I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Inspiration Shoots and Boards:

Tuscan Sunset Inspiration Shoot

photography by Francesco Spighi

Occasionally a wedding detail totally stops us in our tracks—this epic ceremony arch was one of them. The Italian styled shoot was created by Olivia Sodi and took place at Villa Medicea di Lilliano featuring details that played off the autumnal tones of the Tuscan backdrop. The floral arch by Varietè is a show-stopping work of art created out of unruly, gathered blooms that work together to create a spectacular, sunset-hued vision—the volume, you guys! The rest of the details follow suite in a bold palette that highlights the destination location including stationery by Grace Art Market and a graphic cake by Sugar and Spice and the details and glowing light is all captured here by Francesco Spighi.

Click to expand for more

from the planner: Every couple deserves their own unique wedding. Our mission is to create a tailored day to brides and grooms working on those details that matter and make all the difference. The venue is an historic Medici estate in the southern Florence hills with a perfectly restored Villa filled with character and charm. It is the perfect place to organize a wedding in every season. A contemporary flower arrangement was created by the floral designers Varietè. An arch was crafted on site to match the backdrop using autumnal toned flowers and leaves together with palms and woods giving a modern twist to the stunning 17th century fountain.

We teamed up with Desinare Banqueting to create unique settings for the outdoor ceremony, an al fresco dinner in the Medici garden and a cake corner in the inner courtyard. Every piece of furniture and object used is one-of-a-kind and belongs to the Desinare’s collection of vintage and antique pieces paired with a modern fabric for a made to order. An Italian menu was created specifically for the occasion by the chef of Desinare and handwritten by the Texan calligrapher Grace Singstad, who also designed the wedding stationery that was also customized and handmade.

The bridal dress by Oui Cheri in a soft blush pink colour was tailored on the model by their expert and talented hands with layers of precious Italian lace and hand made embroidery in a cloudy tulle. For the groom, a sophisticated total look by Montezemolo from their Red Carpet line compliments the elegant bride.

An American layered cake by Sugar and Spice in light blushes of gold and soft pink, like a fireworks show: a final splash at sunset paired with a sparkling rosé to celebrate a stylish wedding shoot on Florence hills.

Photo: Francesco Spighi // Concept+Planning: Olivia Sodi // Florals: Varietè // Stationery: Grace Art Market  // Décor + Setting + Banqueting: Desinare Banqueting // Venue: Villa Medicea di Lilliano // Dress + hair jewel: Oui Cheri // Hair + Makeup: Pistolesi Group // Suit: Montezemolo // Cake: Sugar and Spice // Models: Irene Falla + Nicola Miracoli

 

We like
our sponsors

We think you will too.

Real Weddings:

Taya and Zach’s wedding at Belle Mer

featuring Stephanie Vegliante Photography

High school sweethearts, Taya and Zach, were flanked by a twenty-person wedding party made up of their longtime high school friends on their Rhode Island wedding day. The couple went all-out-glam with a traditional cathedral ceremony and all-white reception at Belle Mer that includes florals by Town House Florist and a five-tiered traditional white cake by Kerri Cupcake. The bride’s Cristiano Lucci gown and cathedral-length veil are show stopping and Stephanie Vegliante Photography captures it all perfectly in these beautiful images.

Click to expand for more

What made the wedding special and unique?

The thing that made my wedding so special and unique was that my husband and I were high school sweethearts. Not only had we been dating for over ten years, but our twenty person wedding party all went to high school together as well. Our families are friends; there was so much love and excitement through out that day. We were also the first of all our friends to get married and I think it made our day extra special. In addition, our photographer Stephanie did an incredible job capturing these special moments. The photos she took are beautiful images of memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful for having Stephanie be part of our special day.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

My gown was designed by Cristiano Lucci and it was actually the very first dress I tried on.  The second I put on the dress that was ten sizes to big for me and held together by a million clips I started to cry. I felt like an absolute princess and my mom and sister were both in tears with me. I purchased my dress at Alexander’s Bridal Boutique that day. This dress was part of a show they were having that weekend only and on Monday the dress would be leaving the state! I guess when you know, you know. I tried on about 20 dresses after that dress and none of them even compared.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

My family is Italian and we wanted to incorporate our heritage into our special day. We made our homemade limoncello for the favors. Each place setting had five almonds with a poem that read “Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat, to remind us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife: Health, Wealth, Happiness, Children, and a Long Life.” When our guests arrived we had people to pass out custom fans with our name and wedding date on them. Our seating chart was on the full-length mirror, which made a nice appearance. And lastly our table numbers were custom made with our baby pictures for each table.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of our day would have to be the ceremony. Walking down the aisle to a completely full church with my dad, seeing my husband waiting at the altar for me with my now brother in law, our first kiss as husband and wife, and lastly walking out of the church and mingling with our family and friends in the front courtyard.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Zach and I met in high school. We both attended LaSalle Academy where Zach was a football player and I was a cheerleader. Love at first sight seems like something that only happens in movies but we just clicked. A few months after meeting and becoming close friends, Zach asked me to be his girlfriend on St. Patrick’s Day. Fast-forward ten years later after we both graduated from the University of Rhode Island and our families decided to spend Mother’s Day Together. We were out by the water taking a family photo while we were waiting for our table and that was when our families moved aside and Zach got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.

Photography: Stephanie Vegliante Photography // Florist: Town House Florist // Invitations: Paper Moon Invitations // Venue: Belle Mer, Newport RI // Wedding gown: Cristiano Lucci // Hair and Makeup: B Lovely Beauty Studio (by. Brianna Regurie) // Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Bridesmaid Dresses: Alexandria’s Bridal Boutique // Groomsman & Groom Attire: Carl Anthony

Real Weddings:

Courtney and Patrick’s Yountville wedding

featuring Kristine Herman Photography

Courtney and Patrick’s wedding at The Estate Yountville checked all the beauty boxes—stunning scenery, relaxed elegance, lush florals and greenery—but it’s the stunning bride and beaming groom that truly shine. Kristine Herman Photography perfectly captured the radiance and joy of the “50/50 couple” (read on about their sand ceremony) in these images of their big day coordinated by Brannan Events with florals by Julie Stevens Design.

Click to expand for more

What made the wedding special and unique?

Patrick and I wanted all of our family and friends to get to know each other before the big day, so in the days leading up to our wedding we organized wine tasting adventures and a get together in Yountville’s Veteran’s Park where all of our guests gathered, and strangers turned into familiar faces. Everyone on the dance floor knew each other, that was so special to us!

We had a sand ceremony symbolizing our 50/50 commitment to each other. Courtney’s dad once told her at the beginning of our 8 year relationship that, “A relationship only works if each person is putting in their share, it has to be 50/50!”

Patrick and I went around the entire wedding party table at our wedding dinner and said a special something about all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen. we wanted everyone to know why those people are so special to us that we asked them to witness and stand by our side on our wedding day.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I wanted a modern, form fitting long sleeve lace dress and searched far and near to find it! We went to Chicago where my mom, sister, grandma, aunt and now mother-in-law first shopped for my dress. We didn’t walk away with anything, so when I got home to San Francisco, we went to several more shops and finally found my gown at Sarah Seven which is literally a 5 min walk from my house. My gown is called the Venice, but like all Sarah Seven dresses it was made custom. I added the Del Mar Skirt, a scalloped V back and buttons along the zipper on the back. The one request from my husband was an open back! He was happy!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

My cousin, Andrew Raponi, who is one of my best friends (we’re only 6 months apart) played an acoustic version of “perfect” as we walked down the aisle.

Both of my parents said “We Do” when our officiant (my uncle Tom Raponi) asked “who presents this woman”.

For our first look, we were in the middle of a vineyard, and it felt like we were the only two people on the planet! Our immediate families were able to peek through the vines and we all celebrated with a champagne post after, in flute glasses my parents gifted us right then with our C/P logo on them.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Walking down the aisle with my dad! I’ve been dreaming of that day my entire life; well at least from the first time I saw Father of the Bride. In fact, the movie had quite a significant role in our wedding. It was mentioned in my Dad’s rehearsal dinner speech where he reenacted the first scene when Steve Martin does his monologue and it was also mentioned in my vows to Patrick.

Our grand entrance into the Barrel Room for our first dance! Our coordinator had our wedding party create a tunnel for us to go through on our way in, where we found a live saxophone player playing along to our favorite song. We did not rehearse it, but it went perfect! We nailed it!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

8 years ago, Patrick and I meet in entrepreneurship class in our last year, last semester in college at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. On the first day of class, we had to go around the room and say something interesting about ourselves and I said that I circumnavigated the world on Semester at Sea. After class Patrick called me out and said that I didn’t go on SAS because he just went and I wasn’t on his boat! Turns out, he went on the Fall semester and I went on the prior Spring semester boat. The following Friday night, we crossed paths at a bar, danced the night away and have been by each other’s side ever since! After college, we both moved to Denver and had a blast living with our best friends, going out and exploring the city together. About four years ago, we moved to San Francisco to further our careers and fell in love with the city and wine country!

About a month ago, Patrick proposed on the beautiful island of Kauai. We did an intense, 15 mile in/out backpacking trip along the Na Pali Coast, one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. We hiked along the coast and ended at Kalalau Beach where we camped for two nights. The second day, we were basically the only ones on a mile-long beach exploring, soaking up the sun and having the most unforgettable day. That night, we ate dinner early to watch the sunset, and Patrick brought a drone with him to “capture the moment” little did I know. He was playing around with the drone and I was getting annoyed that he wouldn’t sit down and watch the sunset with me. When he got the drone in the perfect spot, he asked me to come try and fly it, handed me the remote and then asked me to turn around. I threw the remote when I saw him on his knee! It was magical, pure magic. We barely slept that night we were so excited, but had to get up early the next morning to hike back and were planning to relax at our resort for the rest of the week. When we arrived to the resort, we pulled our Jeep into the valet circle and when I got out of the car my mom’s head poked out from behind a pole, then my dad’s then Patrick’s mom and dad. They came all the way to Hawaii to surprise me and spend the week celebrating with us!

Photography: Kristine Herman Photography // Coordination: Brannan Events // Florals: Julie Stevens Design // Signage and Invitations: Bloom and Buzz // Venue and Catering: The Estate Yountville // HMU: Style Bee // Dress: Sarah Seven // Shoes: Badgley Mischka

 

Inspiration Shoots and Boards:

Shane and Julie’s vow renewal in Provence

featuring Alicia Lacey Photography

Nothing says spring like gardening and Shane and Julie’s vow renewal in Provence, France is giving us those floricultural vibes we’re craving. The look was brought to life at the incomparable Domaine de Sarson with florals and design by Oleander Curated. The romantic setting featured stunning views of the Luberon Valley below and hints of olive branches and fresh lavender were found throughout the tablescape as a nod to the agricultural staples of this infamous region. The bride wore a Claire la Faye  gown that was complemented by a delicate cape that flew effortlessly against the gentle breeze while Alicia Lacey Photography was on hand to capture all the beautiful moments.

Click to expand for more

Photography: Alicia Lacey Photography // Florals & Styling: Oleander Curated // Styling: Lauren Fair x Julie Paisley // Paper Goods: Pretty in Ink // Venue: Domaine de Sarson // Dress: Claire la Faye // Hair & Makeup: Janelle on Location // Silk: Honey Silks Co. // Groom’s Tie: Neck & Tie Co. // Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

 

Real Weddings:

Mary Margaret and David’s Uptown Dallas Wedding

Dallas couple, Mary Margaret and David, met and fell in love in New York City. They were within walking distance to Central Park and wanted to bring that same “beautiful place in the heart of a big city” vibe to their wedding day. Marie Gabrielle, a garden oasis in uptown Dallas, provided them that space. Maxwell & Gray planned the al fresco event’s details including lush florals by Celebrate Dallas and a classic tiered cake by Sugar Social DFW while Cottonwood Road Photography  was on hand to capture all the magic.

Click to expand for more

From the bride: It’s true what everyone always says, your wedding day goes by in a flash. And in a flash it went. The twinkly lights wrapped around the trees, the poetic vows, all of our favorite people. The scene was set as the sun fell and the breeze began to cool down around those gathering in celebration of a lifetime love. Our wedding included hints of Italy (including a pasta bar & wine) in the heart of a downtown Dallas garden venue. It was a dream. My husband and I fell in love in NY where adventure and love were all around. While I pursued Broadway, he was leading worship at a church that I happened to attend. From that moment, I knew he would be mine. Our love for music brought us closer together having such a huge impact on our relationship and at our wedding David and I danced to a song that he had written for me. Queue the tears. Amidst the warmth of the sparklers we kissed and headed off to Cancun to relax and enjoy our first few days as husband and wife.

We wanted our guests to experience a beautiful place in the heart of a big city. Falling in love in NY where central park was within walking distance was our inspiration for this. Every guest was greeted at the entrance with a glass of champagne. Prosecco is my favorite.

I chose my Justin Alexander gown for the full skirt and plunging neckline. My experience at Bridal Boutique in Lewisville was unlike any other I had had. I was greeted with champagne (a theme I continued at my wedding!) and was waited on hand and foot. We had searched what felt like a dozen bridal boutiques but it was only at Bridal Boutique in Lewisville that I truly felt the love and excitement they had for me and my day. My shoes had to be comfortable so Vince Camuto nude block heels were bought. I incorporated my something blue into several things including the ribbon on my bouquet, the candles lining the bar, and our guest book.

We didn’t want traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen up at the front with us but my best girls wore shades of pink and his guys wore black. My sister & her husband photographed the wedding which was incredibly special to me. We exchanged traditional vows but wrote our own and shared them with each other earlier in the day.

Our guests ate the most delicious appetizers including tomato basil soup shooters and grilled cheese, cheese and crackers, a mini crab cake and more. The music was all big band songs. Dinner was set under the shade of the trees on a warm spring evening. Immediate family members sat at a long french country table with walnut chairs with the guests seated at round tables among the garden. White and green florals with hints of dusty pale pink in my parents’ own vintage vases combined with loads of candles were the perfect table centerpieces.

My dad, Jon Flaming, did all of the graphic design work which was extremely special to me and my sister (Cottonwood Road Photography) photographed the day and my sister-in-law baked the cake! It was a family affair from the start and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. My nephew was seriously the cutest ring bearer you ever saw.

We danced our first dance to The Way You Look Tonight and with our dad/mom to Unforgettable and of course we danced to the song that my sweet husband wrote for me that he began writing while we were dating. My wedding was everything I could have dreamed of and more.

And here is the proposal story written by the groom:

Originally, I had planned a proposal that involved surprising her during a photoshoot, but my wife is a little too inquisitive and astute to allow a surprise to just happen to her. With the help of my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, I made a new plan to surprise her with a sort of scavenger hunt that I was able to post online for her to follow.

The day started with a surprise lunch at Table 13. She thought we were going to eat together, but I ended up dropping her off with her mom, sister, and sister-in-law to enjoy a decorated table and a lunch with them. From there, I posted a photo of us online with a riddle for her: “You’ll want to change them again in a day or two, but I pinkie promise to always luxe you”, leading her to Pinkie Luxe to get her nails done. From there, I posted another photo with a riddle that read: “There isn’t a single thing you lack, I love you to the moon and MAC”, leading her to the MAC store to get her makeup done. Next, I posted one that said: “My love for you will never run dry, you’ve set the bar oh so high”, sending her to Drybar to get her hair done. Next, I posted one to guide her to meet me: “All day long you’ve waited for me, now I’m waiting for you beneath the tree”.  She was driven to a park where I was waiting with some favorite music playing and a ring in my pocket. As she walked down the path to meet me, her brother-in-law, brother, and father all handed her roses with special reasons I love her and want to marry her. She rounded the final corner to find me waiting under a tree. I proposed to her there and she said yes!

Photography: Cottonwood Road Photography // Event Planning: Maxwell & Gray // Florals: Celebrate Dallas // Invitations: Jon Flaming Design // Wedding Venue: Marie Gabrielle // Hair: Textured by Meg // Make Up: Wendy Zerrudo // Photography Assistance: Hauser Photography // Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander // Wedding Dress: Bridal Boutique Of Lewisville // Cake: Sugar Social DFW // Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab // Catering: Marie Gabrielle // DJ: Le Force Entertainment // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box