Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Mel and Tom’s wedding was a perfect blend of old-world romance and effortless elegance. Inspired by ‘The Godfather’ and the charm of a true Italian gathering, they crafted a celebration both timeless and deeply personal. From ivy castle walls to a candlelit dinner table adorned with olive branches, every detail embraced classic simplicity. With By Bridget Photography capturing the intimate magic, the day unfolded like a beautifully fairytale, filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt moments.
Location: Greve in Chianti, Italy
Style: Romantic, eclectic, timeless
Time of planning: 18 months
Number of guests: 21
Setting: Castle
Season: Spring
Mel and Tom’s story began in high school, where a shared love of pizza became their sweetest tradition. From Mel’s junior prom proposal, delivered in a pizza box, to a farewell pizza on their last day of school, their story was always wrapped in warmth and simplicity. A decade later, just before a trip to Maui, Tom came home with one more pizza. Inside the box, in bold black sharpie, were four life-changing words: “Will you marry me?”
When planning their wedding, the vision was clear, a celebration filled with love, not spectacle. After nearly ten years together, they wanted an intimate day surrounded by the people who had been part of their journey from the very beginning.
Bride's Look
Mel spent her morning in the quiet embrace of the castle’s shadowy rooms, surrounded by loved ones who helped her prepare for the day ahead. She stole a moment for herself, with pen in hand, she wrote her heartfelt vows, savoring the stillness before the day unfolded.
Mel’s bridal look envisioned timeless elegance, ideally suited for an Italian wedding. She wore the Chiara gown by Ines di Santo, a destined choice, as Chiara was also the name of her Italian host sister. The fitted lace dress, adorned with intricate hand-beading and delicate pearls, exuded romantic charm. Inspired by her mother’s wedding gown, the lace sleeves gave her the classic grace she had always admired. Mel opted for a custom cathedral-length veil, a sheer and ethereal piece designed by a local Denver artisan, Sara Gabriel Veils.
Her hairstyle by Wedding Hair Petrini Carla featured a low bun, framing her face softly, and ensuring the dramatic low back of her dress remained the focal point. The makeup by Makeup Florence was warm-toned and subtle, highlighting Mel’s natural features. Delicate golden chain earrings with pearl drops were perfect accessories for her light and dreamy look.
The bride opted for the perfect vintage-inspired shoes choosing a pair of Donald Pliner kitten heels from The RealReal. Her bouquet, crafted by florist Elena Mainoldi Floral Designer, reflected the natural beauty of the Tuscan landscape, seasonal white florals in varying textures, accented with olive leaves to echo the evening’s tablescape.
Groom's Fashion
Tom’s wedding attire was a carefully curated. He designed a custom black suit alongside Mel, ensuring every detail was perfect. He paired it with sleek black Italian leather oxford shoes from Johnston & Murphy. A single boutonnière, shared only with Mel’s father, made the attire even more personalized.
Every piece Tom wore carried meaning. His suspenders added a vintage touch while distinguishing the groomsmen, knowing jackets would eventually come off in the summer heat. The most sentimental detail was the pin his mother gifted him that morning, holding photos of his father and Mimi, both of whom had passed in 2021. Worn inside his suit, close to his heart, it was a quiet tribute to their presence on this special day.
On the morning of the wedding, Mel and Tom exchanged gifts, each carrying a weight of love and memory. Tom gifted Mel a delicate gold diamond ring, a piece that echoed a memory from years before. During her time studying in Florence, he had once bought her a similar ring. Now he replaced it with one carrying even deeper meaning, a reminder of their past and a promise for everything still to come.
The bridal party radiated effortless elegance, perfectly complementing the couple’s timeless aesthetic. The bridesmaids wore sleek white satin gowns in varying silhouettes, each carrying delicate vintage-inspired purses. The groomsmen, dressed in classic black suits and ties, brought a refined contrast.
Ceremony
Mel and Tom’s wedding day had a touch of mystery, even for them. Just months before, they had changed their venue, placing all their trust in photographs alone. When they arrived to Castello il Palagio separately that morning, the sight of the 12th-century castle took their breath away. The ancient stone walls, ivy-draped archways, and breathtaking landscapes created a setting that felt like stepping into a dream.
The ceremony was as intimate and enchanting. Mel walked through the castle doors to the Lana Del Rey’s song ‘Young and Beautiful’, making her way toward Tom, who stood beneath a towering tree that seemed to breathe with life. Instead of a traditional altar, the couple chose simplicity, two floral arrangements by Elena Mainoldi Floral Designer, framing the space and letting nature set the tone.
Their intimate number of guests sat in just a few rows, the wedding party nestled among them rather than standing at the front. Ty, Mel’s oldest friend, officiated the ceremony with familiar warmth, making every word feel deeply personal. Phones were put away, as the couple had one wish for this moment: for everyone to be truly present, soaking in the magic of a ceremony.
After exchanging heartfelt vows, Mel and Tom walked back up the aisle hand in hand, their faces glowing with pure happiness. As golden confetti rained down around them, catching the sunlight, the moment felt like something out of a fairy tale.
"Tom does not cry easily and is very stoic. However, he was nervous leading up to and during the ceremony. After Tom was able to kiss his bride, the pressure released and it was time to have fun celebrating with everyone."
Private Moment
Before joining the celebration, Mel and Tom slipped away into the quiet embrace of the nearby vineyards, savoring a few stolen moments alone. The golden light of the Tuscan sun cast a warm glow around them, turning their solitude into something almost cinematic.
With a masterful eye, their photographer, By Bridget Photography, captured the unspoken magic between them, the way they laughed, the way they embraced each other, the way love seemed to radiate in every glance. Her images were simple yet deeply emotive. They didn’t just document the day, they breathed life into it, pulling you into the softness, the joy, and the electric energy of a love story unfolding in real time.
Cocktail hour
Before the reception, the couple embraced a classic Italian aperitif, savoring chilled champagne beneath the golden sun. Surrounded by towering emerald trees, they shared laughter and quiet moments with loved ones, a perfect pause before the night’s celebration began.
Reception
Inspired by ‘The Godfather’, Mel envisioned a wedding with the timeless allure of Michael and Apollonia’s Sicilian celebration. The 12th-century castle provided the perfect backdrop, requiring little embellishment. A long banquet table stretched across the courtyard, draped in crisp white linens and decorated with olive branches and floating candles. Menus, designed by Mel, and name tags, written by a dear friend on the same paper as the wedding invitations, added an intricate touch. The decor and the venue itself felt both cinematic and deeply intimate.
As the sun set below the Tuscan hills, the delicious dinner by RM Glamour Ricevimenti was served. Friends and family gathered on either side, with the newlyweds seated together at the heart of it all, embracing the warmth of an intimate, familial reception. Laughter filled the air, glasses clinked in celebration, and the soft glow of candlelight danced across the stone walls.
Mel’s dad and Tom’s mom each gave the toasts, speaking from the heart, their words filled with the kind of warmth that only family can express. There were no rehearsed speeches, just pure emotion, making the celebration feel intimate and sincere.
Music was the heartbeat of the night, a carefully curated soundtrack that followed them through the day. ‘Real Love Baby’ by Father John Misty, became the perfect cake-cutting anthem, pure joy in musical form. The wedding cake was a stunning nod to Italian tradition, a classic millefoglie, light and flaky pastry layered with rich cream, by RM Glamour Ricevimenti.
As the stars began to shimmer above the Tuscan hills, Mel and Tom swayed under their glow, lost in the magic of their first dance. ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’ by Yoke Lore played softly, a love letter to their journey — Lake Ontario summers, Colorado mountains, and every adventure that had led them to this very moment.
The guests eagerly joined Mel and Tom on the dance floor, as the soundtrack became more upbeat. It was a night woven with love and nostalgia, where every detail, from the carefully curated music to the intimate family-style dinner, told their story. The wedding felt like something out of a dream, beautiful, deeply personal, and timeless.
Advice from the couple:
• No matter how you plan your wedding, others will always have an opinion to give, welcomed or not…so plan it how you both want it and don’t look back!
PHOTOGRAPHER By Bridget Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Kammer Films | PLANNER Righe E Pois | VENUE Castello il Palagio | FLORALS Elena Mainoldi Floral Designer | MAKEUP Makeup Florence | HAIR Wedding Hair Petrini | DRESS Carla Ines Di Santo | VEIL Sara Gabriel Veils | BRIDE’S SHOES Donald Pliner & TheRealReal | GROOM’S SHOES Johnston & Murphy | CATERING & CAKE RM Glamour Ricevimenti | STATIONERY Amba Creative Co. |
