the wide canopy of a century-old tree — a spot that offered both shade and a serene, natural frame for the vows. A soft white aisle runner was bordered with thick rows of gypsophila and ivory roses, creating a romantic, cloud-like path that led to the altar. Guests were welcomed with a refreshment station, complete with personalized fans and cool drinks — a thoughtful detail for the warm July afternoon.
The ceremony itself was heartfelt and full of intimacy. As Chiara walked down the aisle, holding her preserved bouquet and smiling through tears, the entire setting fell silent. Several speeches were shared throughout the ceremony, each one more moving than the last, and the couple exchanged vows and rings with visible emotion. At the end, they exited to a shower of white petals, thrown by guests who were clearly touched by the sincerity of the moment. The applause, laughter, and even a few tears made it a truly unforgettable part of the day.
"At the end, the couple made their exit to a joyful shower of petals – a truly lovely moment!"
Decor & Setting
While guests were enjoying an aperitif on the front lawn, Chiara and Alessio stepped into the orangerie. Long strands of warm fairy lights cascaded from the ceiling and walls, wrapping the glass-walled room in golden glow. A single imperial table ran the length of the space, covered in white linens and perfectly set for each guest with elegant crystal glassware and taupe napkins that softened the look.
The floral decor continued the total-white palette, with clusters of white roses, baby’s breath, astilbe, and carnations arranged in low glass vases along the table. Tall taper candles and pillar candles added layers of flickering light, making the entire setting feel magical and intimate.
"I proposed a wonderful catering service based near Syracuse and created a total white design with just a touch of taupe, to add a hint of colour."
The couple’s round sweetheart table stood like a floral altar, dressed in a lush composition of blooms that overflowed along the edges. Erica Canova’s vision for this part of the celebration was a perfect continuation of the ceremony: refined, immersive, and filled with delicate, thoughtful choices. From the personalized seating chart wrapped in baby’s breath to the custom-shaped menus in taupe by Valentina Baroni and stationery by Idé Studio, every detail felt intentionally beautiful.
Reception
Dinner was served with warmth and elegance, as guests settled into their places and the evening unfolded in a relaxed rhythm. The couple shared kisses, smiles, and glances throughout the meal, surrounded by heartfelt toasts and speeches from their closest loved ones. The food, prepared by Valentino Catering, offered a true Sicilian journey — from arancini to fresh seafood, each course was a tribute to tradition and taste. Laughter echoed through the glass walls, and every guest felt like part of something truly intimate.
Later in the evening, the atmosphere shifted from elegant to playful with interactive food stations that brought guests outside for dessert. Cannoli were filled on the spot, gelato bars were dipped in chocolate and decorated by hand, and trays of colorful Sicilian sweets stole the spotlight. A talented bartender mixed signature cocktails behind a glowing bar, keeping the energy high while conversations and clinking glasses carried on under the stars.
The celebration ended with the cake-cutting on the villa’s lower terrace — a magical moment lit by fountains of fireworks and rows of candlelight. The multi-tiered white cake, surrounded by floral arrangements and gypsophila, stood at the center of the scene as the couple shared a kiss to applause. The mood was festive, emotional, and unforgettable — the perfect close to a day filled with light, love, and family.
“All the guests said, ‘Wow!’ — it was exactly as the bride had dreamed.”
PLANNER Erica Canova | VENUE Villa Cimena | PHOTOGRAPHER Joy Photographer | HAIR Patrizia Alladio | DRESS Pronovias | EARRINGS Boite d’or | INVITATIONS Idé Studio | MENÙ Valentina Baroni | CATERING Valentino Catering | LIGHTS Fairy Lights Design | SAXOPHONE Gabriele Zeppegno
