Elegant Destination Wedding at a Neo-Renaissance Villa

Italy is always a good idea. Especially for a destination wedding in a Neo-Renaissance villa! Martina and Ryan’s day was sophisticated and chic and everything we love about these intimate gatherings with close friends and family. We’re completely smitten by this panoramic view of Florence, which could only be enhanced further by a dimming sun. Check out the images from Facibeni Fotografia below and prepare to casually research flight schedules after this.

From the bride: My husband and I love to travel and always wanted a destination wedding, and Europe had been next on our hit list (We’re from Melbourne, Australia). Just from looking around at accommodation, I saw the view from Villa la Vedetta and absolutely fell in love, and there was no doubt in my mind I would get married anywhere else. All of my inspiration came from Instagram; I even found my wedding planner on there who then helped me for about a year and a half plan my dream wedding. Given how far away everyone had travelled, I wanted all my guest to be relaxed, have excellent food, drink too much and dance the night away with us. Everything for the wedding was quite simple but done in a very elegantly, the colours I chose were gold and white with a touch of pink. Given the wonderful setting we had, I didn’t want to have too much to distract from the beautiful backdrop.

We started the wedding with a traditional Catholic mass, our guest then proceeded to Villa la Vedetta for a garden party. This was about 4 pm, we had the marvellous warm sun on our backs, and there we had a Jazz Band to set the mood, delicious canapés and cocktails to cool off. From there, the guest then moved to the terrace. From the terrace, we had a beautiful view overlooking Florence. We had one long banquet table for all our guest covered with flowers and candles, with fairy lights above us. Our guest got to start enjoying the authentic Italian food, in between courses, our guests were able to get up and enjoy the view, take pictures and absorb the beautiful atmosphere. We were able to cut the cake just as it was sunset and was captured beautifully in pictures.

As the sun went back, the music started. I was torn between getting a band or a DJ, and my planner was able to find a 2 in 1. Brothers who DJ and also had a saxophone. For most of our guest, the glowing saxophone was the highlight of the night; I don’t think I saw one person sitting when he came out, everyone was on the dance floor. Between dancing and drinking, we also had a gelato truck for those who had a sweet tooth and wanted to take a quick break. The kids and big kids loved it! And a cigar corner for the gents who wanted a timeout. My aim for the wedding was for it to be elegant, relaxed and for everyone to have the time of their life and I have no doubt we accomplished all of that!

Our Love Story: We met back in high school, so at the time we got married we’d been together for 11 years. We really have grown up together, and it’s been amazing seeing the transformation in each other from high school kids to now young adults making our dreams come true. After being together for ten years we bought our first place together, on the very first night we got the keys, Ryan surprised me with the proposal.

My favourite moment was at one stage while everyone was eating, we got up and went to the end of the table. Being able to look down the table and seeing your absolute closest and dearest who have travelled all that way to celebrate your love, realising where you are with that fantastic view, the atmosphere was filled with love and happiness; it was a very surreal moment that we’ll never forget.

Do you have any tips and advice for other couples planning their big day?
Do what you want! If you won’t, you’ll regret it. There were a lot of things I could have done without, but looking back it was all worth it, and I’m glad I did things exactly how I wanted.

After the wedding, we travelled with family and friends from the wedding. We did sail in Croatia with friends from the wedding, and it was the perfect way to unwind from the biggest high. From then, Ryan and I got to spend some time together in Santorini, then later met some other friends and family in Paris.

From the photographer, Facibeni Fotografia: As a photographer, you hope that the weather is fair for the lighting and that the venue has terrific settings for the perfect cover wedding photo that will represent a couple’s feelings for each other and the place they decided to hold their destination wedding. Santi Apostoli Church in Florence and Villa La Vedetta located atop Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence ticks all of the boxes and more. From the Romanesque style and High-middle-Aged features of the church to the sweeping panoramic views surrounded by lush green Italian gardens at the villa, everything was set to create an unforgettable backdrop for an elegant affair.

The colour palette, white with a touch of blush and green provided an understated elegance throughout. Alessia B Weddings planned the event with the couple capturing the essence of an authentic Tuscan experience. The tables were arranged along the terrace so that the breathtaking views of Florence were for all to take in.

The decorated chairs for the bride and groom added that special touch. The bride spared noting in the details; from a cigar table to a gelato stand from Vivoli, everyone had an enjoyable experience. Lights illuminated the terrace while the initials of the happy pair were projected on the front of the villa creating that unique magical ambiance.

Check out the video from Gattotigre below for even more oohs and ahhs!

Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Facibeni Fotografia
Event planning: Alessia B Weddings
Floral Design: Il Giardino Delle Fate
Venue and Catering: Hotel Villa la Vedetta
Lighting & Sound: Gb Audio
Calligraphy: The Wedding Letters
Videography: Gattotigre