Location: Borgo di Bastia Creti, Umbria, Italy
Setting: Borgo olive grove and courtyard
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 50
How long did the couple plan the event: 18 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic and timeless.
Dustin and Diana, both New Jersey natives, first crossed paths during their freshman year of university, but it wasn’t your typical college encounter. It happened at the Freshman BFA acting class meet and greet in the common room.
Diana, not an aspiring actor but open to new experiences, attended with her roommate. Dustin walked in as the evening unfolded with quirky introductions and performances, fashionably late and sporting a laid-back demeanor. He took the seat next to Diana, sparking an immediate connection filled with playful banter.
Diana shared an offbeat story about killing a fly on a cathedral ceiling with a nickel when their turn came. Knowing he couldn’t top that, Dustin cheekily declared, “Hi, I’m Dustin Fontaine, and I’m special because this woman is my girlfriend.”
Their classmates laughed and applauded, unaware that this bold declaration marked the beginning of a long happy love story. Through ups and downs, their connection remained steadfast, characterized by constant playfulness and an enduring love that often led others to mistake them for a new couple. As for the proposal, it was a fantastic story with a road trip to the middle of the woods in northern Georgia with a wildlife habitat, where a little otter friend by the name of Noah handed her a jewelry box with a tiny note in it (as otters cannot be trusted with shiny things).
Their unique journey began with a nerdy college meet and greet. Still, it blossomed into a beautiful love story, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected beginnings lead to the most lasting connections.
As Dustin and Diana embarked on the journey of planning their wedding, one thing was clear: they wanted it to be a memorable experience, a chance to create lasting memories with their cherished loved ones. Having been together for 16 years, they felt their celebration should be more than just a fleeting 5-hour event. They wanted to dance and laugh with their loved ones until they couldn’t move.
So, they decided on a destination wedding.
It wasn’t even a question as to where since they’d first bonded over their shared stories of their times in Italy and vowed to go there again together in the future. As for the wedding itself, they wanted the day to reflect them and their relationship with a timeless style filled with greenery. Diana’s biggest desire was to have a grand dance party, while Dustin had a more gastronomic wish – to ensure everyone was well-fed. It was a day filled with laughter, dancing, delicious food, and the kind of love that only deepened with time.
The couple chose Borgo di Castelvecchio as their wedding venue, a place with a history dating back to at least 1064. This historic location added timeless charm to their celebration, blending centuries of history with their love story. It was a beautiful fusion of past and present, a perfect backdrop for their special day.
Dustin and Diana’s wedding theme was classic and timeless, an enduring style that would stand the test of time, allowing them to look back with pride in 50 years. Their vision was to strike an elegant and elevated tone with their attire, donning a tuxedo and a gown that exuded sophistication. However, they deliberately kept the decor simple, allowing the breathtaking countryside and the charm of Borgo di Castelvecchio to take center stage, enhancing the natural beauty of their surroundings. It was a celebration that seamlessly blended refinement with the rustic allure of the countryside, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and understated beauty.
They rolled out of bed and immediately jumped into action! Well, Diana did. She met with Weddings in Tuscany and began walking through the day’s layout and schedule. Dustin grabbed breakfast with the rest of their friends and family on site (it was like adult summer camp!) and returned to the room to get ready. Their friends and family were there to get ready with them, and it was wonderful to share the excitement with them.
Diana’s style is more architectural, with clean, minimalist lines and structured shapes. She knew she wanted two things from her wedding dress: a structured, semi-sheen fabric and enough skirt to dance in. She’d tried several boutiques with no luck and had told her dearest friend, “I’m setting the expectation that I’m not finding anything today” before they entered Sarah Seven. Well, she was very wrong. Sarah Seven is a modern designer based in NYC and uses influences from Italian fashion. Her showroom was filled with classic mirrors, velvet, and olive trees. It was the first dress that Diana tried on, and the moment she discovered it had pockets? DONE. She paired it with a pearl studded veil to mimic the sheen of the dress and kept her makeup and hair natural to stay true to her everyday look. She wore the same jewelry she’d worn daily for five years, adding pearl drop earrings.
The hairstylist and makeup artist from BLBS Management worked their magic to complete Diana’s bridal look. Their expertise in creating a natural yet elegant hairstyle and makeup enhanced her overall appearance and added the perfect finishing touches to her wedding ensemble, elevating her style to sheer perfection.
After thoroughly searching for the ideal tuxedo, Dustin decided to have a custom tuxedo tailored by Suit Supply. What initially impressed him was the warm hospitality, friendliness, and readiness to assist him when he spontaneously walked into their SoHo store without an appointment. Later, he scheduled a fitting, and this choice resonated with him due to its classic simplicity. With a custom liner and a light wool fabric, the tuxedo possessed a bespoke feel that rendered it suitable for any season, ensuring Dustin looked impeccable on their special day.
As Dustin turned around to see Diana, the first rumble of thunder echoed through the sky. Instead of being startled, they burst into laughter at the dramatic timing of it all. Their joy was palpable, and they celebrated their first look with an exchange of kisses, playfully ruining Diana’s carefully applied lipstick with each smooch. Diana had planned on a “soft smile” for the photos, but the moment her eyes met Dustin’s, her grin stretched from ear to ear, setting the tone for a day filled with unbridled happiness.
The event planners team from Weddings in Tuscany, headed by Chiara, proved to be an absolute maestro of organization and timing, orchestrating every aspect of the day with remarkable precision. Their meticulous attention to detail turned every element of the celebration into a masterpiece. Everything flowed with effortless grace, from the seamless ceremony coordination to the flawless reception timing. It was a day when even the most complex logistics seemed to unfold easily, leaving Dustin and Diana in awe of the planner’s expertise.
Dustin and Diana were united in matrimony by one of their closest friends, who had been with them since that fateful first night of university. Their friend’s connection to Italy, where he had lived for several years, added a special touch to the ceremony as he playfully guided the guests through some charming Italian phrases.
During the ceremony, there was a poignant moment when the officiant shared a touching story about Diana’s father, who had passed away in 2013. As his name was spoken, a sudden clap of thunder resonated through the air. It felt as though Diana’s father was either laughing along with the story or simply wanted to make his presence felt, adding a beautiful, spiritual dimension to the proceedings.
The ceremony was a tapestry of heartfelt stories from the audience, interwoven with references to Dustin and Diana’s long and enduring history. Amidst the sentimental moments, a touch of humor surfaced when Diana encountered difficulty slipping the ring onto Dustin’s knuckle, which was severely crooked due to multiple breaks. She had to playfully enlist his help, eliciting laughter from the guests and adding a memorable, lighthearted note to their beautiful ceremony.
After the ceremony, Dustin and Diana slipped away for a private moment, sharing a bottle of champagne to savor the realization that they were officially married. They cherished this intimate time together before rejoining their loved ones at the cocktail hour, where hugs and laughter abounded as they celebrated with their nearest and dearest.
Elisabetta Riccio is a talented photographer known for her ability to capture genuine moments and emotions through her lens. Her work spans various styles, from candid to dramatic, and she excels at freezing fleeting moments in time. Elisabetta’s dedication to creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for her subjects results in photographs that exude natural charm and authenticity, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Puscina Flowers is renowned for their elegant and timeless floral creations, which exude a sense of grace and sophistication that transcends fleeting trends. Each arrangement is a masterful blend of classic charm and contemporary allure, offering an enduring beauty that enchants the senses and captivates the heart. Puscina Flowers’ dedication to their craft and meticulous attention to detail ensures that their floral compositions become decorations and living works of art, evoking a sense of timelessness and everlasting beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
As the day began with a weather warning of looming thunderstorms, there was a palpable sense of uncertainty. However, thanks to the planner’s foresight, they had wisely ordered a tent. It was a decision they thanked their stars for as they crossed their fingers and hoped for the best. Ultimately, the event planner’s expertise, combined with their contingency planning, ensured that not even the weather could diminish the day’s magic. It was a day that sparkled with enchantment, where every detail, every moment, and every smile came together to create a truly magical experience.
A high-end culinary journey with Italian Taste Lodovichi is an exquisite exploration of Italian gastronomy, where each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted to tantalize the senses and transport diners to the heart of Italy. The timing could not have been more perfect; the rain began just as everyone settled under the tent for dinner. It ceased at sunset, and guests rushed out to capture breathtaking photos as the sun descended over the picturesque olive grove. The diligent servers hurriedly guided everyone back to their seats, with exclamations of “But the meats! The meats!” – it turns out Italian chefs weren’t accustomed to American guests dashing off for sunset snapshots, as they wanted to ensure the meat was perfectly cooked. Luckily, the cuisine and the photographs proved exceptional, creating an unforgettable and delicious experience.
Did you read earlier about laughing? We have proof.
Dustin and Diana arrived at the cake at Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore” to find a giant cake, but no cake knife was to be found. Once Dustin came running back with a butter knife, they proceeded to cut the cake. However, unbeknownst to the guests, Dustin held Diana back from cutting all the way through despite her throwing her entire body into it just because he could. And because he’s the funniest person ever. So, while everyone was singing along and saying, “How cute!” Diana was fighting for her life to cut this cake. It was a fun moment we had to ourselves, but Diana threatened Dustin with his life while it was happening.
Diana’s first dance with her mom was a heartwarming and emotional moment that unfolded on the dance floor. As the music began, they shared a dance that transcended the ordinary. It was a tribute to their deep bond, a reflection of the love and support that had shaped Diana’s life.
From the bride: “The dance floor was amazing. It was beyond excellent to see friends and family from all chapters of our lives coming together and making their own bonds. High school friends dancing with cousins. The night couldn’t get any more magical. There was a streak across the sky! And another! It was a meteor shower right above our reception! They wouldn’t have believed it except that the photographers also saw it.”
As the last song, their friend requested to sing an Italian love ballad. He serenaded everyone with “Il Cielo in Una Stanza” as they slowly danced- it was the best way to close the dance floor. All the guests were so sad to closing it down, and when the DJ left, but they invited everyone to the Borgo chapel for more wine and music. Everyone immediately cheered, linked arms, and started singing “Going to the Chapel” as they marched towards the chapel. Several friends started playing the piano there (they didn’t realize we knew so many professional musicians!), and they had piano-side sing-alongs until the early morning. It was unreal!
Advice from the couple:
• Forget the trends. There are so many reels and viral videos of the latest trends, but those will come and go. Do what is most true to you and your relationship.
• We’d also recommend making as many memories as possible – if a destination isn’t possible, have several (optional) events leading up to the day! An outing, an activity, whatever! Just a chance to introduce your favorite people and deepen relationships!
• And finally, take a moment to soak it all in. There may not be a meteor shower when you do, but the day goes so quickly, and we’re so grateful that we had a moment to look at all of our friends gathered, hold each other, and drink it all in.
PLANNER Weddings in Tuscany | PHOTOGRAPHER Elisabetta Riccio | VENUE Borgo Bastia Creti | FLORAL Puscina Flowers | MUAH BLBS Management | DRESS Sarah Seven | SUIT Suit Supply | CATERING Italian Taste Lodovichi | DJ NVR Djs For Party | LIGHTS Wedding Central House
